BIG PICTURE The Greater Columbus Rowing Association takes to the water bright and early. Read more on page 71. PHOTO BY BRIAN KAISER
CONTENTS
76 49 96
COV E R SE C T IO N THE BUCKEYES ARE BACK IN TOWN 76
FALL ARTS PREVIEW 31
ANGELA PERLEY’S TIME TO SHINE 41 LEARNING TO FLY WITH SKYDIVE GREENE COUNTY49 FIT FOR FALL: HOW COLUMBUS STAYS FIT THIS SEASON 62
SERVING UP SOW PLATED 96
THE LAST YORK STEAKHOUSE 101
AUTUMN ATTIRE 105
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O N TH E COV E R : DESIGN BY HU GO “HUGG S” A L B ORN OZ PHOTOS BY DAVID HE ASL EY
O P E N I N G VO L L E Y
It’s Buckeye football season dear readers, and I have nothing to give you. No wisdom. No predictions. No inside talk. In the briefest description, I am not an athlete. Once it became evident through my gross motor skills that this vocation was in no way to be my destiny, I simply stopped paying attention. To statistics. To game schedules. To important names. To rules. To the equipment used to play particular sports. People have asked how I can live in this city, football season after football season. (People never ask this question to medical students as they hit the books every Saturday or to foreign students studying in Columbus. That would be considered rude.) My answer is: being oblivious to the world of college athletics in general is a move that simplifies my life. OK, it probably doesn’t. But it still has given me peace. However, I have come to a point in my lack-ofcoordination life that I can no longer be unaware of Buckeye football and its impact on our city. This is the football issue, and it has been a learning experience for me. The (614) office has been attempting to “coach” me in the ways of football season-speak. Here are their questions for me, and my attempts to fit in to this subculture. What are you looking forward to this season? To every thing there is a season, and to every time a purpose. I am confident this season will unfold with the flow of the universe, which pulses on levels we do not truly understand, but can have confidence in. I believe that as we look forward, we must accept what we can and cannot change, and we need to accept the inevitable with courage. Am I referring to losses and wins? Or scandal and success? Or possibly concepts that are much deeper than these superfluous dichotomies? That is up to you to decide while you apply scarlet and gray body paint to your face and torso. Pro tip: Non-toxic does not mean “safe for skin.” Did Urban Meyer get off too easily? Well, no. His name is Urban. He’s got to carry that for the rest of his life. Did Ohio State deserve to play in the Fiesta Bowl 2017? We deserve nothing in this life. Our ability to feel gratitude for our health, our families, our many, many blessings is deeply connected to the humbling reality that this universe exists seemingly for us alone. What have we done to create that reality? Absolutely nothing. Stare out into the universe and revel in the abundance that we have been given in return for no effort at all. Yes, we are happy when circumstances are in our favor, when life is going well. But is that because we have been given easier circumstances to navigate? Challenges do not mean
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PUBLISHER Wayne T. Lewis
MANAGING EDITOR Laura Dachenbach ASSISTANT EDITOR Mitch Hooper PHOTO EDITOR Brian Kaiser CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Rebecca Tien, Leah Conway, Stef Streb, Adam Fakult, Zane Osler 614NOW EDITOR Regina Fox STAFF WRITER Mike Thomas
SENIOR CONTRIBUTORS J.R. McMillan, Jeni Ruisch Jaelani Turner-Williams, Linda Lee Baird
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS John McLaughlin, Madi Task Macon Overcast
COPY EDITOR Dan Sponseller
PHOTO BY BRIAN KAISER
CREATIVE DESIGNERS Jess Wallace Sarah Moore GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Hugo “Huggs” Albornoz
we have less to be grateful for. Challenges are simply a part of life. As everything else in this existence, they are temporal. Are you more scarlet or more gray? That would depend on the year and the label. While scarlet can have an extracted, heavy, gelatinous feel to it, I think you’re you’re going to get a lot drunker on gray without even noticing. Have I learned anything this issue? Yes, I have. It’s going to take me a while to be a better Buckeye. Best,
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Meggin Weimerskirch SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Derek Landers ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Becky Frazee , Nikki Harris DIGITAL ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Lori Brittanham OPERATIONS MANAGER Megan Sheedy VP OF SALES AND MARKETING Lindsay Press
Laura Dachenbach Managing Editor (614) Magazine
(614) Magazine 458 E Main St., Columbus, OH 43215 Office: (614) 488-4400 Fax: (614) 488-4402 Email submissions to: editor@614columbus.com www.614columbus.com
WELCOME TO THE INSIDER!
There are so many amazing events happening in the 614 that we needed to give them a little more room to stretch out. Not only will you get more events each month coming from the magazine staff, but a few will be recommended by your fellow readers. Have an event you want to shoutout? Send an email to events@614columbus.com.
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The Jonas Brothers: Happiness Begins Tour
THE SCHOTTENSTEIN CENTER
The three heartthrob brothers are back together after some time apart and they’re bringing all of their iconic hits with them on this nationwide tour. Whether it’s the classics off the albums that put them on the map, or their solo work which has kept them at the top, the Jonas Brothers are ready to continue stealing the hearts of Americans everywhere.
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(-9.8) Marlon Wayans THE FUNNY BONE
Famous for his hilarious standup, TV performances, and satirical movies, Marlon Wayans has been making people laugh for years now. His role in White Chicks lives in internet fame forever and Scary Movie paved the way for plenty of other send ups Wayans worked on. Catch the trendsetting comedian at the Funny Bone as he stops off for three nights in Columbus.
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Festival For Good BREWDOG FRANKLINTON
In 2019, consumers are more and more aware of the giving practices of the companies they shop at. To celebrate the local options that are doing just that, Festival For Good hopes to highlight social enterprises here in Central Ohio. The free-to-attend festival will support enterprises like Coffee Crafters and Eleventh Candle Co. and will feature food trucks and brews from BrewDog.
9.7 Ohio State Football v. Cincinnati Bearcats OHIO STADIUM
Welcome to September, or as most dads in the city call it, football season. Drop your Saturday plans and head to the Shoe to watch the Buckeyes take on our southern sister city, Cincinnati. On the road to the playoffs, every game counts. So bring your best. OH-!
UPCOMING SHOWS! AUG 30-SEPT 1 IAN BAGG SEPT 5 JASON BANKS SPECIAL
SEPT 6-8 MARLON WAYANS
ENGAGEMENT
SPECIAL
ENGAGEMENT SEPT 10 GUS JOHNSON
SPECIAL
ENGAGEMENT
SEPT 12-14 JOSH WOLF SEPT 15 DAN SWARTWOUT
SPECIAL
ENGAGEMENT
SEPT 18
COMEDIAN KELLY KELLZ WITH A HANDFUL OF QUEENS & A FEW JOKERS COMEDY SHOW
SEPT 19
SPECIAL
ENGAGEMENT
INDOOR RECESS WITH JOE “MR. D.” DOMBROWSKI SPECIAL
SEPT 22 KERWIN CLAIBORNE
ENGAGEMENT
SEPT 23-24
SPECIAL
ENGAGEMENT
GIRLS GOTTA EAT PODCAST
SEPT 26 & 29 BRENT TERHUNE SPECIAL
SEPT 27-28 ENGAGEMENT RICKEY SMILEY ALL ACTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
VISIT US ON THE WEB www.columbus.funnybone.com
TEXT FUNNYBONE TO 31279 TO JOIN THE VIP FUNNY BONE TEXT PROGRAM (msg & data rates may apply)
VISIT US ON
145 Easton Town Center Columbus, OH 43219
RESERVATIONS ARE A MUST!
614-471-(JOKE)
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The Slice of Columbus
COLUMBUS COMMONS
Who has the best pizza in the city? That’s a tough question to answer without trying some of the best options. Luckily, Slice of Columbus aims to answer just that. This month, a variety of local and national pizza shops will compete to be the superior slice. Additionally, proceeds will benefit Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
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Scioto Fest
THE SCIOTO AUDUBON METRO PARK
Getting off the grid doesn’t mean you have to leave the city! At Scioto Fest, camping, climbing, and other general outdoors activities will be celebrated for four days. Bring your sweat and tears and hopefully leave the blood at home. And of course, if you prefer the safety of the ground, food trucks and live music will be available.
Trevor Noah: Loud & Clear Tour THE SCHOTTENSTEIN CENTER
Host of Comedy Central’s The Daily Show, Trevor Noah has found fame for his humorous yet compelling political takes. It helps when your predecessor is John Stewart. Either way, there’s no denying Noah’s comedic power and this show at the Schott is sure to cause a few laughs—and maybe a few Facebook fights.
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Crafted Food, Beer & Music Festival COLUMBUS COMMONS
Celebrating farm-to-table options, the Crafted Food, Beer & Music Festival will offer some of the freshest local offerings available. In addition to food and beer tastings, the event will feature live music from The Floorwalkers as well as George Barrie Band. We’re sure football fans are nervous about a Saturday event, and Crafted has you covered as they’ll be screening the OSU v. Indiana game with a tailgate to make you feel right at the stadium.
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The Turbos THE BASEMENT
The Turbos have earned the group a fierce following in the Columbus rock scene and beyond. On guitar and vocals, co-frontmen Alex D. and Lucas Esterline lead the group in a sound that combines the best of the old and the new, rounded out by the multi-talented Cameron Reck on bass and mononymous local music veteran Jahrie behind the kit. The Turbos are leading the charge for a new generation of rockers.
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Columbus Blue Jackets v. Pittsburgh Penguins NATIONWIDE ARENA
Rest easy, Columbus sports fans. Everything is right again. The Buckeyes are back in the Shoe, the Jackets are back at Nationwide, and it’s time to enjoy these moments. Plus, the Jackets will need all the support they can get as they take on our arch (pun intended) rival, the Pittsburgh Penguins.
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Blink-182 NATIONWIDE ARENA
With consistent tours across the country, Blink-182 hasn’t lost a bit of popularity. Their music brings back the times of grunge rock in the early 1990s and their sound has influenced many bands after them. Catch the group live and finally hear All The Small Things in person. Say it ain’t so, I will not go, turn the lights off, carry me home!
9.22 Tyler, The Creator with Jaden Smith and Goldlink EXPRESS LIVE!
In terms of taking musical 180s, Tyler, The Creator very well could’ve taken the biggest turn around. In the beginning, the rapper gained fame for his in-your-face and offensive songs, but now he’s recording soundtracks for Dr. Suess movies. Along with the highly critically acclaimed albums Igor and Flower Boy, Tyler continues to prove he has no intentions of staying in one lane. And we are 100% here for it.
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NightLight 614: Harry Potter GENOA PARK
“You’re a wizard, Harry!” If that famous line doesn’t get you excited for the next NightLight 614, you should consult your nearest doctor. Grab your tickets before they sell out as NL614 will be screening the original Harry Potter at Genoa Park under the stars. There’s no question this will sell out quickly so don’t miss your chance!
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Jurassic World Live Tour THE SCHOTTENSTEIN CENTER
Explore and enjoy the sounds of Jurassic Park as the Jurassic World Live Tour stops off at the Schottenstein Center. This performance recalls the story of an Indominus Rex escaping the park and wreaking havoc. The music of the show will fully immerse you in the scene, and hopefully the Indominus Rex is captured before Columbus is turned to ruins. If not, at least we’ll all have a solid excuse to call off work the next day.
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(-9.29) Lost Lands 2019 LEGEND VALLEY CONCERT VENUE AND CAMPGROUND
The music festival season rolls on into September as Thornville will play host to Lost Lands 2019. This bass heavy EDM festival will bring in a variety of DJs over the three days, and you can truly live the music festival life by camping out for the weekend. Just make sure to bring enough s’mores for you and your camp neighbor.
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Wolfstock: 6 Year Celebration WOLF’S RIDGE BREWING
It’s been six years since Wolf’s Ridge Brewing opened its doors on that fateful September day. Now, the brewery has become a household name and staple in the Columbus craft game. Celebrate all the brewery has accomplished over the years, and try the new 3-2-1 Double Barrel Dire Wolf; a Russian Imperial Stout aged more than a year in Tawny Port barrels, plus an additional eight months in Watershed Bourbon Barrel Nocino Barrels.
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Water Lantern Festival THE SCIOTO MILE
A yearly tradition in Columbus, the Water Lantern Festival lights up the Scioto in a beautiful way. Stop by to see the lanterns fill up the Scioto Mile, or purchase tickets early so you can customize your own lantern and set it adrift upon the water. This event is great for little ones, and Instagram photo opportunities.
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9.28 Land-Grant 5th Anniversary Party LAND-GRANT BREWING COMPANY
Two anniversary parties in the same day? Count us in twice. While Wolf’s Ridge celebrates its sixth year of brewing on 4th Street, Land-Grant will be hosting a five-year anniversary party in Franklinton. While these breweries celebrate their success, the true winner here is this city, with all the great and local options always a stone’s throw away.
( INSIDE the PARENTHESES ) BY M I TC H H O O P E R
Blending in With Buckeye Football While most of the city will be front and center for the start of football season, there’s always going to be a select few who are just at the game or watch party for the social aspect. If you find yourself wanting to be involved, but not look foolish, here’s a few methods to blend in with the madness. If you’re looking for more tips to surviving the season, check out page 90.
Blame the refs:
If all else fails, it’s the ref’s fault. This is great because you don’t really need to understand the game; just go along with the room and shout things like, “Where’d they find these guys? Foot Locker?”
Skate Your Groove Thang On page 36, we take a look at Skate Zone 71 and Damn Girl’s collab for a groovy-themed night of boogie skating. It’s like high school all over again! Here are the hits we’ll be requesting through the evening.
“FunkyTown” by Lipps Inc. “September” by Earth, Wind, and Fire “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge “Electric Avenue” by Eddy Grant Theme Song from Shaft by Isaac Hayes
Own your lack of knowledge:
If a bad play happens—a dropped catch, a missed tackle, a silly mistake—simply state, “Even I could do that!” No one will believe you, but the sentiment is what matters.
Make fun of Michigan:
If your watch party is feeling down, a reminder of “Hey, at least we’re not Michigan,” can go a long way. Just be careful not to overuse this one.
Walk out of the room:
Actions speak louder than words, and sometimes you just have to remove yourself from the situation to deal with your anger. In reality, you’re just snagging another drink from the fridge or some snacks, but everyone will think you’re really, really into the game.
Can I get an -IO?:
It’s so simple even a caveman can do it. Ramp up spirits with a hearty OH- and you’re sure to get a crowd of people shouting back -IO!
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On Our Sleeves On page 78, you’ll find out more about how Ryan and Christina Day have championed the cause of adolescent mental health through the On Our Sleeves campaign spearheaded by Nationwide Children’s Hospital on World Mental Health Day, 2018. The On Our Sleeves campaign with fund research and treatment for this often overlooked aspect of wellness. In March of 2020, Nationwide Children’s will open the Big Lots Behavioral Health Pavillion which will serve as a cornerstone facility and national model for pediatric behavioral health.
Meet Ryan Day (Jr.) Following in the footsteps of his father, RJ Day is looking like a prime quarterback recruit for the Buckeyes at the adorable age of 10. He even caught the attention of former coach Urban Meyer a couple years ago who gave him a pre-game pep talk. Hey, it’s never too early for committing, right? Plus, this photo is just too cute not to share.
“When Coach Meyer calls to give RJ a pep talk before his big football game today...” — photo from Ryan Day’s Facebook post
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FALL ARTS Preview As the leaves come down, the city unleashes its creativity. Here’s a sampling of the best of the Columbus art scene.
Fine Arts 9.13 -14
934 GALLERY Synthetic Reveries The work of Lucie Shearer and Andy Meyer. Also come out for two evenings on 9.13-14 for music, crafts, and food trucks at 934 Fest. Artist talk on 9.20.
9.21 -12.29
WEXNER CENTER FOR THE ARTS HERE: Ann Hamilton, Jenny Holzer, Maya Lin Three native Ohio artists show together for the first time. A reflection of time and place, HERE will include site-specific installations reflecting on the Ohio experience.
9.21.19 - 4.5.20
COLUMBUS MUSEUM OF ART Ivy Atoms: 2019 Columbus Comics Residency Exhibition
9.24 - 3.15.20
COLUMBUS MUSEUM OF ART A Mile and a Half of Lines: The Art of James Thurber
10.10 - 3.15.20
CCAD BEELER GALLERY Season Two: Follow the Mud
11.1 - 2.2.20
COLUMBUS MUSEUM OF ART Driving Forces: Contemporary Art from the Collection of Ann and Ron Pizzuti
11.10 - 12.29
BRANDT-ROBERTS GALLERY There’s No Place Like Home The work of Christopher Burk, Cody Heichel, Mark Gingerich, Richard Lillash, Marianne Miller, Jolene Powell, and David Reed. TOP LEFT: Ann Hamilton TOP RIGHT: James Thurber’s New Yorker Cover BOTTOM LEFT: Ivy Atoms’s Pinky and Pepper Cover BOTTOM RIGHT: Inflammatory Essays install by Jenny Holzer 614NOW.COM SEPTEMBER 2019 (614) MAGAZINE
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TOP: Mean Girls Broadway, Provided by CAPA BOTTOM RIGHT: Rocky Horror, Provided by Short North Stage BOTTOM LEFT: Ben Levi Ross as ‘Evan Hansen’ and Jessica Phillips as ‘Heidi Hansen’ in the First North American Tour of Dear Evan Hansen. Photo by Matthew Murphy. 2018
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Dance & Theater 9.13 - 22
NORTHLAND PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Kiss Me Kate
9.17 - 22
BROADWAY IN COLUMBUS Dear Evan Hansen A recipient of the 2015 Edgerton Foundation New Play Award and the winner of 6 Tony Awards, the cultural phenomenon of Dear Evan Hansen bravely brings the issues of “fitting in” and adolescent mental health to the stage. Showing at the Ohio Theatre.
9.26 - 10.3
SHORT NORTH STAGE The Rocky Horror Picture Show Let’s do the Time Warp Again! Back by popular demand, Frank N. Furter, Rocky, Columbine, Janet and Brad are back in the Green Room of the Short North Stage just in time for Halloween.
10.16 - 10.26
EVOLUTION THEATRE COMPANY The Turkey Men
10.17 -11.17
SHORT NORTH STAGE West Side Story
10.22 - 10.27
BROADWAY IN COLUMBUS Mean Girls
10.25 - 26
COLUMBUS DANCE THEATRE Dancers Making Dances CDT joins with visual artists in a collaborative dance project at their Fisher Theatre.
10. 25 - 10. 2
BALLETMET Be Moved: A Collection of Short Ballets
10. 29
VOICE ARTS GROUP, RUSSIAN BALLET THEATRE: Swan Lake
11. 6 - 24
CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN THEATRE COMPANY Home An African-American man’s search for home. Staged at Studio Two, Riffe Center.
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Twisted - Etudes, Provided by Irvin PR
David Sedaris, Photo by Ingrid Christie
Opera & Music
Film & Literature
9.26-29
10.16
BALLETMET, CAPA, COLUMBUS SYMPHONY, & OPERA COLUMBUS Twisted 3 Staged at the Ohio Theatre, this artscape of Columbus companies “twists” their work into a multidisciplinary whole.
10.13
PROMUSICA CHAMBER ORCHESTRA Opening Night, Southern Theatre
10.17-20
REELABILITIES FILM FESTIVAL COLUMBUS An Evening of Shorts Five short films about bullying made by Columbus’ Bridgeway Academy will play at the Gateway Film Center. ReelAbilities is a touring film festival of films made by, or about people with disabilities and will also have showings of films at the Vanderelli Room.
10.17
COLUMBUS JAZZ ORCHESTRA The Greatest Jazz Concert in the World, Southern Theatre
THE WEXNER CENTER FOR THE ARTS Documentary Filmmaking Masterclass with Julia Reichert and Steven Bognar
11.1-2
10.20
11.8-9
America’s humorist, David Sedaris, comes to the Palace Theatre offering satire, wit, and his wry but true observations of the human condition. A Q&A session and book signing follows.
COLUMBUS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA The Romantic Cello, Ohio Theatre
OPERA COLUMBUS As One Two voices, a baritone and a mezzo soprano, come together “as one” to tell the coming of age of Hannah, a transgender woman. Staged at the Southern Theatre.
An Evening with David Sedaris
10.24
GATEWAY FILM CENTER Nightmares Film Festival
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, s l e e h W k e n h t u F n o e h g t n i n r o B g n Bri
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Damn Girl teams up with Skate Zone 71 for Roll Bounce BY JA EL A N I T UR N ER -W I L L I A M S P HOTOS BY BR I A N KA I SER MODELS SEL A W I L L I A M S & A DA M E L K I N S
I
t’s the hippest trip in Columbus. With the Midwest being the rightful birthplace of funk, the four-part collective of 70s dance party Damn Girl is taking their celebration to the roller rink. With regular attendees dressed in floral and lamé threads, the monthly function is always themed, with more emphasis on fun than dramatic attire. After finding their groove at the now-defunct Circus bar in the Short North, Damn Girl became nomadic, continuing the festivities at multiple venues before finding their niche at Skully’s. Raised in Minneapolis before assisting with indie rock events in Columbus, Damn Girl DJ Charles Erickson reflects on the event’s beginnings, recalling that it once had 1,000 attendees through the door at the rustic digs of Strongwater. “At the time, [Strongwater] didn’t even have half the infrastructure they do now. I mean, we used to have to get on a scissor lift every month to hang our own disco ball lights and video projector,” he says. “They weren’t able to manage that, plus they’re trying to turn it around and have a wedding there the next morning. It was just a nightmare for everybody.” Hauling their strobelights to Bluestone, the group realized they weren’t able to sustain drink sales for signature booze, as guests would regularly pregame before Damn Girl. Adding insult to injury, Bluestone couldn’t afford to pass on lucrative private bookings, as the building’s magnitude was surpassed by the quantity of the event’s guests, despite the event being fit for intimacy. While Erickson says that Bluestone is open to realigning with the group, these patchy circumstances left Damn Girl with one last resort. “We ended up deciding on Skully’s, with it being a little bit smaller but most importantly just a lot more sustainable. There’s a vastly better integrated lighting and video system, so we just show up on stage and plug in,” Erickson says of their final venue. “That’s one of the big challenges of that kind of event, was finding the sweet spot.”
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“There’s something so free about the feeling of your body coasting on wheels— that’s part of the reason we’ve been so excited to throw this party.”
As the Short North changes, Damn Girl doesn’t have any plans to retreat just yet. With sounds ranging from Michael Jackson to Donna Summer, on every third Friday of the month, the event is the one-stop shop for nostalgic fanfare. Following their six-year anniversary in July, the collective’s first “Roll Bounce” is sure to bring high roller vibes. “Ohio has always been a mecca for funk music. Our audience is the best, people come to dance and the percentage of the people who are on the dance floor is always high,” Erickson says. “The music that we play is chosen to be fun and uplifting and we’ve worked hard to build an inclusive culture around our night.” While cinephiles may take rollerskating cues from Boogie Nights and Unholy Rollers, for Damn Girl DJ video and lighting coordinator Donnie Mossman, 2005 film Lords of Dogtown provided a hindsight on polyurethane wheels which changed skating and skateboarding drastically in the 70s. “Before [polyurethane], the ride was bumpy and not as fun. When the ride got smoother, combined with the disco and funk music of the time, a kind of magic happened,” Mossman says. “There’s something so free about the feeling of your body coasting on wheels—that’s part of the reason we’ve been so excited to throw this party.” With Roll Bounce being held at Skate Zone 71, the Damn Girl crew is certain that fans from far and wide will attend, continuing the six-year anniversary bash and ringing in a new tradition on wheels. With residential spots like Oddfellows, Local Bar, and Flower Child that subtly pay homage to the 70s, Damn Girl has no gripes with continuing their vintage influence. Columbus nightlife is growing exponentially, but Damn Girl welcomes the pressure. Though they’re just six years in, Damn Girl’s throwback to Ohio’s retro origins shows that they’re here for the long haul. “As Columbus has gotten bigger, people have a lot of choices. So we’re honored when people choose us,” Mossman says. “We love seeing our regulars every month and also meeting new people who’ve never been to Damn Girl. It feels really special to welcome new people who had a good time dancing with us.”
Roll Bounce will be held at Skate Zone 71, 4900 Evanswood Dr. on Sept. 6 and 7. Find tickets at eventbrite.com. 614NOW.COM SEPTEMBER 2019 (614) MAGAZINE
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Angela Perley Shines On
Even out on tour, Columbus musician hasn’t forgotten her roots BY MIKE THOMAS | PHOTOS BY BRIAN KAISER
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olk, alt-country, or indie rock—however you choose to categorize her sound, Angela Perley remains a pillar of the Columbus music community—and highly in-demand as a national touring act, to boot. (614) caught up with Perley to discuss her new album, life on the road, and what it takes to make it as a musician in the Capital City.
(614): YOUR NEW RELEASE, 4:30, IS YOUR FIRST AS A SOLO ACT. WHAT LED TO THIS CHANGE? AP: Since 2009 until last year, I had the Howlin’ Moons. It’s always been myself, Chris Connor on lead guitar, and then we had bassist Billy Zehnal in the band up until last year. We’ve had a rotating extended family of drummers. Billy’s not in the band anymore, and we were also on Vital Companies, which is a studio/label in Columbus that did our previous albums. So this one—it’s a solo one, it’s my first independent release. There’s no label involved, I own the masters to the songs. It’s hard to keep a band together, so Chris, who’s been in the band since the beginning, and I, we’re kind of the only members, and we have an extended family of really great and talented people who have other projects they’re in. It just works a lot better with what I want to do.
YOU USED KICKSTARTER TO HELP FUND THE ALBUM. WHAT WAS THE CROWDFUNDING EXPERIENCE LIKE?
Before, with Vital, they had a studio and video production, and they took care of all of our recording in-house. We didn’t realize how expensive everything was. We had paid for studio time [for 4:30] through show money, but to look at all of the other expenses of making a record 42
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happen and trying to get it out there, it’s pretty intense! There have been a lot of independent artists that we know that will do Kickstarters, and I’ve never done anything like it before, so I was really nervous doing it. But it was a success, and I actually just finished sending out all of the preorder vinyl that people ordered. YOUR SOUND IS OFTEN DESCRIBED AS ANYTHING FROM AMERICANA, TO ALT-COUNTRY, TO PSYCHEDELIC ROCK. WHAT’S IT LIKE WORKING WITHIN THOSE TRADITIONS IN 2019?
You kind of have to make your own path, because although there is a resurgence of rock ‘n’ roll, everything’s been done before. It has those roots, but we’re not breaking the mold or anything. You just have to be true to yourself and to the music, and just go from there. Everyone’s voice is important as an artist, so that’s important to remember. YOU’RE ON THE ROAD TOURING QUITE A BIT. DO YOU STILL KEEP TRACK OF WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE COLUMBUS MUSIC SCENE?
Columbus is definitely growing, and moving toward doing things independently. I’ve seen a lot of bands touring, which is good. It’s an affordable place to tour out of, and there’s a community here for sure. Whenever I have a chance, we go out to the shows. We love The Cordial Sins, and we’re having them as our special guests for our album release. The High Definitions, Souther—there are just so many good bands. When I go to other cities and I realize that there’s not really much of a scene going on, it is kind of cool to see that in Columbus, people are very aware and supportive of musicians. Even the businesses around here, everyone’s trying to work with musicians in some way. There are so many gigs, be it at breweries, at restaurants, or little festivals that pop up. There’s work for musicians here. And some other cities, there’s really not. IN THE PAST, YOU’VE PLAYED SOMETHING LIKE 150 SHOWS A YEAR. ARE YOU KEEPING UP THE SAME PACE THESE DAYS?
I’m glad that we played that many shows at that time. We were playing anywhere and everywhere, and a lot of that was pressure financially. If that’s the way you’re making a living, you’ve got to take every gig. We’ve spread out the shows since, especially since we have been doing it for this long. We’re kind of gearing more towards quality shows. I will say, playing that many shows—I needed that. We needed the experience, and just the repetition. Every venue is different, every environment, every crowd. You cut your teeth and it makes you stronger. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO LOCAL ARTISTS HOPING TO MAKE A CAREER IN MUSIC?
It’s tough, because for each person it’s so different. Getting out there and working hard, playing as many shows as possible—that's all really great experience. But also focus on the music itself. If you’re going to make a music video or a recording, take your time—don’t half-ass it. Wait until you know what you’re doing. Although, you kind of have to learn from your mistakes, too. •
Catch Angela Perley with special guests The Cordial Sins on September 6 at Skully’s Music-Diner for the release show of her new album, titled 4:30. 614NOW.COM SEPTEMBER 2019 (614) MAGAZINE
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Maker’s Space
C L A T T E R PRESS
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BY LAURA DAUC HEN BAC H PH OTOS BY BRIA N KA I SER
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rom moveable type to Xerox to 3-D, printing has always been a game-changer. Several years ago, Columbus graphic designer Nigel Ewan saw a zine with an “impossible” hot pink color that he knew he couldn’t replicate with an inkjet or laser printer. The printmaking game changed for him as well. “I was curious enough to investigate the print method— it turned out it was riso, and that pink color was possible because risograph printing uses specifically-chosen inks as opposed to mixing toner or CMYK inks together to produce a spectrum,” said Ewan. Nigel teamed up with his sister Dempsey, and the two began the onomatopoeticallynamed Clatter Press, exploring the possibilities of risograph printing to create unique items in small numbers. Risograph printing is not completely unlike mimeograph or silk screen printing, in that the risograph uses a stencil and ink color that is applied one layer at a time, resulting in an often imperfect, but exciting and authentic image. Clatter Press now features the Fluorescent Pink (along with five other colors available for designers) that originally caught Nigel and Dempsey’s attention. (You may have seen a pink photo of Meryl Streep that has made its way around Columbus.) (614) recently spoke with Nigel and Dempsey to learn more about this unusual printmaking technique and what it can be used to do.
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Artists and designers are drawn to riso because the ink is real ink—wet, oily, gooey—that gets applied to paper in a style more like fine art printmaking than office printing.
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(614): Can you explain the technology and the process behind the risograph? NE: In risograph printing, a stencil is created in a thin paper which then is wrapped around a cylindrical ink drum. When the drum rotates, ink is pushed through the stencil onto paper to produce an image. This whole process happens inside a large machine made by a Japanese company named RISO, hence “risograph.” Riso printing is extremely environmentally friendly. Stencils are made from rice paper and ink is soy-based. No solvents or heat are used in the printmaking process and all consumables are recyclable. Is this your primary gig, side gig, or hobby? How did it come to be? NE: We are a brother-sister team and Clatter Press is a side gig for both us. I am a full-time graphic designer and Dempsey is finishing up her graphic design BFA at [Columbus College of Art and Design]. It’s also definitely a hobby for us; neither of us had ever done any riso printing before we purchased our machine. We wanted to use this technology ourselves to push the limits of our own creative practices. The entire shop is set up in my Clintonville basement—it took four of my friends several hours to get the machine down my narrow basement stairs—so it’s very much a cottage industry. But we love where we are and are excited to continue growing our business. What sort of projects are ideal for this medium? NE: Although the RISO company markets its printers as office equipment, the technology is much better suited to creative applications. Artists and designers are drawn to riso because the ink is real ink—wet, oily, gooey—that gets applied to paper in a style more like fine art printmaking than office printing. Misprints such as smearing, roller marks, and mis-registration (different colors not perfectly lined up) are common. This is all part of the appeal. Another appeal is that riso is cost-effective: once a stencil is created, the per-print cost is very inexpensive. The riso does really well at replicating all sort of mark-making. It can be used to produce sharp digital graphics, smooth gradients, organic marks such as charcoal and graphite, halftones, and even photography. What ingredients come together to make Columbus fertile ground for makers, designers, and creatives? DE: Columbus doesn’t always feel like it has the street-cred of older, cooler cities like New York or Chicago, but the upside of this is that everything here feels on the brink of something exciting and new. There is a lot of energy and opportunity in Columbus which seems to be emanating from all of the amazing people who have made Columbus their home and livelihood. We have so enjoyed the people Clatter has introduced and connected us to. Being able to watch so many people we call our friends pursuing fulfilling creative work is really encouraging—and makes us want to always be creating as well. Columbus seems to have boundless energy and this makes it the perfect fertile ground for creators. What’s your six-word creative story? DE: Inspiration. Curiosity. Family. Creation. Community. Clatter.•
To learn more, order, or see samples of risograph printing, visit clatterpress.com. 614NOW.COM SEPTEMBER 2019 (614) MAGAZINE
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Free F a l l i n g Ohio’s oldest skydiving school is ready to change your perspective on the world BY M I TCH HO O PER P H OTOS BY ADAM FAKULT A N D P ROVI D ED BY SKY D I VE G R E E NE CO UNT Y
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he things I do for content. My Saturday mornings are typically relaxing. I like to wake up early, listen to some music, play a few games on my Xbox, and then make my way into the world. I like my couch, I prefer pools to oceans, and my idea of a risk is getting pinto beans instead of black beans in my Chipotle bowl. And somehow, on a Saturday morning, I found myself with a grown man strapped to my back plummeting 11,000 feet towards the Earth’s surface. Making the hour drive to Skydive Greene County was tough with a giant pink elephant in the car—the uneasy feeling in my stomach the entire way where every bone, muscle, and cell in my body was screaming: TURN AROUND. When I arrived, my trusty skydive team trudged forward, making jokes—they say seven out of every eight divers make it to the ground—and we scoffed at the “Hell Is Real” billboard. The facility at Skydive Greene County has been in operation since 1961, and the numerous plaques, flags, trophies, and more were a reminder of the 50+ years of success they’ve experienced. It all began with the owner, founder, and general badass Jim West. He began skydiving in 1959 and never looked back. Since, he’s logged more than 16,000 skydives and 30,000 hours piloting planes. Can you even think of anything you’ve done 16,000 times? After an informational video about the do’s and don’ts of diving, our group was separated to meet with our tandem instructor who assured us, “We always find the bodies.” It may sound morbid hearing these lighthearted jokes about dying, but rather I saw it as a bode of confidence. My tandem jumper does jumps almost daily from sunup to sunset without a single accident. I’m just another day at work, so to speak. We were informed we were the third group of five to start the jumps of the day. Each time, I’d see one group nervously approach the plane. About 15 minutes later, they’d softly land on the grass with a beaming smile and what I assumed was a new perspective on life. And each time one landed, it was a reminder that I was soon to do the same. My stomach was a war of butterflies and creepy crawlies just at the thought. Dear Lord, don’t let me splat on the ground.
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(Okay, maybe that “Hell Is Real” sign had more influence than I care to admit.) Finally, it was our turn to board the plane. My instructor pulled out a GoPro to keep note of my emotions before and after. My instructor asked me the final question: Anything you want to say before we go up? Tell my mom I love her. Next thing I know, I was sitting on his lap processing all the steps I need to do before and during the jump. Sitting across from me was a solo jumper checking his altitude meter. A light on the wall was glowing red, then we’d get a little higher and it turned yellow, and eventually it turned green. The solo jumper opened the door, looked back, gave me the peace sign, and like a vacuum sucking up a dust bunny on the floor, he was gone. HOLY SHIT THIS IS REALLY REAL. My instructor taps me on the shoulder to tell me we are next. I don’t know if I was walking towards the door or if my instructor did the work for me. He said we’d go on the count of three, but when he got to two, we had already lept. Instantly, I lost my breath. Fear rushed through my body like a jolt of electricity. And it was in that exact moment I found peace. All the stress of my day-to-day disappeared for a second. I wasn’t worried about heartbreak or deadlines, I had to focus on what was important in that moment and what I could control. I took a deep breath, we began to flatten out, and pure bliss smacked me in the face. I was free. I was alive. The more we were free falling, the more peace I found. The views were incredible, the feeling of letting go was powerful, and the adrenaline turned into serenity. Eventually, the parachute was pulled giving us more time to take in the sights, and more importantly, play around. We tried a slow turn and that sensation of your legs falling asleep crept into my body. Then we tried a fast turn and my entire body became numb. And hell, why not? We did another fast turn. Our bodies spun like the slingshot David used against Goliath. We finally approached the 1,000 feet mark and began to practice the landing maneuver. It was simple in the moment—just raise your legs and butt up and prepare to slide. But as we grew closer to the ground, nausea and motion sickness hit me. I tried to muster every ounce of energy I had to properly land, and to my credit it was a decent landing. But as soon as I landed, I rolled over on my hands and knees and proceeded to do the sick cat pose. Looking death directly in the face at 100+ miles per hour takes a toll on a fella. But what do we say to the God of Death? Not today. And just like that, it was over. I can’t lie, the emotions got the best of me. I went to the bathroom and sobbed while I laughed. It was strange. It was weird. And I can’t say this enough, you need to try it at least once. Whether you’re in a funk because of life or in a creative rut from work, the experience here is a wake up call. Living is fun, and we can’t let fear hold us back. Make the leap, catch your breath, and enjoy the views— that’s all we can ever really do. • 52
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Feel like falling out of a plane and changing your life? Go to skydiveohio.com. 614NOW.COM SEPTEMBER 2019 (614) MAGAZINE
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SAFE SPACE A new day dawns for animals in need at Sunrise Sanctuary BY M I KE T HO M AS P H OTOS BY LEAH CO NWAY
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ooly Bully is a nine-year-old Jersey steer. He came to Sunrise Sanctuary after being rescued by an elderly couple who saved him from being put down by his previous owner. Having never spent much time around other cattle, Wooly typically likes to hang out near the front of the property with the pigs. This is just one story. Of the approximately 170 animals who call Sunrise Sanctuary home, Sandra Horvath could tell you about all of them. There’s Miss Ping, a pig saved from a factory farm by an eight-yearold’s birthday wish. Or Woody the goat, who’s down to one horn after an accident sustained while roughhousing with a ram. Horvath knows each animal by name and can give a detailed account of how they came to be at Sunrise. She knows each one’s particular peccadilloes, their medication needs, the personal histories. It’s not just a matter of practicality. She speaks of—and to—each animal as a close friend and companion. Brooklyn, New York native Mindy Mallet started Sunrise Sanctuary in 2001 after relocating to Central Ohio in the ‘90s. The 16-acre property in Marysville is a farm-style refuge where rescued animals are free to live and roam the grounds. There are three large barns at Sunrise, along with miscellaneous small buildings, chicken coops, a sizeable pond, and Mindy’s own home. The animals have the run of it all, with some barricades here and there when inter-species divisions are necessary. Animals who find their way to Sunrise will call the sanctuary home for the rest of their natural lives. With its mission of acceptance and love for creatures large and small, Sunrise is a beacon of hope for animals in need—not to mention the people who volunteer their time to care for them. Horvath became a volunteer in 2013 after falling in love with the sanctuary during a public event held there. When the property next to the farm went up for sale, she sold her downtown Columbus condo and moved her life to be closer to her passion. Lending a hand with the day-to-day operations is now all but a full-time job for Horvath, who balances her role as a devoted caretaker to her animal friends with a career as a practicing attorney. “The daily work is hard. It’s mostly just making sure everybody is treated individually with proper time and attention,” says Horvath. “It’s not hard to stay motivated, but there’s just always a lot you worry about.” With over 170 animals to care for, “a lot to worry about” is perhaps an understatement. The cast of critters at Sunrise currently includes four steer, seven equine, six sheep, four goats, 15 pigs, roughly 27 cats, two bunnies, several rats, and a whole lot of birds.
“Our mission is to take on as many animals as we can responsibly, and give them the best life possible.” While the emotional and physical labor involved in caring for this many creatures is substantial, keeping the sanctuary running also has its challenges. Between feed, medication, vet bills, and the cost of maintaining the grounds, among other miscellaneous expenses, funding the operation is financially demanding. Sunrise depends on three primary streams of revenue to keep the lights on: contributions from private donors, assistance from grants, and funds generated through special events such as Sunrise’s monthly “open barn” days, when the grounds are opened to the public. In addition to the funding they provide, these events provide a valuable opportunity to educate the public on responsible animal stewardship practices. “Our mission is to take on as many animals as we can responsibly, and give them the best life possible. We also like to educate people,” says Horvath. “If enough people visit farm sanctuaries instead of other types of places, like petting zoos, they’re going to connect with them on a different level, and I think the views about animals in our society will change.” With increased education, the need for sanctuaries like Sunrise might disappear altogether. As it stands, Sunrise can’t always accommodate every animal in any given situation. While adoptions occur on a case-by-case basis, the sanctuary is currently at capacity. Providing the optimal care and attention for animals currently in their care is the focus of the Sunrise staff. “I hate saying no to anyone, because there are amazing animals out there that just need a chance. But if we said yes to everybody, we couldn’t take care of the ones we have,” Horvath explains. “We don’t ever want to get in a place where we can’t take care of the ones we have really, really well.” Ideally, all animals would have a safe and happy place to call home. For now, Sunrise Sanctuary is a slice of heaven on Earth for a few lucky animals (and the people who love them) to enjoy. •
To learn more about Sunrise Sanctuary, visit them on Facebook or online at SunriseSanctuary.org. 614NOW.COM SEPTEMBER 2019 (614) MAGAZINE
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A Line of Physical training program at Columbus State builds conďŹ dence and awareness BY REGINA FOX | P HOTO BY L EA H CON WAY
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“Ask for an escort,” said another. “Trust your gut,” said one student who went on to tell a story about surviving an attack using her self-defense training (“I was prepared to hip toss [my attacker],” she said). Nodding in agreement, Quitter affirmed her students. “Your first line of defense is always going to be your fitness level and your self-defense awareness. Second line is your body and your voice.” This part of the lesson I found particularly compelling. As a young woman, I’ve never felt entitled to announce when someone is making me feel uncomfortable. To avoid making a scene, I’ll sit back and stomach inappropriate comments or even contact. Turns out, that’s the stark opposite of what you should do in those instances. “Don’t shell up, that’s what the predator wants you to do,” Foster enforced. Instead, the coaches encourage their students to correct their posture, make eye contact, and be vocal when they sense somebody getting a little too close.
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“F*ck politeness,” as guest coach Sarah Mase likes to put it. Letting a predator know that you see them and that you’re not afraid will significantly diminish the likelihood of you being attacked. However, if the predator continues to advance, Columbus State Self Defense students won’t be going down without a fight. The first step of hand-to-hand self defense is leaning into the situation, literally. Quitter and Foster demonstrated how to throw your arms up in front of your face, put your hand on top of your head, and crash into your attacker’s chest—taking them off guard while also putting yourself in a more competitive position. Next, they showed how to establish power with both body position and grip. And then, my favorite part: the takedown. I was equally surprised and proud when I was able to hike Foster’s muscle-y body up on my hip and launch him back-first into the mat below with shockingly little effort (not a brag on my strength, just a testament to the power of leverage and the excellent instructors at CSCC). Ah, baby’s first hip throw.
“Too often we allow ourselves this idea that bad things are just things you hear on the news or on Facebook,” said Foster. “I think people should be more proactive in their own safety.” He’s right. We see the worst being shared on social media and being reported on the nightly news, but we never think it’s going to happen to us. Columbus State Self Defense Training Program challenges participants to not only put themselves in those unimaginable situations mentally, but how to escape them physically, too. “I believe having a self-defense knowledge base is important at all points of life,” said Quitter. “We tend to unknowingly put ourselves in dangerous positions. Learning and maintaining the ability to keep yourself safer can literally make the difference in a life-or-death situation. •
Columbus State Self Defense Training Program meets Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays in Delaware hall on the Columbus State campus. For more information, visit cscc.edu/selfdefense.
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- ADVERTISEMENT -
COLUMBUS BOTANICAL DEPOT:
HEMP RETAILER WITH HEART “KNOWLEDGE IS POWER.”
C B D. These 3 letters have been a big buzz in 2019. Did you know they stand for cannabidiol - a hemp derived supplement hailed by some as almost a cure all? So what is CBD & how do you choose which product to try from the thousands on the market? It’s these types of questions the team at Columbus Botanical Depot are happy to answer. Located in the heart of Clintonville, the Depot specializes in cannabis education - offering both one-on-one interactions & community based classes.
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hen Joseph Brennan, owner of Columbus Botanical Depot, first started sharing the potential benefits of CBD in 2014, few people had even heard of the molecule, and fewer still knew where to find it. In an effort to educate the public, Brennan started attending expos & festivals to share his ever-expanding cannabinoid knowledge. Carrying his “medicine bag” of various CBD tinctures and topicals, he offered samples to anyone interested. “In just over a year, I lost my dad and my uncle to chemotherapeutics,” Brennan explained. “I learned about the benefits of CBD shortly after – sadly, too late to help them, but now it’s my mission to help as many people as I can with hemp.” Armed with information and samples, Brennan made it his goal to educate anyone who would listen about hemp-derived CBD. When the buzz around this non-intoxicating cannabinoid started to shift, he was soon unable to keep up with demand for his products. It was then that Brennan began looking for a location to bring his vision to life, which is how Columbus Botanical Depot was born in late 2016. As the first brick and mortar CBD retailer in Columbus, the Depot became a gathering place for those curious about exploring hemp-
derived supplements. The opportunity for those with questions to speak face to face with someone who was both knowledgeable and supportive quickly garnered the store a reputation for empathetic customer service and quality cannabinoid education. “Education is the missing link between this plant and the people it can potentially help, which is why we began a complementary community education series to share this information with as many people as possible,” says Alexandria Ianni, education lead at the Depot. These classes, which take place every Wednesday at 6PM in the Resource Center attached to the retail space, are free and open to all. The Depot’s signature event is CBD 101, which is held the first Wednesday of every month, and covers an intro to the endocannabinoid system and hemp. All of the sessions begin with a sampling experience based around the brand that’s being spotlighted that month. With the signing of the Ohio Hemp Bill on July 30th, 2019, any doubt of the legality of hemp has been clarified once and for all— public access to CBD is protected by law. To learn more about this compound, follow Columbus Botanical Depot on Facebook (https:// www.facebook.com/columbusbotanicaldepot) for the most updated event schedule.•
FITNESS
While everyone may think summer is the best time for fitness, we’re here to say fall is prime time. Who wants to go jogging in the middle of an 80+ degree day with a humidity factor high enough to make you sick? Not us, to say the least. However, the cooler mornings and evenings in the city are primed to get out and get a little physical. While breaking a sweat is desirable, a cool breeze on your face makes it worth it. Here’s how other Cbusers are staying fit this fall.
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Studio Rouge combines dance and exercise for booty-lifting benefits
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tudio Rouge in Grandview isn’t your average fitness studio. Here you’ll find classes in pole dancing, aerial fitness, and exotic dancing—including the aptly-named “Twerkout” class. And it’s not just for those who want to be on stage. The butt-lifting Twerkout class doubles as both sensuality and body positivity lessons for all. Taught by Tracy Ruby, she prides herself on being aptly coined “twerk technician,” having taken lap dance and pole dance classes at Studio Rouge before becoming a regular instructor. “It’s so much fun to see other people who come in, not sure what’s going to happen, and find that they can do it,” Ruby says. “The idea behind Twerkout is to take ‘twerk’ and make it a workout—to give people a new dance environment where they can come and they can learn new skills. [They can] take those home or to the club or wherever they want to do their new booty-poppin’ moves.” Ruby first assesses the physical needs and limitations of the class, combining twerk moves with traditional exercises as a mash-up with the ideal butt lift.
“If you go through Instagram, you can plug in ‘twerk’ and see all these different people coming up with different moves that work really well for their bodies, but during Twerkout, there are certain moves that’ll work for one person that won’t work for another,” she says. “Our booties are all shaped differently; our bodies all work differently. When you see people on Instagram, they’ve found all these moves, put them together, and they got their booties to twerk in these magnetical, amazing ways.” While visitors may scroll through Instagram before class to get a gauge of what they can expect from Twerkout, Ruby insists upon using repetition in areas where guests may feel they’re lacking. “You build natural muscles with, for instance, twerk, where you’re working specific calisthenics to enhance your sense of your motions,” she says. “It’s healthier. I mean you’re building your muscles. You’re not just implanting new material. We do a lot of squats in class, because that’s where you’re going to help get your leg joints, back joints and muscles in these areas to be more responsive and stronger.” As Ruby encourages doing squats outside of Twerkout, she also
“The studio itself is built around self-love and finding ways that you appreciate your own body and can share that with yourself and others.” stresses the importance of proper form with an extensive warm-up to match. “We do quite a bit of warming up of the spine so that your back is ready for all that we’re going to ask of it. Then we’ll go into some twerk drills, which is where the workout kind of kicks up and we’ll have some traditional exercises along with learning new twerk skills,” she says. “We will go through some core moves for twerk, that are specifically for a twerk and then we’ll start putting together some choreography [...] based on those core moves, maybe adding in some new ones. Once we have our choreography built, we will run through it a few times so that you’ve got something to take with you, and then there’s a cool-down period.” Twerkout guests may struggle during a session, but Ruby firmly assures that she won’t let her class fail. “Say one move is not working for you in class. If it’s not working for you there, keep working on it. It may just never be your move, you may not care for it. That’s fine. That happens in all kinds of classes,” she says. “Burpees, for example, [are] not everybody’s favorite. Some people are good at them and love them. Other people do not, but you can keep working at it, get better and eventually master these skills.” Ruby indulges in plain yogurt and granola as a protein-oriented goto snack following a session of Twerkout, and she encourages her class to enjoy any food that nourishes and energizes their bodies, er, booties. Following this downtime, she looks forward to amping her class back into gear. “There is never a moment where I’m not encouraging you. Everybody has a moment every day when they wanna give up. My job as the instructor is to help motivate that person and everyone else to keep moving, just keep going. The studio itself is built around self-love and finding ways that you appreciate your own body and can share that with yourself and others,” she says. “Come in and see what it’s about! It’s an hour, okay? So you’re not going to spend five hours with me doing something you don’t like, and I promise you’ll have fun.”
Find out more about classes at Studio Rouge in Grandview at studiorougecolumbus.com. 614NOW.COM SEPTEMBER 2019 (614) MAGAZINE
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Games On! Whatever your athletic pastimes or purpose, city sporting leagues have room on their rosters for you BY JO H N MC L AU G H L I N
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ure, you can join a pickup game of basketball or soccer pretty much anywhere there are courts and fields. However, in an active, outdoorfriendly city such as Columbus, a growing number of public sports leagues and athletic clubs throughout the downtown area are evolving. They embrace not only traditional sporting leagues, but also nostalgic fringe sports (such as kickball and dodgeball), and the fun-loving attitude that comes with them, where often times competitiveness is eschewed for simply having a good time. Isn’t that a novel idea?
Columbus Recreation and Parks | crpdsports.org If you’re interested in sporting in Ohio’s capital, the first (and for many the only) place to look is the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department. While municipal recreation teams might seem to many like they’re geared toward youth participation alone, this simply isn’t the case. So don’t worry, you won’t be reliving the glory days of 50-minute T-ball innings and basketball games ending in a score of 8-4.
According to Columbus Recreation and Parks Communications Manager Brian Hoyt, last year alone Columbus saw over 1.5 million people participate in city sporting leagues, and the majority of them were adults. “Columbus is actually thriving in the business of sports tourism,” says Hoyt. “Often times you have strong youth sports programs in the surrounding towns and cities, but they can be lacking in adult programming. Because of that, here in Columbus, we see people coming from Gahanna, from Upper Arlington, from Dublin, you name it.” And with such a robust group of athletes, the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department doesn’t skip a beat when it comes to the variety of leagues being offered. Leagues for every major sport are offered at varying levels of competition and seriousness across the city, including flag football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball and much, much more. One of the draws of participating in Columbus athletic leagues is their often top-notch facilities. •
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In fact, according to Hoyt, the city’s Lou Berliner Sports Park is nothing short of a world-class venue. Just this year the sports park, which is one of the largest diamond ballfield complexes in the country, was certified as an Environmentally Certified Sports Facility by the Sports Turf Managers Association. This makes Berliner the first facility in Ohio (and only the 32nd in the world) to earn this certification. “I think [Berliner] is like one of those great secrets that everyone actually knows about,” says Hoyt. But the wide world of Columbus adult sporting contests goes far beyond the city’s recreational leagues.
Sports Monster Club | columbus.sportsmonster.net Sure, traditional sports like basketball, baseball, soccer, and football are great for many. But every so often we all get the urge for something different. Sometimes we’re in the mood for bowling, handball, or maybe we want to unload a heavy rubber ball at our best friend’s face while suspended ten feet in the air. Yes. I’m talking about trampoline dodgeball. Currently, the novel sport is offered by the Columbus-based Sports Monster Club, an organization (now boasting multiple national hubs) that seems to be pushing the boundaries of sporting leagues and loving every second of it. While regular dodgeball is no longer offered, trampoline dodgeball is still available at the league level, with the occasional tournament as well. And while Columbus has yet to see many of these, the group regularly tests out some of the weird fringe sports (such as pickle ball and Spikeball) at other locations, checking their viability for a larger market. And while the presence of dodgeball itself may be a novelty without top-tier staying power, the trend of including fun, lesstraditional sports in leagues across Columbus seems to be here to stay. When we think of kickball, it’s more likely we recall recess on the blacktop than a televised sporting event Nationwide Arena, but nevertheless the quirky competition has found a niche in the heart of Columbus athletes, with Sports Monster boasting the largest kickball league system in the city. And according to the Sports Monster’s Bart Fitzpatrick, there’s good reason for its popularity. “Kickball is doing very well. It is the most social sport of all— where anyone, of any athletic skill, can participate and have a good time,” Fitzpatrick said. His assessment underscores the fact that many participating in adult sporting leagues are doing so for mixed purposes: sure it’s fun to win, and competitive leagues are still going strong, but many younger members of Columbus sports clubs are joining to be among friends. “The social component [of kickball] is huge. We always have host bars for after-league for folks to hang out and revel in their on-field/on-court antics and glory,” Fitzpatrick added. 68
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Columbus Young Professionals Club | cypclub.com/athletics Another innovative athletic group in the city is the Columbus Young Professionals Club. The group, created in 2005, acts as a hybrid networking and social organization mixed with athletics and community service elements as well. “At our most basic level, the social membership, it’s free to join. And there are plenty of opportunities; we have about 20,000 members now,” says CYPC Athletic Director Anish Mistry. “It’s a really great way to be among friends, or even to meet new people.” Similar to Sports Monster, CYPC represents an interesting trend where competitive athletes have the opportunity to square off, but the holistic club at its core seems to be about blending sports and social opportunities. With upcoming softball and volleyball leagues in the fall, the group is also currently offering bowling and even euchre registration. What’s more, among its slate of athletic leagues, the club offers a litany of social events, including coffee talks where young professionals can gather to discuss prominent issues in their lives (each evening revolves around a specific topic), dedicated networking events, and regular community service projects, including clean-ups at local parks and volunteering at Columbus-area festivals. It’s clear that the project of the CYPC involves athletics, but it seems to do so in a more dynamic sense, inclusive of sporting leagues from the seriously competitive to the fully laid-back. And this seems to be a movement the city as a whole is beginning to embrace—where there’s a sporting team for everyone, but a lot of us are just along for the ride. Sign me up for that. •
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Find Your crew
Forget yoga. Let the Greater Columbus Rowing Association give you a new kind of mind/body workout BY L I N DA L E E B A I R D | P H OTOS BY B R I A N KA I S E R
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culling. Coxswain. Regatta. For the uninitiated, the language of rowing can be difficult to parse. But if you’re ready to build your vocabulary, muscles, and circle of friends all at the same time, rowing might be right for you. You don’t even have to be an early riser to join the club. The Greater Columbus Rowing Association (GCRA) was founded in 1984 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the sport of rowing. The central location on the Scioto’s Griggs Reservoir provides rowers across the city with a place to get on the water, before or after work. Open to all levels and abilities, with new rowers, adaptive rowers, and competitive rowers welcome, the GCRA has provided dynamic opportunities for Columbusarea residents for 35 years. Rower Jan Rodenfels, whose lightweight quad team took home the cup at this summer’s Midwest Sprints race, started as a runner, and said that rowing requires concentration and coordination that she hadn’t needed before, even when competing in marathons. As a writer and motivational speaker, she had multitasked during her runs, planning and preparing with every mile. “With running, I could work in my head,” she said. But rowing put a stop to
that. “You are working in your head on the stroke, as well as all your major muscle groups. It looks easy but it’s challenging, synching up [with other rowers]. Oars have to go in and come out together.” Learning to row was more difficult than Rodenfels had anticipated. One of her early coaches cautioned the team that as they learned new skills, “Our problems will multiply like rabbits.” Rodenfels focused on learning one or two things at a time, as trying to put everything together immediately was simply too much. “I had to think Swan Lake at the beginning instead of rock and roll,” she explained. In other words, her primary focus was on getting smooth and perfecting her form before worrying about speed. “I could add the rock and roll when we could start moving fast.” She extolled the benefits of rowing for beginners. “You use legs, arms, [and] back… You really develop your muscles and cardio system.” She cautioned that because the sport is so demanding on your body, having a good coach from the beginning is key. That way, you’re taught the correct way to do things from the onset. “You don’t want to have to undo all the bad moves you’re making.”
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“You are working in your head on the stroke, as well as all your major muscle groups. It looks easy but it’s challenging, synching up [with other rowers]. Oars have to go in and come out together.”
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The schedule, too, can be a challenge, particularly when trying to coordinate with other busy members of a team. “We’re supposed to be out at 5:30 [a.m.],” Rodenfels said. “We’re out at 7:00 [a.m.], 8:00 [a.m.], whenever we can get all of our different boats in and coordinated.” And while the early mornings can be difficult, there’s something to be said for getting exercise while watching the sunrise on a boat with your friends. “It’s a beautiful sport.” It’s also open to everyone who’s past their years of college eligibility. “Master’s rowing starts at age 21... all the way up to people in their 90s.” Even if you’re not a morning person, there’s room on the boat for you. Rodenfels said many club members practice in the evenings. Physical limitations can be accommodated as well. “We have a paradaptive program at GCRA that’s all done and supported by volunteers. We encourage anyone who would like to try it to go on our website and sign up.” Still not sure it’s the sport for you? GCRA offers corporate learn-to-row activities that businesses such as Cardinal Health and even the Columbus Blue Jackets have taken advantage of. It’s a good opportunity to dip your toe in the water—whether you choose to take that advice literally or not. New members might take up rowing for teamwork, exercise, fresh air, opportunities to travel and win awards, or all of the above. Whatever your motivation, Rodenfels recommends starting with a learn-to-row class, and getting ready to enjoy the ride. “When you do it, it’s so beautiful,” she said. • In mid-August, GCRA members headed to The 2019 USRowing Masters National Championships in Grand Rapids, MI and took the gold. Follow their journey and find out how to get your crew on at columbusrowing.org. 614NOW.COM SEPTEMBER 2019 (614) MAGAZINE
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1153 Neil by Al Laus Photography
Harrison Ave by Short North Civic Association
158 Buttles by Short North Civic Association
847 Hamlet by Short North Civic Association
Renovation meets Preservation Short North tour showcases the intersection of classic and contemporary homes BY J. R. M CM I LLAN
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eighborhoods are defined by more than just houses and their history. But aging architecture often creates community as homeowners share struggles and success, collectively trying to preserve the past and embrace the future. Few Columbus enclaves are as eclectic or iconic as the Short North. Flanking an ever-evolving commercial corridor and heart of the local arts scene for decades are two distinct neighbors that seek the perfect balance between renovation and
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innovation—Victorian Village and Italian Village. Celebrating this convergence is the Short North Tour of Homes & Gardens, an annual affair now marking its 45th year. Most tours of this type tend to favor early summer to beat the heat and ensure everything is in full bloom. But the neighborhood that’s never afraid to start a new trend showcases their homes in early fall instead, offering a slightly different lens on faithful restoration that combines classic and contemporary.
Décor is a reflection of personality, but design often requires additional instincts and insights. Architecture isn’t for amateurs. That’s when Steven Hurtt gets involved. The principle partner of Urban Order happens to have had a hand in half of the homes on this year’s tour. “The first step in the process is to ask clients what they’re looking for— like a larger kitchen or a mud room—amenities that don’t exist in these older homes,” Hurtt explained. “We live differently now than when many of these homes were built.” Much of American history and popular cultural is chronicled through hints found in home design. From ordinary to ornate, simple to sophisticated, the bones of any house offer clues to changing dynamics and demographics. Living spaces were formal or informal with little overlap. The average family size increased and decreased over time. Kitchens were for cooking, not eating. Hardly anyone had a closet, much less one you could walk in. “Our clients want the charm of an older home, but they also want a larger bathroom or a master suite,” he noted. “How do you reconfigure existing space or add on to accommodate more modern living?” Consistency is frequently the demarcation from one neighborhood to the next. Even empty lots that are occupied decades after adjacent homes were built tend to adhere to the architectural elements of the era. But the Short North has always blurred the line of old and new, and the Tour of Homes & Gardens attempts to capture that range of styles found in the streets that surrounding it. The mix of homes on this year’s tour is no exception, a snapshot of the Short North itself. “One of the homes on the tour, by adding just a little one-story piece, we were able to create a back porch, a powder room, and a rear entrance with a mud room,” Hurtt explained. “That gets all of those things out of space of the existing house so we could make a bigger kitchen.” A living, level laundry hardly seem like a luxury request, but running power and plumbing to an unused alcove isn’t always uneventful. Renovations may require removing layers of earlier modifications that lacked necessary foresight just to get down to a clean slate. Some early architectural elements seem like anachronisms, but may still serve a more modern purpose. Hurtt conceded eliminating a butler’s pantry is often the best option to expand an existing kitchen into a more spacious entertaining area. But he has also introduced them into new kitchens as prep or clean up space for those who prefer to reserve the kitchen proper for guests without the obvious mess. Additional homes on the tour Urban Order helped to improve include a warehouse conversion to an open floor plan, two extensive interior reconfigurations within the existing footprint, and a new build for a couple who has lived in the neighborhood for years and loved it so much they couldn’t imagine moving to start construction anywhere else. “Reconfiguring existing space only goes so far,” he admitted. “We do a lot of additions, and work with the Victorian Village Commission and the Italian Village Commission to maintain the integrity of the existing architecture. Any alterations need to be sensitive to that.” Preservation isn’t just practical; it has to be integral. Not all neighborhoods have such restrictions, but those that do tend to hold their value. Even if it adds to the cost or complexity, these efforts to preserve what would otherwise be easily lost pay off when homes sell, or in hindsight as homeowners appreciate the extra effort once the project is complete. The dramatic contrast between Queen Anne and quaint cottage also highlights the extremes found within just a few blocks and perhaps offsets the less tempered pace of change along High Street, a retail upheaval many longtime residents fear is increasingly pushing local businesses out. “We’ve been doing this for so long, we can anticipate the kind of response we’re likely to get from the architectural review. It might not make sense to move every wall,” Hurtt revealed. “We have clients who come to us with ideas that may prove problematic, but we can offer options they may not have considered to achieve the same goals while still respecting the charm of their homes and the character of the neighborhood.”• The Short North Tour of Homes & Gardens is September 15. For details, visit shortnorthcivic.org/home-tour. 614NOW.COM SEPTEMBER 2019 (614) MAGAZINE
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Ladies and gentlemen, we interrupt your regularly scheduled Saturday routines to bring you football season. Before we dive into all the Buckeye coverage this month, here’s a look at the upcoming season for our guys in scarlet and gray. Ranked fifth nationally as they head into the fall, the Buckeyes will hit the road five times this season with one of those games taking place on Friday night at Northwestern. And of course, there’s “The Game” going down in Ann Arbor this year. From whiting out Penn State for another year to taking on our in-state foe Cincinnati, here are the games to keep on your radar.
8.31 | Ohio State v. Florida Atlantic, 12 p.m. 9.7 | Ohio State v. Cincinnati, 12 p.m. 9.14 | Ohio State at Indiana, 12 p.m. 9.21 | Ohio State v. Miami (OH), TBD 9.28 | Ohio State at No. 24 Nebraska, TBD 10.5 | Ohio State v. No. 18 Michigan State, 7:30 p.m. 10.18 (Friday) | Ohio State at Northwestern, 8:30 p.m. 10.26 | Ohio State v. No. 19 Wisconsin, TBD 11.9 | Ohio State v. Maryland, TBD 11.16 | Ohio State at Rutgers, TBD 11.23 | Ohio State v. No. 15 Penn State, TBD 11.30 | Ohio State at No. 7 Michigan, 12 p.m. PHOTO BY DAVID HEASLEY
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THE BIG
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10 things you didn’t know about new Ohio State head coach Ryan Day BY 614 STA F F PHOTOS BY DAVID HEASL EY
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ach season of Buckeye football presents new faces, storylines, and expectations for fans to follow. While the quarterback position is typically at the top of all conversations, this season brings an added layer: who is this new coach? His name is Ryan Day, and after a 3-0 start as interim head coach last year, he stands as the only undefeated coach in OSU’s history. Sure, it was a short stint, but the glimpses we witnessed were promising. His prodigy quarterback, Dwayne Haskins, went on to blaze the Big Ten and take down That Team Up North. But now, the pressure is on. There’s no Urban Meyer to step in week four—this is Day’s team. So before we flood the Shoe ready for another National Championship run, let’s get to know the new head coach.
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In his college days, Ryan Day did more than just serve as the captain of his football team. “The guys loved [Day]. In intramural basketball, he was the one that got the guys together. He put the team functions together; he was the guy doing it. He was setting up the Fourth of July gettogether with his friends. I think it has to do a lot with his upbringing in Manchester. He was brought up by some great people that were able to show him important values of family and important values of friends,” said current University of New Hampshire head coach Sean McDonnell, who coached Day in 1999 to 2001.
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Besides Day, Manchester, New Hampshire is home to two other college football coaches: Dan Mullen of UCLA and Chip Kelly of UCLA. While at UNH, Day’s offensive coordinator was the offensiveminded Kelly. Following graduation, Day rejoined Kelly in the NFL with a short stint at the Philadelphia Eagles as the quarterbacks coach for the 2014-2015 campaign as well as serving as offensive coordinator under Kelly with the San Francisco 49ers from 2015-2016. “I played for him 10, 12 years ago and he’s one of my closest friends in college coaching. I can thank him for everything in football that I’ve had. He leaves an impact on people’s lives,” Day said, as reported by NJ.com in 2015 after joining the Eagles.
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Day was in a quarterback competition in college. He won his spot in a very impressive fashion. “One game that sticks out; we were down 31-3. Ryan was the quarterback against Delaware and we came back to win the game in overtime. He put the team on his back, made some great throws, made a few great scrambles, but everyone knew that he was running the show—and more importantly—we could win and he was telling us so,” said McDonnell. Day’s age (40) puts him in an interesting class of other young Buckeye head coaches who went on to become legends at the university. Paul Brown, who led the Buckeyes to its first National Championship, stands as the youngest at 33. Next in line is Woody Hayes, 38, and we’re guessing you’ve heard of him.
Day and his wife Christina first met as T-ball teammates when they were six and coached by Christina’s dad Stan Spirou. Ryan and Christina both grew up in Manchester, New Hampshire, and graduated from Manchester Central High School. “I tell Ryan all the time that Nina was the better player, but he denies it,” Spirou said in the 2019 Spring OSU Alumni Association Magazine. Stan Spirou also coached the men’s basketball team at Southern New Hampshire University for 33 years. Ryan and Christina, who goes by the nickname Nina, have been married since June 2005. • 614NOW.COM SEPTEMBER 2019 (614) MAGAZINE
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This tight-knit family dynamic is something both Ryan and Nina hold close to their hearts. “Since Ryan became OSU’s coach, we feel like our family has grown. We now have our Buckeye family that we need to nurture and support so they all have a chance to thrive on and off the football field. We feel truly blessed for our kids, our extended family and now our Buckeye family,” Nina told (614). Ryan, a father of three children, gives credit to Nina for always being there. “Nina is the rock who keeps our family strong and makes it possible for me to coach. You have no chance in this profession without a strong, supportive wife.”
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Day was familiar with Urban Meyer prior to arriving in Columbus. In 2005, Day served as a graduate assistant to the Florida Gators. When he got the call from Meyer to be the offensive coordinator of OSU in 2017, he didn’t think twice. “I would have walked here,” Day said, as reported by the Dayton Daily News in 2018.
And Meyer didn’t beat around the bush for expectations when Day took over the team. “ ‘You beat the rival,’ Meyer told him. ‘Every other game you have to win as well. Every player has to get drafted in the first two rounds. No off-the-field issues, and never lose to that rival,’ ” reported Dan Murphy of ESPN in 2019.
While serving at Boston College initially as a wide receivers coach from 2007-2011, he eventually moved into the offensive coordinator position as well as the quarterback coach from 2013-2014. While running the offense, the coach improved Boston College’s run game which was averaging 91-rushing-yards-per-game to 212.5-yardsper-game. This boost of 121.5 yards-per-game stands as one of the biggest turnarounds in ACC history, reports NJ.com in 2015.
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The Days are passionate about mental health. The mental health crisis across America’s campuses is real, and the Days are quite literally “changing the game” with their support of the “On Our Sleeves” movement at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Because of the loss of a family member to suicide and their concern for the mental and physical well-being of young people, the Days have started The Ryan and Christina Day Fund for Pediatric and Adolescent Mental Wellness to help increase awareness, programming, and treatment for mental issues that affect young people. Here they share their reasons for championing this cause. (614): What can you share about your own loss and adolescence that you think would be helpful for individuals and families facing mental health challenges? Nina Day: When I was growing up, mental health wasn’t something people talked about. As an adolescent, I remember feeling different emotions and sometimes being very confused by them. But I didn’t know how to express what I was feeling, so I didn’t talk much about them. Today, thankfully, we’re more willing to talk openly about mental health issues like depression and anxiety. That’s so important because it gives people the confidence they need to seek help. I’ve learned, however, that even though someone may have a strong support network of friends and family, that may not be enough. Sometimes you need the help of a professional. Ryan Day: I think it’s important for everyone to understand that mental illness is a sickness that needs treatment just like any other type of illness. I know it can be hard not to feel animosity toward someone suffering from mental illness. But the reality is that person is sick and needs help.
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Only by acknowledging this can we remove the stigma that’s so often associated with mental illness. What made you choose this moment to tell your story and join the campaign? ND: Our family has been directly impacted by mental illness, so it’s an issue that’s been very important to us for a long time. When Ryan became the head coach at OSU, it gave us the platform to really make a difference. So we’ve decided to take advantage of this opportunity to help people, especially adolescents and young adults, who are struggling with mental health issues. RD: When I was recruiting in Massillon last year, the high school coach told me there had been five suicides in that community in less than one year. Those deaths inspired me to do research about suicide among teenagers and adolescents. I’ve learned that our country is in a crisis right now. We have a whole generation of kids who are struggling with mental health issues and need help, but they’re often afraid to seek it. When Nina and I heard about the “On Our Sleeves” campaign, we knew immediately that this was a great opportunity for us to help not just the city of Columbus, but the entire state of Ohio, as well. That’s why we committed $100,000 to create the Ryan and Christina Day Fund for Pediatric and Adolescent Mental Wellness at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. College athletics are obviously high pressure. What can teachers and coaches do to support student-athletes’ well-being? ND: I think the most important thing a teacher or coach can do is be accessible to the student-athlete. Coaches and teachers should make themselves available and encourage their student-athletes to come to them to talk or ask for help. Ryan and I tell our kids that it’s OK not to feel OK. When they are sick with the flu or an ear infection, their body doesn’t feel good. But there may be times when their mind doesn’t feel good, and it’s OK to talk about it. Ryan will always be there for his players when they’re struggling, either physically or emotionally, just like we’re here for our own children. RD: I think coaches and teachers should provide an environment that supports the mental health and well-being of student-athletes. This should be a place where student-athletes feel safe discussing their feelings and asking for help and support. I want my team to know I’ll be there for them if they’re hurting or need help. •
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Buckeye Season Preview from Eleven Warriors
BY C HR I S L AUD ER BAC K , EL EV E N WA R R I O R S STA F F W R I TE R | P H OTOTS BY DAV I D HEASLEY
I’ve certainly endured my fair [share] of not-so-hot predictions over the last couple years—but I always come back for more, because man does it feel good when you get that one or two right, especially if you go out on a bit of a limb. But let’s get to it...my five prognostications for Ohio State’s 2019 football season.
J.K. Dobbins will rush for at least 100 yards in 10 or more games this fall. I feel like this is a pretty risky one right off the bat. All the preseason logic says Dobbins is ready to bounce back in a big way after a subpar 2017 season in which he ran for 1,053 yards but did so on just 4.6 yards per carry. He should benefit from the return of a dual-threat quarterback and the accompanying read options, the general vibe that running the ball will be of greater focus this season and of course the reality Ryan Day doesn’t yet have a reliable second-string tailback to spell Dobbins. Dobbins will also be motivated to put on a show for NFL scouts in what could very likely be his last season in Columbus. So why is this prediction a stretch? Well, first of all, even in Dobbins’ freshman season in which he ran for 1,403 yards on 7.2 yards per carry, he still only ran for over 100 yards in six of 14 games. Last year, he ran for over 100 yards in only three of 14 outings. In fact, if Dobbins can eclipse the century mark in 10 games, that would tie him with Archie Griffin for the fifth-most in a single-season in school history. If you’re curious, Zeke (2015) and Eddie (1995) own the single-season school record with 12 each and Archie owns third-place with 11 in both 1973 and 1974.
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JORDAN FULLER will become the second safety since at least 1970 to lead the team in tackles in back-to-back seasons. Fuller tied outside linebacker Malik Harrison for the team lead in tackles last season with 81 total stops despite missing one game and getting ejected in another (Nebraska) after just 28 snaps played. Typically, it’s not great news to have a safety lead the team in tackles but even with Ohio State’s defense expected to show some level of improvement from last year’s tire fire, I still think Fuller has a solid chance to again lead the squad in stops. One chief reason for this logic is the fact Day has made no secret about his desire to feel comfortable rotating linebackers similar to how Larry Johnson maximizes his depth across the defensive line. Of course, the threat to Fuller here is assuredly Harrison because even with a rotational strategy, it’s hard to envision him coming off the field too often. Another reason I like Fuller to repeat is, like Dobbins, he’s looking for a bounce back season of his own before heading off the the NFL. Dude will be hungry and if Ohio State’s defensive alignment does feature more single-high safety looks than we’ve seen in the past, Fuller will be roaming center field looking to make things happen. So who is the safety to have already turned the trick of leading Ohio State in tackles in back-to-back seasons? Mike Doss accomplished the feat registering 94 stops in 2000 before backing that up with another 87 in 2001. Other safeties to lead the Buckeyes in tackles for at least one season include C.J. Barnett in 2011 and Damon Moore in both 1998 and 1996.
While the group will be much improved, the Buckeyes will still fail to be a top-25 total defense. After setting dubious records for most points and yards per game allowed last season, the general consensus is that an infusion of new defensive coaches, an altered scheme and the return of just about every defender from last year will help the 2019 edition of the Silver Bullets get back on track. I subscribe to that logic for a few reasons, most notably that if we’re being real, a group that gave up over 500 yards of offense three times and over 400 yards of offense nine times while surrendering an average of 403 yards per Saturday to rank No. 71 in total defense really can’t do anything but improve. I don’t mean that sarcastically, just matter-of-factly. Looking at the last seven seasons, on average, for Ohio State to rank in the Top-25 for Total Defense it’ll have to give up no more than 340 yards. That’s certainly doable and I won’t be shocked if the defense does shave over 60 yards from its per game average, but I’ll roll with the over and happily hope the group proves me wrong come season’s end. 84
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Ohio State’s offense will feature five receivers with over 450 yards for the first time in school history. Now this one really feels like a gamble. I should probably just go with 400 yards here instead of 450 since that’s never been done by an Ohio State offense either, but go big or go home, right? Scanning the history books, only twice has Ohio State featured even four receivers in a single-season with over 400 yards, doing so in both 2017 and 2018. And last year, Parris Campbell, K.J. Hill, Johnnie Dixon and Terry McLaurin became the only for receivers in school annals to all log at least 450 receiving yards in a single season. This year, I’m making a case that for the first time ever, Ohio State will feature five receivers with at least 450 yards. Since this feels like such a stretch, I’ll even tell you the ranked order I expect for receiving yards, again with all going for at least 450: K.J. Hill, Chris Olave, Austin Mack, Garrett Wilson and Binjimen Victor. (If Justin Fields gets hurt and misses more than one game, never mind.)
Ohio State will win the Big Ten and make the College Football Playoff, finishing 12-2 on the season. If Ohio State did all of this in Ryan Day’s first full season with a first-year starter at quarterback and a defense that gave up 25.5 points per game a season ago, I’d consider that a rousing success. Then again, I know everyone has different expectations for their favorite team. I wouldn’t be surprised if Day was able to do even better than 12-2 with a CFP berth. I would, however, be surprised if the Buckeyes did lose more than two games. So where are those two losses? Like the last few years, it feels impossible to predict, but I do think at Northwestern on a Friday night could be problematic. I’m not really on the Nebraska train, but I will say it’s not optimal to play the first roadie of the season in Lincoln in what could potentially be an 11:00 a.m. local start time. Either way, my gut says the Buckeyes drop a regular season conference game against a team not named Michigan and then pick up another in the CFP semifinal.
This article was originally published on Eleven Warriors website at elevenwarriors.com on August 15, 2019. It has been lightly edited for length.
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Buckeye BUSINESS BUREAU The Columbus community uplifts former OSU athletes and their business ventures BY M I TC H H O O P E R | P H OTO S BY R E B E CC A T I E N
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When it comes to being an athlete on the football field, making it to the next level is more of a miracle than a riteof-passage. Rosters can only hold 53 players by the time the regular season begins, and there’s a 5.8 percent chance that high school stand out will even make the cut. Even if they find success on the field, the odds of making into the league as an NCAA senior is one in 50, or 2 percent. And for anyone looking to take a different route and skip college, the odds of making it on an NFL roster are about the same as having a 150 IQ. In other words, athletes need a plan B, C, and Z. But what happens after a successful life on the field? Here in Columbus, we’ve seen Heisman winners phase out of the league in a few short years as well as highly recruited players forced to make a position change just to have a shot. Names like Troy Smith come to mind, or Braxton Miller and Terrelle Pryor. For whatever the reason be—didn’t have the physical attributes the coach was looking for, or just never got that chance to prove themselves—life goes on, and former Ohio State favorites have found ways to use their namesake and recognition to thrust themselves into a new career. Whether they took down the Big Ten foes in football or lead basketball squads to new heights, the super stardom of playing for the university creates household names and that alone can get you far if your professional career in athletics falls through. In a world where it’s who you know more than what you know, getting your foot in the door is a crucial step.
But how far can namesake get you? At the end of the day, it’s a lot like sports. You can be the five-star recruit set to blaze the country, but until you actually perform those skills on the field, you’re just another player on the team. Sure your name catches the coach’s attention, but that doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed anything. Take Zach, Justin, and Mike Boren of Boren Brothers Roll Off Dumpsters and Trash Removal Services. You might recognize them from their once-logo of Zach towering over a curled-up Devin Gardner, a former Michigan quarterback. Justin, a 2011 graduate of OSU, earned First Team All Big Ten and Second Team All-American Honors and seemed primed for a life in the league. He made the leap to the NFL where he was bounced around from the Baltimore Ravens, the Detroit Lions, and the Denver Broncos. Due to lingering injuries, Justin’s NFL career prematurely ended after three seasons. Similarly, his brother Zach joined the Buckeyes in 2009 as Ohio’s Defensive Player of the Year. While playing with the Buckeyes, he found himself on both sides of the ball as fullback for the first three years and linebacker for his senior season where he served as a captain on the 2012 squad that never lost a game. Though he hasn’t fully given up on his dreams of playing on Sundays, his time in the league also lasted three seasons with a new team each year. These setbacks might be enough to diminish confidence, but the Boren brothers chose to embrace the Buckeye work ethic. “It’s kind of a running joke now, but the coaches talked about when we played,” Zach said. “If you go to Ohio State, especially as an athlete, and you do what’s expected of you, give back to the community, and take full advantage of that position you’re in at that time, Columbus will always treat you right.” This name recognition has helped the brothers open doors and meet with people that might have never given them the time of day, Justin explained. But, to reiterate, that’s only half the battle. “The connections gets your foot in the door,” Justin said. “Once your foot is in the door and you have the opportunity, you have to • 614NOW.COM SEPTEMBER 2019 (614) MAGAZINE
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perform. You have to run a legit business, do the right things, and focus on service, but it at least opens a lot of doors.” This lesson parallels with performance on the field, and it’s those takeaways the two learned while at OSU that they apply to their business. The mantra is simple, but powerful: they treat every day like it’s a football game. “You have to show up, you have to do your job, you have to perform,” Zach explained. “And if you don’t, you’re losing that day; you’re either winning or you’re losing.” In the same vein as football, Justin said a lot of success boils down to the team around you. While the Boren brothers along with Mike, the father and a former stellar Wolverine now fully converted to scarlet and gray, and Jacoby, the youngest former Buckeye of the three, are the face of the company, their staff is out doing the work on a day-to-day basis. This also holds true for The Pit BBQ on Cleveland Avenue, a smoked meats adventure started by former Buckeyes Chimid Chekwa and Bryant Browning as well as D’Andre Martin and Mike Johnson. After Chekwa and Browning tested the waters in the NFL, they found themselves much like the Boren brothers looking to move past a life in athletics. The question that rings in many former athletes’ head was looming: what’s next? While Chekwa is originally from Clermont, Florida, Browning, Martin, and Johnson all grew up in Cleveland
dining at barbeque joints which eventually came to influence how they do business in Columbus. They took their time to carefully scout how other places went about barbeque and eventually decided it was their turn to share the love. First, the idea was to create a franchise through The Pit BBQ, but the restrictions that came along with it steered the four away from it. “Throughout Cleveland there’s a lot of Ma and Pa pop-up stops that Columbus was lacking at that time in the area so we wanted to take that style and that taste and bring it to the Columbus area,” Browning explained. While the recognition was helpful for starting the business, Bryant explained that it also puts you under a microscope. At one point, you could’ve been known as an AllAmerican cornerback, but if you serve bad barbeque, you’ll be remembered a guy with bad barbeque. “The other side of that is having the opportunity to go back where you have some recognition and memories to provide not only good food, but also do good for the community,” Chekwa added. Whether it’s crafting large quantities of meats and fixings for someone’s tailgate through the catering service, or simply helping the business rush sink their teeth into high quality cuts of brisket, it’s a complete and total team effort. On any given day, it’s no surprise to see the once All-American cornerback Chekwa in the back preparing the food for the day, or the former OSU captain Bryant manning the cash register. Just like football, it’s a complete team effort. “If I’m working the cashier stand, people will come in and say, ‘Wow! You’re a big guy!’ ” said the 6-foot-4-inch, 325-pound offensive lineman Bryant. “With helmets on, and being many years ago, they might not recognize your face right away or who you are. But yeah, an All-American cornerback is back here working the grill.” However the big lights may shine, the former Buckeyes never forget the lessons they learned on the field. “To be successful we understand it’s work,” Browning said. “It wouldn’t be a surprise to see me driving around in a food truck to an area to sell food. We understand it’s going to take the same grind it took in football to be successful. That’s just in our DNA.” •
To get in contact with the Boren Brothers for commercial waste removal, visit borenbrothers.com. For more information on hours and catering options, check out thepitcolumbus.com. 614NOW.COM SEPTEMBER 2019 (614) MAGAZINE
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BUCKEYE NUT OR
BUCKEYE NOT A season survival guide for Buckeye fans and others who live here
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P H OTOS BY DAVI D HEASLEY
Advice for fans... BY MACO N OV ER C AST
If you have lived in Columbus through at least one autumn, you know the sound of The Shoe on game day. The tidal roars of one hundred thousand Buckeyes. And although gameday decibels scale impressive magnitudes, you need your eyes to understand the full power of the pigskin in our city. Tailgates as big as city precincts. Rivers of scarlet, grey and white pouring into the stadium from every cardinal direction. I swear, children too young to speak are singing fight songs. It’s a lot to take in. How does one turn this mass sporting and social event into a personal and enjoyable experience? (614) sat down with superfan Peter Rowan, aka MVPeter, to find out not just how to survive a Buckeye football game, but how to grab game day by the brass ring. (614): You have an online brand and made this into a lifestyle—how did you get into being a superfan? PR: In undergraduate, I invented the title belt that I carry around and built up my costume with a long leather jacket and body paint. It’s a WWE belt (signed by John Cena, Sheamus, and The Miz) covered in duct tape. To be featured on TV—be extra. That’s all I truly do. Pretty simple thing, but it has gotten me a long way. I have had done interviews with FOX, ABC, and NBC, several segments on ESPN GameDay, and even a game show (How Low will you Go?) on SnapChat. What’s one aspect of football season that all Buckeye fans need to experience?
You absolutely have to go to the skull session. It is the best pep rally you’ll ever go to. The Best Damn Band in the Land puts on an incredible show and, afterwards, an insane pep talk from the coaches. This will definitely get you excited for the upcoming game. One time I was late but I got to high five the players and Urban Meyer as they came out of St. John Arena, so if you do not want to go into the arena, you can wait outside to see the team. What advice do you have for a first time visitor?
If you know a student who has a school parking pass, you can ride with them and park for free! Also, the stadium has a clear bag policy. I recommend that you don’t even bring a bag; it slows down the whole process and it’s more to remember throughout the day. All you truly need is some money for food and drinks and a phone for your ticket. • 614NOW.COM SEPTEMBER 2019 (614) MAGAZINE
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What is the best way to snag good tickets?
Don’t scalp. The tickets may be fake. My favorite places to get tickets are online. That’s the fastest and easiest way. Your typical event websites work, but Vivid Seats and The Buckeye ticket exchange group on Facebook might be unknown to new fans. Don’t go over budget, and play the long game. Generally, tickets will spike in price a week before the event, but as it gets closer and people just want to sell their ticket, you will see prices drop. Are there ways to maximize the experience on a budget?
Of course! Go to all the free festivities around the stadium and then visit one of the local bars for drink and food specials while you watch the game. Even having a watch party at your home is super fun. I used to have 20 people in my tiny dorm room to watch away games and cheer on the team. What in-game chants should new fans know before going to the game?
The first is our fight song, “The Buckeye Battle Cry.” Of course, know the O-H-I-O chant. Next, you should know when to spell Ohio when “Hang on Sloopy” is played. Finally, you should learn the lyrics to “We Don’t Give a Damn about the Whole State of Michigan.” The entire crowd will sing this at the end of the game. Win or lose—it’s hilarious. What is the best way to handle conflict with an opposing fan?
I draw a lot of attention with my costume. I get heckled a lot, especially when traveling to away games. One fan threw an entire sandwich at me, another grabbed me by the throat, but mostly I get called a lot of names. I just smile and say “Go Bucks” and keep on moving.
Advice for others... BY L AU R A DAC H E N BACH
Maybe you moved here from California. Or maybe you’re an academic. Or you don’t like crowds, or noise, or games with complicated rules. Or maybe you didn’t grow up in this country. Whatever the reason, the result is that you live in Columbus, and football is not your thing. I understand. As a person who has taken several direct blows to the face and head with sports equipment during my school years, my feelings are admittedly mixed. Happily, you pretty much own this town on Saturdays in the fall. Come outside. Away from 315. There are things to do. If you have some shopping to do or your yard needs work, this is the ideal time to start on 92
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those projects. But if you want to truly feel a sense of fulfillment, you can direct your resources in some specific ways and maybe even find your tribe. (We’re quiet, but we’re here.)
THINGS TO DO: Go to a community show and give a sizeable donation. Believe me,
this organization did not want to schedule a show during the Penn State game, but it happened that way, and you can be the hero of the day by throwing down a Ulysess S. Grant or two. Two or three Grants might be the next show’s costume budget, or repair to a lighting board, or a stipend for a choreographer. Whatever you give, it will be put to its greatest use.
Volunteer. Take one for the team. There are blood drives, Meals on Wheels shifts, and shelter work all happening on game days. Needs don’t stop at kickoff. Fill up those time slots when fewer people are around to lend a hand. Take a class. The McConnell Center for the Arts, Columbus Parks and Rec, the Cultural Arts Center, and more offer classes and workshops in writing, filmmaking, bronze casting, ballet, sculpture, and perhaps any other field you might be curious about. Stay clear of the Arlington/ campus area, and getting to class will be a breeze. Visit the Metro Parks. It’s fall, and you should enjoy it. Saturdays at the Metro Parks are packed with hikes, dog walks, and volunteer activities. The outdoors, free parking, a connection to nature, a casual dress code— it’s all yours to enjoy.
THINGS NOT TO DO: Predict scores. No one will give you credit for your wild guess, even
if you use your own personal logic and it happens to work. One season, with no knowledge of stats or rankings or reputations or even coach names, I began to predict Buckeye losses with alarming accuracy. My method? Watching the fan confidence level pre-game. The higher the confidence level, the more certain I was of an impending defeat. It was almost as if too much conviction off the field somehow translated into poor performance on the field. Like Harry Potter and the ability to talk to snakes, if this is a talent you possess, you must keep it to yourself. This is why it is important that you not...
Be too cheerful after a major loss. Don’t be even slightly cheerful. It’s hard to understand, because the fans didn’t lose—the team did, so the players are the ones who should rightfully be feeling upset. But still, this is hard for many people, particularly for those who had money riding on a certain outcome. Phrases such as: “Oh well, it’s only a game,” or “There’s always next time,” are not appreciated. Just try to adopt a serious-looking face, sigh heavily, and go back to doing your Sudoku. Or whatever. Play the social justice warrior. You need to accept that organized
sports are a permanent thing. Do not deliver sermons on how many starving children could be fed with the money that is spent on college athletics or what its carbon footprint is. Sports exist to bond people, to create team goals where none previously existed. Yes, the whole concept has become a little complex, and perhaps more than a bit empirical. But throughout our evolution, our strength as a species has been to come together to accomplish group objectives. And sports organizations are involved in the fight against cancer, assistance for veterans, and peace and leadership education. Those players that players that sign to the NFL are going to have some extra cash on hand, and you could use some funding for your documentary film project, right? It’s a small planet, and we all need each other. • 614NOW.COM SEPTEMBER 2019 (614) MAGAZINE
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entertainment magazine much like ourselves for post-game comments. It’s Eleven Warriors. And it’s time we shine a brighter light on the group who spends their Saturdays analyzing (and cracking hilarious jokes) for all of us eager fans. (614) had the chance to talk with Priestas, who also founded 1st Ohio Battery, an online publication dedicated to covering the Columbus Blue Jackets. What started as just a desire to write about the Buckeyes has blossomed into a media empire that even Priestas said he didn’t see coming. (614): WHEN WAS THAT MOMENT WHEN THE LIGHT WENT OFF IN YOUR HEAD LIKE, “WAIT, I’M ON TO SOMETHING WITH THIS”?
JP: There was an 18-month stretch in 2012 and 2013 where we were getting so much traffic that we couldn’t keep our servers online. We’d upgrade, and then three months later, we’d outgrow what we had. Rinse. Repeat. It was chaotic, fun, and I learned a lot on the way from paying $5.00 a month for hosting when we started to what is now one of the three largest websites in the state of Ohio. I wasn’t a journalist and never even really liked writing in school, but I just felt this passion to write about the Buckeyes. Fortunately, I’ve worked with a lot of smart and talented people along the way and Eleven Warriors grew to something I never imagined. HOW DO YOU REPORT WITH PASSION WITHOUT ADDING TO THE ECHO CHAMBER OF FANS?
Scout Team From blogging to running a sports media empire, Eleven Warriors has become a goto for Buckeye coverage
Here’s the thing about fans, and I’m certainly one of them: it’s short for fanatics. Being a fan can certainly lead to irrational thoughts, but we’ve always tried to be as comprehensive and measured as possible. We want to provide insight, analysis, multimedia, and data that you won’t find anywhere else. Data is a big part of what we do. Whether it’s historical kickoff times for the Ohio State–Michigan game or metrics for recruiting classes, we work hard to accumulate and maintain data that shapes what we have to say about games and trends. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE VOICE OF ELEVEN WARRIORS?
We try to keep it fun. We want to be the voice of Ohio State athletics and experts in our field, but we want to do that as part of a conversation with the massive community we have. They absolutely keep us on our toes and ensure we’re putting out great work. From a tone perspective, we want to be your cool uncle that knows more about the team than anyone you know. The guy who tells amazing jokes, can rattle off stats you didn’t know you needed, and also give you killer bourbon recommendations. HOW DO YOU DRAW THE LINE IN THE SAND BETWEEN PASSION AND OBJECTIVITY?
BY MITCH HOOP ER | I L LU ST R AT I ON BY SA R A H M O O R E
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n choosing one word to describe Ohio State sports fans, passionate would probably be the most appropriate. Each season, fans flood the stadium hungry for success and the past 20 years have been kind to these fans. But, anyone who watches football knows this, watching the game just isn’t enough. On Saturdays, Facebook timelines are full of opinions, praise, and criticism through the Buckeyes’ battle on the field. And after the game, the rush to dig through analysis, commentary, and stats is at an all-time high thanks to numerous publications reporting what they saw. Some have found success with niche audiences through blogging, and this method was no different for Jason Priestas, founder of Eleven Warriors. However, only he and his team of fanatic writers can claim this accolade: they are running one of the three largest websites in all of Ohio. It’s not ESPN snagging those clicks, and certainly no one is looking at an arts and 94
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Ultimately, we want to be credible. We want Ohio State fans to trust what we have to say, but it’s also important for our peers in the industry to know that if there’s unflattering news about the Buckeyes, we’re going to report on that, too. That’s very important to us and is a guiding principle behind everything we do. HOW FUN IS IT TO TROLL MICHIGAN ON TWITTER? YOU GUYS ARE REALLY GOOD AT IT.
It’s the greatest rivalry in sports, and we respect the hell out of the rivalry and that program. That said, roasting the Wolverines is one of life’s simple joys and the roasting has certainly come easy the last 15 or so years. We know this run is not going to last forever and often wonder what social media would have been like during the John Cooper era, but we’re going to have fun with it for as long as we can.
Priestas’ Picks LOOKING BACK ON SOME OF PRIESTAS’ FAVORITE MOMENTS SINCE ITS FRUITION.
BEST OSU GAME?
The easy answer here is Alabama in the 2015 Sugar Bowl because of what it meant, with the Buckeyes finally topping an SEC team, the No. 1 team in the nation at that, with a third-string quarterback, and playing into the first College Football Playoff championship game. Just an incredible win. But as far as fun goes, when Kenny Guiton walked on water and brought Ohio State back against Purdue to steal one in overtime in Meyer’s first season... man, that was a blast. GAME YOU’D LIKE TO FORGET?
The 2016 Fiesta Bowl. Nothing good came from that 31–0 loss to Clemson and it’s best if none of us ever speak of it again. FAVORITE ATHLETE TO INTERVIEW?
Tyvis Powell was a once-in-a-generation interview. Calling Cardale his son—and Cardale clapping back—during the 2015 College Football Playoff was amazing. Every team has a handful of guys who give great quotes, but Tyvis was on another level. WHAT COACH IS/WAS THE BEST AT DODGING QUESTIONS?
I think most of them master the dodge at some point in their careers. Urban Meyer was great at sounding like he was saying something, but often not, while Jim Tressel just straight up talked around whatever you asked. Ryan Day has been very candid at times so far, but I imagine he, too, will master the dodge soon. BEST ALTERNATIVE UNIFORM?
The “Stormtrooper” whites the team busted out against Michigan in 2013 and later wore at Penn State the following season. Wearing all whites to a “White Out” in State College is wearing-white-toa-wedding disrespectful and Ohio State winning that game with a Joey Bosa walkoff sack in double-overtime pretty much locked those uniforms into legend tier. • 614NOW.COM SEPTEMBER 2019 (614) MAGAZINE
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Wellness and flavor come together at SŌW Plated BY JAELA N I TURN ER -W I L L I A M S PHOTOS BY BRIA N KA I SER
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here’s no escaping the rise of plant-based alternatives. On West Lane Avenue, foodies can discover a new haven for healthy noms with a seasoned dash of ecological balance. With thoughtful consideration by owners John and Sunny Fahlgren, the acronym for SŌW Plated represents three guiding principles: sustainable, organic and wellness. As one-half the restaurant’s creation, Sunny prioritizes food as the best medicine, implementing cultivation that’s fully represented once visitors arrive at SŌW Plated. The presentation is lush with greenery surrounding tables to promote balance, and a minimalistic comfort that allows the dining experience to be communal. “SŌW offers a flavor-forward menu that will rotate seasonally to ensure guests consistently enjoy the most nutrient-dense culinary compositions possible,” says John. “We wanted a space that was clean, timeless and classic with a hint of the unexpected. We refer to it as a fresh, modern farmhouse design—Southern California chic mixed in with Midwestern sensibility. This look purposefully is very inviting and allows our food to be celebrated.”
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Within its inviting decor, SŌW Plated houses entrees that are both delicious and healthful. As an alternative to Key Lime Pie, SŌW’s Yuzu Pie is dolloped with coconut whip, as Yuzu is a fruit native to Asia and loaded with essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. In fact, the Yuzu fruit itself has more vitamin C than an orange. More stimulating dessert options, you ask? Made with dark chocolate, the flourless Cacao Cake promotes good brain health and can be topped with dairy-free ice cream. The cheekily-named Date Night dessert is made with truffled Medjool dates, and is yet another superfood. “As people in growing numbers adopt healthier lifestyles as a result of evidence-based information, we thought it was time to open a restaurant that embraced everyone’s individuality in a joyful space, regardless of dietary preferences,” John says. “We proudly offer many delicious options to suit every guest’s unique taste.”• 614NOW.COM SEPTEMBER 2019 (614) MAGAZINE
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And the options are abundant. For those who aren’t as apt to meaty cravings, there’s the SŌW Burger. Sandwiched between alfalfa sprouts, smooth avocado and creamy, vegan aioli, the burger itself provides a housemade authenticity, different from slapping a brand-name vegan protein on the grill. Don’t feel guilty just yet, meat eaters. The local Sakura Wagyu burger is 100% all natural and hormone-free, as Wagyu is considered the healthiest of all beef, containing the highest levels of monounsaturated fat, low cholesterol content and is rich in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. Not hankering for pita chips on the side? Try the side salad, which subtly replicates coleslaw. There’s limitless drinks to opt for, from juice to refreshers and cocktails, but it’s the SŌW Kombucha that steals the show. Fermented and on tap, the kombucha is fully organic, with sweet options like peach blossom, ginger lemon and pomegranate. Opening SŌW’s first location on West Lane Avenue was a challenge that both John and Sunny decided to conquer, but increasing the accessibility to healthy food was a passion that they wished to share. “There are so many exciting developments happening right now all across Columbus. It’s such a great city that is only beginning to realize its full potential,” John says. “Our menu has been carefully designed with your health in mind, without sacrificing flavor. Our philosophy is that both can live together happily in the same conversation. While science supports a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help reduce the risk of chronic disease, eating is a very personal experience and people ultimately need to make decisions they believe suit them best.” Working with 80 Acres Farms—the world’s first fully-automated indoor farm—gives SŌW Plated the ability to source vegetables from grower to guest often the very next day, year round, using 100% renewable energy, 97% less water and zero pesticides. “We seek out opportunities 98
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SŌW Plated founders Sunny & John Fahlgren
every day how to help our ecosystem, be it eliminating the use of fryers, committing to a reduction in the usage of plastic, recycling our food waste or sourcing local foods,” John says. “Living here in the Midwest as we do, people are growing acutely aware of the limited access we have to fresh food, particularly vegetables. Our growing season is short, meaning we must import a majority of our fruits and vegetables. Through our partnership with 80 Acres Farms, our guests will be able to enjoy many vegetables within 48 hours of harvest and thus at their absolute peak of nutrition.” SŌW Plated is gradually becoming a pillar of community health, as the Fahlgrens plan to become a clear voice in the current mental wellness conversation. Moving ahead, visitors can find occasional yoga classes at SŌW, periodic roundtable discussions along with a menu crafted with ingredients scientifically proven to help brain function. In September, SŌW Plated will move into their Sunday brunch option, which will feature live entertainment and inspiring courses. “The decisions we make today will live with us tomorrow, so we’re simply doing our small part for the greater good of the community we serve and the planet we share,” John says. “Significantly narrowing that gap from field to fork is not only ideal, it’s amazing.” •
SŌW Plated is located at 1625 W Lane Avenue in Upper Arlington. Visit sowplated.com for a menu and private dining options.
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“Steak”ing on Nostalgia
The last standing York Steak House stays the course by changing almost nothing BY J. R . M C M I L L A N | P HOTOS BY B R I A N KA I S E R
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olumbus is famous for a lot of culinary firsts, but rarely one of the last. York Steak House was once the prototype for red meat with a regal motif. While the rest of the restaurant industry was trying to sell commodity steak cafeteria-style with strained western metaphors, York was quietly building a kingdom of castle-inspired eateries. Founded in Columbus and topping out at 200 locations nationwide, when the mall craze collapsed and tastes changed, York’s fortunes fell. But the very last one has survived and thrived for more than half a century on West Broad Street by remaining largely unchanged thanks to the steady, perhaps stubborn, strategy still championed by owner Jay Bettin, who turned an abandoned outpost of a dying empire into a nostalgic dining destination. “What made them really successful in the 70s and ‘80s was that they were in shopping malls. Folks used to go out on Friday night, do some shopping, see a movie, and eat at York,” recalled Bettin. “We were one of only ten locations that was freestanding, so when malls started to suffer, it didn’t hit us the same way. But you could still see it coming.” Much like the latest season of Stranger
Things, there was always something dark and sinister beneath the slick façade of the shopping mall. When Northland, Eastland, and Westland opened in the ‘60s, they soon sucked shoppers away from local businesses. Then when City Center opened downtown just as the mall phenomenon was fading, there was a retail reckoning for the once bustling suburban satellites. “We were originally part of a buyout. A guy was buying 25 York locations and planned to turn them into Bonanza franchises. I was general manager here and asked him if he would sell me just this one and he could keep the rest,” Bettin explained. “But then Ponderosa bought Bonanza and his deal fell through. Suddenly, mine was the only one left.” Jay Bettin isn’t trying to give Jeff Ruby a run for his money, even with an enviable head start. Nor is he chasing the latest trends. You won’t find free wifi or a convoluted allergen-friendly menu. There isn’t a rack of fixed-gear bicycles or hipsters taking pictures of their food as it grows cold, either. Point of fact, the last time I was there for lunch, I was the only one among more than 40 patrons shamefully pecking on a smartphone. • 614NOW.COM SEPTEMBER 2019 (614) MAGAZINE
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“Even though we were a chain, we always ran it like a local business. We know our regulars by name, and they often know each other,” Bettin noted. “We went back to what made York great in the beginning — quality food and quick service in a clean restaurant. We kept it simple.” Simple is a deceptive understatement. Bettin reconsidered every item on the menu and element of the experience, from ingredients to presentation. The location was among the first Yorks to add a salad bar, to fend off competitors who had already done the same. And by salad, he means “salad,” not some bloated buffet with heat lamps and entrees that have been out there for hours. “We don’t claim to have the biggest salad bar in Columbus, but I guarantee everything on it is cut fresh here and isn’t prechopped and poured out of a bag,” he revealed. ”Most familypriced steakhouses were focusing more on the buffet than their dinner. It’s hard to do both well.” York Steak House started as a family restaurant that became a family business. Bettin credits his wife with subtle updates to the interior that still preserve the original aesthetic. Their three kids grew up in the restaurant, and all worked there. Their daughter still puts in a few hours a week despite a career elsewhere. Then there’s Jon Bettin, who works side-by-side with his father, poised to continue the York legacy. “People come here for the atmosphere, because it brings back childhood memories. When my son Jon was about five, we used to come in the morning and he’d ride his scooter around the dining room,” Bettin recalled. “He’s kind enough to let me feel like I still know everything and I’m in charge. But he’s also smart enough to know he can change things that need to be changed. We share that understanding.” Sirloin tips are still the number one seller. Even without adding mushrooms or grilled onions, they beat any backyard steak and are surely superior to a few more famous filets at twice the price. And with chicken, seafood, and pasta also on the menu, you could eat at York several times a week, and many do. There
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“Even though we were a chain, we always ran it like a local business. We know our regulars by name, and they often know each other. We went back to what made York great in the beginning — quality food and quick service in a clean restaurant. We kept it simple.”
aren’t many restaurants where you can walk in with a group of eight people and get seated immediately, much less order in minutes and be out the door again in an hour. “I don’t have the overhead of a corporate office. It keeps our prices low. My clientele is a little older and I’m obviously not going after the bar crowd.” he chided. “Our meat isn’t marinated or over-seasoned and all of our steaks are cooked to order. For the money, you’re never going to find a better steak.” Bettin’s early experience working in a bakery also shows in the dessert options. While the industry average suggests about five percent of patrons order dessert, York consistently finds closer to a third of its customers like to grab a slice at the beginning of the line, instead of ordering it at the end of the meal like most restaurants. “Our peanut butter chocolate cream pie is one of our best,” Bettin admitted. “The fudge cake has been a standard from the start, but now we bake it in house. It’s even better than it was 40 years ago.” Hollywood Casino gave the business a little boost when things were starting to slow down. Bettin credits name recognition and nostalgia, but he’s also amused that folks come from far and wide to drop a few hundred bucks down the block, but still stop by York. The license plates in his parking lot reveal cars from neighboring states, but also from Texas to Florida, Missouri to Massachusetts. “Our parking lot is in the back, so folks are sometimes surprised we’re still open. People tell us they planned their vacation route to come here. It’s humbling that folks will go that far out of their way to eat at our restaurant,” Bettin confessed. “We’ve always been a destination. When people leave their homes, they know they’re going to York Steak House. But now, we don’t always know just how far they traveled to get here.” •
York Steak House is located at 4220 W Broad, and is also the only location to ever have a website: york-steakhouse.com.
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PHOTOS BY ZANE OSLER
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FALL FASHION Is there a better time for fashion than fall? The temperatures are in that perfect zone where cool mornings transition into warm afternoons and once more back into chilly evenings. Whether you’re breaking out your vintage Ohio State gear for game days, or keeping a stylish and cozy hoodie on hand at all times, here’s a few ways to stay hip and fashionable.
Throwback
Saturday Vintage stores offer old school selections for Buckeye fans BY MITCH HOOPER | PHOTOS BY BRIAN KAISER
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the modern age of sports, your fanhood is often defined by your fashion. The variations of ways to support the Buckeyes range from shirtseys—a newcomers go-to for getting a player’s number on their back without shelling out $200 for a jersey—all the way to customized jerseys with your very own last name on the back. And somewhere in between lies a world that Homage has inspired: throwback styles of sporting apparel. What’s not to love about vintage gear? Compared to an authentic jersey from Nike, you’re saving loads of money without sacrificing style. They often represent an older time of Buckeye athletics that you can wear as a badge of honor which states, “I watched the Woody Hayes days, and I remember John Cooper all too well.” The aforementioned Homage is a great entry point for anyone looking to get in the game, but thrift stores and vintage clothing stores like Smartypants Vintage in the Short North offer even more unique ways to show you bleed scarlet and gray—or at least fit the part. We linked up with Smartypants to snag some vintage digs so you can boost your Buckeye fashion and not have to worry if someone else is rocking the same shirt as you. From t-shirts that more than likely were a freshman’s big buy at the bookstore on their first year on campus to crewnecks that are perfect for those cool fall days, here are a few looks to keep on your radar this season. • ABOVE: 90s sweatshirt: $43 614NOW.COM SEPTEMBER 2019 (614) MAGAZINE
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TOP LEFT TO RIGHT: “Columbuth” t-shirt: $36,
80s spirograph: $40, Champion t-shirt: $40
Poppin’ Tags Have you caught the Buckeye thrifting bug? Here’s a few other spots in the city to fill your needs. RAG-O-RAMA, 3301 N HIGH ST. OUT OF THE CLOSET, 1230 N HIGH ST. CLOTHING UNDERGROUND, 1652 N HIGH ST. GOODWILL, MULTIPLE LOCATIONS SALVATION ARMY, MULTIPLE LOCATIONS OHIO THRIFT, MULTIPLE LOCATIONS VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA, MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Smartypants Vintage is located on 815 N High St. For hours and more vintage options, check out @smartypantsvintage on Instagram.
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Born in the
(Madison) USA
Streetwear clothing provides convenient ways for men to boost their wardrobe
BY MITCH HOOPER PHOTOS BY ZANE OSLER
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Fashion trends come in waves, and at the moment in men’s fashion, it seems no wave is bigger than streetwear. It’s a combination of sleekly-designed hoodies and shirts with versatile bottoms. Graphic t-shirts—both long sleeve and short—have found new life with unlikely brands collaborating such as Supreme and Carhartt. It’s no longer a crime to walk out of the house wearing a groutfit (an allgray outfit) and earth tones provide unique color options. And shoes? It seems shoes show no sign of slowing down as the “rare” value of finding a high end pair of Jordans or Yeezys is a race to the top. If there were a male version of Carrie Bradshaw, he’d be wearing streetwear. This trend is no secret to our city either. Right in the heart of the Short North is Madison USA, a men’s fashion store with everything from your next favorite crew neck to a pair of shoes that might cost you upwards of $650. It’s all worth it in the end if you get that clout. Our photographer, Zane Osler, hooked us up with a few looks for men this season to get a leg up on the competition. Four Pins, if you’re reading this, put us on your fit watch 2019 list. •
• B rand: Stone Island _Top: Garment-dyed popover hoodie, $315 _Pants: Garment-dyed sweatpants, $290
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Brand: Darryl Brown _Top: White painter coat, $750 _Pants: Paint trouser, $308
Brand: Aime Leon Dore _Top: Kanga hoodie sweatshirt, $137 _Hat: Waffle stitch beanie, $60
Brand: Aime Leon Dore _Top: Crewneck sweatshirt with pocket, $112 _Pants: Camper pants, $112
Madison USA is located on 1219 N High St. For more information and to see what’s new, visit madison-usa.com.
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(614)
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