Northam Park 2800 Tremont Rd. www.upperarlingtonoh.gov
The 2025 Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival is on Monday, Sept. 1, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Northam Park, featuring juried fine art and craft artists, musical performances, an art activities stage and a variety of food vendors. Admission to the festival is free. Go to www.upperarlingtonoh.gov for more information!
Duck Derby, July 25
TRI the Heights, Aug. 30
Jay
Giving Back to Grandview
FGrandview Civic Welfare Club member dedicates decades to philanthropy
ounded in 1920, the Grandview Civic Welfare Club has quietly given back to the City of Grandview Heights and the Village of Marble Cliff for more than a century – one project, fundraiser and friendship at a time.
While the Civic Club is known for its local philanthropy efforts, focusing on supporting its communities and schools, some are not as familiar with the devoted women behind the organization.
Long-time investment
Many of the Club’s members have generously dedicated decades of their time, energy and compassion to the mission of the Club.
Among those women is Peggy Pierce, a longtime Grandview Heights resident and the Club’s longest-standing member.
Pierce joined the Civic Club in 1975, making her an impressive 50-year constituent. For 30 of those years, she served as a board member.
“It was some friends of my mother’s that were in the Club, and they were always talking to me about it, about becoming a member,” Pierce recalls. “(Once my kids were all in school), that’s when I joined.”
In the beginning, Pierce recalls the Club hosting board meetings in members’ homes, borrowing chairs from the Deyo-Davis Funeral Home and pulling out fine china.
Throughout the years, Pierce has held various roles within the Club, including that of president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, parliamentarian and registrar. She has also served on the Hospitality Committee, assisted with many of the Club’s staple endeavors – such as its Luminary Sales and annual Ox Roast –and devoted time to telephone, email and welfare duties.
“There’s so many ways that we help,” Pierce says of the Club. “We always help out with the schools (and) we always help out whatever families are in need.”
Grandview gal
Pierce has lived in Grandview since she was five years old and owned the same home for more than 50 years.
“It just feels like a very safe (and friendly) area. To me, it’s where I’ve grown up and raised my family,” Pierce says. “(And) I love the neighborhood that I live in, I have wonderful neighbors.”
Left to right: Jonda Cynecki, Peggy Pierce, Katy Hill, Sandy Fais at the Club’s May 14 event.
Marlene Yeldell and Peggy Pierce
Pierce was a stay-at-home mother who raised four children – Julie, Dan, Doug and Andy – three of whom still live in the area. She is also a proud grandmother of six – Jessica, Collin, Taylor, Tristan, Evan and Jacob.
While her oldest grandkids are now in their 20s, Pierce fondly recalls taking them to popular spots around town when they were younger, including the Grandview Heights Municipal Pool, Wyman Woods and Pierce Field Park – which was named after her father-in-law, former Mayor of Grandview Heights, A.K. Pierce.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Peggy’s late husband, Lawrence E. Pierce, also served as Mayor of Grandview Heights and was remembered as a transformative leader, hard worker, good friend and a devoted family man.
With rich family connections and devotion to the community, Pierce want-
Sisters in Service
With an outstanding 50 years under her belt, Pierce leads the pack –however, several other ladies in the Grandview Civic Welfare Club trail closely behind her, and were recognized for their service alongside Pierce at the Club’s May 14 event.
Katy Hill
Katy Hill joined the Civic Club in 1976, making her a member of 49 years – just one year shy of Pierce’s milestone. Hill spent nine years as a board member; has served as president, vice president and secretary; and has devoted time to the following committees, projects and duties: courtesy, welfare and civic & schools.
Sandy Fais
Sandy Fais has been a member of the Civic Club for an admirable 47 years, having joined in 1978. She spent five years as a board member, has served
as president and vice president, and has devoted time to telephone duty.
Jonda Cynecki
Jonda Cynecki joined the Civic Club in 1982, making her a 43-year member. Cynecki has served as a board member for an impressive 32 years and has devoted time to the following committees, projects and duties: civic & schools, Ox Roast, programs and telephone.
Ruth Gonser
Ruth Gonser has been a devoted member of the Civic Club for 29 years, having joined in 1996. She spent 10 years as a board member and has served as both president and treasurer. She’s also devoted time to several committees, projects and duties: courtesy, luminary, telephone, email, proof reader and floater.
ed to find her own way to give back, which is partially why she got involved with the Club.
Giving back
According to Pierce, one of the biggest projects the Club takes on is raising scholarship money for Grandview Heights students. Over the years, the fundraisers have taken on different shapes and sizes.
Pierce remembers many years of homemade candle sales, which used to be the Club’s main form of fundraising –even recollecting digging up and bagging the sand herself to use in their candlemaking process.
She also recalls the Club participating in Grandview Avenue’s Halloween Festival when she first joined, selling pumpkin pies and coffee.
Get Involved
The Civic Club always encourages new members to join. While historically a women’s club, anyone interested in supporting the community is welcome. Email civicwelfareclub@gmail.com to learn more.
In more recent years, the Club has raised a substantial amount of scholarship money through its auction events. Its latest event took place on May 14, which Pierce called “the biggest party the Club has ever thrown.”
In addition to funding scholarships, Pierce says the Club has also always contributed to non-profits such as local food pantries and Blue Star Mothers of America, and routinely given Meijer or Target gift cards to families in need.
In the past, she says the Club has also helped raise money to send children to summer camp, or for families in instances of sickness or unexpected crises.
“(Helping others) just gives you a good feeling. (Especially) with the Club behind you,” Pierce says. “And the friendships have just been wonderful. That’s what I like about the Club, that, and working together.”
Ella Jay is an assistant editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at ejay@cityscenemediagroup.com.
Sandy Fais with daughter, Marlene Yeldell, and Peggy Pierce
Marlene Yeldell and Sandy Fais
Maisie Fitzmaurice
Shutterbugs
Our annual look at Tri-Village through the lenses of its residents
Adie with her new puppy, Liberty
Patrick the Goldendoodle at UA’s 4th of July Parade
Grandview seniors at prom
Photo by Crystal King
Photo by Jay Ross
Photo by Liv Morris
Photo by
Elise Conrad
Photo by Ella Jay
Photo by Crystal King
Penelope the cat
Tired of navigating the banks on W Lane Ave?
Shutterbugs
Happy Birthday
by Liv Morris
Photo
Photo by Elise Conrad
A dog’s life in Grandview Heights Dog Days
By Megan Brokamp
It’s official – 2025 is Hot Pup Summer, and in Grandview Heights, there’s no shortage of places and events for dogs to take advantage of the season.
To uncover the best spots to spend the dog days of summer, we went straight to the source. Here is what a day in the life looks like for some of Grandview’s goodest residents.
Rona
Rona is a 4-year-old goldendoodle, and she likes to begin her mornings with a walk through Wyman Woods Park perimeter path and along Grandview Avenue. According to her owner, Taylor Tobias, she is “a COVID-19 puppy, and socially awkward,” but that doesn’t stop her from visiting dog-friendly spots around the neighborhood.
Rona meets new friends at The Little Grand Market, and she never turns down a treat at Grandview Grind. This past Easter, Rona tested her sniffing skills at the Egg Hunt for Pups, an Easter event where dogs hunt for treat-filled eggs, and she’s looking forward to making a splash at Dog Swim Day in September.
Patios for pups
The Little Grand Market is new to Grandview, and, as Rona, Paisley and Marcie can attest, it is a fan-favorite for pups. The food hall is located at Grandview Crossing, and it features an array of local vendors, along with two bars and a coffee shop.
The food hall welcomes leashed dogs on its patio and park area, providing the
Parks in and around Grandview
Grandview has plenty of green space for dog owners to enjoy both in and around town. Public parks such as Wallace Gardens, Tarpy Woods and Grandview Heights Memorial Park are great places to bring dogs (just make sure they’re on a leash!).
Be mindful and read signage surrounding the parks, or check out www.grandviewheights.gov, as certain parks such as McKinley Field, C. Ray Buck Sports Park, Pierce Field and Wyman Woods Park (except for on the perimeter path) do not permit dogs.
Looking for nearby off-leash parks? Wheeler Memorial Dog Park is a short drive away. Located at 725 Thurber Dr. W., the park has 1.5 fenced-in acres and features paths, trees, benches and plenty of grass.
Godown Dog Park is located at 6099 Godown Rd. and includes separate areas for small dogs, shaded spots, walking paths, benches, water fountains for both dogs and people, waste disposal stations and dog wash stations.
perfect spot to socialize while keeping your dog entertained.
Winans Coffee & Chocolate is a dogfriendly coffee shop that offers a combination of signature drinks and handcrafted chocolates. The shop welcomes leashed dogs to relax with their owners inside the café or out on the patio.
Another popular coffee shop that offers an outdoor space for dogs is Stauf’s
Coffee Roasters. The shop offers breakfast items, baked goods and more, along with coffee and tea. Table service is unavailable, so bring a friend to watch your pup while you order.
The covered patio at Habaneros Tacos, Tequila & Mezcal is a great spot to enjoy happy hour alongside your pup. The restaurant offers a flavorful menu of Mexican cuisine and handcrafted drinks.
Photos courtesy of City of Grandview Heights Parks and Recreation
Photo courtesy of Taylor Tobias
Walk with the Dog(c)
On July 17, the City of Grandview Heights Parks and Recreation Department is teaming up with CityPets614 Animal Hospital to host Walk with the Dog(c). Owners can leash up their furry friends and head over to Wyman Woods Park for a walk full of prizes and treats.
Pets check in at the first station, where they receive “Pawsports,” which are punched at each station. Vendors offer a range of activities that are enjoyable for both owners and pets. Pets can kick back with a dog massage or can get crafty at the paw-painting table, where vendors paint dogs’ paws and put them on a poster for owners to keep.
“We also have some educational tables, such as a demo on how to trim nails or how to brush your dog’s teeth,” CityPets614
Practice Manager Abigail Potts says. “Just things that people should be doing with their dogs, but that can be a little nerveracking.”
Of course, there are plenty of treats as well. Owners can get crafty at treat decorating stations, which offer fresh-baked peanut butter treats for participants to decorate with sprinkles for their dogs. Pups can also feast on doggy snow cones and other delicious desserts.
Once participants fill up their Pawsport with punches, they can bring it back to CityPets614 for a special prize.
“We don’t have any dog parks technically in Grandview, so this is a perfect time for people to come out and experience something like a dog park,” the City of Grandview Heights Parks and Recreation Programmer Matthew Rice says. “It’s a great way for pets to be introduced to other dogs and mingle.”
Paisley & Marcie
Each morning, 6-year-old retriever mix, Paisley enjoys exploring the lake trails of Quarry Trails alongside her owner, Chrissy Dang. On hot days, Paisley
heads to the bottom of the Quarry Trail’s waterfall, where fellow neighborhood dogs are known to frequent.
Paisley and Dang also love The Little Grand Market, and Bada Bean Bada Booze is one of their favorite vendors.
“Paisley has human-like eyebrows!” Dang says.
A few months back, Paisley’s family grew when her new baby sister Marcie arrived. Marcie is also a retriever mix, and she is less than a year old. She loves accompanying her sister to The Little Grand and Quarry Trails, and although she is little, she is mighty.
“She loves picking up sticks that are twice her size,” Dang says.
Dang credits Grandview for making her dog-raising experiences so enjoyable.
“Grandview and Quarry Trails are two great places to have a dog. This was my first time raising a puppy, and these two areas gave her so much exposure and space to grow and be comfortable,” Dang says. “I can’t imagine two better places to have our dogs grow up and have fun.”
Paisley
Marcie
Photos courtesy of Chrissy Dang
Introducing Grandview Heights’ K9 Hank
The newest member of the Grandview Heights Division of Police is now on patrol alongside his partner, Officer Joseph Ford. Hank, a Belgian Malinois, serves as the Division’s first K9 Unit and is trained in narcotics detection, criminal apprehension and tracking, as well as building and article searches. K9 Hank and Ford received official certification through the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy and completed their first shift
Save the date! Dog Swim
Each year, the City of Grandview Heights closes out the summer with the annual Dog Swim at Grandview Heights Municipal Pool, on the Tuesday after Labor Day. From 4-7 p.m., dogs rule the pool and CityPets614 offers a free ear cleaning service after the swim to prevent ear infections.
Megan Brokamp is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at
Photo courtesy of City of Grandview Heights Parks and Recreation
By Korrigan Craddock
From One Senior to Another
Upper Arlington student serves older adults in his community
Isaac Meats is an incoming senior at Upper Arlington High School who has been highly involved in multiple community organizations throughout his time there. For Meats, serving those in his local community is a passion, and he values the connections he builds along the way.
Meats first stumbled upon The Upper Arlington Commission on Aging (UACOA), a local organization that works to educate, provide assistance and empower older residents of Upper Arlington, through his high school’s service hour opportunity board.
Since fall 2022, he has been highly involved in the organization, and in October 2024, Meats became the UACOA’s student representative member of its board. In this role, Meats helps spread awareness about the organization, encourages fellow high school students to get involved and promotes the organization’s fundraisers.
“I’ve enjoyed meeting new people and talking with people and hearing their stories,” says Meats. “That’s been one of my favorite parts is just being able to meet these older citizens in my community and just talk with them and connect with them.”
Meats says he appreciates being on the board and values the opportunity to learn and participate in its meetings. Some of the services he completes through UACOA include yard work, mulching and bringing up Christmas decorations from basements.
“I just really appreciate how nice and welcoming everyone has been and it has been a great learning opportunity,” says Meats. “The aspect of making these connections with people who are of varying ages, I feel like it’s definitely set me up for success as I’m preparing to go into college and the work-life after that.”
Meats makes a lasting impression on everyone he assists, and his kindness and dedication are noticed. Many of those who he have worked with him through UACOA have plenty of good things to say.
“The first time I met him as he volunteered with UA Village (a UACOA initiative), he came over to bring up my Christmas trees and bins from the basement. I was so impressed with his cheerful personality,” says Gwen Burt. “He has fostered a relationship with me, inviting me to band concerts and his Eagle Scout ceremony.”
Burt is not the only person who is fond of Meats.
“It is unusual to have a young person so attuned to the seniors. His awareness of the details in my home, noticing that my husband was a veteran, and his desire to meet and shake (his) hand and say thank you will always stay with me,” says Debby Houser.
Korrigan Craddock is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.
Photos courtesy of Isaac Meats and Jennifer Cameron
Meats with his supporters from UACOA at his Eagle Scout ceremony.
Meats with Burt.
Meats serves his community outside of the UACOA as an Eagle Scout. Meats also plays French horn in his school band, and for his Eagle Scout Project, he cleaned out, redesigned and rebuilt the instrument storage cabinet in the school’s band room.
He is also a member of Interact, a Rotary-sponsored club, and volunteers through that club as well.
“I’d say one of my favorite (volunteer experiences) has been going to the Ronald McDonald house and making dinner,” says Meats.
Giving back is something he truly enjoys, and he gains just as much as he gives through meaningful connections and learning experiences.
“I feel like the biggest takeaway from all the different things I’ve been involved in is just how much there is to learn from our local communities by putting ourselves out there and meeting new people,” says Meats.
LOCATED AT KENNY CENTRE MALL (JUST SOUTH OF HENDERSON) @magpiemarketantiques
1125 Kenny Centre Mall (614) 929-5264 Open Monday-Saturday 10-6:00, Sunday 12-5:00
By Korrigan Craddock
New and Old Flavors
Evolving taste buds
Whether it was chicken nuggets, pizza or homecooked from your mom, there’s a meal that you fondly remember eating as a child. From hating broccoli to it becoming your favorite vegetable, your taste buds change as you age.
Taste buds evolving
Taste buds allow you to detect the five basic tastes including sweet, salty, bitter, sour and umami. The combination of temperature, texture and taste combine to get what you experience as flavor.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, our taste buds decrease as we age, which means that your perception of taste changes at different stages of life. The foods you love as an adult may differ from those you loved as a child.
Over time, you may have a decreased sensitivity to taste, which typically affects salty or sweet tastes and eventually, sour or bitter. As you age, your sense of smell may decrease as well, which can also contribute to the loss of taste.
The National Institute on Aging suggests, “If you’re having trouble smelling and tasting your food, try adding color or texture to make it more interesting.”
Grown up favorites
Here are some “grown-up” versions of childhood classics.
If you loved…
Mac and cheese
Try a version of mac and cheese made with Gouda and sharp cheddar. The rich and smoky flavors of the cheeses will give your taste buds a strong flavor rush.
Pizza
Try a pear and gorgonzola pizza. The sweet and sharp combo offers a pleasant pairing.
Chicken fingers
Try a parmesan-crusted chicken cutlet. The thin and crispy chicken is great on its own or can be paired with almost anything.
Grilled cheese
A quick and easy grilled cheese can be leveled-up using sourdough bread and adding ingredients such as goat cheese,
pesto or bacon. Don’t forget to pair it with a tomato soup.
Local input
A few seniors at the Grandview Heights Recreation Center share how their tastes buds have changed over the years. One thing they all agreed on was how much they loved their parents’ or grandparents’ homecooked meals – from potato pancakes to pasta with garlic sauce. Many discussed how they took the homecooked meals for granted considering today’s processed foods.
A few commented on how their sense of taste has decreased over the years. For example, cheesecake used to be too rich, but now it is one of their favorite desserts. While they didn’t always love them when they were younger, they all love a variety of food such as Mexican, chicken skewers, parsnips and fruitcake.
Korrigan Craddock is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.
Living By Rachel Karas
Ranch-style Revived
Upper Arlington resident builds out, not up
After his kids graduated from high school, Dave Saliaris’ fivebedroom home felt too big. He was looking for a smaller, cozier space, and had just the spot in mind.
He owned a ranch-style house in Upper Arlington that he rented for several years. With some additions and upgrades, Saliaris could visualize the house as the home he was looking for.
So, he reached out to Steller Construction, having worked with them on a previous project, and together they created the home of his dreams.
Inside and out
The interior wasn’t the only thing that was updated. Aside from a new front porch and concrete driveway, the windows and exterior doors were replaced, and the entire exterior was given a new coat of paint, making the outside match the new, modern interior.
Golf getaway
Making space
The biggest changes Saliaris wanted to see were expanded space and a more modern feel.
“This house was very small,” he says. “The kitchen was so small you couldn’t even put a table in it. My mom actually had a round table she cut in half and put up next to the wall. That’s how small the kitchen was.”
With a vision of the basement as an entertainment space, Saliaris knew it was the perfect opportunity to bring one of his favorite hobbies into his home.
Having enjoyed golf since high school, Saliaris worked with Bryan Lipps, owner and CEO of Steller Construction, to include a golf simulator in the renovations.
With Saliaris requiring a 10-foot clearance for his swing, Lipps says they had to lower the floor to accommodate.
“When you go into that basement, it’s multi-level. You step down three or four steps to get into the lower level, where the new golf simulator is, under the new addition,” Lipps says. “There’s always a challenge when you’re tying in an old foundation to a new foundation, and it’s even more complex when you’re doing multilevel foundations.”
Despite the challenges, Lipps and his team created the perfect at-home getaway for Saliaris.
“Being in Ohio, there are a lot of times when you can’t be outside doing much. This gave me (the) opportunity to do things (in the winter),” he says.
The team increased the overall square footage by adding bedrooms and increasing some of the room sizes. To make the space feel even larger and more modern, the ceiling heights were raised and more windows were installed.
Although Saliaris says he could have followed the trend of building up by adding another floor to the home for the additional bedrooms, he wanted to keep
Photos courtesy of Steller Construction
•
•
•
Before
the space to its original single-floor ranch style and build out on the land surrounding the house instead.
Bigger and better
While Saliaris recalls most of the project proceeding as planned, there were a few hiccups along the way. Outside of basement foundation challenges, the team also had to figure out how to support the existing floor plan and roof.
No matter what challenges they faced, Saliaris says Steller Construction Owner and CEO Bryan Lipps and his
After
team always jumped on things as quickly as they could.
“I’m an engineer, so I know that there’s going to be give and takes as we start to work through things,” Saliaris says. “I was here every other day watching things and talking with them. I got to know the general manager of the project really well, and it worked. If I called, he was on it right away.”
Saliaris is happy to be able to keep some of the original building structure.
“Some people would say, maybe we could have just knocked down the whole thing and rebuilt that way,” he says. “But the reality is, we kept the integrity of what was here and made it better. And I kind of like that idea better.”
Rachel Karas is the lead editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at rkaras@cityscenemediagroup.com.
Top homes sold in the Tri-Village area
In April 2025, Upper Arlington homes sold for a median price of $675,000, an increase of 2.3 percent from the previous year. A total of 33 homes were sold in Upper Arlington compared to 47 homes sold in April 2024. On average, homes in Upper Arlington sold 10 days faster than last year’s 36 days on the market.
In Grandview Heights, homes sold for a median price of $585,000, a 15.2 percent decrease from the previous year. A total of 10 homes sold in Grandview Heights in April 2025, compared to 18 homes last year. On average, homes in Grandview Heights spend 27 days on the market. Last year, homes were on the market for an average of 55 days. (Data from Redfin)
Hardwood floors and six panel doors throughout! Recreation room/family room w/ built in cabinets, 1/2 bath, and utility room on lower level. Private backyard, brick patio, and spacious 2 car attached garage.
SORRELL & COMPANY, INC. 1286 West Lane Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43221
Purring,
Rolling,
Stretching
by Chihiro Ishizu (birth-2 years)
First published in Japan in 2020, and then in the U.S. in 2023, this board book includes simple and fun text highlighting a pet cat’s activities throughout the day. Each action, such as “roll,” “chase” and “plop,” is accompanied by an illustration.
Sing, Don’t Cry
by Angela Dominguez
(ages 3-5)
The Astonishing Color of After
by Emily X. R. Pan (grades 10-12)
Once a year, the main character’s Abuelo visits from Mexico and brings his guitar. Abuelo shares stories about his life and always says “Sing, don’t cry,” because even when bad things happen, you can still sing, and good things will happen again. Lyrics (in Spanish and English) to “Cielito Lindo” are included.
After Leigh tragically loses her mother to suicide, she is visited by a red bird who she believes is the reincarnate of her mother. In search of answers about her family and what her mother wanted her to remember, Leigh travels to Taiwan to meet her mother’s parents for the first time. Filled with lots of Taiwanese culture and magical-realism storytelling, this story explores depression, death, grief, love and family.
Pets and the City (memoir)
by Dr. Amy Attas (adult)
A 30-year career as an in-home veterinarian gives author Dr. Amy Attas a wealth of stories to share about the pets
of Manhattan and their owners. In this memoir, Attas reminisces on treating the beloved pets of both average New Yorkers and celebrities alike, revealing the common threads that unite people and pets across all socioeconomic situations. The relationships between owners and pets are explored, including Attas’ own tale of pet ownership and loss.
The Second Fifty (non-fiction)
by Debra Whitman, PhD (adult)
How long will I live? Will I be healthy? Will I have enough money? Having spent her life studying aging, Debra Whitman explores her personal encounter with these questions and provides guidance for those venturing into the second half of life. Taking from her own research, interviews with experts and stories from people nationwide, Whitman explores the importance of fostering human connections when getting older and provides steps each of us can take to make our second fifty brighter.
The Thursday Murder Club: A Novel
by Richard Osman (adult)
In a calm English retirement village, a group of four amateur sleuths meet weekly to solve cold cases. When the body of a local developer is found along with a mysterious clue, the group is roped into a real-life murder mystery. As more bodies turn up, the club dives into a complicated investigation involving their own retirement community.
