Westerville January/February 2021

An Intrepid Journey Sean Erikson’s path to health and fitness

Public Health Sticking to Your Resolutions Westerville Chamber Awards www.westervillemagazine.com

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Inside

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021

J. E. WIGGINS & Co. INCOME TAX SERVICE

Tax Specialists Since 1935 Locally Owned

07 community calendar 09 faces

My Intrepid Journey

A success story through exercise, nutrition and gratitude

12 Westerville Honors Veterans

14

Veteran Champion Award new in 2021

14 Health Fiction

Doctor dispels common misconceptions

16 Teaching Tools

Otterbein professor CHATs about public health

20 Around Westerville 22 New Year, New Goals

Office HOurs: Monday – Friday 9 am – 7 pm Saturday 9 am – 5 pm Tax Fact: April 15th is also the day Abraham Lincoln died, the day the Titanic sank and the day McDonald’s served its first hamburger.

42 Westerview Drive Westerville, OH 43081 614-882-5383 Incometax@jewiggins.com www.jewiggins.com

How to stick to your resolutions

24 inside living

16

Cozying Up with Color

Wood, knits and warm tones

’s yo H ere

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26 Luxury Living Real Estate Guide 27 Top Homes Sold in Westerville 28 on the table

Dress to Impress

Lettuce talk salads

30 Bookmarks

28

WHAT’S MY HOME’S VALUE? On the Cover

@westervillemagazine

Sean Erikson See page 9 Photo by John Nixon

Read more online at WestervilleMagazine.com www.westervillemagazine.com

January/February 2021 5

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2021

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Dates and events are subject to change.

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January/February Westerville Library 126 S. State St. www.westervillelibrary.org

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Storytime Jan. 9 10-10:30 a.m.

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16th Annual Westerville Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Jan. 18 8 a.m.

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faces

By Sarah Robinson Photos courtesy of Sean Erikson

My Intrepid Journey A success story through exercise, nutrition and gratitude www.westervillemagazine.com

I

f someone had told Sean Erikson 20 years ago that he would be a bodybuilder today, he wouldn’t have believed it.

When Erikson completed his naval career as a data systems technician after serving for six years aboard the USS Comte de Grasse in Norfolk, Virginia, he earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science. Following his previous lifestyle of rigorous exercise, working a desk job changed everything.

“I found myself in a sedentary kind of job,” he says.

“I got married, had kids and I just wasn’t active. I put on a whole bunch of weight and my eating was horrible.”

This took a toll not only on Erikson’s physical health but his mental health, too. It wasn’t until his uncle gave him a reality check one Thanksgiving that Erikson decided to make a change for the better. “(Uncle Kevin) told me he was doing this program, P90X,” Erikson says. “I was like, ‘Yeah, I’ve tried it before.

I hated it. I can’t do one pullup.’ But Kevin said he’d do it with me. We did it for 90 days, just working on it together. And in 90 days, I lost over 55 pounds.”

January/February 2021 9

Jack for probably a year and a half,” he says. “I’ve never done bodybuilding before. When I think about that advice my doctor gave me, you don’t need to be running and doing crazy stuff with bodybuilding. Be as light as possible, keep my legs strong. It sounded like a decent fit, so why not give it a try?”

Give it a try, he did.

This October, Erikson competed in his first bodybuilding competition.

“I was in the true body building class,” he says.

“It doesn’t matter what your age is. I was up there with guys who were in their 20s, and I’m 49! I came in third, so that was awesome.”

Through his fitness journey, Erikson realized the vital importance of nutrition and began developing his philosophy on how fitness, nutrition and gratitude work Intrepid: characterized by resolute together to create a habit of excellence. fearlessness, fortitude and endurance.

“There’s a balance – Merriam Webster Dictionary there that all feed off each other,” he says. “You Those 90 days were pivotal for Erikson. have to have all three. That’s why, to me, After the three months were up, he had a it’s about exercise, it’s about nutrition and choice to make: keep exercising or quit about gratitude.” while he was ahead.

Throughout his entire health and “Day 91, I thought I was done with the fitness journey, Erikson discovered program and that was when the fear set that he felt better, more energetic and in,” he said. “So, I was like, ‘You know positive, and had more confidence when what I’m going to do for myself? I’m going he worked out consistently. to do the workout that I hated the most.’

“Confidence, to me, at the most fundaAnd that’s what I did – the hardest, most mental level is being able to be yourself,” he painful, difficult workout.” says. “I think about why I do this. Because Erikson’s choice to persevere led him I’m a better father when I’m working out. on a new path. He completed Spartan I’m a better husband when I’m working Races with Kevin and exercised with his out. I’m a better friend. I’m a better emkids. However, it all came to a halt when he succumbed to an injury. Erikson tore the meniscus in his left knee, leaving him unable to run. His doctor gave him good advice to follow.

“He (my doctor) said, No. 1: lose as much weight as you possibly can. No. 2: keep your legs strong. And three: just minimize the high impact,” says Erikson.

“So that’s what I’m doing now.”

How exactly did Erikson find a way to stay fit without further damaging his knee?

“I had been working out at the gym with a professional bodybuilder named 10 January/February 2021

ployee. I’m a better leader at work. I’m just better. I would rather have all that than skip the workout.”

Making an Impact Erikson took his personal philosophies and life experience and decided to make it accessible to everyone. He created his own website at www.myintrepidjourney.com, full of lifestyle patterns, blog posts and more.

“There are so many people online, and just in the fitness and nutrition industry, that just want to sell you a product,” he says. “I believe that you don’t need any of that stuff.

It all comes down to the fundamentals.”

The fundamentals he talks about aren’t just losing those 10 pounds or getting the perfect body. It’s all about finding the reasons to get up and get active every day.

Erikson’s system of patterns and motivation are unique enough to be tailored to anybody’s personal experience.

“My advice is not to fall into the trap that you have to go lose weight in order to feel good about yourself,” he says. “Look at yourself right here, right now, and love yourself for who you are.”

Though Erikson’s website is titled My Intrepid Journey, he insists that it’s not just his journey that counts.

“I want people to think about their own journeys to be intrepid,” he says. “You know, your journey is important. In fact, your journey is the only journey that matters.”

Sarah Robinson is a contributing editor.

Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

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January/February 2021 11

★

Westerville Honors Veterans Veteran Champion Award new in 2021

By Mallory Arnold

W

esterville is widely known for its utmost support for its Veterans.

Just one example is the Westerville Field of Honor, one of the biggest tributes in the community with 3,500 U.S. flags lining the grounds of the Westerville Sports Complex on the days leading up to Memorial Day. In addition, Westerville residents are highly involved in Westerville’s Honor Flight Columbus, the nationally recognized program that, in the past 13 years, has transported 6,836 senior Veterans to Washington D.C. for a free visit to the nation’s memorials.

With so much outreach and passion in the community, the Westerville Area Chamber has created a new award to be presented at the 2021 Annual Lunch and Awards Program January 26. The Veteran Champion Award is extended to Veteran-owned businesses, but also to those who show endless support and provide resources to Veterans.

“It is an opportunity to recognize and extend our appreciation – or gratitude – to a person in our business community who has either served our country or passionately supports Veterans through their actions of hiring practices, Veteran spousal support and/or support of Veteran programs in the community,” Westerville Area Chamber President and CEO Janet Tressler-Davis says.

Go Virtual for Veterans Yet another source of support for the community’s Veterans can be found through the Westerville Rotary Club. In November 2020, the club put on the Rotary Honors Veterans Virtual 5K Walk/Run to fund a donation to SEALKIDS, a national nonprofit that helps children of Navy SEALs. SEALKIDS focuses on assisting Navy SEAL families with any child education needs. For example, many of SEALKIDS programs offer specialized learning and disability tutoring, something essential but expensive.

The Rotar y Honors Veterans Walk/Run generated a $1,000 donation to SEALKIDS, which will cover the costs of tutoring a child for a whole month.

SEALKIDS Coordinator Blair Bonifield says that although events such as this one are usually inperson, the support is still just as impressive.

“I think these virtual challenges allow people to get out of their houses and give them

Annual Luncheon Jan. 26 The Medallion Club 5000 Club Dr., Westerville 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. www.westervillechamber.com

“It is an opportunity to recognize and extend our appreciation – or gratitude – to a person in our business community who has either served our country or passionately supports veterans.”

Noskowiak taking a selfie in front of her son's banner.

12 January/February 2021

www.westervillemagazine.com

“Westerville is a family,” she says. “I’ve been here my entire life and the community looks out for one another. If there’s a crisis, people will always help. I think residents know how thankful they should be for the sacrifices Veterans make. I’m very proud to say I’m from Westerville.”

Mallory Arnold is an editor. Feedback welcome at marnold@cityscenemediagroup.com.

★

The 2021 Westerville Military Banner Program will be open for applications Jan. 4-March 1.

A small group of organizers met to walk together for the Rotary Honors Veterans 5K/Run.

something to look forward to,” she says. “We saw people come together on Facebook talking about their run and how they were going to do it – people know this is a good cause.”

More Veteran Voices The Military Veterans Resource Center (MVRC), established in Westerville four years ago, helps Veterans transition back home and navigate obstacles such as mental health issues, income, disability and more.

The MVRC Executive Director Len Proper says that it’s important to recognize people who do the right things for the right reasons.

“The men and women who return home from military service are not looking for handouts, special consideration or even a ‘Thank you for your service.’ They just want to get on with their lives,” Proper says. “But sometimes, their service drops some heavy baggage on them and they struggle to adapt and struggle to provide for their families.”

The MVRC allows residents to plug in their Kroger Plus Card so that purchases will earn rewards for the center. People can also shop at smile.amazon.com and selected the MVRC as the charity of choice so that 0.5 percent of the sale benefits the cause.

“Little things mean a lot – a flag flying outside a business, maybe a small discount for veterans,” Proper says. “It tells Veterans that they are not forgotten and that their sacrifices on behalf of their country have not been in vain.”

The Westerville Military Banner Program – managed by the city but a program of the Westerville Parks Foundation – is another way the community celebrates Veterans.

“Aside from being one of the city’s most popular community relations programs each year, there’s a real emotion to it,” Community Affairs Director Christa Dickey says.

“Family members briefly hand over these treasured photos – whether they are from www.westervillemagazine.com

World War II or active duty – and there’s a story of service and sacrifice in each and every one of these faces. Westerville has a long history of honoring its service members, and this has been a special way to continue that tradition.”

Longtime resident, the president of Marine Corps Family Support Community and a mother of several Veterans Cathy Noskowiak is one of the biggest advocates of the Banner Program. Her oldest daughter enlisted into the Army National Guard and her son is a United States Marine, and in December 2020 celebrated nine years serving. Noskowiak was a huge part in the program’s origination and is vocal about Veteran appreciation.

“The Banner Program is a great tool to teach kids. I visit the schools around Veterans Day (pre-COVID-19) and talk about what it’s like to have a family member serve and all the sacrifices our Vets make,” she says. “It’s amazing that people can walk up and down the street and see family, neighbors or even recognize someone at the grocery store who is serving or served.”

For Noskowiak, there’s an easy explanation as to why there are so many programs, celebrations and honors for local Veterans.

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Health Fiction

Doctor dispels common misconceptions

By Brandon Klein

T

here have always been common boosts the immune system rather than misconceptions in health care, starving yourself. but thanks to the internet, health “It’s important to consume the right myths have run rampant in nutrients when you are sick,” recent years. she says. Weston also says Dr. Marguerite W. Weston sleep, nutrition and exercise helped separate fact from are important factors in getting fiction for this issue of better, too.

Westerville Magazine. An Although it’s not necessary alumna of the University of to “feed a cold,” chicken soup’s Toledo College of Medicine, sodium content can help you We s t o n h a s s e r v e d t h e stay hydrated.

Westerville area at OhioHealth And while “starving a fever” for the last three years. is not recommended, some With her advice, Weston Dr. Marguerite W. Weston infections can actually be recommends you always consult with mitigated through the correct use of fasting. your physician.

Weston says that fasting can help combat bacterial infections and a ketogenic diet may Myth help with nerve damage caused by infection.

“Feed a cold, starve a fever.”

This saying goes back all the way to the Myth 16th century. Weston says she disagrees “Going outside in the cold with wet with this sentiment, insisting that although hair will make you sick.” keeping up your strength through a cold “My mom used to tell me that,” Weston is important, you should never force feed says, laughing. yourself. The same goes for a fever; she Going outside in the cold with wet hair recommends eating good, whole food that is likely worse for your hair than your

14 January/February 2021

body. Weston says getting sick depends on coming in contact with bacterial or viral infections, not because your hair is an icicle.

Myth “Getting the flu shot will give you the flu.”

“The flu shot injects a strain of the virus that’s already dead, and therefore, you cannot contract the flu from the shot,” Weston says.

She cites a study in which two groups of people were injected with either the vaccine or a placebo. The same number of people from both groups reported body aches and other symptoms after receiving the shot.

“Getting the flu shot is important because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Weston says. “This year especially, a lot of people are declining the flu vaccine.”

Myth “If you have a fever, you need to see a doctor.”

You don’t necessarily need to run to the doctor – or even the drug store – at the first sign of a fever.

Weston says fevers simply indicate the body is fighting an infection. She adds if the fever is really high, it’s definitely worth a hospital visit. Tylenol or other fever reducers should only be used to alleviate any discomforting symptoms.

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Myth “All calories are created equal.”

“Some foods may have low calories, but are not dense enough in nutrients,” Weston says.

On the other hand, certain foods with a high number of calories are actually healthful, such as avocados and healthy oils.

Myth “Eating fat makes you fat.”

Weston says low-fat diets can actually make you gain weight.

In addition, eating fats doesn’t give you fatty liver disease, which is another common myth. This disease comes from eating diets high in processed carbohydrates.

“Fatty liver is becoming more prevalent in children,” Weston says, “which is very sad.”

Fatty liver disease makes it hard for the body to break down fat and stores the extra carbohydrates in fat. Weston says limiting your carbohydrate intake is important to prevent the disease.

Myth “Being a vegetarian automatically makes you healthy.”

Consuming a vegetarian diet doesn’t magically make you healthy. Many foods are both vegetarian and unhealthy, like potato chips and sugary cereals.

“If you cannot pronounce the ingredients, it’s probably a good idea you shouldn’t eat it,” she says.

Weston recommends a plant-based diet which emphasizes consuming more fruits and vegetables and less fake meat substitutes.

Brandon Klein is an associate editor. Feedback welcome at bklein@cityscenemediagroup.com. www.westervillemagazine.com

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January/February 2021 15

Teaching Tools

Otterbein professor CHATs about public health

By Sarah Robinson

P

ublic health and healthy communities are vital in this day and age, and no one knows this better than Robert Braun. As a professor of public health at Otterbein University, Braun is dedicated not only to his students, but to the community of Westerville and Columbus at large.

In the past year, Braun has worked with Justine Barr, a community health planner for Robert Braun Franklin County, to create a Westerville chapter of Franklin County’s Community Health Action Team (CHAT), a collaborative group of partners working to improve the health and wellbeing of all residents through a partnership with Franklin County Public Health.

“It started out just me and (Justine),” says Braun, “and we started identifying who are some individuals who might want to join our committee to talk about the issues in Westerville, how they impact our residents and what can we do about it.”

Braun and Barr got Westerville involved in January 2020 and have been hard at work ever since. From working with the farmers’ market to having conversations with the schools about mental health and wellness, Westerville CHAT has covered a lot of ground.

Left: Braun and Mariah Nevels presenting research at Otterbein University.

Right: In 2019, Braun was awarded the Outstanding Health Educator Award by the Ohio Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE).

16 January/February 2021

www.westervillemagazine.com

www.westervillemagazine.com

January/February 2021 17

“Rob isn’t your stereotypical professor that lectures in front of a PowerPoint and expects you to memorize the material.”

“We really want to talk to residents about what they want to learn, what are their interests,” says Braun. “We’re all about empowering our residents and their health.”

On campus, Braun works to educate students about health and healthy communities, too. This fall, Otterbein invited its professors from all fields of study to participate in a lecture series titled COVID Conversations. Braun presented a lecture called COVID and Its Effect on Communities of Color.

“With that, I had my students present on what are the issues and why did this happen,” says Braun. “My presentation,

Braun's students piloted the Our World and Social Determinants of Health board game.

then, was on what are the health departments doing about it right now.”

Involving students in hands-on learning is something Braun is passionate

about. Through his collaborations with organizations in Westerville, there are always opportunities to get students involved.

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“I’m a firm believer in building your resume and getting your experience,” he says. “One of the things that sets (students apart) is community experience, like working on community programs and running them, and working on community initiatives.”

And we’re not talking about getting coffee or making copies – the students are doing important work. He even has a student currently working with the Westerville CHAT committee to help collect and analyze data.

“I really have phenomenal students,” he says. “It’s really about them gaining the experience, feeling comfortable working with coalitions and working in front of community groups, helping collect data, whatever it is. I always try to make room for a student or two with whatever I’m working on.”

Braun’s vigor for teaching and love for working with the community has combined in one of the biggest projects he’s been a part of. Coming this year is a public health twist on Hasbro’s Game of Life.

Each fall, Braun teaches a health equity course followed by a health disparities conference in the spring. At the conference three years ago, Braun was collaborating with a colleague to tackle the issue of consolidating a 15-week course into a smaller and more accessible way to learn about health equity and disparities in health.

“The game Life is not true to life,” he says. “What is true to life is what I teach in the health equity course, that not everyone has the same opportunity, not everyone has the same advantages. We started thinking, what if we developed a board game that is based off all the topics we talk about and how they affect individuals?”

The rest is history. Braun worked with a number of students to create, troubleshoot and hone the game and gameplay for Our World and Social Determinants of Health.

“We have it on a board, so it’s like a snaking, winding path, kind of like Life, but what we did was we put issues, real issues, that people face,” he says.

Chris Saylor and Mariah Nevels, two of Braun’s former students, have been heavily involved in the game production process.

“Originally, the game was for students in Rob’s class,” says Nevels, “but what we came to realize is that anyone can play the game. It’s not just for clinicians or health professionals. What we pinpoint in the game is removing yourself from your shoes and putting yourself in the shoes of this game character.”

Gameplay involves drawing cards and proceeding across the game board in a way that mimics real life. From Daily www.westervillemagazine.com

Activity Cards and Scenario Cards to Did You Know cards, every aspect of the game relates to data-backed situations and facts relating to the varied social determinants of health.

Players begin the game by rolling a 10-sided die to determine their character’s starting salary, family situation, health care status and more. Each turn, players draw a card that tells them how to proceed down the board according to their unique situation.

The game will be available in 2021, though an official release date has yet to be set.

Beyond the game and his role in the community, Braun leaves a tremendous impact on his students.

“Rob isn’t your stereotypical professor that lectures in front of a PowerPoint and expects you to memorize the material,” says Saylor. “He finds ways to bring in local experts and professionals to talk about the real-world impact.”

“He’s more than just a professor,” adds Nevels.

Sarah Robinson is a contributing editor.

Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

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Educating the human potential since 1968.

At St. Joseph Montessori School, we invite you we invite you to discover how children grow academically, socially, and emotionally through the power of the Montessori Method.

Learn more at www.sjms.net or call Candice at 614.291.8601

January/February 2021 19

Around Westerville

The Otterbein University Piano Sale Photos courtesy of Otterbein University

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"This was the seventh year we worked with Solich Piano to hold the Otterbein University Piano Sale which benefits our program in so many ways. Solich Piano not only provides excellent instruments for our students,theatre productions and concerts, but also scholarships for our Otterbein Summer Experience. By working with Thomas Solich and Kyle Merritt, we feel we are working with fellow artists and educators to enhance our program and the experience of our students, and we're happy to be able to make these superb instruments available to our community." – Dr. Dennis Davenport, chairperson for Otterbein's department of music.

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New Year, New Goals How to stick to your resolutions

By Maddie Gehring

A

ccording to a survey from YouGov, an international research data and analytical group, 50 percent of people said their 2020 New Year’s resolution was to exercise more, while 43 percent said their goal was to eat healthier. However, the same survey reported that in 2019, only 7 percent stuck with their resolutions.

Westerville resident Laura Berger hopes to increase that number.

Berger, a dietitian with a holistic approach, originally went to school for health promotion and fitness but wasn’t completely satisfied with what that degree offered her.

“I knew that I wanted to work with people to help them be healthier and I didn’t exactly know what that looked like,” Berger says.

She went back to school and earned a Bachelor of Science in dietetics and a master’s in human nutrition from The Ohio State University, which led her to get licensed in dietetics. Berger was finally happy with her knowledge to help others in their pursuit of a healthy lifestyle.

“Through my studies, I really saw the power of food and how not only will it help people lose weight and feel better, but really change people’s lives, help heal chronic disease and help correct digestive disorders,” Berger says.

Berger says she follows a holistic approach that identifies the root cause of problems people are experiencing and treats the body from the inside out. In other words, she targets and treats the problem, not its symptoms.

“I love the holistic perspective because I feel like it’s actually helping people change and heal for the long term, not just giving a little Band-Aid treatment,” Berger says.

A whole lot of holistic help Don’t just remove things from your diet – add on nutrient-dense foods.

“I like to encourage people to eat, not just for the short-term, but really for the rest of your life because it is going to help prevent some of the issues like cancers and heart disease rather than trying to treat it,” Berger says.

She says she sees a spike in interested clients in September and January. She

22 January/February 2021

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YOU HAVE PROJECTS. We Have Craftsmen.

believes this is because people are getting back into routines in these months and want to form new healthy habits. In September, summer is over and school is starting so routines pick back up. It is similar in January, when the holidays are over and things are returning to normal, which is when New Year’s resolutions start to kick in.

Plan ahead.

Berger says most people fail at their resolutions because they lack accountability and they don’t have a plan. People get overwhelmed because they’re not motivated and without a reasonable plan, it’s hard to get started.

“Anybody can do something for a couple of weeks, but if you’re just forcing yourself to do it, you don’t have a structure or a plan that you enjoy, then you’re not going to be successful,” Berger says.

Her pro tip: If you’re going to a party or event, bring a dish that’s in your nutritional plan. That way you have something to eat that’s enjoyable and you’re less likely to splurge on other foods that may not be in your diet.

“Don’t ever rely on somebody else to take care of your nutritional need,” Berger says. “You have to be proactive about it.”

Enjoy the foods you’re eating.

Berger wants her clients to enjoy food and feel good about the plans she sets out for them. She says it’s easy to stick to a fad diet for a few days and lose a couple of pounds, but realistically, unless you make sustainable changes to your lifestyle, you will regain the weight.

“I think if you can find freedom in healthy eating, then you’re going to win,” Berger says.

Don’t feel pressured about resolutions.

Berger says that a lot of her clients feel too overwhelmed to follow healthy habits during the holiday seasons, but there are plenty of opportunities to keep your nutrition in check and maybe just a few special occasions when you can treat yourself.

Maddie Gehring is an editorial assistant.

Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com. www.westervillemagazine.com

Let Us Complete Those Projects for You

Your Trusted Home Ally 614.654.4397 AceHandymanServices.com Handyman Matters is now Ace Handyman Services. ©2020 Ace Handyman Services, Inc. All rights reserved. Locally owned and independently operated Franchise.

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K-5 Academy • Integrated Faith and Learning • Full Day Kindergarten • Academic Rigor • Universal K-3 Violin Instruction • Violin, Band, Choir options, Grades 4, 5 • 1:1 Technology • Spanish Instruction, K-5 • Before and After Care Available

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975 S. Sunbury Road • Westerville, OH 43081 January/February 2021 23

inside living

By Mallory Arnold

Cozying Up with Color Wood, knits and warm tones

I

t’s freezing outside, but it doesn’t have to be inside your house. There are plenty of ways to warm up your home – and we don’t just mean cranking up the thermostat. With just a few décor changes and additions, you can cozy up the feel of any room.

Michelle Ethridge, interior designer of Westerville’s Instyle Interiors, offers her expertise in how you can warm up your space.

Knits Knitted materials exude comfort and warmth. Not only are they useful for an afternoon spent curled up on the couch, they’re also a perfect way to warm up a room.

“The first things that come to mind – I think of area rugs and throw blankets and pillows,” Ethridge says. “Really cozy blankets and throw pillows.”

Ethridge makes it clear that you can be trendy and maintain a beautiful space without sacrificing comfort.

“Anything with a chunky weave is really popular right now. Anything fur, Mongolian hair, that shouts outdoorsy or animal always feels really cozy,” she says.

Macy’s Madison Park Chunky Knit, $200 Restoration Hardware Luxe Faux Fur Throw, $149-329 Incorporate wood Wood has a warm, rich feeling to it.

The tones and finishes vary, allowing decorators to get creative. Combining metal and wood pieces can create an even cozier tone in a room.

“If you have hardwood floors, put down a runner or a large rug by the entryway,” Ethridge says. “You can put faux animal fur

24 January/February 2021

rugs in the living room, even if you already have a carpet, just to winterize it.”

Amish Originals Hair Pin Sofa Table, $365 Pastels and brass Blending pastels and brass gives a soft feel to a bedroom. Try replacing bedsheets with a blush color and incorporate brass and golden orange décor to contrast the two.

“I tend to gravitate toward neutrals, like cream or off white, but it’s more about finding the right materials like wool, chunky knit and fur,” Ethridge says. “Those all feel very warm to me.”

At Home 24D Brass Metal Clock, $29.99 Punched Metal Brass, $34.99 Mallory Arnold is an editor. Feedback welcome at marnold@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Top: Amish Originals Hair Pin Sofa Table Left: At Home Punched Metal Brass Above: Restoration Hardware Luxe Faux Fur Throw

Pantone’s Colors of the Year for 2021 An unexpected pairing

Ultimate Gray - Pantone 17-5104 TCX

Illuminating - Pantone 13-0647 TCX www.westervillemagazine.com

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Luxury Living

what’s your style?

The Powell Buehler Group (614) 915-4588

The Powell Buehler Group (614) 915-4588

27 Nicole Dr., Westerville – Located in the heart of Westerville, this 4 bedroom 2 story has many extras to enjoy! The backyard is like your own retreat, enjoy the spacious screen porch that walks out to a new(2019) patio & Hot Tub, adjustable basketball hoop on concrete pad & plenty of room for gardens!

5655 Oslo Dr., Westerville – Hard to find 4 bedroom, 2 full bath updated ranch home! Wonderful open floor plan! New lighting fixtures & flooring throughout plus a Smart thermostat.

COLDWELL BANKER KING THOMPSON

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ThePowellBuehlerGroup.com

ThePowellBuehlerGroup.com

Connie Sadowski (614) 943-0025

Don’t miss your opportunity to showcase your home listings to every homeowner in Westerville.

Your listings will also appear in the digital edition of the magazine, hosted on the Westerville Magazine home page: westervillemagazine.com

This home defines ''New Urbanism'' and won the most awards in the 2019 Parade of Homes. The main house offers 5 bedrooms, 4 baths, open floor plan, chef's kitchen, and stainless cabinets. The 1st floor master suite offers a spa bath with large master closet.

1st floor guest suite with full bath also makes a great home office.

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Contact Carrie Thimmes today for more information: 614-572-1243 cthimmes@cityscenecolumbus.com

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www.CitySceneColumbus.com 26 January/February 2021

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Top Homes Sold in Westerville

4199 Walnut St. 6 beds 6 baths $2,011,220 Sold on 11/18/20

5750 Bulrush Ct. 4 beds 5 baths $650,000 Sold on 11/15/20

6685 Highland Lakes Pl. 6 beds 8 baths $1,395,000 Sold on 10/07/20

5445 Salem Dr. 3 beds 3 baths $600,000 Sold on 11/22/2020

5598 Lynbrook Ln. 5 beds 5 baths $725,000 Sold on 10/14/20

6614 Montchanin Ct. 4 beds 4 baths $475,000 Sold on 11/19/20

7925 Silver Lake Ct. 4 beds 5 baths $700,000 Sold on 11/29/20

6294 Beringer Dr. 4 beds 3 baths $420,000 Sold on 11/29/20

6615 Highland Lakes Pl. 7 beds 6 baths $680,000 Sold on 09/23/20 4907 Augusta Woods Ct. 4 beds 5 baths $676,900 Sold on 11/29/20

All information is collected from the Delaware and Franklin County Auditor Offices.

The McCurdy Team is a House“SOLD” Name “Your Uptown Realtors” A HOUSE “SOLD” NAME www.KurtMcCurdy.com serving central Ohio

614-818-7676 since 1975

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Now Taking New Listings and Representing Buyers

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Westerville College Ave.

Amazing Mint Condition 4/5 Bedroom 4 Bath with motherin-law suite. Gourmet with stainless package, eating/work island, granite amd more. Finished lower level, stainless bar fully equipped, natural light window, game area and more.

Huge lot with paver patio. Price Low $400s

Mint-condition 2 Story in Wonderful Windemere Location. Includes Gourmet Kitchen, Double Staircase, 2 Story Foyer and Family Room with Wood-burning Fireplace. Fabulous 30x30 Paver Patio, Finished Lower Level and Professionally Landscaped. Includes Formal Living & Dining Rooms. Deluxe Master with Tub & Shower and Vaulted Ceilings.

Value priced $240s.

Contact The McCurdy Team

Charming Cape Cod is Situated on Quiet Cul-de-sac with Ravine Lot. This Custom Quality Home has Exceptional Woodworking Package with Many Built-ins. The 2 Woodburning Fireplaces Accent the Spacious Family Room and Mammoth Master Complex. Value Priced $324,400

The McCurdy Team has a combined experience of over 100 years!

Quaint Cape Cod Situated on Acre Lot in Tranquil, Park-like Setting.

Interior Includes Gourmet Kitchen with Granite Countertops and New Cabinets. Totally Updated Bathrooms. Oversized 1st Floor Master Suite.

Lots of Hardwood Floors. Outdoor Entertainment with Decks, Pool and More. Two Bedrooms with Updated Baths and Dormers, Ideal for Guests or the Growing Family. Mid $230s.

614-818-7676

Conveniently located in Uptown Westerville at 42 Smothers N. StateRoad St. Estate Professional Renovated Westerville

Absolutely Mint Condition. Contractor’s Own Personal Project for Family. Updated Inside and Out Including… New Roof 2009… New Windows 2008… New Gutters 2012…

New Tile 2012… New Carpet 2012… New French Drain 2012… Wood Floors Refinished 2012… Updated Baths…Appliances Included… 4 BR, 2.5 BA, Mid $170s. www.westervillemagazine.com

Remarkable Home Custom Built by Don Gates on a Stunning 6 Acre

us on Lot! Open Floor Plan Features center Island Kitchen withFollow Custom Hickwww.KurtMcCurdy.HERRealtors.com

ory Miller Built Cabinets, Breakfast Bar, Walk-in Pantry and Planning Desk. 2 Story Foyer & Vaulted Ceilings with Skylights in the Great Room.

French Doors Lead to Gorgeous Cedar Sun Room. Insulated Pool Barn with Separate Elec & Insulation – Ideal Workshop or January/February Storage. Low $400s.

2021 27

on the table

By Mallory Arnold

Dress to Impress Lettuce talk salads

K

im Pettingell, marketing director for CHOP5 Salad Kitchen in Westerville, says salads get a bad reputation because, “growing up, salads were part of a meal but not the star of the show.”

Dressing, she says, is a huge part of boosting flavor. Her favorite, made in CHOP5’s kitchen, is the creamy ranch.

“The secret to an amazing salad is that you absolutely have to chop your ingredients together into bite sized pieces and mix the dressing in,” Pettingell says. “You get every ingredient in each bite.”

Mallory Arnold is an editor. Feedback welcome at marnold@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Secret ingredient!

Pettingell says cilantro brown rice is an underrated addition to any salad!

Orange Cranberry Vinaigrette Pairs well with green salad, dried cranberries and chicken • ½ tsp. salt • ½ tsp. grated orange zest • ½ tsp. ground mustard • 1⁄8 tsp. ground pepper • ½ cup canola oil • ½ tsp. poppy seeds In a blender, combine the first six ingredients. Pulse for one minute.

While pulsing, gradually add oil. Stir in poppy seeds.

28 January/February 2021

www.westervillemagazine.com

Complimentary in -Home Consultation Bathroom Design and Remodeling Is What We Do. IT’S ALL WE DO!

Showroom Hours By Appointment Only 614-754-7045 • DreamBathsRemodeling.com

Professional Photographer Digital files for your use Credit Cards,Venmo and PayPal Accepted

Ranch Dressing Pairs well with assorted vegetables, romaine lettuce and wings • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt • 1 tsp. dried parsley • 1 tsp. dried chives

Family Portraits

• 1 tsp. dried dill • 1 tsp. onion powder • ½ tsp. garlic powder • ½ tsp. salt • ½ tsp. black pepper

614-323-6314 or Ray@raylavoie.com to book your session

• 1 tsp. lemon juice • 1 tsp. white rice vinegar • 1 tbsp. water Place all ingredients into a blender or food processor and blend until combined. Serve as a dip or dressing; add more water to thin out if necessary. www.westervillemagazine.com

January/February 2021 29

bookmarks

From the Westerville Public Library

Recommended Reads

Becoming Muhammad Ali

By James Patterson and Kwame Alexander (juvenile fiction)

Get Noticed!

Contact Carrie today for special first-time advertising rates!

Before he was Muhammad Ali, Cassius Clay was a kid dealing with school, bullies and thieves, and discovering a passion for boxing. Combines illustrations, poetry and chapters of text in two voices.

cthimmes@cityscenecolumbus.com 30 January/February 2021

By Ashima Shiraishi (juvenile nonfiction) Discover how rockclimber Ashima solves a complex problem through various techniques such as breaking down a challenge into smaller parts and always trying again and again.

Recommended Reads

Biography of Resistance: The Epic Battle Between People and Pathogens

By Muhammad H. Zaman

Carrie Thimmes 614.572.1243

How to Solve a Problem: The Rise (and Falls) of a Rock-Climbing Champion

The author examines the unfolding health crisis of super bugs through a historical, cultural and scientific lens.

For online library resources such as ebooks, digital magazines, kids activities and more, visit www.westervillelibrary.org

from Annamarie Carlson, Youth Services Librarian

Fauja Singh Keeps Going: The True Story of the Oldest Person to Ever Run a Marathon

By Simran Jeet Singh (juvenile biography) Learn about Fauja Singh, the first 100-year-old to run a marathon.

The Avant-Guards Volume 1

By Carly Usdin (teen graphic novel) Charlie just transferred to the Georgia O’Keeffe College of Arts and Subtle Dramatics.

She isn’t sure where she fits in until she discovers the school’s (terrible) basketball team.

from Megan Chrusciel, Adult Services Librarian

The Healthy Deviant: A Rule Breaker’s Guide to Being Healthy in an Unhealthy World

Food Fix: How to Save Our Health, Our Economy, Our Communities, and Our Planet – One Bite at a Time

By Pilar Gerasimo

By Mark Hyman

This guide to a healthier lifestyle encourages the reader to find a path to healthier eating and fitness that will fit their lifestyle, rather than a cookie cutter approach.

Examine the corrupt and dark reality of our global food system and discover how the food we eat doesn’t just affect our health but the health of our planet.

Heads Up: Changing Minds on Mental Health

By Melanie Siebert In addition to explaining the groundbreaking psychiatric research that led to more compassionate and effective care, this book also delves into how trauma and social inequality affect one’s mental health.

The Westerville Public Library

126 S. State St. • Phone: 614-882-7277 • www.westervillelibrary.org Mon.-Thurs.: 9 a.m.- 9 p.m.; Fri. & Sat.: 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.; Sun.: 1- 6 p.m. www.westervillemagazine.com

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