Love
Gym Skills owner Kenny Crump
SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS
GAHANNA SPECIAL OLYMPICS
NOBLE CUT DISTILLERY MEALS-ON-WHEELS
GAHANNA’S FORESTRY TEAM
MOST TRUSTED
Practice
“It was just an average warmup before a game. I felt my knee move out of place and I fell to the ground. I wanted to finish the season, but knew I would eventually need surgery. We were given a great plan by the team at Orthopedic ONE. They got me back on the field doing what I love.”
- Brennen Ward, Football Standout and Orthopedic ONE patient
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Cover photo by Todd Yarrington
Gahanna City Hall 200 Hamilton Rd. Gahanna, Ohio 43230 614-342-4000 www.gahanna.gov
Laurie Jadwin Mayor Dan Pearlman Communications Manager
1335 Dublin Rd., Suite 101C Columbus, Ohio 43215 614-572-1240 • Fax 614-572-1241 www.cityscenecolumbus.com
Kathleen K. Gill CEO Gianna Barrett President
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Uniquely Gahanna is published quarterly. For advertising information, call 614-572-1240. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers. Printed in the U.S.A. ©2025
Welcome from the Mayor
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Dear Gahanna Residents,
As we step into another season in our wonderful city, I am reminded of what makes Gahanna such a special place to call home – the people who give their time, talents, and hearts to lift one another up. This issue of Uniquely Gahanna is a celebration of that spirit.
You may notice that this edition has a bit of a new look. We’re excited to share that the City is now partnering with CityScene Media Group to bring you this quarterly magazine. While the design and format may be a little different, our goal remains the same – to highlight the people, stories, and efforts that make Gahanna such a vibrant, connected community.
Our cover story highlights a local business owner who is using his gym to build both skills as well as confidence through mentorship and connections, shaping countless futures in the process.
You’ll read about the remarkable milestone of Gahanna Special Olympics and their volunteers, who have dedicated 20 years to creating a space where athletes can grow, compete, and shine. Their commitment also reminds us that success is not just measured in medals, but in confidence, courage, and friendship.
Discover how our School Resource Officers are working to build trust and understanding through everyday conversations with students. Their work proves that safety in our schools comes not only from presence, but from connection and care.
Take a moment to meet some Gahanna couples and volunteers who quietly make a powerful difference by delivering meals, kindness, and companionship to neighbors who need it most. Their acts of service remind us that compassion is the cornerstone of our community.
These stories, along with others included in this edition, reflect the heart of Gahanna: people coming together to support, encourage, and inspire one another. Whether through sports, service, mentorship, or simple conversation, our residents and the individuals who serve our city show every day that community is built by action and care.
Thank you for being part of what makes Gahanna such a vibrant and connected city. I am proud to serve alongside you – and even prouder to celebrate the people who make this community thrive.
Warm regards,
Mayor Laurie Jadwin
Know Built for Service, Designed for All
More space, better service, and smart
By Dan Pearlman
Big changes are happening along Tech Center Drive, and if you’ve driven by recently, you’ve likely noticed the transformation. What was once an empty office building is quickly becoming the future home of the Gahanna Civic Center, a thoughtfully designed, stateof-the-art facility set to open in early 2026.
But this project is more than bricks and mortar – it’s a bold investment in the future of Gahanna, one built on smart planning, community connection, and longterm cost savings.
investments for the future
At the heart of the Civic Center’s design is the goal of serving residents better and more efficiently. For the first time, City Hall, the Gahanna Division of Police, and the Senior Center will be housed under one roof. This move not only improves convenience by creating a central location for residents, but it also significantly reduces the costs of addressing three facility needs separately.
“It’s about providing the best experience for our community in a more efficient, future-ready way,” said Mayor Laurie Jadwin. “We’re not just creating a new space. We’re using resources wisely to build something that will grow with Gahanna.”
Modern Public Safety
For residents, one of the most significant benefits will be the enhanced
capabilities of the Gahanna Division of Police. The Division has long outgrown its current building, which lacks the space and infrastructure needed for modern policing practices. The new facility positions the Division to deliver first-in-class safety services long into the future.
“From a public safety standpoint, this building really allows our department to operate in a space designed for present-day training and preparedness,” said Gahanna Police Chief Jeff Spence. “Currently, those training opportunities are limited and often have to be sought in other communities. Soon, our officers will be able to train locally and more efficiently – positioning them to be even more community-focused and better prepared.”
A Bigger, Better Space for Seniors to Thrive
The Civic Center will also feature an expanded Senior Center, with 116% more programmable space than the current facility provides. Today, only one or two activities can take place at a time. In the new Center, five or six programs can run simultaneously, offering everything from group fitness and wellness classes to social gatherings, workshops, and educational sessions.
“This is space intentionally designed with our seniors in mind, giving them room to stay active, social, and connected,” said Senior Director of Operations Kevin Schultz, who serves as Project Manager for the project. “It allows for a richer, more dynamic schedule of programs that simply aren’t possible in our current Center.”
The new Gahanna Civic Center at 825 Tech Center Dr.
New Community Space for Everyone
Another new addition for the public is a larger, rentable indoor community space – a much-needed asset that does not currently exist in the City’s inventory. Whether it’s a birthday party, baby shower, business meeting or graduation celebration, residents will soon have a welcoming, flexible space to host events without having to leave city limits.
A Resident-Focused City Operation
The new Civic Center will be a onestop shop for residents for service needs. If you need to pay your utility bill, register for a Parks & Recreation program, rent a shelter, or apply for a city job, you’ll be able to do it all in one convenient place.
“This new layout puts the resident experience front and center,” Schultz said. “From the time you enter the building, we’ve created a space that is open, accessible, and welcoming for everyone.”
Behind the scenes, the new building supports collaboration across departments – helping city staff work more efficiently, attract and retain top talent, and deliver best-in-class services to residents.
Built to Last – and Built Smart
The new Civic Center isn’t just about addressing today’s needs – it’s about planning wisely for decades to come. The project takes advantage of an existing office building, significantly reducing construction costs while delivering a like-new facility that meets modern standards.
Modern safety and security features will ensure a safe environment for both visitors and employees. Visitors to the building will enjoy ample parking and an expanded multi-use trail that enhance accessibility, as well as a park-like entrance that reflects Gahanna’s strong connection to its 800+ acres of parkland and dedication to green spaces and livability.
Give your child the world.
The building’s architectural design even tells a story: two stone pillars symbolizing government flank a central glass curtain wall, representing the City’s commitment to openness, transparency, and community connection. As residents enter the lobby, they will see their city at work with visible offices and workspaces designed for collaboration.
“This is more than just a building,” said Jadwin. “It’s a reflection of who we are as a city – thoughtful, committed, and forward-thinking for the people who call Gahanna home.”
With the Civic Center on track to open in the first quarter of 2026, final planning and moving preparations are already underway. While construction continues, one thing is clear: this isn’t just a new facility –it’s a milestone for Gahanna. •
Dan Pearlman is the Communications Manager for the City of Gahanna.
Creating Connections
School Resource Officers strengthen student relationships through dialogue
By Dan Pearlman
Gahanna School Resource Officers (L-R): Ken Bills, J.D. Gillespie, Crystal Jones, and Gary Lawrence
Safety, trust, and connection are built every day by those who shape students’ experiences – and among them are four dedicated School Resource Officers (SROs). These officers do far more than wear a badge; they serve as mentors, role models, and constant sources of support for students.
Gahanna Police Officers Ken Bills, J.D. Gillespie, Crystal Jones, and Gary Lawrence are a daily presence in Gahanna schools, working to create safe, welcoming environments where students feel seen and supported. Whether walking the halls, chatting with students, or providing traffic control, each officer brings a unique approach to building meaningful relationships within the schools.
Officers Bills, Gillespie, and Lawrence are based at Gahanna Lincoln High School (GLHS), with one floating between the City’s other public and private schools. Officer Jones splits her time between Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools’ (GJPS) middle schools and elementary schools within the City. For all four, becoming an SRO was a natural extension of their passion for working with youth.
“I’m a travel baseball coach, and I’ve coached most of my life,” said Bills. “I’m with kids on a day-to-day basis. I just figured it would transition well to my work.”
No two days are exactly alike for the SROs, but their presence is consistent and valued. In the mornings and afternoons, the GLHS-based officers assist with traffic control, ensuring students and staff arrive and leave safely. Throughout the day, they monitor their assigned areas of the building and remain ready to respond to any situation that arises.
Yet, for each officer, the most meaningful part of their work is simply being there for students.
“I purposely try to meet and talk to as many kids as possible,” Gillespie said. “We talk about everything. We don’t just talk about school – it’s life stuff, jobs, and family stuff at times. They get pretty comfortable having personal conversations with you.”
Added Lawrence, “It gives the kids a better perspective of who we are as hu-
mans and police officers. We’ve created relationships with kids – with some who start out as freshmen really struggling because they’re growing and maturing –and then they realize they can come talk to us. Now they greet us and fist bump us when we see them in the hallways.”
That familiar connection will carry over into the new Gahanna Lincoln High School building when the second semester of this school year begins in January.
“The new building is going to be amazing,” said Lawrence. “It’s going to be like our new police department. It’s unbelievable. It’s kind of like everybody is just waiting for that new car to come in January. It’s pretty exciting.”
While Bills, Gillespie and Lawrence prepare for the transition to the new high school, Jones is making an impact within GJPS’s younger grades. In her first year as an SRO, she also teaches classes three days a week in the middle schools on topics such as drug and alcohol prevention and internet safety.
“I have all the materials that were previously used, but I’m trying to update them and make them a little more relevant to today and a little more enjoyable for the kids,” she said.
That work comes on the heels of her working alongside Sergeant Kaylea Pertz, and in partnership with the District and the Mifflin Township Division of Fire, to lead Gahanna in becoming only the second Franklin County community to launch the Handle With Care program.
Handle With Care allows first responders to confidentially alert school officials when a student has experienced a traumatic incident, without sharing any specific details. The message, sent before the next school day, simply advises educators to “handle the student with care.” The student’s name and age are the only pieces of information shared, ensuring privacy while enabling school staff to respond with understanding and support.
“I think the more heads up a school can have with the teachers, administrators, support staff – anyone who would be in contact with that student – just sets them up for a more positive and successful school environment,” Jones said.
When students are not in school, all four SROs enjoy reconnecting with students and families around the community – whether at athletic events or other events such as the City’s Independence Day Celebration and the Great Gahanna Goblin Fest. During the summer months, the officers spend their days focusing on traffic enforcement and bike patrols, continuing their community engagement in a different way.
But their hearts remain with the schools, and all four officers hope to continue in their roles for years to come.
“I enjoy it,” said Bills. “I enjoy getting to know different people at the school, and I enjoy being able to talk with them.”
“A lot of people don’t interact with the police very often, so they have these preconceived notions about things we do, or they don’t understand why we do certain things,” Gillespie added. “I think the more we can have those conversations in school and in the community, and build those relationships, people will be more comfortable asking us questions or commenting about something they heard.” •
Dan Pearlman is the Communications Manager for the City of Gahanna.
Side Notes
The Gahanna Division of Police, in partnership with GahannaJefferson Public Schools and the Mifflin Township Division of Fire, has launched Handle With Care – a collaborative effort to support students following traumatic events. Handle With Care is part of a statewide program led by Hopewell Health Centers and supported by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.
To learn more about this program, visit Gahanna.gov or scan the QR code.
Rooted in Gahanna
How a family’s decision to settle in Gahanna led to a deeper investment – personally and professionally
By Dan Pearlman
“Iknow there are great places all over Central Ohio, but we have the best neighborhood, and I have the greatest neighbors in the world.”
Those are the words of resident Jim Colestro, who chose to make Gahanna home for himself and his family more than five years ago, after relocating to the Columbus region.
Colestro was the first Northwest Bank employee to move to Ohio, shortly before the Bank transitioned its corporate offices to the area. Now, with plans underway to open the Bank’s first three branches in Central Ohio next year, including one in Gahanna, his move has come to represent more than a new address; it marked the beginning of a meaningful investment in the community, both personally and professionally.
“I’m not going anywhere as long as my neighbors live here,” he said. “Gahanna just felt like a fit, and we made a great decision to move here.”
Colestro is Northwest Bank’s Chief Retail Lending Officer, overseeing the Bank’s consumer lending, small business lending, and payments. He has grown his career with the company over the past 18 years, as Northwest Bank has grown to become a top 100 bank in the United States (by assets).
“We are still rooted in community banking, taking care of customers,
and knowing their names,” explained Colestro. “We are also pretty proud of our growth story over the years and getting to the point where we are now.”
Northwest Bank’s Gahanna location will be at the former PNC Bank at 191 Granville St.
“I took a ride with a colleague of mine, Urich Bowers, who is our Chief Consumer Banking Officer, and he was a little newer to Columbus,” Colestro recalled. “Living in Gahanna, I had driven by that location 100 – or 1,000 times, probably – and I just pointed to it and
Jim Colestro credit: Northwest Bank
Rendering of Northwest Bank’s Gahanna branch credit: Larson Karle Architects
Their decision to open a branch here reflects both the strength of our local market and the vibrant community we continue to build.
– Jeff Gottke, Gahanna Director of Economic Development
was like, ‘If I was putting branches here – right there. It’s a bank. It’s ready.’ It just seemed to make sense to us.”
Now, the entire Northwest Bank team is ready to integrate itself into the Gahanna community, well before the new branch’s anticipated opening in the summer of 2026.
“Our goal is to meet with local organizations, meet with community leaders, talk about what’s important to us here, and what’s important to them,” Colestro added. “We certainly won’t wait until the branch is open. We’ll get started now.”
Those meetings are already underway, with the City’s Economic Development team meeting Ian Bailey, the company’s Head of External Communications, in August.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Northwest Bank to Gahanna,” said Jeff Gottke, Gahanna’s Director of Economic Development. “Their decision to open a branch here reflects both the strength of our local market and the vibrant community we continue to build. After meeting with Ian, it is clear they share our commitment to thoughtful growth and long-term investment. We’re confident this new branch will be a valuable resource for both residents and the business community alike.”
The Bank’s Gahanna branch is set to open around the same time as the additional locations in Westerville and New Albany. While many banking services have moved online, Northwest Bank sees physical branches as an essential part of its growth strategy – providing a local presence that supports the personal, customer-focused approach the Bank has upheld for nearly 130 years.
“People can do a lot of banking online, and we have a lot of great tools that allow them to do that, but being able to go into a physical branch and have a real-life person who knows who you are, gives you advice, helps you figure out your needs, and helps you solve problems is really important,” said Bailey.
Now, as both Bailey and Colestro look ahead, there is a shared sense of optimism and eagerness to grow alongside Gahanna and to contribute in meaningful ways to the vibrant community and its residents. •
Dan Pearlman is the Communications Manager for the City of Gahanna.
Beyond the Ball
Gahanna Special Olympics celebrates 20 years of uniting the community
By Megan Brokamp
In 2005, six athletes launched the Gahanna Special Olympics (GSO) team. Twenty years later, the organization has grown into a vibrant community, with 165 families proudly calling it home. The GSO offers year-round sports to residents in Gahanna with physical or intellectual disabilities. Although the team has many competitive athletes, the organization’s mission goes far beyond athletics.
Building community
Whether on the court, at practice, or during social gatherings, GSO creates opportunities for athletes to connect with peers who understand and share similar experiences.
“The biggest perk for our athletes is the social aspect of it, the competitions and the practices,” GSO Co-Coordinator and Gahanna resident Karmen McCaslin said. “Now, don’t get me wrong, we do have some athletes who are very competitive and take their sport seriously, but our athletes don’t judge each other on their performances. They support each other.”
Eight core sports – basketball, bocce ball, bowling, cheerleading, pickleball, soccer, swimming, and track and field –are the foundation of GSO, but the program is constantly evolving to meet the interests of athletes. Cornhole, cheerleading, and pickleball are just a few of the newest sports available for athletes.
The program is community-based rather than school-based, meaning that athletes are not restricted by age. School-based programs must stop accepting athletes above the age that they are allowed to be in the school system, which is 22. GSO’s athletes range from 8 to 80; in fact, their average age is 24.
GSO also launched a Youth Development Program, making them one of only two organizations in the South-Central Ohio area to offer such a resource. The Program serves both neurotypical and neurodivergent children between the ages 2 and 12.
“It’s really like an adaptive gym, learning to play together, learning about a team,” GSO’s second Co-Coordinator
Photos courtesy of Gahanna Special Olympics
and resident of Gahanna, Liz Lonsbrough, said. “It’s a kind of feeder program into the Special Olympics Group.”
What it means to compete
Joey Pritt resides in Gahanna and is a year-round athlete for the team. When he’s not on the field, he’s in the gym. He has many fond memories from his time with the team, including earning a gold medal in shotput at the Ohio State Summer Games. Although Pritt has earned many medals and trophies throughout his nearly ten years with the team, it’s the little things that he enjoys most.
“I enjoy being with my teammates, cheering them on and staying active,” Pritt said.
A six-year member of the team, Gavin Thoen, also a Gahanna resident, plays soccer and bocce ball, swims, bowls, and runs track - with swimming being his preferred sport. But no matter which sport he’s playing, Thoen most enjoys the camaraderie he shares with his teammates.
“I just love how everyone is so supportive,” Thoen said. “You really don’t see any negativity.”
Thoen is accomplished in his sports and credits much of his success to the support of his coaches and his teammates. One of his favorite sources of motivation during games and meets is the GSO slogan often recited before competitions:
“Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
Support beyond the sidelines
When Lonsbrough moved from Cincinnati with her family, her daughter, Allison, was in the first grade. Allison came home from school, raving about a place where she could play free sports, and they decided to check it out. They started with bowling, and the rest is history.
“I think it’s the best thing that happened in our lives,” Lonsbrough said. “I felt lost as a mother of a special needs individual until I found Gahanna Special Olympics.”
While Lonsbrough’s friends and family outside the team are supportive, she finds a special sense of comfort in the GSO community, where parents who share her daily challenges and triumphs truly understand her experience.
The organization also brings in guest speakers to help parents prepare for the unique challenges of raising a child with special needs, offering guidance on everything from navigating educational systems to understanding legal and financial planning. For example, GSO has hosted a special needs attorney to discuss guardianship, benefits, and longterm care planning.
“My community came together, and it was so comforting and so reassuring to have the backing of them,” Lonsbrough said. “I just hope that that’s what we mean to all the other families.”
McCaslin’s daughter, Hannah, is also in the program, and she echoes the impact the organization has made on her family.
“It’s a community that has embraced us and has embraced Hannah and quite honestly, it’s just been life changing,” McCaslin said. “Hannah just thrives when she’s practicing her sport, when she’s with her fellow athletes. I don’t know where we would be without it.”
Funding the team
Although GSO is affiliated with Special Olympics Ohio, the organization generates all its own funding and relies fully on community support, whether through monetary donations or volunteer involvement.
“Volunteers are the heart of our organization, because without them, there
would not be Gahanna Special Olympics,” McCaslin said.
From parents to teachers to members in the community, each coach is a volunteer who serves with devotion. Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age, and a recent campaign to draw more high school volunteers has increased youth participation exponentially.
“In swimming last year, three of our coaches were high school students, and our athletes especially love them, because it’s more of a peer interaction,” McCaslin said.
The swim team even had an unified medley team last year, comprised of both GSO athletes and community members who swam together in a relay. This unified approach is something that GSO is looking to expand in the coming seasons.
The GSO hosts one major annual fundraiser, the Cash Drop, where volunteers collect donations on street corners and by the high school, strategically held during an Ohio State bye weekend. This event alone generates close to $10,000, roughly half of the $25,000 to $30,000 needed each year to sustain the program, with the remaining funding coming from private donations. The funds raised cover all expenses for the athletes, from uniforms to essentials such as shoes or sports bras if needed, ensuring that there is no cost for participation.
“I think that people would be amazingly surprised by how good it feels to be a part of this community and to work with the athletes and how appreciative they are,” Lonsbrough said. “The love that you get from them is so awesome.”
For information on volunteering or joining GSO, visit GahannaSpecialOlympics.org. •
Megan Brokamp is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at mbrokamp@cityscenemediagroup.com.
The Gahanna Special Olympics Basketball Team
Fueling Dreams and Shaping Futures
Kenny Crump brings community together with activity, acceptance, and excellence
By Jane Dimel
Photos by Todd Yarrington
Long before he became a husband, father, and owner and CEO of Gym Skills - a Gahanna-based gymnastics and fitness education business that is celebrating 20 years in operationKenny Crump was just a kid from Linden discovering his passion for movement.
That passion was sparked by his older sister Tysha’s involvement in gymnastics. Inspired by her, Crump jumped in at just 4 years old, diving into ninja training - a high-energy blend of parkour, gymnastics, and obstacle course skills that set the stage for everything to come.
“My parents would say I was always flying off the furniture, flipping around, and (they were) like, ‘You need to go see this gymnastics gym,’” Crump said. “So, I went and watched (Tysha) practice, and I fell in love and never stopped.”
Crump came to love competing in gymnastics events as well, from floor and vault as a young gymnast to rings, parallel bars, and key bars as he got older.
At 18, Crump aged out of competing and moved on to coach for the City of Columbus’ Recreation and Parks Department, where he was able to share the skills he had developed and put to use the techniques of his long-time former coach, the late Joe Bowers.
“He was just a really patient coach,” he said. “People see coaches in the gym-
nastics world as really stern or strict, and that wasn’t him at all. So, when I’m coaching, I’m very laid back because you want to make it fun for children.”
Then, one day, a student’s parent asked if Crump could bring some mats and teach some skills at a daycare. After receiving permission from his supervisor, he held his first class that would eventually grow into Gym Skills’ mobile model, offering classes at childcare centers, afterschool programs, churches, and more.
“Anywhere they would allow me to bring my equipment in my ‘91 Camry, I would fill it up with stuff, and that’s how I got going,” Crump said.
From there, the vision for Gym Skills took shape, slowly working toward its first permanent physical location. In 2017, Crump was able to buy a 15,000-squarefoot facility at 710 Cross Pointe Rd. Since then, he’s expanded the business to four other franchised locations across Ohio, North Carolina, and Texas.
What began as a way to nurture kids and develop their passion for gymnastics has evolved into an ever-growing business that supports competitive teams, afterschool programs, adult programs, and more to accommodate the community’s wants and needs. Each location also has a smoothie bar as an homage to Crump’s own love of smoothies.
As Gym Skills celebrates 20 years in business, Crump has taken on more of a mentorship role by sharing his vision for Gym Skills through his team and with franchisers.
His mentorship has also expanded into community outreach with his wife, Chris, through their foundation, We Elevate You.
The couple has sought to help young minority entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses by offering access to connections with lenders, attorneys, accountants, and more, as well as seminars and retreats. Crump has also been an angel investor for various businesses, assisting where he can to help others succeed.
“We want to create a smoother path for the next generation behind us,” he said.
Along the way, Crump’s mentorship mentality was not only inspired by Bowers, but also by the owner of his childhood gym.
The owner, Louis Robinson, let Crump’s family pay what they could of gym fees so Crump could stay involved in the sport, as he was one of five kids and his parents worked as a pastor and teacher.
Robinson’s kindness and presence as a Black business owner inspired Crump, especially with the creation of Gym Skills’ scholarship programs, to increase accessibility to the sport.
“I prefer to be behind the scenes and lead by example, but a friend said, especially when it comes to young people, and specifically young Black males, ‘You can’t be what you can’t see,’” he recalled. “He said, ‘Kenny, it’s really important that you put yourself out there where they can see you. You have a great story, and people need to hear that story.’”
Gym Skills Day
At Gym Skills’ Back-to-School event this summer, Gahanna Mayor Laurie Jadwin issued a Proclamation naming Aug. 2, 2025, Gym Skills Day in Gahanna to celebrate 20 years of the business.
“This place is incredible,” said Jadwin at the event. “You walk in here and you feel the love. You feel welcomed, you feel the energy, it’s just so much fun, so thank you, Kenny. Thank you for creating this space for parents, for families, and for kids to come, and thank you for being an incredible partner.”
Fun facts
Outside of work, Crump has embraced his life as a suburban husband and dad. He and his wife, Chris, who he met during their senior year of high school, have a 4-year-old daughter named Karlo.
He values his morning mantras and bedtime routines with her, as well as watching her grow her swimming, dance, and gymnastics skills.
Crump also stays active through working out with his friends five to six times a week early in the morning and has picked up sports such as pickleball.
Fueled by his passion for helping others, Crump is committed to growing Gym Skills as a welcoming space where Gahanna families can stay active, learn, and connect. He looks forward to deepening his roots in the community and continuing to make a positive impact, both locally and beyond. •
Jane Dimel is an assistant editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at jdimel@cityscenemediagroup.com.
What others say about Kenny and Gym Skills
“He works very hard to make sure everyone feels like they can belong in this gym. From any walk of life, a child can walk into this gym, a mobile gym, or anywhere, and experience what he had when he was younger.”
– Hinton Abbruzzese, mobile gym leader and community liaison
“What Kenny set in motion with Gym Skills, I think that comes from his sense of community. It comes from him wanting to make an impact and serve others, all the way down to the staff. It’s (about) how can we help everybody else to make sure that we can have everyone in an environment (where) they can become the best they can be.”
– Nick Searcy, a former teammate of Crump’s and site director of Gym Skills
Meals with a
Mission
Local couples serving
care and
connection to the Gahanna community through Meals-on-Wheels
By Jane Dimel
In a city with an atmosphere that embraces connection and care, residents are drawn to give back to others in any way they can.
Long-time Gahanna residents Chris and John Shanks, and Shelley and Bob Wanamaker, are examples of couples who serve their community in a special way – through LifeCare Alliance’s Mealson-Wheels.
Through Meals-on-Wheels, LifeCare Alliance provides daily meals to people in need, utilizing volunteers to deliver the meals across Central Ohio communities. Volunteers like the Shanks and Wanamakers are valued parts of what make these efforts possible – and what bring connection and care to the recipients’ doorsteps.
The Shanks Family
Drawn by the character and small-town feel of Gahanna as a young family in 1992, Chris and John Shanks raised their three kids, Michael, Lauren, and David, in the community.
As their kids grew up, Chris and John became more involved in the City. Chris became an occupational therapist for GahannaJefferson Public Schools, and John began volunteering with the Boy Scouts (now Scouting America) with their sons.
Early in 1997, they came across a local ad seeking volunteer drivers for the Meals-on-Wheels program, and they decided to start volunteering.
From the beginning, Chris and John saw the meal drop-offs as an opportunity to teach their kids about giving back.
“They learned that through their acts of kindness, they could bring joy to people,” Chris said.
Their kids joined them for deliveries throughout their school years, connecting with meal recipients as well as becoming a point of conversation.
Now approaching 30 years of service, the Shanks family was recognized for their dedication with the Family Spirit Award in 2019 by LifeCare Alliance.
“Volunteering can only serve to make you take pause and realize the things you have in your own life and the things you can be grateful for,” Chris said. “It also gives you a connection to people
Photos courtesy of Meals on Wheels, John Shanks and Shelly Wanamaker
Chris and John Shanks
Shelly Wanamaker
that need you and appreciate you, and it’s fun when you can see them month after month.”
“It brings us joy, just to see that we’re bringing some lightness and some joy to them, a little bit of friendship,” John added.
Though their kids have grown and the couple has retired from their respective careers, Chris and John remain involved in Meals-on-Wheels and in the community.
The Wanamakers
Drawn by Gahanna’s strong sense of community, excellent school district, and convenient location, Columbus native Shelly Wanamaker and her husband, Bob – who moved to Ohio from Long Island and had been living in Worthington – relocated to Gahanna with their daughter, Emily, more than 20 years ago.
Their work with Meals-on-Wheels began in 2009, when Shelley started riding along during meal drop-offs through her workplace and picking up shifts with her co-workers from the company’s weekly slot.
Though she has been retired for a few years now, Shelley is still involved with Meals-on-Wheels, even helping to coordinate shifts. Once Bob retired, she recruited him to volunteer as a driver as well.
“I do enjoy helping with whatever my wife needs,” Bob said. “I don’t want her doing it on her own, so, that’s part of us being partners.”
With more than 15 years of service, Shelley remarked that their interactions with some of the meal recipients have reminded her of her mom, who lived with them for some time before she passed.
“I felt that I was fortunate enough to have her take care of herself and she didn’t need that service, whereas there are other people who do need the service,” Shelley said.
A big part of volunteering for Mealson-Wheels is providing the recipients not only with their meals, but also with interaction, connection, and help. For some deliveries, the Wanamakers have even helped bring pet supplies and more to provide extra comfort and support.
It gives you a little bit of satisfaction knowing that you’re helping someone and giving back to the community.
–Shelly Wanamaker “ ”
Their efforts, and those of other volunteers, provide connection for the recipients, and also allow them to have more freedom and independence for longer periods of time.
“It gives you a little bit of satisfaction knowing that you’re helping someone and giving back to the community,” Shelley said.
For more information on Meals-OnWheels and how to get involved, visit LifeCareAlliance.org. •
Jane Dimel is an assistant editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at jdimel@cityscenemediagroup.com.
Stories of Meals-on-Wheels recipients
During their 30 years of volunteering, John and Chris have received gifts of gratitude from the individuals they have served, from homemade cookies to homegrown bouquets.
They also have come across many memorable individuals, including many who live at the Columbus Colony Housing for the elderly and people with disabilities. There, they learned the ASL signs for “please” and “thank you” through their interactions with residents who are deaf.
Distilling
Success in Gahanna
How a local entrepreneur turned a family tradition into a thriving national business
By Rachel Hanz
Before he could even drive, Tony Guilfoy was already learning the craft of distilling from his grandfather, a seasoned moonshiner. What started as a childhood fascination would later evolve into a full-fledged passion –and eventually, a thriving business rooted right here in Gahanna.
But it wasn’t until college – and a family move to Columbus – that Guilfoy reconnected with that early passion and saw the potential for something more.
In 2015, Guil foy teamed up with two friends to launch Noble Cut Distillery, a company that produces naturally-flavored whiskeys and spirits. The company began with a modest goal of selling 12 barrels of product each year and has grown into a nationally recognized brand now producing roughly 12 barrels each week.
na – a decision shaped by a key connection he made after moving to Central Ohio. He met Laurie Jadwin, then executive director of Visit Gahanna and now the City’s Mayor, who introduced him to the local community and highlighted Gahanna’s potential for growth and opportunity.
“If we were to headquarter the distillery in Columbus, we would have had a lot of other hurdles that we don’t have out here,” Guilfoy said. “We’re not a small fish in a big pond out here in Gahanna, and that was a draw to be here.”
Guilfoy quickly saw the value of Gahanna’s close-knit atmosphere and the ease of building relationships with city leaders and fellow business owners. That welcoming spirit played a big role in helping him choose the location where Noble Cut still operates today – just
Photos courtesy of Noble Cut Distillery and Todd Yarrington
Noble Cut founder Tony Guilfoy (left) and CEO Shawn O’Reilly
off Taylor Station and Taylor Roads at 750 Cross Pointe Rd., Suite I-K.
When Noble Cut first moved into its 7,500 square-foot space, it felt bigger than they needed. But as the compa-
All in a Name
Did you know that Noble Cut almost went by another name?
Guilfoy originally wanted the name to be Mule Kick, after his college mascot at the University of Central Missouri, but he changed his mind once he decided to focus on distilling flavored whiskey. The name Noble Cut comes from the cuts distillers make when the grains are being distilled. All unwanted alcohol is removed from the final batch until just the hearts cut, also known as the Noble Cut, remains.
ny grew, so did its footprint. The team eventually expanded into the neighboring space, more than doubling their size and making room for larger equipment, including a state-of-the-art bottling machine to meet increasing demand.
The expansion has been critical for the business, which proudly handles every step of production in-house – from cooking the grains to bottling the finished product. This hands-on approach ensures every bottle meets Noble Cut’s high standards for quality.
“We take pride in using all-natural ingredients in everything we make,” said Noble Cut CEO Shawn O’Reilly. “There’s no dye number five in our products.”
Their commitment to craftsmanship and clean ingredients shines through in every bottle – especially in their famous Limoncello, which is based on a family recipe passed down through six generations. A limited-edition version of their Limoncello recently earned top honors, winning “Best in Class” at the 2024 SIP International Spirits Competition.
If you’re looking for a fun outing or maybe just want to learn more about Noble Cut, the Distillery offers public
tours every Saturday, starting at 12:30 and 3 p.m.
Guests get a behind-the-scenes look at the distilling process, learn about the history of whiskey and distilling, and enjoy tastings of the spirits made on-site.
Each tour wraps up in the welcoming bottle shop, where guests can enjoy a drink and explore cocktail ideas using Noble Cut products.
The team at Noble Cut works together to ensure everything, from distilling to bottling, leads to the best product possible.
Connected to the bottle shop is the new Noble Cut Tasting Room, a larger space that is open to the public and features a full bar with comfortable seating to share a pizza with friends. The area can also be reserved for larger parties, corporate events, and special get-togethers.
“You can go and bring your girlfriends out here,” said Guilfoy. “It’s a bit of a trek to get out here, but it’s worth it.”
The Tasting Room also includes a special arcade room that features nostalgic, hard-to-find pinball games. Some of the games are so rare that visitors from across the country have traveled to Noble Cut just to spend a few days playing the games and enjoying a spirit in the meantime.
As Noble Cut continues to grow, so does its reach. The distillery’s products are now available in five states beyond Ohio – including Tennessee, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Nevada –with new markets opening in cities such as Nashville, Atlanta, and Las Vegas. O’Reilly says the team is excited to continue growing their reach in these new markets in the years to come, and the team hopes to continue making upgrades through various means including grants.
Still, no matter how far their spirits travel, Gahanna remains home.
“This is where we started, and it’s where we plan to stay,” said Guilfoy. •
Rachel Hanz is the lead editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at rhanz@cityscenemediagroup.com.
City of Gahanna Forestry Superintendent
Julie Predieri
Branching Out
Gahanna’s forestry team enhances green spaces and community pride
By Ella Jay
Gahanna’s roots run deep when it comes to its greenery. As an official Tree City for more than 35 years, the community has long valued its canopy, and in recent years, the City’s forestry team has expanded its reach in big ways – further enhancing green spaces and raising the standards.
Under the leadership of Forestry Superintendent Julie Predieri, the team’s growth has both beautified Gahanna, and also ensured that residents see the flourishing, tangible results of the City’s investments in the community.
Improving the City’s Street Tree Program has been one of Predieri’s priorities since becoming her hometown’s City Forester.
“That’s been the project I’ve been most focused on trying to improve,” she said. “I would say that the biggest driving factor in our growth has been that program.”
To get the Program up and running, Predieri and her team collected information from other municipalities to assess staffing, financial, equipment, and material needs. In 2021, City Council approved fund requests that allowed the Department to begin preparing for the Program. By 2023, the Street Tree Program was underway –starting with the removal and replacement of any still-standing ash trees.
Since then, the forestry team has grown both in size and expertise. With more staff on board, the team is now able to focus on two key areas: the tree team, which cares for everything from street trees to larger, mature trees; and the horticulture team, which handles landscaping, park tree maintenance, and plant care across the City. The team also welcomed a new forestry foreman to help oversee operations, along with additional certified arborists, further strengthening their ability to care for Gahanna’s green spaces.
“Every additional person we’ve been able to add, we’ve been able to offer more services,” Predieri said. “We’ve done some pruning for the first time this year, more removal of trees that needed to come down, and our planting program has just exploded.”
When Predieri started working in Gahanna in 2018, the forestry team was planting 100 trees per year – 50 in the spring and 50 in the fall. Today, the expanded team is planting more than 300 trees per year with nearly 200 street trees planted just this fall.
Beyond its expanded services, the forestry team also has been able to increase volunteer and educational opportunities. According to Predieri, the team oversees the community’s garden programs, hosts field trips with local students, and was able to certify Creekside Park as a Level 1 Arboretum – an education opportunity in itself.
Tree City USA Standards
As a member of Tree City USA, Gahanna meets the four standards set by the Arbor Day Foundation:
• Maintains a tree board or department
• Establishes a community tree ordinance
• Spends at least $2 per capita on urban forestry
• Celebrates Arbor Day
“With the services we’re able to offer, we’ve definitely increased the standards, pretty much across the board,” Predieri said. “So, I think our residents are seeing a higher quality of care.”
For Predieri, a lifelong Gahanna resident herself, community impact and involvement are just as important to the team as any of its other efforts. While urban forestry is crucial for the environment, sustainability, and public health and well-being, it also benefits residents by providing them with a sense of pride in their community.
“It’s exciting to be a part of Tree City USA, and I think residents are proud to be a part of that,” she said. “We’re exceeding those expectations every single year.”
Predieri hopes to keep the community involved as the Forestry Division continues to grow, specifically as the team prepares to soon dive into an urban forestry master plan. She said the City would like to bring in community members for input and find more advocates who are excited to see Gahanna’s canopy grow and invest in Gahanna’s green infrastructure.
In the meantime, Predieri hopes to continue adding to her staff, acquire newer equipment, kick off more street tree-related programming, and, most importantly, continue to make a real impact on the community.
“It’s really special to be able to work for a community that means so much to me,” Predieri said. “And I want to emphasize that I couldn’t do this without the team. There are some highly skilled, amazing people on our staff. It’s an exciting time to be in urban forestry.” •
Ella Jay is an assistant editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at ejay@cityscenemediagroup.com.
Top Homes Sold in Gahanna
Gahanna home prices decreased by 0.14% in July 2025 compared to last year, with a median price of $368,000. In July 2025, 42 homes were sold compared to 51 the previous year. Gahanna homes sold after an average of 36 days on the market compared to 35 days last year. (Data from Redfin)
175 Academy Woods Dr.
4 beds, 2.5 baths
$605,000
Sold 8/22/25
1648 Minturn Dr.
4 beds, 3 baths
$600,000
Sold 8/7/25
449 Lily Pond Ct.
4 beds, 2.5 baths
$569,901
Sold 8/8/25
125 W. Walcreek Dr.
4 beds, 2.5 baths
$560,000
Sold 8/1/25
886 Dark Star Ave.
4 beds, 2.5 baths
$555,000
Sold 9/5/25
685 Stag Pl.
4 beds, 2.5 baths
$540,000
Sold 9/2/25
835 Nob Hill Ct.
4 beds, 2.5 baths
$537,000
Sold 8/22/25
1161 Riva Ridge Blvd.
4 beds, 2.5 baths
$536,000
Sold 9/10/25
1271 Fareharm Dr.
4 beds, 3.5 baths
$531,813
Sold 8/18/25
542 Woodfield Ct.
4 beds, 2.5 baths
$530,000
Sold 8/27/25
Events Calendar
Friday and Saturday, November 21 and 22
Holiday Movies
Gahanna Sanctuary, 7 p.m.
Presented by Make Gahanna Yours MakeGahannaYours.com
Sunday, November 23
Holiday Lights Celebration
Creekside District, 3 – 6:30 p.m.
Presented by Visit Gahanna VisitGahanna.com
Monday, November 24 through Tuesday, January 6
Holiday Lights Display
Creekside Park & Plaza
Sundays-Thursdays, 5 – 9 p.m.
Fridays and Saturdays, 5 – 10 p.m. Gahanna.gov
Monday, December 1 through Thursday, December 25
Santa Hotline – (614) 478-1061
Presented by Visit Gahanna and FutureCom Technologies VisitGahanna.com
Beginning Tuesday, December 2 Give To Gahanna
Presented by a committee of the Gahanna Area Arts Council GivetoGahanna.org
Friday and Saturday, December 5 and 6
Holiday Movies
Gahanna Sanctuary, 7 p.m.
Presented by Make Gahanna Yours MakeGahannaYours.com
The Santa Race 5k And Little Reindeer Dash
Presented by Visit Gahanna Academy Park, 9 a.m. TheSantaRace.com
Saturday, December 6
Victorian Christmas Celebration Gahanna Historical Settlement
Presented by the Gahanna Historical Society 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. GahannaHistory.com
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