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JUNE 2020
LocaL
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JUNE 2020
STUFF TO READ
Letter from the Publisher
PAWS Humane Society
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Tired of the Pandemic?
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A Studio Session
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Full Circle
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Springer Opera House Wants You!
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Spring Cleaning
We’ve Got A W.I.L.D Idea For Ya with Dr. Garry Pound
How Trees from Cooper Creek Park Will Find New Lives as Artisan Guitars Theatre Opens Up “Virtual Auditions” To All Local Actors
LOCAL MARCH, MAY 31ST
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FUN, FOOD & YOU
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Making Music Is A Science
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FITNESS With Coach Lily-G
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Broadway in Uptown Columbus
Vital Vittles 7 Can’t Wait For Dine-In The Local Music Group Siantz Has Got It Down To An Art Breathe In Breathe Out
irst and foremost, I’m here to scream from the top of F my lungs at how proud I am of us, Columbus. Amid the chaos we tune into every day on our devices, we can look
around this city of ours and notice there is a calm here, and there is movement, and there is hope. In light of the recent events unfolding across our nation and around the world, for us, this is not about politics. This is about humanity. And we will forever stand against any form of division and injustice. What we’ve witnessed here locally more than anything in the past weeks is a commonality, a goal. To educate and inspire, and to come together in solidarity for all. This is our community, and as much as Columbus has grown, we still have a LOT of work to do. Our hearts are with those who came together to peacefully protest those injustices. As much as I know folks here want nothing but the betterment of our community, there are those few around the nation who think this is a time to cause chaos, and to that, I will share the words of a man much smarter than I, “The real issue is the continued racism in this country, and it is chronic and it is endemic and it is institutional and it speaks to a collective hypocrisy. We are very good, in this country, in telling people how they should live their lives and how they should act, how we preach a high standard, but we still discriminate on the basis of color of skin. That is the simple, painful truth. But this is a moment for truth…The goal has to be affecting change, to use this energy to mobilize people to actually reform society and make things better. And don’t tell me that we can’t change, because we know we have and we can. Our challenge today is to use this moment, to use this energy constructively and DEMAND real positive change and articulate what the change is that we want. Be specif ic. We know what must be done, we know what we can do and we know what should be done and we know what should be done immediately. Most Americans are good, fair minded, decent kind loving individuals. We need to mobilize the best in our people. Rather than allowing the worst. Don’t lose the passion, don’t lose the outrage, be frustrated. But, be smart and be directed and be constructive and destructive. Help your community, don’t hurt your community, be a lazer and focus on Real. Positive. Change. That’s how this moment becomes a different moment, in the history books. That’s how Goerge Floyd ’s death does not become just another name in a long list of people who should have never died in the f irst place. George Floyd must not have died in vain.” - Andrew Cuomo We are lucky, here in Columbus, to have so many positive things to look to and people who inspire us. Our local artists like Dr. Garry Pound, our friends at Paws Humane Society, our brothers Josh and Josiah from Siantz, Frank Shley of Silvan Sessions and his amazing skill, the good folks at Trees Columbus and Parks and Recreation, the Springer Opera House, and so many more. It is a huge honor to give you a taste of this wonderful city. I hope you enjoy- while we laugh, cry, learn and grow, together. #BlackLivesMatter Thank you for reading,
Emily at the Piano, by Garry Pound LocaL
Monica Jones
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706 250 7777
t hel o cal co l u mbu s . co m f acebook .com/t helocalcolumbusga issuu.com/t helocalcolumbus
What We Are All About. The mission of the LocaL magazine is to bring you the best in art, music, food and fun from Columbus and the surrounding area. Locally owned and operated, we work to improve and expand community relationships through promoting positive events and stories. When good things are happening, we will be here to help you get involved. Our monthly print issues will feature stories and events that comprise and drive the ongoing surge toward a more beautiful community. This magazine exists because we who work on it believe in actively engaging with community improvement, and we invite you to join us, not only by reading these pages, but also by taking part in any of the many wonderful events we feature.
PUBLISHER
Monica Jones publisher@thelocalcolumbus.com ads@thelocalcolumbus.com editor@thelocalcolumbus.com
LAYOUT & DESIGN
Mat Cornett
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Scott Berson
ADVERTISING | PUBLIC RELATIONS Anastasia Tikka
CONTRIBUTORS & CREDITS
Scott Berson Natalie Downey Tricia Montgomery Lily G S. Adam Icard COVER ART PROVIDED BY Pound Studio JUNE 2020
Humane Society By Tricia Montgomery
brown deposits known as dental tartar. Dental tartar cannot be removed by any amount of brushing. By brushing your pet’s teeth daily, you remove plaque, preventing or slowing tartar buildup. As with all things, results depend on the effort you give and on a pet’s predisposition (some develop plaque and tartar easily and require brushing more urgently than others). Getting Started Equipment/materials needed: • Dog/Cat • Pet toothbrush or child’s/pediatric toothbrush • Pet toothpaste It is important to use toothpaste formulated specifically for pets. Human toothpaste is to be avoided, as it will often cause stomach upset if swallowed. Baking soda, with its very high
et’s talk about Spring Cleaning. No, not LBrushing your house, your pet’s teeth! your pet’s teeth is the key to
maintaining good oral hygiene. As a result, dental cleaning procedures at your veterinarian are less likely to be needed, and bad breath (halitosis) is reduced. Brushing the teeth also helps spare a dog or cat oral pain: periodontal disease, a painful condition that occurs when inflammation affects the gums and other tissues around the teeth, is reduced or eliminated with good oral hygiene. Brushing the teeth is easy to do, because only the upper teeth (not the lower teeth), and only the outside surfaces of the teeth (not the inside
surfaces) need to be brushed. In dogs and cats, like in people, what the dentist and hygienist do is only a small, though essential, part of the oral hygiene program. The responsibility for health and general wellbeing of your dog or cat is yours, and this should include basic dental care. Brushing your pet’s teeth is the main component of home dental care. The purpose is to remove plaque before it becomes tartar. Plaque is a slime composed of bacteria, saliva, and food particles that adheres to the teeth and fills the pocket between the tooth and gum. Left undisturbed, plaque rapidly collects minerals from the saliva to form the rock–like LocaL
sodium content, can be dangerous to older patients. Hydrogen peroxide can be too harsh for the gums and can cause nausea if swallowed. Perhaps the most important point to consider is that this simple preventive can become part of a daily routine and, when followed by a treat, becomes something a dog or cat enjoys. It is easy to train pets when they are young to enjoy having their teeth brushed. Older pets, on the other hand, tend to develop more periodontal disease, and their mouths and/or gums may be tender to the touch. A complete dental cleaning by your veterinarian may be required prior to initiating tooth brushing. Once all of the plaque, tartar and, if necessary, diseased teeth have been removed, you will have greater success.
PROCEDURE The first step is to work with your pet’s mouth. With a little patience, your pet will soon accept your attention. Make it fun for both of you. Use 4
a lot of love and praise to gain their confidence. Try to brush their teeth at the same time each day so your pet gets into a routine. Late in the evening can work well if everyone involved is in a quieter mood. If your pet is highly motivated by food, try just before dinner, with the meal acting as a reward for cooperating. Start by handling the muzzle and lips. Soon you should be able to rub the teeth and gums with your finger. Place a little bit of soft cheese (for dogs) or tuna juice (for cats) on your finger when doing this. Many pets will then look forward to this treat. Next, use a soft toothbrush to brush the teeth. Several veterinary brushes are available, and many human (children’s) soft–bristle brushes are well suited to animal use. Place a small (pea–sized) amount of toothpaste on the bristles of the brush, lift the upper lip, place the brush on the outer surface of the teeth, and brush gently in small circles. You need only brush the upper teeth, and only the outside surfaces (the side of the teeth facing out, not the side of the teeth facing the tongue). Making it a game that ends in a reward is the key to enjoying this and making it easy on you and your pet. Brushing at least three times weekly is
recommended, and once a day is ideal. Afterwards By following a consistent program of home care, you will greatly improve your pet’s dental health. This will mean fewer professional cleanings, less tooth loss, and a happier, healthier pet. However, there is no substitute for professional veterinary care. You must work as a team with your veterinarian to ensure a long and happy life for your pet.u Adoption Hours: Mon-Fri•10am-6pm, Sat•10am-5pm, 4900 Milgen Road Columbus pawshumane.org office@pawshumane.org (706) 565-0035 Vet Clinic (706) 987-8380 JUNE 2020
A wide array of outdoor gear from camping stoves to sleeping bags is also available for sale at the W.I.L.D. office. W.I.L.D. has something to offer any woman who is interested in the outdoors, whether she is brand
By Natalie Downey ature is medicine. It’s a well-known fact that N spending time in the outdoors has many physical and mental benefits and can improve a person’s
quality of life. A local organization called Women’s Initiative for Learning and Discovery (W.I.L.D.) is giving women the opportunity to make spending time in nature a regular part of their lives. W.I.L.D. is a nonprofit organization formed and led by Sanna Moravek, a California native who has settled here in Columbus. With a lifelong passion for
the outdoors, Sanna started W.I.L.D. to help local women learn outdoor skills that they can practice and put to use on their own in the wild. W.I.L.D. regularly hosts clinics, classes, and trips. Clinics are free and focus on teaching outdoor skills that women may not have been taught as little girls. Topics for clinics include things like building and cooking over a fire, wilderness first aid, what to do when you encounter wildlife, and how to purify water. After clinics, trips are planned which give the women a chance to put the skills they’ve learned to use. W.I.L.D. has taken trips to Florida where they kayaked with manatees and wild monkeys, to the Appalachian Trail where they hiked through miles of wildflowers as tall as themselves, to the Nantahala
new to the wild or a lifelong lover of nature. But W.I.L.D. is about more than just outdoor education and camping trips. There is a sense of empowerment that comes from being able to start your own fire, and there is a deep camaraderie that forms amongst a group of women who have backpacked and camped together. While lessons are learned and skills are honed, friendships are formed. And that is how lives
in our community are made just a little bit, or maybe a lot, better. Although the pandemic has caused several planned W.I.L.D. trips and events to be put on hold, with the proper precautions, W.I.L.D. is looking forward to adding trips and events back onto the calendar in the coming months. For more information about W.I.L.D. visit the facebook page: “WILD - Women’s Initiative for Learning and Discovery.” u
River where they whitewater rafted together, and to many other beautiful places. Trips range in difficulty levels from beginner to advanced, and W.I.L.D. also takes day hikes from time to time. For those who are new to camping or want to try out gear before buying, W.I.L.D. offers rental equipment and the use of gear is free for anyone who goes on a trip with the organization, for that specific trip. LocaL
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JUNE 2020
Garry (center) with Robert Trammel (left) & William Oliver (right) photo by Julianna Wells
A STUDIO SESSION WITH DR. GARRY POUND
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ight streams in through six foot windows, illuminating paths of air like spaceship beams. This former orthodox synagogue is full again, albeit the images that
Pound Studio, photo by Tony Pettis
fill its space now are slightly less orthodox. Faces are everywhere, frozen fragments of life. Some are smiling, some are serious, some eyes hold secrets of stories one can only guess the meaning of. The human body is reverently and unapologetically exhibited, an homage to life in its most vulnerable form. Each face is different, each work inspired at a different moment in time, perhaps a meeting in town or a connection begun casually in a coffee shop. The studio belongs to local artist Dr. Garry Pound, who reposes surrounded by his masterpieces. His work in our community has unfolded over the years as a procession of tales that illuminate the lives of the people who live here, or at least hint at their stories. Art is in Garry’s blood. Growing up in a home where both of his parents were artists, Garry was used to having access to art supplies, seeing the artistic process carried out, and being supported by his parents in his artistic endeavors. He grew up surrounded by an appreciation for the aesthetic that translated to not only his art, but also
Coffee Shop Series “Fountain City Faces” photo by Steve Scott LocaL
By Natalie Downey to his work to make Columbus a more beautiful place. Though he left Columbus for a while to get his Ph. D, Garry returned after finishing his studies and has had a studio in the city for the past 40 years. He has made an impact on our community not just as an artist, but also in the part he’s played in the restoration of at least 12 properties in the Historic District area. As the Historic District was coming to life, so was the part of Columbus now known as Uptown, and today, Garry says, “It’s been amazing, the transformation that has occurred. There’s an energy here that there wasn’t when I first moved down to the area.” While Garry’s talent comes naturally, his commitment to producing quality work is a character trait that sets him apart and solidifies his reputation. His focus is on authenticity and a raw, genuine representation of the person he is painting or drawing.
a pencil or a brush.” Garry has predominantly worked on commissioned pieces for clients, mostly portraits, and his work can also be found around town. Art is a vulnerability to both the artist and the subject. Garry’s art speaks to the vulnerability of the human being, the human body in its most natural state, and the intimacies of the details of the human face. Many people in our community have enjoyed his series of portraits that line the walls of the Fountain City Coffee shop (1007 Broadway), a series called Fountain City Faces. An idea which began with Garry thinking he’d only be drawing a handful of faces for display in the coffee shop has turned into a series of around 180 different faces drawn by Garry. The project has led Garry to begin conversations with and ultimately draw the faces of people he would not ordinarily approach, people who strike him as interesting, inspiring him to draw them, another face added to the collection on the wall, each unique in its own way. The portraits cover the walls of the coffee shop now, giving passersby a glimpse of the kaleidoscope of faces that make up our community. In a culture where people seem to hardly notice one another’s faces, Garry’s work invites us to look closely, to see this freckle, those wrinkles, that sparkle in the eyes. It arouses a curiosity, a desire to hear the story, an empathy felt in the realization of the commonalities we share as
Dr. Garry Pound
Inspiration is the elusive white stag for an artist. While some artists wait for inspiration to strike, Dr. Pound has an interesting approach, remaining committed to his work, though he admits there are “good days, bad days, good art, and art that stinks.” He shows up, brush in hand, and gets to work, and the inspiration eventually catches up. “It’s not about the inspiration, it’s about the work, and that creates the inspiration. When I’m pushing the work and get on a roll, it seems to pour out.” Garry’s work is vast and his skill is indescribable, his subject matter often focuses on the human figure, portraits, faces. “There are so many nuances in the human face,” Garry says, noting that, “It’s always a challenge to try to capture somebody’s personality with 6
Pandemic Series, Garry Pound Studios JUNE 2020
a human race. Skin, noses, eyes, imperfections. Garry’s work captures the essence of life as the humans we truly are. Perhaps artists such as Garry possess a special sixth sense for seeing life as if it is happening in a still frame, inspiring to memorialize a moment, a glance, a flicker of light on a person’s face. “Art, above all, is about awareness,” Garry says. Garry’s work continues to inspire our
Ralph Frank by Garry Pound
Oliviatown, a story and music by Allen Levi, Artwork by Garry Pound ‘2003
community and will undoubtedly leave a legacy that future generations will value. The portraits he has created will endure long after the faces in them have changed and aged, and the faces he has drawn will continue to tell the collective story of
@meenrachel
the humanity of our city. His work can be seen on his curated Instagram account @garrypoundstudio & @poundstudio on facebook, which he seeks to use as a sort of weekly diary. His studio is located in Columbus at 100 7th Street and is open to the public. u
Photo by Rachel Meenan photography LocaL
Oil Sketch of Bennett
George Floyd by Garry Pound 7
JUNE 2020
McDaniel said the project was possible through the great relationship Trees Columbus and other groups like Parks and Rec built with each other. “We started the relationship with Parks and Rec with Lakebottom Park, since a lot of trees get knocked down there. “We said we would love to be able to take this idea of restoring the tree canopy to all the parks, not just the one. We really got that
H ow T r e es f r o m C o o p e r C r eek Pa r k
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W i l l F i n d N e w L i v e s a s A r t i s a n G u i ta r s
rank Schley has always built his guitars with a heart turned toward this community. His handcrafted instruments, like the Damcaster, use cast-off materials from Columbus’ history, like the old pine pieces of the downtown dam, into guitars. He is able to turn “junk” into some of the most resonant and beautiful musical instruments you can buy in Georgia -- hell, anywhere. So when he heard that there was an opportunity to help salvage some iconic trees in Columbus, he jumped at it. With the partnership between the city’s Parks and Rec department and Trees Columbus, he’ll be able to turn some downed trees from Cooper Creek Park into 15 exquisite, locally-crafted guitars. The idea came about months ago, when the city had to cut down some majestic oak trees on the median of Broadway, said Trees Columbus executive director Dorothy Rodrigue McDaniel. “I had talked to Frank a couple times before, but when those trees came down in the median of Broadway, we didn’t know about that ahead of time and those trees got sent to the landfill. But that’s when I got the contact information for Frank. Next time, I was able to give him a call.” For decades, Cooper Creek Park has been a green oasis in the middle of the city. People wander the park in the morning, bright eyed with binoculars at the ready, to search for birds and wildlife. People run the fitness trail under the cool green canopy of oaks and ash trees. Families bring their kids to picnic by the water, play on the playgrounds and feed the geese and ducks. But persistent flooding has damaged some of the park’s infrastructure and amenities, and harmed some of the trees. Thankfully, the city received a grant to upgrade a playground at Cooper Creek. Trees Columbus was called in to do a full survey of the surrounding trees and make recommendations for which should be removed and where new trees should be planted. “One of the things that we did through the Canopy Restoration Project (an initiative of Trees Columbus to repair the city’s thinning tree canopy) is to come up with a system for evaluating trees,” McDaniel said. “What is the new square footage, how much space do they need, the trees that are on site? You identify trees that might need to be removed anyway, that have any disease or damage or are already dead, and look at the others in context. Is there a particularly nice or desirable tree species in good condition? If you see that, you say, let’s work around that tree.” At Cooper Creek, they recommended removing an old ash tree and planting new trees to provide shade and comfort to the
new playground. When that ash tree came down, it could have been trucked off to the dump. Instead, it will become something totally new. “Dorothy messaged me and said, ‘These trees are coming down, do you want them?’ I said sure, and she put me in touch with the leader of the crew taking them down, and I went out there and checked on them and he cut them all up,” Schley said. “It’s thousands of pounds. Each stump is 200 to 300 pounds and I have nine of them in my workshop now.” Schley said he had never made a guitar out of ash before, but pointed out
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that the legendary guitar-maker Fender has used ash to create the bodies of its guitars before.
kicked off. Anywhere you have a project going on that’s going to impact trees in any way, call us and we can help,” she said. “We can create a safer park, a park that has trees in the right places, that are providing shade for people using the parks.” She said they were working on ideas for how other people could collect salvaged wood too. “We know it can be done, but we have to make it a little systematic. I’d love to see more of that wood salvaged, or a formal partnership on some of these projects, we could use some of these creative solutions.”u
JUNE 2020
Theatre Opens Up VIRTUAL AUDITIONS To All By Scott Berson
Springer Opera House Wants You!
olumbus has always been a place of art, and C no small part of that has been thanks to the venerable Springer Opera House. The brick guardian
on 10th Street has housed uncountable nights of laughter and sorrow, happiness and shock and surprise and joy. Now, as it sits patiently awaiting the end of the pandemic, the Springer is opening up its audition process virtually – and inviting all local actors, amateurs, singers, dancers and more to audition for its post-COVID season. Over a four-day period each May, the Springer holds season auditions to survey talent for the upcoming season. Traditionally these auditions are attended by local amateurs, educational theatre practitioners, along with professional actors. Many of the professional actors travel to Columbus from Atlanta, New York, Nashville, or other cities around the US to be seen in person by Springer Opera House directors. This year, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Springer will restructure the entire audition process, shifting to a virtual format in which actors submit their audition by video. For actors who don’t audition regularly, the Springer says this will provide an advantage eliminating the stress of an in-person audition with directors, choreographers, and other staff. The Springer was forced to make the agonizing decision to cancel its season earlier this year, calling the COVID pandemic an “existential challenge.” Springer producing artistic director Paul Pierce wrote that he was “committed to using all my creative powers to get us back in the groove and the Springer staff is chomping at the bit to get it done.” The Springer has since devoted some of this time to serving the community by stitching hundreds of face masks from its costume shop to send to healthcare centers. Now, the Springer is looking toward the future with virtual auditions. The Springer has a long history of mixing local avocational actors, student actors, non-union professionals, and Actors Equity Association professionals on its stages. “We have found that the mixture of all these artists makes everyone better and provides variety and diversity in our shows,” said Pierce. “There was a time when virtually all actors, singers, and dancers on our stages were volunteer hobbyists who did theatre for fun and recreation. But as the challenges of putting up fourteen productions a year put pressure on the schedule, it became necessary to cast full-time professional actors who could put in full days to keep production excellence high. In the coming season, we will still do that, but I have decided to make sure we give local actors a serious shot at leading, supporting, featured, and ensemble roles.” Springer associate producer Katie Underwood is the theatre’s casting director, and she is eager to connect with young up-and-coming talent as well as
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experienced local artists that the Springer may not currently know. “In the coming season, we want to impact the community in an ever more meaningful way,” explained Underwood. “ We think we can do that by spotlighting area artists more frequently. The Springer staff will be taking a deep look at any locals submitting for lead and supporting roles in the 2020-21 season.” “We have heard during this unprecedented time, ‘We are all in this together.’” Underwood continued. “As public gatherings become possible again, communities will need connections to the arts more than ever. The Springer’s bond to Columbus runs deep with a rich history of highlighting the best talent. The upcoming 2020-21 season will continue in that tradition but with the added splash of more local artists.” While the Springer Opera House has been closed to the public this spring, some Springer staff members have been using this time to do some much-needed work in the Springer’s historical archives. One of those employees is production stage manager Rebecca Gossett. “It’s amazing how much great local talent we’ve had in our shows over the years,” says Gossett. “I know a lot of the more recent ones, but it’s incredible to see so many of the old hands in the archives.” Assistant stage manager, MH Harrison, has had her hands on the archives, as well. “The community support for the Springer has always been tremendous,” she says. “Many of the local actors listed in playbills are still connected to the Springer, and it’s exciting to see that they once played leading and supporting roles here. I’m struck with the cultural legacy this theatre has.” Performers interested in auditioning can apply via a Google Form on the Springer website at www.springeroperahouse.org/casting. If artists have a prepared dance reel, they may include it, as well. But for those without any dance background, Springer guest directors, Keith McCoy and Shane Hall have created dance combinations that actordancers can rehearse, film, and submit to be considered for a musical.u
photo by mj 9
JUNE 2020
We Stand UP for justice and solidarity with those who for so long have not had a voice Photography by Scott Gilpatrick
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local March, May 31st, Broadway in Uptown Columbus LocaL
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Vital Vittles VII Ca n’t Wa i t Fo r Di ne -I n
“Are you guys open for dine-in service yet? When will you be open for dine-in?” I hear and ask these words a few times a week. Curbside and takeout are great, and I feel a lot of local businesses have been blessed to be able to continue operations instead of shuttering up permanently. But how many industry employees are anxious to get back to seeing the regulars again? I know I am. With that being said, I also understand many employers’ skepticism in opening back up full-throttle. The safety and health of employees and clientele are of the utmost concern and there is a lot of uncertainty on whether things will return to normal. We can dream though, can’t we? What restaurants, holes-in-the- wall, diners, sports bars, and other eateries have you all been dreaming about returning to? Here are two places I can’t wait to dine in once we have a better handle on Covid-19. The food and atmosphere really are worth the trip, and I can’t praise these two immigrantowned restaurants enough!
I’ve had takeout from this first place a few times since the shelter-in-place started and I probably go here at least once a week for groceries. The wonderful little spot I’m speaking of is Super Mercado Las Americas on Hamilton Road. The tacos at this restaurant/supermarket are out of this world good. I’ve tried each and every one but now I tend to always get the tripe taco. It’s the best in the city in my opinion -and yes, I’ve been to La Mexicana de Columbus, which I also love. The main reason I want to actually dine inside the restaurant is almost ritualistic.When I eat there, I’ll get a Grapefruit Jarritos, about five or six tacos, and gorge myself on the simple-yet-elegant, small-yet-stuffed deliciousness, You can’t beat a fresh taco hot from the kitchen to your table. It’s magical. On the plus side, once you’ve completed your trip to bliss, you can pick up a fairly-priced flank steak (seasoned or unseasoned) on the way out. My number two spot would be where my wife and I used to go on Sundays. Since I moved back to Columbus three years ago, we went Pho Viet on Sidney Simons Blvd nearly LocaL
every weekend. The pho there is outstanding. Our house loves pho so much that we would hit up Pho Viet on Sunday and turn around and go to Uptown Vietnamese Cuisine on Broadway on Monday. We would do this just to compare
the different broths. UVC is still open and we have been frequenting them about three times a month, but I miss Pho Viet. I miss being able to go in and before we even get to the table, the server knows what we’re going to order and has the drinks at the table within two minutes of sitting. The pho comes out hot and my wife and I like to guess what day the broth is on. (She’s a second day broth person, I’m a 3rd.) There is always plenty of sprouts, thai basil, and cilantro to add to it and the chili rack always makes it to our table without even having to ask. We have sat in that place for hours just talking with friends. I truly miss it and can’t wait for them to open back up. As for Epic, we are anxiously awaiting the time that we feel is safest to open our dining room. I feel I speak for any number of restaurateurs, chefs, line-cooks, servers, and bartenders by saying we miss providing a date night,
birthday or anniversary dinner, company party, or business dinner to our amazing clientele, new and old. I personally cherish the time our guests allow us to share in their making of everlasting memories. We miss you! And we count on being able to pour up a cocktail, whip up a delicious meal, and share a conversation with you in the future. Dine-in will come back strong and we’ll be here for you when it does. Stay tuned and Keep Moving Forward. #KMF u @adam.icard Adam Icard 12
JUNE 2020
MAKING MUSIC IS A SCIENCE
& THE LOCAL MUSIC GROUP SIANTZ HAS GOT IT DOWN TO AN ART
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rowing up in a military family, brothers Josh and Josiah Fiveash moved around a lot. Music was always a part of their lives, with Joe singing “since he came out of the womb,” according to Josh. Around the age of 14, Josh’s mom made him learn to play the piano, which he eventually traded for a guitar. But first, he perfected his piano skills. After someone told him he couldn’t play the piano, Josh stayed up nights learning to play. The musical skills he determinedly developed on the piano led to his success when he picked up the guitar, and his musicmaking expanded from there. The music of Siantz is an eclectic representation of the different musical styles that have influenced each brother. While Joe finds that his influence often stems from folk and cinematic types of music, Josh’s influences come from rock, pop, EDM, and dance styles of music. These influences lead to a fusion of sound that forms a
Joe & Josh
style unique to Siantz. “What inspires us is completely opposite, but it comes together so well,” Josh explains. The result is music that draws its listener in, dreamy and melodic, vocals both ethereal and powerfully soulful, a sound that is not just a song to perform, but a story to tell. A story of humanity in which we can all find something relatable. Though the brothers explored music individually for most of their lives, it wasn’t until the end of their teenage years that they began making music together. Around the end of high school, the brothers wrote their first song together spontaneously from start to finish. After that, Josh and Joe began regularly writing songs together. For them, songwriting has always been collaborative. “It starts out with an idea,” says Josh, “then we’ll just start singing something and it will branch out from there, and eventually we’ll have a full song.” Though the name of the band comes from combining the two brothers’ names, it is a tongue-in-cheek allusion to the process of making music. “It really becomes a science,” says Joe. The brothers remember writing the song “Rip Van Winkle” while Joe was getting his hair braided. Josh was playing around on the guitar, waiting on his brother, when he played a riff that caught Joe’s attention. Joe asked him to play it again, and he started to sing along as the tunes evolved into a song by the time Joe’s hair was finished. LocaL
By Natalie Downey Siantz went on to perform at local open mic venue No Shame Theatre, hosted by the Springer Opera House. Their performance of “Let Go” at No Shame went viral and word was out about the music of Siantz. The brothers have played in some interesting places, one being Columbus’ National Civil War Naval Museum. Their performance at the museum was especially interesting because they performed on the ship that used to sit in front of the museum, the “Water Witch.” They are the only people who have ever played live on the ship. Josh and Joe have introduced their music to places other than Columbus, traveling to Tennessee and Atlanta to perform. Last year they won the first round of a competition at the Atlanta venue Eddie’s Attic, known for their open mic night where multiple famous artists got their start. The final competition was set for this summer, though the pandemic has caused this to be postponed. Playing in Columbus is all about reaching the community. “I feel like, as far as Columbus goes, it’s really about touching the individual through our music,” says Josh. Siantz has found support in the local community, as well as the challenge to expand and continue to create in unique and new ways. “As small as Columbus is, it always finds a way to throw you a curveball,” Joe says, noting that “Playing the type of music people don’t expect is a good thing.” While the brothers are still actively creating and playing music, they have had to do it from home for the past few months due to the pandemic. Though they have missed public performances, they say they are trying to find something positive in the situation, “using the silver lining to work on music.” They are currently working on a new album, and while they do have collaborators on recording, they do most of their work at home. For this reason, Siantz has been able to keep working on their latest project - a new album. They hope to have a release party when the album is finished and local venues are once again allowed to safely host crowds for events. For Josh and Joe, music is a form of self-exploration and expression that offers a camaraderie of perspective to its listeners. “We have a plethora of parts of ourselves we explore through our music,” Joe muses. Our community is fortunate to have the opportunity to experience firsthand the talent of Siantz as it unfolds. Along with an upcoming album, Siantz has more live events on the horizon. Be on the lookout for opportunities to watch them perform in person. u
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FITNESS WITH COACH LILY-G Breathe In
Breathe Out eel better? Maybe not much, but I’m sure we all need that bit of calm right about now. F Most of us have been locked in the house for months, drinking our sorrows away, eating our way through boredom, and without fancy gym equipment to keep our summer
bodies in check. Now that we have a little more freedom, we can start getting our lives together, slowly but surely. One of the best ways to feel “in control” and healthy is to start a new fitness routine. Fitness is such a broad topic and everyone has their own version of what “fit” or “healthy” is to them. I’ve been in the industry for almost 8 years now and I have seen every spectrum of the fitness world. I’ve seen every cheat and hack and trick and I’ve heard all the advice. The thing with fitness is, it’s changing EVERY. DAY. The game is constantly changing. Which makes my job fun, but challenging. So for my top five tips, we’re going back to the basics and starting from a clean slate. #1. Get excited! Finding and KEEPING that initial excitement and motivation is harder to maintain than you’d think. So how do you find it and keep it? *Try shopping for new gym gear. A cute new outfit, some new kicks, or even a new gym bag. *Set some goals - and document them. Writing them down, posting them online, or even telling them to someone who will hold you accountable will help you stay on top of it. When I have something to prove not only to myself, but to people watching me, it’s game on. I don’t ever want anyone to prove me wrong-especially myself. *Make a commitment. This goes hand in hand with setting goals, but making a commitment to a certain fitness challenge, or even committing to a fitness coach will help keep that fire lit under your butt.
#2. The “one factor” rule This is a big one for me. This is a rule I apply to all of my clients. I am a firm believer in “keeping it simple” and making it as non-stressful as possible. I feel if we change too many factors at once it can become overwhelming and cause us to get discouraged or give up. To avoid this, we apply the “one factor rule.” This means we change factors slowly, with caution, we pay attention, and we create long term results and a lifestyle. You don’t have to dive in head first and immediately change every aspect of your life. Small changes. So over time: *Increase your water intake. *Create a habit of taking your vitamins. *When it comes to your diet, start with eliminating certain foods. *Count your calories and learn about foods and their macronutrient make up. Later, you can incorporate those supplements and nail down a strict diet. Slow progress is still progress. Create a lifestyle - not a quick fix. #3. Experiment There isn’t a one answer, magic diet, magic pill, or super training program that is going to change every person’s life. That’s impossible. Every single body is different, everyone has different abilities, and we are all human. That being said, we all have to learn as we go. Even the professionals. In order to find something that is going to work for you longterm and bring continuous results, it will be a
By Lily Hall Lily G the SweatQueen
long road of trial and error. Making healthy lifestyle changes will change your body. Period. But to find your perfect storm, there will be some bumps along the road, and that is okay. *Try different coaches, *Sign up for that new fitness class. *Adjust your schedule to keep you more motivated. Whatever works, keep it. Whatever doesn’t, change it. #4 Accountability You’d be surprised how much this one does for you if you nail it down. Accountability is an iffy one and it’s hard to maintain, especially if you have already quit the thing you’re trying to be held accountable for. So here’s how you crush this one. *Involve everyone. Involve as many people as you can. *Tell your friends. *Post on social media. *Have your friends join you. Whether it means sharing your goals with others, posting a challenge for others to join you, or posting progress pictures or post-workout pics. Whatever you are willing and able to do, do it. No one wants to be that person who “was doing so good”, right? You want to be the one who looks so good and has been working so hard. #5 Don’t rely on motivation This one I want to scream from the rooftops. Feeling motivated is an emotion, and if there is anything I’ve learned in life, it’s to not let emotions affect things that are important to you. I know, motivation isn’t affecting you in a bad way, right? Wrong. Motivation is a fleeting feeling - a temporary mood. Relying on a temporary, unreliable feeling to accomplish your goals is dangerous, and I promise you won’t succeed. Motivation is wonderful when it’s in
full swing and can help you crush your workouts. But when it isn’t there, when you have no drive, where do you go from there? How do you get to the gym without motivation? You decide. *Make the decision to make those changes and to accomplish those goals - not only when you “feel motivated” *Use the motivation when you have it. When you feel that fire, use it. Push yourself and take advantage of that extra drive. *Create that habit and that lifestyle so it isn’t a battle with yourself about what is right, wrong, or necessary. Eventually, it isn’t a struggle with “if ” and it’s more a struggle with “when” or “how.” Motivation is a wonderful feeling to celebrate and I hope I have initiated some motivation within you at some point. At the end, though, I want us all to learn to rely on our own selves for that fire and that drive. That will be your ultimate tool for success. I hope you can apply a few of these tips to your fitness journey, whether you’re chugging along gracefully or you’re just starting. I hope that our own clarity and control can contribute to those around us during a time when unity is more important than ever.As always, I’m here to answer your questions, give you advice, or help you in any way you can. Stay strong, stay safe, and stay healthy, Columbus! Here’s to a better second half of 2020.u
www.lilygfit.com • instagram.com/lilygfit • facebook.com/LilyGFit LocaL
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