Family-owned and operated for over 77 years, Diamond Cellar is Columbus’ premier destination for the most brilliant diamonds at the guaranteed best price. We are dedicated to providing exceptional quality and service, ensuring that every time you leave our showroom, you are leaving with something truly extraordinary.
Divinely Inspired. Expertly Crafted.
PUBLISHER
Wayne T. Lewis
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Lindsay Press
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Megan Smith
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Taylor Dorrell
Ben Callahan
Cory Reeb
Shiann Banks
Jen Brown
Wendy Pramik
Kyle Long
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sharon Weiss
Melinda Green
Taylor Dorrell
John M. Clark
Wendy Pramik
Canaan Lendell
CREATIVE DESIGNERS
Bryce Patterson
Tori Smith
Atlas Biro
VIDEO PRODUCER/ EDITOR
Austin Black
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Zoe King
MARKETING COORDINATOR
Emma Mortellaro
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Meggin Weimerskirch
SALES MANAGER
Paul VanHorn
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Mindy Wilhite
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Anna Gerhard
Wyatt Krupp
BRAND MANAGER, 614 LAGER
Lizzy Saunders
EVENTS COORDINATOR
Lizzy Saunders
As a teenager, my dad took me numerous times each summer to see the plays in Schiller Park in German Village. He was an avid cook and would always pack us a hearty meal for the performance. He'd make this cheese dip—some conglomeration of cottage cheese, herbs, and spices that I would single-handedly polish off before intermission. The plays were undoubtedly fantastic, but that cheese dip lives on in memory.
The following months in Ohio are arguably the best. Humidity makes way for crisp air, and even if one isn't a football fan, it's hard not to get caught up in the excitement of a gameday Saturday in Columbus.
From farmer's market produce just hitting its height of autumnal vegetables to finding an excuse for any drive that takes us on a country road, this issue is dedicated to all things refined (always) and outdoors.
If you can, sneak in the season's final performance for the Actors' Theater of Columbus. An Iliad is Lisa Peterson and Denis O'Hare's retelling of Homer's famous epic about war, cycles of violence, and what it means to change the narrative.
And be sure to pack a hearty picnic.
P.S. Have a story idea for us? I’d love to hear about it ~ megan@614mediagroup.com
@nostalgicallymegan
CONTRIBUTORS
Taylor Dorrell is a contributing writer, columnist, reporter, and freelance photographer based in Columbus, Ohio. His work has been published in Business Insider, VICE, Teen Vogue, Bloomberg Businessweek, and Jacobin Magazine.
Shiann Banks is a passionate photographer who was born and raised in Columbus Ohio. With a keen eye for detail and a love for capturing moments. Shiann specializes in portrait, fashion, and documentary photography. Her work has been featured in several exhibitions and publications, showcasing her unique perspective and storytelling abilities through images
Melinda Green is a freelance writer, web developer at Fahlgren Mortine in Columbus, and a former classical singer and horse trainer. She has been writing for publications around the city, covering arts and features for twenty years.
Ben Callahan is a writer, photographer, and entrepreneur, among other things. His motto is, “stay in learning mode,” which helps him remember that every interaction is an opportunity to grow. Find him at bencallahan.com.
Originally from New York, Jen Brown is a commercial, brand and lifestyle photographer. She is the owner of Flat 51, a photo studio and event space in Columbus. Jen also curates the German Village Makers Market. Find her at jenbrownphotos.com
Tori Smith is an ADDY awardwinning graphic designer. After graduating from the University of Kentucky in 2o22, she moved to Columbus to work as a Creative Designer at (614) Media Group. She specializes in typography & layout, with experience in many mediums.
Based out of Columbus, Ohio, Canaan Lendell works at a design firm by day and develops recipes by night. When not testing experimental kombuchas, you can find him plotting his next trip to Tokyo.
John M. Clark is a writer, author, tour guide, video producer and former magazine editor. His two books, Columbus Uncovered and German Village: Behind the Bricks, recount fascinating, yet littleknown stories about the people and places that have made Central Ohio what it is today. He and his wife, Jan, operate German Village Tours.
Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Bryce Patterson is a graphic designer with 5+ years of professional experience. Since the summer of 2021, he has been working at (614) Media Group as a Creative Designer.
Sharon Weiss was born and reared in Columbus. She is the proud mother of two and grandmother of three. An art collector for fifty years, she is the owner of Sharon Weiss Gallery, 24 Lincoln Street Studios, and 12 Lincoln in the Short North. She is the creator of “Artful Living In Ohio” home tours.
Wendy Pramik is a photographer and writer from Columbus. She works at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center where she enjoys photographing and interviewing health care providers. She's also a freelance contributor to TourismOhio's blog.
Atlas Biro is a visual storyteller with experience in mediums spanning from print design to augmented reality. Currently working as a Creative Designer at (614) Media Group, their work covers communities ranging from blue collar America to the nation’s elite.
I was thrilled when asked to write about Columbus artist Malcolm Cochran. I've admired Malcolm’s public art installations for a long time, but researching his work has given me a deeper appreciation for the stories behind them. Each piece is filled with “teachable moments” that reveal their deeper meaning.
Back in 1994, when I opened the Sharon Weiss Gallery in the Short North Arts District, I was eager to see Malcolm’s newly installed “Field of Corn (with Osage Orange Trees)” sculpture in Dublin, Ohio. The installation, with its 109 concrete ears of corn set in a field of green grass, is a striking tribute to Ohio’s rich farming heritage. Did you know that Ohio is one of the top producers of corn in the country?
Another significant piece by Malcolm is “In Principle and Practice” at the Ohio Supreme Court building on South Front Street.. This installation, set in a reflecting pool that changes with the seasons, features the words Justice, Truth, Honor, Wisdom, Compassion, Honesty, Equity, Integrity, Reason, and Peace. These words are powerful reminders of the values that underpin our legal system.
I remember vividly watching the installation of the fountain with two bronze elephants at Goodale Park. Seeing the water shoot from the elephants’ trunks is both whimsical and captivating. Again, Malcolm has paid tribute to our Columbus history and the Sells Brothers' Circus, which made Columbus its home. Did you know the Sells Brothers' Circus was renowned for its troupe of elephants? Fascinating!
I was also deeply moved by Malcolm’s large-scale installation “Requiem,” which incorporates vocal performance for the first time. You can find it on YouTube, and it’s incredibly powerful.
And for those who love to travel, I’m planning a trip to Manhattan to see Malcolm’s sculpture “Private Passage” in Hudson River Park.
There’s so much more to discover about Malcolm Cochran. I encourage you to visit his website and watch his YouTube videos to learn more about his work and artistic journey.
Once again, cheers to art and the artists who create it. Thank you, Malcolm Cochran!
To learn more, visit: malcolmcochran.com
BRONCO REBORN
From Classic Off-Roader to Luxury Cruiser
Words
by Melinda Green
Photography by Cory Reeb
Layout by Bryce Patterson
F or the past 15 years, Classic Ford Broncos in Powell have been turning out stylish, bespoke rebuilds of, yes, classic Ford Broncos. These classicyet-modern vehicles are distinctive, rugged, and, most of all, fun. With around 70 builds per year and $20 million yearly in sales, the studio is significantly impacting the classic auto market nationwide.
Owner Bryan Rood has had his auto dealer's license since he was 19, and his entrepreneurial energy is contagious. "We believe in small volume," he said, "building a bunch of unique trucks on a slower or a smaller scale and, most importantly, having that personal relationship with clients."
Rood became an enthusiast by accident. He recalled, "I randomly ended up with a Bronco 15 years ago. And everywhere I went, people loved this
Bronco. So I sold it and bought another." And his dive into the world of the Bronco began. He began buying trucks that needed minimal work, then staging secretive "run and gun [the engine]" photos in front of impressive houses in Tartan Fields to increase customers' trust in him as a seller. "Fast forward 15 years. I now live in one of the houses that I used to take pictures in front of," Rood said, laughing. "It's crazy."
Along the way, he came to understand the Bronco's allure. "It's one of the first and only vintage cars that's really targeted towards non-car people," he noted. "When guys buy Chevelles and Camaros, those are true car guys that know how to work on them. More than anything, [the Bronco] is a family car. You can throw your kids in it, throw your dog in it, take it to the beach, the lake, wherever."
Classic Ford Broncos' work preserves the vintage look, but the cars are classy and modern, an approach Rood calls "country club vintage."
"We're building these things basically brand new at this point, with 2024 drivetrains, engines, satellite radio, heated seats, backup cameras. You know, so they look like a vintage car, but they operate like a brand new car," Rood explained. "As far as maintaining vintage, it really is more the cosmetics. "One of the unique things with the Broncos is the colors—colors that you wouldn't build on a normal car or drive in your daily driver. It works every time for the Broncos. Vintage cars in vintage car colors or wild colors add to the experience of driving the car." One of the studio's most popular colors is the rose-gold, Palm-Springs-inspired "Paloma."
And these "restorations" come with top-of-the-line price tags, starting in the low $200k range and edging up to nearly half a million dollars.
The team does a few resale and spec projects and brand work with designers like Loro Piana or Ralph Lauren, but most of the builds are custom orders. "I'll randomly get requests by clients that will want to match their boats or match other collector cars that they have," Rood said. "We'll do a lot of Singerinspired interiors to match the Singer Porsche that someone has." Other clients just let Rood's team handle the design.
"What I love about vintage cars is, there's no book value," Rood noted. "And it's very difficult to find really nice, restored vintage cars." With business going strong, he's sure to be proud of Classic Ford Broncos filling that gap.
Photo by Anna Jakutajc-Wojtalik
Shelling Out Luxury
Words
by Megan Smith
Photography by Ben Callahan
Layout by Atlas Biro
On a recent afternoon, the Shadowbrook Estate, home to Justin and Sarena Kelley, celebrated its 100th anniversary with an Edwardian-themed picnic. The festivities featured a four-piece quartet serenading guests as if stepping into a scene from Bridgerton, white tents and parasols adorning the manicured lawn, and an abundance of homemade ice creams, fruits, and Pimms Cups to keep everyone refreshed. A highlight of the event was the seemingly endless supply of East and West Coast hand-shucked oysters from Blue Ember Oysters, provided by owner Dani Dikeman and her team. Dani shared her passion for oysters and her vision for crafting an unparalleled event experience in central Ohio.
Megan: Can you tell us about your background and what inspired you to start an oyster shucking company?
Dani: I was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. After graduating from BGSU with a BFA, I decided to explore beyond my home state, living in Florida and New York City. While in Manhattan, I experienced a roaming oyster bar firsthand at a beautiful event. The concept immediately captivated me, and I realized that Ohioans would adore something so fascinating at our own upscale
events. Motivated by this, I founded my own company, Blue Ember Oysters, in my hometown to ignite an Oyster Renaissance in Ohio, creating a welcoming atmosphere for those who had never had a chance to taste the ocean’s finest delicacy.
M: What was the moment or experience that sparked your passion for oysters?
D: Your first raw oyster is an unforgettable experience, and to this day, I believe it's one of the few foods that can give you an adrenaline rush when trying for the first time! My introduction to raw oysters occurred in Maine, on the rocky coast under a starry night sky. Since we didn't have knives to pop them open, my friend plucked a few off the rocks and set them directly next to our bonfire. That memorable night inspired the name of my company: Blue "Ember" Oysters. Ironically, that night, I realized I have a slight allergy to shellfish and can only enjoy a few in a sitting. Perhaps this enhances my passion for oysters since I must selectively savor each. My hope, especially with my fellow Ohioans, is that people remember their first oyster with us as a pleasant, no-pressure, social, and entertaining experience!
An Interview with the founder of Blue Ember Oysters
M: How has the company evolved since its inception?
D: Since launching Blue Ember Oysters, we've been everywhere from Las Vegas for the Raiders' suits to Green Bay for the Packers' holiday party with their families, Charlotte for a Great Gatsbythemed fundraising event for SEAL KIDS, and even to Atlanta for the World Series! Yet, I still find immense joy in shucking oysters for a backyard party with a massive group of friends or during a wedding cocktail hour; those moments are truly memorable and meaningful to our clients. No matter where we travel, Ohio's midwestern vibe will always have my heart, helping people enjoy their time with close friends and family and possibly experiencing their first taste of high-quality oysters!
M: Can you describe a particularly memorable milestone or achievement for Blue Ember Oysters?
D: I am a nerd at heart and shucking an oyster for William Shatner in the green room of GalaxyCon is the highlight of owning Blue Ember Oysters! Having the chance to meet all of the celebrities who attended Columbus GalaxyCon was undoubtedly an experience I will never forget!
M: What makes oyster shucking an art form?
D: Every shucker on our team has undergone specialized training to shuck oysters, but not every potential trainee has made the cut. Shucking an oyster is about precision and finding the “sweet spot” in the hinge rather than relying solely on brute strength to pry it open. It requires patience, repetition, and a deep understanding of oyster anatomy. I always advise my shuckers: “Don’t use Force, use Finesse!”
M: What techniques and tools are essential for perfect oyster shucking?
D: First and foremost, exercise caution when shucking an oyster! We wear chainmail gloves to protect our hands from slips with the knife, which can happen frequently due to oyster shells' uneven and challenging nature. I’ve met many oyster shuckers who proudly display their scars. Using a thickly folded towel to shield your hand can help, but remain vigilant. Keep in mind that different knives work better for various oyster sizes and shapes. Ultimately, technique matters more than the specific oyster shucking knife you use. Another helpful tip for beginners is regularly wiping off your knife. No one likes to eat muck or shell fragments with their oyster! If you want to learn how to shuck oysters, there’s a wealth of how-to videos on YouTube. I wholeheartedly encourage people to explore this skill! And who knows, perhaps Blue Ember Oysters could offer fun oyster shucking classes or incorporate oyster-themed date nights into our business!
M: How do you ensure the quality and freshness of the oysters you shuck?
D: My top priority was sourcing high-quality, fresh oysters that have barely been out of the ocean. Initially, I contacted oyster farms directly to determine how close I could get to an “Ocean-toEvent” experience in the midwest! I resonated most with Pangea Shellfish, but they informed me I would need to work through their Ohio provider. That provider was Ian Holmes, owner of COLO Market and Oyster Bar. Since 2018, we've worked together to bring Ohio the freshest oysters possible! I always encourage guests who love our oysters to visit COLO at either North Market in Dublin or downtown after the event and tell them Blue Ember Oysters sent you!
M: Can you talk about any environmental initiatives or sustainability practices you try to follow?
D: Simply by hiring us, you are making a positive impact on the environment! A single oyster can filter up to 40 gallons of water daily while feeding on algae and plankton. Oyster farms are highly sustainable, and I take pride in contributing to their continued success! The more oyster farms created, the cleaner our oceans become!
M: How do you educate your customers about the different types of oysters and their flavors?
D: I always like to explain to guests that oysters are like wine! Their taste, texture, and finish depend on their “merrior”, which refers to where and how they are grown. Since oysters are filter feeders, they absorb the water and flavor influences around them, including salinity, minerals, vegetation, climate, and more. This is why a West Coast oyster has a very distinct flavor from an East Coast oyster. Our goal at every event is to have guests try these delicious differences side by side!
M: What are your plans for the future of your company?
D: There’s an incredible satisfaction in introducing someone to their first raw oyster, a moment they’ll eagerly share with friends and family. And while we’ll continue collaborating with pro sports teams and shucking for high-end events nationwide, my passion remains rooted in our gatherings here in Ohio!
M: Are there any new projects or expansions you’re excited about?
D: Although not part of the same family as edible oysters, Pearl oysters hold immense allure. I would love to incorporate them into our events, adding an element of magic to our already unique concept. We are also setting our sights on premium caviar, an exquisite addition to our oyster offerings. We’ve already initiated discussions with our provider at COLO to make this vision a reality for our highbudget events. Blue Ember Oysters isn’t just about serving raw oysters; it’s about crafting memories. We want to elevate event dining experiences and leave guests with stories to tell for years!
ADVENTURES IN SPORTSCAR RACING
Words by John M. Clark
Layout by Bryce Patterson
Paul Gelpi has always had a need for speed –whether in the pilot’s seat of a supersonic F100 fighter jet during his days in the Air Force; gliding on the water’s surface at the controls of a hydroplane; racing motorcycles or at the wheel of one of his vintage race cars.
Gelpi’s search for the fast lane started while he was in high school, cruising nearby drive-ins. “Jerry’s on Olentangy River Road was the place to be,” he said. “You’d go there on weekends and meet up with other motorheads. Before you knew it, someone was laying down a bet, and we’d head over to I-71.” The Columbus portion of the interstate highway was still under construction. And as he recalls, “There wasn’t a cop in sight.” The perfect way to burn off some excess, teenaged testosterone. Later, he got into professional racing at drag strips throughout the Midwest.
Today, at 78, the president of Swan Cleaners still hasn’t gotten “speed” out of his system. These days, he’s a participant in, and major backer of, vintage race car driving – licensed, competitive racing in older cars that have been restored to their
original conditions and modified for racing. Most of Gelpi’s driving is done under the auspices of the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA), the largest vintage racing association in the country. “It’s just a lot of fun,” he said. “No big prize money; no big trophies. Just racing for the fun of it. Yes, we’re competitive. But it’s not really meant to be. Some winners don’t even claim their prizes.” As a spectator sport, SVRA racing draws families as well as gearheads. “On race weekends, even kids can get right up to the cars and their drivers,” he said, “right down in the open pits.”
Practically anyone with a racing license can participate in SVRA events. But to be a serious competitor, one has to be prepared to invest time and money. The cost of the cars, transport, upkeep and a mechanic can price most enthusiasts out of the sport. Other drivers from the Columbus area have names that are tied to their successful businesses, like Bobby Rahal of Rahal-Letterman Racing; Jack Ruscilli, formerly of Ruscilli Construction; Malcolm Ross of the Ross Labs family and the late Dick Ruhl of car dealership fame.
Gelpi may not care so much whether he wins or loses, but he certainly takes the sport seriously, driving in three or four races every year. He often travels in a modified tractor-trailer with two of his favorite cars – a white, 1958 Jaguar XK150 and a red, 1963 Bobsy Sports Racer, built in Medina. Both have been outfitted with modern safety enhancements.
In late June, Gelpi had the opportunity to drive both cars at SVRA’s Mid-Ohio Speed Tour in Lexington, Ohio, about an hour north of Columbus. And he did well with both, with the Jaguar finishing second in its class and the Bobsy taking first – a “podium finish,” as he put it. Gelpi averaged about 100 miles per hour in each, accelerating to more than 135 mph on the straightaways of the 2.4-mile, 15-turn configuration.
Being close to home, the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is a favorite for Gelpi. But racing there in
summer has its drawbacks. “We did pretty well, considering the temperature on the track was about 100 degrees,” he said. “Add to that a three-layer race suit, plus helmet and gloves, and it was a pretty uncomfortable environment.”
But speaking with Gelpi, one gets the feeling that the heat and unwieldy racing attire simply come with the territory. When you’re behind the wheel of a restored classic, driving more than a hundred miles an hour in front of an admiring crowd, there’s just no place better to be.
“SVRA has a saying,” he said. “’Some people collect art. We race it.’ And at the end of the weekend, when we’ve all had our fun, we go home to our families and get ready for the next workweek. It’s just what we do. And we love it.”
SPECTACULAR HUES
Worthington Jewelers’ collection of rare, fancy colored diamonds offers a vibrant twist on conventional sparklers
By Sav McKee Layout by Tori Smith
We often express our individuality through outfits, hairstyles, and even favorite shoes. But a local hotspot for exquisite jewelry challenges you to think creatively when displaying your vibrant personality.
Family-owned Worthington Jewelers has kept Columbus in love and on trend for over two decades. Colorful diamonds—known in the jewelry industry as fancy colored diamonds—are incredibly rare and difficult to source. Thanks to its extensive industry connections, however, Worthington Jewelers offers a spectacular collection of diamonds in canary yellow, pretty pink, sky blue, and other hues. These unique gems sparkle and glow in the shop's heirloom-quality custom engagement rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.
Gemstones like sapphires, emeralds, and rubies naturally come in a rainbow of colors. too, but they don’t possess the brilliance of rare, colored diamonds, explained Bob Capace, who is co-owner of Worthington Jewelers with his wife, Theresa. “You get more sparkle from a fancy colored diamond than other gemstones,” he explained. “They have all the best qualities of a colorless or white diamond, plus a blaze of color. They can really pop!"
Capace noted that celebrities, designers and fashionistas in major markets increasingly appreciate possibilities beyond traditional colorless or white diamonds. Jewelry lovers who invest in a scintillating colored diamond will stand out as trendsetters in our city.
All natural, mined diamonds form when billions of carbon atoms are pushed together under heat and pressure over millions of years deep within the earth. The specific hues of colored diamonds emerge from traces of different elements embedded in their crystal lattice. Recently, scientists have replicated this process to manufacture lab-created diamonds in similar hues, which are less rare but more affordable. Worthington Jewelers sources both natural and manufactured diamonds.
Worthington Jewelers' highly coveted fancy colored diamonds are available in the same sizes, shapes, and cuts as white diamonds. They come in hues ranging from faint to vivid and muted to intense. Like their colorless counterparts, fancy colored diamonds are valued by the four C's—color, cut, clarity, and carat weight. But the most crucial factor
Fancy colored diamonds come in a rainbow of hues.
Photo courtesy of Worthington Jewelers
is color. The more intense and vibrant the hue, the higher the value.
Once you select your diamond, Worthington Jewelers’ skilled in-house goldsmiths meticulously craft the perfect setting to show it off. Guests can completely customize their jewelry to match their vision. Capace emphasized that he and his team are devoted to ensuring that your ring is as unique as the diamond you’ve chosen and dedicated to helping you create a timeless heirloom. If they don’t have the diamond of your dreams in the store, Worthington Jewelers excels at sourcing to find exactly what you want. You end up with jewelry that perfectly expresses your style or your relationship.
Recognized by industry experts and local publications as a pioneer in the jewelry industry since 2000 and renowned for exceptional service, Worthington Jewelers invites their patrons to stake their claim as trailblazers. As Capace stated, “When you wear a fancy colored diamond, you’re making a statement that you’re a creative, unconventional individual who appreciates uniqueness. You cherish creativity. And that’s what these colorful, natural diamonds embody.”
Detail shot of jewelry featuring fancy colored diamonds
Photo by Emma Mortellaro L
Theresa and Bob Capace, co-owners of Worthington Jewelers
Photo by Emma Mortellaro J
Shakespeare PARK in the
Celebrating Longevity and Embracing Change at Columbus’s Schiller Park
Words by Taylor Dorrell
Photography by Shiann Banks and Kyle Long
Layout by Tori Smith
In his lengthy and curiously titled essay, "Is Shakespeare Dead?", Mark Twain observed the lack of evidence attributing the individual William Shakespeare to the works attributed to the name. "Shakespeare didn't know that he was a writer," he wrote, "and nobody told him until after he was dead." Handwritten notes, manuscripts, and items in his will, little evidence exists connecting William Shakespeare to the thirtysix plays and one hundred and fifty-four sonnets attributed to his name. "Unfortunately, I spent a very long time with a lot of Shakespeare scholars who have very strong opinions," says Cat McAlpine, the director of the upcoming production of Lisa Peterson and Denis O'Hare's An Iliad, which will be on stage in Schiller Park August 15-September 1 put on by the Actors' Theatre of Columbus. The debates and conspiracies surrounding Shakespeare weren't fresh on McAlpine's mind as someone busy with a full-time job and a play to direct in the evenings. Still, it was a question I had to ask when the unofficial name of the series of plays is aptly called "Shakespeare in the Park."
I visited a rehearsal for the production, which, as it happened, had little to do with Shakespeare and didn't take place in a park. Thanks to rain earlier in the day, the young cast of An Iliad was practicing their lines on the tiled floors of the Germania Singing and Sport Society in German Village. "What help is he to you?" Kate Giffin (playing Andromache) cried out as the lights flickered, and a bartender loudly opened cans of beer that much of the cast seemed too young to consume. "Think," she continued, "even if he escapes the wrenching horrors of war against the Argives, pain, and labor
will plague him all his," out of nowhere, a phone rang, and everyone in the room turned and looked at me. One of the young actors ran over to turn off their phone, and the room was briefly silent. Then everyone erupted in laughter as the lights continued to flicker, and the bartender continued opening cans of beer.
Theater does not have the same mass audience as other contemporary mediums—movies, TV shows, and thinly sliced videos presented on a never-ending scroll. Technology and its parent, capital, has a funny way of violently transforming culture before it can solidify. Whether it be the painting versus the mechanically reproducible photograph or the mechanically reproducible photograph versus the digital, there's nonetheless a resilient pride subsisting in those true lovers of the earlier mediums who hope for a turning of the tide, a resurgence of the aura associated with such a physical and fleeting form.
"Theater is both very similar to any other form of storytelling and also uniquely consumed," McAlpine told me. "I think it's as important to the people participating in it as the people watching it." One such entity that believes in the medium wholeheartedly is the Actors' Theatre of Columbus. A local theater troupe, the group has been staging free performances in Schiller Park in German Village since 1982. "A lot of the work they do at the Actors' Theater is about making art for the community that anyone can come see," McAlpine acknowledged. Their 2024 season includes Beauty & the Beast, Chicken & Biscuits, Twelfth Night, and An Iliad.
“Theater is both very similar to any other form of storytelling and also uniquely consumed,” McAlpine told me. “I think it's as important to the people participating in it as the people watching it.”
It's not unfair that theater has a reputation for being out of touch or elitist. It carries with it the association of Old English, long-winded monologues, and lengthy names—Patroclus, Euterpe, and Polyhymnia are just a few in An Iliad. However, in the case of Shakespeare in the Park, which rarely performs Shakespeare (once a season) but does, in fact, take place in a park, this reputation is challenged. "Shakespeare in the Park is really a pressure-free atmosphere," McAlpine explained. "People bring blankets, food, a barbecue stand, people get up, they just wanna bring the kids out to do something for a little while." On Thursdays through Sundays between August 15 and September 1, anyone can get up to Schiller Park at 8 pm and experience the retelling of Homer's famous poem, the Iliad. "Obviously, we make plays that we want people to sit down and be enraptured by and watch the whole way through, but sharing art with your community isn't about making people see it the way that you do; it's about letting them see art."
An Iliad is itself an attempt to update the original poem for a more contemporary audience. The original Iliad was set in the throes of the Trojan War, but the writers Lisa Peterson and Denis O'Hare wrote their version during the Iraq War. "Someone started telling the story of the Trojan War, in all its glory and devastation and surprise, over 3,000 years ago," they wrote in their introduction. "We pass it on."
It should be noted that uncertainty in the case of authoring notorious plays and poems is not limited to Shakespeare. Homer, too, has not been thoroughly vetted by scholars. These debates, however, tend to be confined to academia. The important thing for those in the Actors' Theatre of Columbus is that these works are performed passionately and to the broadest audience possible. "You don't need a PhD in Shakespeare to enjoy Shakespeare," McAlpine told me. "It wasn't written for the upper echelons." For her, the issue of who actually wrote the plays, whether Shakespeare was a pen name for Francis Bacon as some theories put forward or a collective of different writers, is not as important as the fact that we're still engaging with the stories.
After the laughter subsided at the Germania Singing and Sport Society, McAlpine interjected, "Let's just go and take a five." As I sat under the flickering fluorescent lights, I wondered what the future of theater was in Columbus and culture at large. Could the medium flourish in the digital age? Has film overtaken it? Is the accessibility of these free plays performed in a public park a sign of a resurgence or decline? The authors of An Iliad might side with the former. "The "where" of our play is simple," they wrote in their introduction. "[I] t's the room that he walks into. It could be an auditorium, an empty theatre, a warehouse … or even a bar. Wherever people are gathered and ready to hear his song — this is the appropriate setting for our play."
Restoring GRANDEUR
The Volunteer-Led Revival of Green Lawn Abbey
Words by John M. Clark
Janice Loebbaka is fond of pulling on a pair of old blue jeans and spending hours using razor blades to scrape “crust” from the floor of an abandoned building few have even cared about.
“I know this sounds weird,” she said. “But I thought it was my calling—this gracious building that was being destroyed by vandals and time. I couldn’t get it out of my mind.”
Kate Matheny felt the same way. And so did Al Waddell. And Shawn Kenney. And so many others have given up their days, nights, and weekends to help restore Green Lawn Abbey on Columbus’ south side.
This magnificent, neoclassical building with a granite exterior, marble interior, and gorgeous stained glass windows was constructed almost 100 years ago, when community mausoleums were a novel idea. Green Lawn Abbey (no relation to nearby Green Lawn Cemetery) allowed area residents to buy one or more of the 700 individual crypts.
Unfortunately, the opening of the abbey coincided with the stock market crash of 1929, and those who had dreamed of giving others an elegant afterlife in perpetuity found their investments dwindling. Descendants who were left responsible for upkeep eventually passed away or moved from the area. By the turn of the 21st century, only three members of
the original mausoleum association remained…and then, just one. A large portion of the surrounding property was sold to pay repair bills.
In the meantime, Green Lawn had become the target of vandals and urban explorers. Many came to do damage here when it was rumored that famous magician Howard Thurston would rise from his crypt on an anniversary of his April 13th, 1936 death. Stained glass windows were broken—some shot out from the inside. Statues were smashed, leaving just two complete ones and many pieces. At one point, someone even attached a chain to the bronze doors in front and tried to pull them from their hinges with a truck or other vehicle.
When a handful of preservationists learned that even more of the surrounding hilltop would have to be sold, they stepped in with an idea. They would pay $25 to transfer the building and surrounding property to a new, non-profit association.
Using her knowledge as a long-time leader in the Columbus Landmarks Association, Kate Matheny helped get the new organization off the ground. “Our idea,” she said, “was to not just restore it, but to keep using it—making it available for future generations.” There remain within the abbey about 100 crypts that were never occupied, along with space inside and in the gardens for perhaps hundreds of urns.
Photography by Jen Brown Layout by Atlas Biro
“Our idea was to not just restore it, but to keep using it—making it available for future generations”
Al Waddell, a local real estate agent who had restored a historic home for himself in Old Town East, was another early supporter who saw the potential here. “It was critical that we repair the original tile roof and install a security system,” he said. “From there, we could talk about the other challenges.”
George Lekorenos, the owner of a German Village security company, volunteered his time to rewire the building and install an electronic security system that would thwart further break-ins. As Matheny said, “We couldn’t have even gotten started with our work had George not stepped up to help.”
Over the many years, broken windows and a leaking roof had caused extensive damage to both floors of the structure, creating the “crust” that Loebbaka found herself removing. “I’m a retired dental hygienist,” she said. “So, that kind of work came pretty naturally to me.”
Loebbaka and the other volunteers have focused much of their efforts on the second floor, which has begun resembling the magnificent hall that it was decades ago. With additional work funded by grants, donations, and fundraisers, the Friends of Green Lawn Abbey could reopen that portion of the building to the public in 2021.
In addition to repairing the roof and many stained glass windows, the new association has stabilized the building’s foundation, refinished bronze doors, repaired the driveway, re-plastered ceilings, dug an on-site well, upgraded the lavatory facilities, and more.
Special events have helped create publicity about Green Lawn. Board President Shawn Kenney has been responsible for staging on-site entertainment as outdoor movies, a “Tales from the Crypt” reenactment at Halloween, with actors portraying the abbey’s “residents,” food trucks, magic shows, and even a Great Gatsby party. Some events have drawn up to 400 visitors each.
Thanks to volunteer efforts, Green Lawn Abbey is again open for business, with crypts and urn space for sale to the public. Still, much work remains to be done, especially on the first floor, where, at one time, calcium deposits from leaks had built up to the point of resembling the stalagmites and stalactites you might find in a cave. Matheny, Kenney, and the rest have no doubt, though, that their work will be completed.
Loebbaka gets a little emotional when talking about Green Lawn Abbey. “You know,” she said, “people used to picnic in cemeteries. They were places of fond remembrance. And we want people to have fond memories here, too. I love this place. When I’m ready to close up at night, after a long day of repairs, I say, ‘Good night, everybody. God bless you.’ And only then do I turn out the lights.”
Learn more about Green Lawn Abbey and how you can help with restoration efforts by visiting greenlawnabbey.org.
From Left: Tamara Evans, Andy Patterson, Kate Matheny, Steven Wink, Massie Lawson, Janice Loebbaka, Jayne Vandenburgh, Shawn Kenney
ALost musement
Remembering Indianola Park
Words by Taylor Dorrell Imagery Provided through Public Domain in the Library Archives
Layout by Atlas Biro
The shopping center on Fourth and 18th Avenue is not exactly a sought-after location. During the day, the parking lot is lined with cars waiting to be loaded with food from the NSI Food Pantry. At night, Columbus Police Division patrol cars are waiting to be summoned to the bustling dive bar and billiard hall next door, Suzi-Cue. The plot is adjoined by a church, Dwell Community Church, which owns the shopping center, formally known as Xenos. The church building itself is a bit odd; it's almost cabin-esque. This is because the structure was once a sprawling dance hall in front of a thirty-acre amusement park called Indianola Park. The now depressing shopping center once hosted a cultural hub filled with rollercoasters, picnic grounds, a dance hall, and a giant pool that would see five thousand locals lounging within it on any given Saturday. The spatial vanities of the early twentieth century came to dust in the once sparkling eastern ridge of the University District.
Entertainment and leisure time was mainly spent outdoors throughout the early twentieth century. Without air conditioning, radios, TVs, or massproduced cars, Columbus residents sought out music and shows and socialized closer to home in the real world. It was under these pretenses that Indianola Park opened in 1905 as a part of the first wave of amusement parks in the country. Inside, attendees would discover a city of its own, not just rides but a world in miniature.
The roller coasters Blue Streak and Figure 8 opened around 1909, and Thriller in 1923. In those years within Columbus, Ohio, finding a medium to trigger that kind of stomach-dropping outside of Indianola Park would've been hard. And no social or cultural medium fell outside the establishment's confines. One of the most notable lists of events included sports. OSU swim meets, basketball games, professional football games by the curiously named home team, the Columbus Panhandles, and, during WWI, when the Army took over OSU's gymnasium, the dance hall hosted basketball games.
Indianola Park was more than just a hub for entertainment, although it lived up to its promise in that realm, it was also a place where locals experienced culture as it shifted, causing them to shift with it. The local historian, David Kellough, an unofficial specialist on the park and other forgotten moments in the history of the University District, is rather romantic about its place in the daily lives of Columbus residents. “Over the years from 1905 to 1937, American music, dance, and the culture of the park changed; that's where people met, where people acquired their taste, their minds were changed, they learned to love something they didn't know existed before,” he said. Traveling and local bands played in the dance hall, some of the first movies screened in Columbus were projected on a makeshift screen stretched between two trees, every kind of organization met in “picnic hollow,”
and social dancing, initially considered immoral, evolved into a center for communal exchange. (In 1929, a dance marathon was held there that enveloped the whole city. The exploitative aspects of having desperate unemployed people dance nonstop for weeks eventually led to the shaming of the following year's marathon and subsequent annexation of the park into Columbus, which had banned dancing on Sundays.)
If sports, music, roller coasters, or swimming lay outside any individual's interests in the business, the park would provide an even more desperate and extravagant attempt at appeasement. These events included high wire acts over the pool, diving events, a recreation of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, ice skating throughout the summer (thanks to a refrigerated tent), a reenactment of the war between the US and Columbia, and, on at least one occasion, an act that starred a horse who could do math.
When asked what demographics were using the park, Kellough responded, “Everybody went.” Company picnics, freemasons, suffrage groups, “Samuel Gompers, the famous American labor leader, addressed the crowd there when the American Federation of Labor had its meetings there,” Kellough said. “Everybody from all walks of life.”
However, certain demographics enjoyed the park more often and to a fuller extent than others. Once a month, the park held a “Black day” for African
Americans, and women were only supposed to swim in the mornings—and even then, only with conservative bathing suits.
The park survived the speed bump of WWI, but it couldn't outlive the Great Depression. The park started declining in the years before, selling off part of the land to the Columbus Board of Education in 1927, but faltered until selling in 1939 to satisfy creditors. The only reason it lasted until 1939 was thanks to a series of hot summers that brought toiling crowds to the pool. In the age of deindustrialization, the land was converted into a shopping center that went through its own speedbumps until its purchase by Xenos, now called Dwell, creating a marriage between real estate, religion, and shopping.
Seeing the lot today might be a sore sight for those early twentieth-century pool goers. The amusement park was a physical monument to the spectacle and entertainment of a quickly industrializing country. The abandoned school is molding away next to the crowded food pantry, hovering police patrol cars, and a contentious church. In his lengthy book, The Arcades Project, Walter Benjamin reflected on how technological development—which in our case would include the evolution of entertainment into the realm of radio and TV—affected society. “Not architecture alone,” he said. “But all technology is, at certain stages, evidence of a collective dream.”
GERVASI VINEYARD RESORT & SPA
Words and Photography by Wendy Pramik
Layout by Tori Smith
Seated comfortably inside the well-appointed wine cellar at Gervasi Vineyard, my husband, Mike, and I savored the first drops of Bellina Chardonnay during an early afternoon wine tasting. Our Gervasi wine ambassador recommends that before sipping, we first sight, swirl, and then sniff the crisp, golden liquid expertly aged at this Canton, Ohio, gem. We followed her instructions in the letter, appreciating some of the best wines made in Buckeye State.
The underground Wine Barrel Cave, with its cool environment and rich aroma of aging vino, sets the ideal scene for our immersive visit. Savanna
James explains the winery's meticulous processes as we taste four wine samples served alongside cups overflowing with cheeses, fruits, olives, and peppers. "Our goal is to create wines that offer a true taste of Tuscany right here in Ohio," she says.
Located just two hours from Columbus, Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa offers an authentic Tuscan experience. The 55-acre estate features a fiveacre vineyard, lush landscapes, and architecture that transports visitors to Italy. Its reputation for excellence is reflected in its coveted AAA Four Diamond designation.
“Our goal is to create wines that offer a true taste of Tuscany right here in Ohio.”
At Gervasi, winemaking is a captivating fusion of old-world craftsmanship and new-world science. The Cave, meticulously designed to maintain a constant environment and humidity, is essential for aging wines. We discovered that Gervasi imports much of its grapes from California and Washington, although it has 5 acres of vineyards on property used to produce four estate-grown varieties.
Gervasi's charm extends beyond wine to become a holistic retreat of luxury, relaxation, and culinary delight. The Bistro at Gervasi Vineyard, one of OpenTable's Top 100 Romantic Restaurants in America for 2024, offers an intimate ambiance and Italian-inspired menu perfect for a memorable dining experience.
We enjoyed a fine dinner of grilled branzino with charred broccolini and chimichurri sauce and chicken piccata with sumptuous lemon-caper cream sauce. The Bistro, a wonderfully restored barn that offers lots of seating indoors and a large patio for outdoor dining, had a full selection of Gervasi's wines.
Gervasi also makes bourbon, gin, rum, vodka, and assorted liqueurs. It can be found inside the Still House, a cocktail and coffee lounge that
boasts an impressive selection of house-made bourbons and gins.
The charm of Gervasi extends to its luxurious accommodations. The options are diverse, including The Casa, a boutique hotel with covered balconies; The Farmhouse, an updated 1830s homestead; and The Villas, Italian-inspired suites with fireplaces and heated travertine floors. Our room at The Casa was not just spacious and comfortable, but also had a walk-out patio offering a view of a serene pond and fountain, making us feel truly pampered and indulged.
The Gervasi Spa is a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation. Offering a range of treatments, this 5,000-square-foot facility, debuting in 2023, has already earned a place among the Top 100 Spas of America. Its serene environment and high-quality services are designed to make guests feel relaxed and rejuvenated.
Guests also have access to the Middle Branch Trail, a 7.7-mile path ideal for hiking, biking, walking, or jogging. The limestone trail meanders alongside Nimishillen Creek and a railroad track. We enjoyed a beautiful walk on the trail, with an early-morning fog adding to the tranquility of the Gervasi experience.
HARVESTING BEAUTY
Fall Bulbs at Sunny Meadows Flower Farm
Words and Photography by Megan Smith
Layout by Tori Smith
In the heart of suburban Columbus, the substantial Sunny Meadows Flower Farm is a botanical paradise that, even as a Columbus native, I didn't know existed until I started a hunt for local fall bulbs to plant. Amid their 18th farming season, Steve and Gretel Adams have made the most of the land they own on Watkins Road, expanding to rented fields around the city before recently purchasing fields just a bit further east to move production to.
With the farmstand still on Watkins Road and a new production property in Pickerington, Sunny Meadows Flower Farm continues to defy the confines of city farming—one seed and bulb at a time.
I know only a little about fall bulbs, but I have been eager to learn. Gretel, a calming presence on an equally tranquil and peaceful farm, gave me a brief rundown. Her videos on the farm's Instagram page also provide an understanding and deep dive, which is good. Because for now, I am on a sensory overload experience from one fragrant floral-filled greenhouse to the next. I will need a refresher course.
Starting in August, the farm begins selling a variety of fall bulbs that ship in October. Tulips, ranunculus corms, and anemone corms are some of their favorite varieties used in spring bouquets the following year. Gretel shares that their homegrown ranunculus corms are harvested in the spring, cleaned, and stored in a cool space until fall planting. And partnerships with Dutch suppliers help to bring in anemone corms and tulip bulbs, all great varieties for a cut flower garden.
Beyond the beauty of the acres of flowers lies a thriving business that has grown steadily over the
years. Gretel proudly shows me a room with framed photos of farm staff members over the years. From bouquet creators to tractor drivers, field harvesters, office staff, and three farm dogs, it's evident that everyone has a role they feel valued and seen.
Along with a bustling farm shop open on the weekends for customers to purchase freshly cut flowers, Sunny Meadows also supplies florists and wedding planners nationwide and grocery stores around the state from its fields and greenhouses. An ample space with drying flower racks is in one of the barn lofts. These, too, are used throughout the year for arrangements, wholesale, and retail. Nothing goes to waste.
As young, first-generation farmers, it is hard to grasp the magnitude of what Steve and Gretel began nearly two decades ago. It's expansive, involved, and important. Gretel shared that even during economic hardship, in which non-essential businesses like theirs often suffer, flowers continue to be a form of self-care people seek. As someone who constantly rotates fresh flowers in my home, I nod wholeheartedly in agreement.
As my time with Gretel ended, I left Sunny Meadows Flower Farm with more than new knowledge, an enormous bouquet, and a handful of bulbs. I took with me a newfound passion for supporting our local farmers and those who provide the flowers that will emerge in our garden next spring.
In the words of Lady Bird Johnson, "Where flowers bloom, so does hope." And in this season, especially, we can all use more of that.
DIY Bulb Planting
Planting fall bulbs is a great way to ensure a beautiful garden come spring. Here are the most important things to know:
1. Timing: Plant fall bulbs before the ground freezes, typically in early October to early November. This allows them time to establish roots before winter.
2. Soaking: Depending on the bulb, it may be important to soak them before planting. Ask a pro for best advice. Sunny Meadows bulbs and corms come with a full howto guide.
3. Location: Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Most bulbs prefer full sun, although some, like crocuses, can tolerate partial shade.
4. Planting: Place bulbs with the pointed end facing up. If unsure, plant them on their side; they will right themselves as they grow.
5. Mulching: Add a layer of mulch to help regulate soil temperature and moisture and to protect bulbs from severe cold.
Golden Harvest
Creating Delicious Dishes with Autumn Market Produce
Words by Canaan Lendell
Photography by Megan Smith
Layout by Tori Smith
Rows of just-picked corn, peeking at you through silvery tufts. Fat bunches of peak basil, readily diffusing their peppery, medicinal essence. In-season produce is undoubtedly one of life’s great pleasures. An alchemical collision of countless processes, most unknown even to the proficient horticulturalist, distilled into platonic ideals. An impossibly juicy peach that drips down your chin; perfect little peas, jostling in their emerald pods. We celebratew the immediate, ephemeral, and joyous. Use these formulas as trail markers, modifying freely as the occasion or whimsy demands.
MARINATED ROASTED EGGPLANT - Eggplant with Mint and Chili
• 3-4 EGGPLANT
• SALT
• 3 CLOVES GARLIC
• SCANT 1/2 C AGED BALSAMIC VINEGAR
1. Slice each eggplant in halves, or quarters if they’re large, sprinkle with salt, and leave face-down on a rack to weep for 30 minutes or so.
2. Crush the garlic cloves with the flat of a knife, and combine with the vinegar, soy sauce, and some mint sprigs in a measuring cup.
3. Light a hot fire on the grill, or preheat a skillet on medium-high with a generous amount of oil.
4. Cook until well-browned and tender - a few blackened spots add a nice depth of flavor.
• 2 T SOY SAUCE
• MINT
• CHILI FLAKES
5. Place eggplant on a plate or tray with high sides and pour marinade over. Leave at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, and up to a few hours.
6. Transfer eggplant to a serving tray and taste marinadeadjust with a splash of soy or vinegar if needed.
7. Pour marinade over eggplant, garnishing with mint and chili flakes.
BRUSCHETTA with Tofu Aioli
TOFU AIOLI
• 1 package silken tofu
• 1 T apple cider vinegar
• 2 t lemon juice
• 1 smallish clove of garlic
• 2 T Dijon
• 1/2 c neutral oil
1. Crumble tofu into a tea towel or cheesecloth and gently squeeze to remove some of the water.
2. Combine with all ingredients except the oil in a blender or food processor, and mix until homogenous.
3. With blender running, slowly drizzle in oil - you may not need all of it - until loose but emulsified.
4. Taste, adding salt, more mustard, or lemon juice as needed.
1. Using a paring knife, remove the cores of each tomato where the stem was, and make a small xshaped incision on the other side.
2. With a torch, stovetop burner, or grill, char the tomatoes all over as quickly as possible - the goal is to remove the skin and add a smoky aroma, not to cook them.
• SALT AND PEPPER
• HERBS FROM THE GARDEN BASIL, MARJORAM, MINT, THYME
• LEMON ZEST
3. While they cool, fry your bread in the olive oil until perfectly crisp as you like it.
4. With the flat of the knife, peel off as much skin as possible - some small spots are fine. Cut each tomato into 6-8 thinnish slices.
5. Spoon a generous amount of the aioli on each slice, followed by the sliced tomato, fanning the slices out
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(614) Refined is a quarterly magazine dedicated to the places and people we love in our city, living a life of refined sophistication. It's a collection of images and thoughts that we share with you, our like-minded readers who, like us, seek inspiration from both the familiar and the new.
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