(614) April 2021 by 614mediagroup

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APRIL 2021 (614) MAGAZINE

BIG PICTURE The Tee Jaye’s sign at the corner of Morse Rd. and High St, that has stood since the early 1960’s, has an unknown future after the property is set to change hands this spring. PHOTO BY DAVID HEASLEY

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Contents

53 20 47 76 12

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C O V E R PA C K A G E LET'S GET PHYSICAL

MAKERS SPACE: DESIGNING DESIGNERS 20 VIDA'S

BREWING CHANGE

ENVIRONMENTAL SECTION

RECYCLING FASHION

SPOTLIGHT ON ADVENTURE: AXE THROWING

ON THE COVER:

Design by Paul Barton • Photo by Leonardo Carrizo

Opening Volley ← Stephanie Now PUBLISHER Wayne T. Lewis CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Lindsay Press

STEPHANIE WEST Editor-In-Chief

VP OF CONTENT / EDITOR IN CHIEF Stephanie West

Being thin versus being healthy—there IS a difference There was, and I knew it from very early on, a whole different world out there for someone who was thin—which I have never really been. And I’m totally good with that now, but I wasn’t always. At one point, in my early 30s, it occurred to me that perhaps being thin was the key to solving any and all issues I had with myself. My father had warned me of this when I was eight, underscoring his belief with not-so-fun insults that basically told me: You can be anything in this world, except fat. I entertained the notion he was right my whole life, seeing as thinner women kept getting things I wanted. More specifically, men I wanted. So I lost weight. A lot of it. My arms went from flabby to toned and clothing looked better on me. There was a new confidence in me, certainly, and just getting a new wardrobe had given me the new beginning I thought I needed. The first time I walked into Victoria’s Secret at age 32 and bought something I could actually wear was life-changing. The final end result was mixed. My new weight of 151 pounds (down from 320 pounds), on my 5’10” frame, with my blonde hair, and blue eyes, was suddenly “of interest.” And men were suddenly, very interested. Not that I could blame them. My formerly droopy shoulders stood straighter in my new body and I laughed a lot easier; my life had taken a turn for the better. I was thinner. Much thinner. I was also tired. Very tired. And hungry. I was eating around 1000 calories a day and at the gym up to two hours each morning. My cheekbones were sunk in and the comments of “You’re getting a little too thin, aren’t you?” were frequent. I was obsessed with every piece of food that made it into my mouth—its calories, its carbohydrates, its overall impact on my health. There wasn’t even a piece of broccoli that escaped my watchful eye. I was a machine. And I felt like one. When did it change? The day my daughter suddenly felt ashamed of her body in a two-piece swimsuit. At age 8. I saw her, out of the corner of my eye, look at me examining my body—and then she examined hers, and something in her head must have clicked. It must have remembered something I said or did or some comment I made and it came rushing back to her and suddenly, my beautiful 8-year-old was ashamed of her body enough to

cover it with a one piece and a T-shirt. What had I done? And for whom had I done it? In this April issue of 614 our super fun, 1980s-themed cover section is all about health and fitness—specifically, the top five trends of 2021. From online training to hitting the outdoors, we’re all about getting fit this year for any and all body types out there. From experience, I can tell you—being thin does not solve problems. Being healthy though, and loving yourself and your body for what it can do and not what it looks like, is life changing. I hope you try some of the trends we’ve highlighted and find one that makes you, above all else, FEEL good. Exercise and fitness should be something fun that you enjoy; not a chore to make you look a certain way. We also have an amazing multigenerational family story on skateboarding dads and their skateboarding kids from writer Melinda Green, as well as a great food section that highlights the first Black-owned brewery here in Columbus from writer Jack McLaughlin. Oh, and axe-throwing? Yeah, it’s a thing. And you don’t want to miss our environmental section in honor of Earth Day April 22—we spotlight some Columbus businesses who are doing their part to save the planet. It’s a feel-good, get well issue that is sending up the positive vibes as we head into spring. And I want you to ride that way without worrying about what you look like—just GO! And have fun, Columbus.

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and FEEL GOOD—our city offers plenty of fun things to help do it! 2003

2013

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614 CAMPUS EDITOR Caroline Cunningham CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Alex Lefebvre, Leonardo Carrizo, Jen Brown James D. DeCamp, David Heasley, Ally Schnaidt

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sarah Sole Jack Mclaughlin Melinda Green

Melissa Braithwaite Lindsey Esaja Jaelani Turner-Williams DESIGN TEAM MANAGER Paul Barton SENIOR CREATIVE DESIGNER Justin Remotap CREATIVE DESIGNER Jaime North VIDEO PRODUCER / EDITOR Maddy Van Buren DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Jayci Haase ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Meggin Weimerskirch SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Nikki Harris ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Mindy Wilhite Travis Burson

(614) Magazine 458 E Main St., Columbus, OH 43215 Office: (614) 488-4400 | Fax: (614) 488-4402 Email submissions to: editor@614columbus.com www.614now.com

Stephanie's Before & After

ASSISTANT / DIGITAL EDITOR Sarah Sole

ON the WEB

� S TA F F P I C K S

In shape, out of style

Do you check your news and entertainment updates on 614now.com? You should. Every day we’re posting Columbus’s top news, entertainment, and sports stories from throughout Central Ohio. Check out all the Columbus news online, including the new ones below at 614now.com and suscribe to our daily email!

The (614) April issue is all about fitness trends for 2021. So we asked our staffers, what's the one fitness trend you wish you'd never gotten on board with?

We have to pick just one?

— Stephanie West, Editor-In-Chief

The fitbit just made me judge myself about how many steps I was getting in a day. — Sarah Sole, Asst./Digital Editor

→ IGS sets ambitious goals for green energy IGS is leading the Central Ohio green energy industry with its ambitious goals for cost and carbon neutral. Read the story online at the link above, then hit our special environmental section in this month’s issue to learn how other Columbus companies are riding the go green wave.

Buying and subsequently wearing a waist trainer...I've almost passed out because of it

😂

— Nikki Harris, Senior Account Managerr

I second the waist trainer ^^^^ — Jaime North, Graphic Designer

→ The Great Social Divide How do parents of young 20-somethings connect with their children these days? Read about one family and a local expert who talk about how these two generations are crossing the social divide at the link above. Then check out our special family editorial section on multi-genertaional skateboarders in this issue.

Pyramid Scheme protein drinks called Body by Vi. I got got. — Travis Burson, Account Executive

I have terrible posture and my body is literally comprised of like 5 bones held together by a piece of string. I've never really fitnessed. — Juston Remotap, Senior Creative Designer

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→ What's on our plate We won’t ever let you miss out on the good stuff. That’s why we’re constantly curating new lists of the best new dishes in Columbus you don’t want to miss. Check out the latest above and then keep an eye out online for the most recent.

#AsSeenInColumbus

@chromedgestudios

@clairekeathlyphoto

@taylor.tarr

@femme.weddings

@luxeandlemons

@robbieohio

@jessicafaye322

@sixonefoursweets

@phil64justlooking

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SS PL

SO CIA L CO M M ENTARY

61 4 V I D E O Did you know that (614) launched a new YouTube channel with some very shareable video content? It’s true. We’re expanding our ever-growing content to include video across our web and magazine stories. Keep an eye out for more on our (614) Columbus account and on social media. In the meantime, check out the newest videos on our channel:

Columbus, you are a social-ing bunch, and we couldn’t love it anymore than we already do—unless YOU had a giveaway for US! Still, your quirky, witty, commentary, sometimes full of love... sometimes not so much, gives us much to talk about during the day. So, have @ it Central Ohio—we’re listening!

now playing...

fa ceb oo k In response to “Ep 02 of Tasting Columbus MARISA E: I FLIPPING LOVE TOMMY AND HIS DINER RICHARD T: Another great episode. This is Food Network

worthy.

Bojangles coming to Columbus MALLORY J: I’m crying tears of joy

Popeye's opening in Dublin

• Tasting Columbus Have you checked out our new TV show “Tasting Columbus?” Join OSU food scientist Matt Teegarden as he eats his way through Columbus’ food scene. Episode 1 drops Feb. 1. Make sure to tune in at tastingcolumbus.com or scan the QR code here.

TRACY S: So Dublin gets fancy Popeyes while the rest are

just eh?

now playing...

inst a g r am In response to Food news roundup @IDYLLRESERVE: Sign me up for all the chicken wings and

cinnamon rolls.

Olentangy views on a lovely false spring day (photo of Olentangy River) @MHILLES81: Don’t call her false. She’ll get fed up & leave! #enjoyingitwhileitlasts

• In honor of Earth Day, revisiting Bound The Columbus bicycle delivery service Bound is doing its best to help the planet and create a different kind of option for restaurant owners. See what they’re doing by scanning the QR code here.

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(614) Beer preorder announcement @JMKEERAN: I’d give 614 a pour

MAKER'S SPACE

↓ Edlyn Otero, Owner of Designer Jewelry Co.

DESIGNING DESIGNERS 20

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↑ Repurposed Necklaces, feat. Gucci, Versace and Louis Vuitton.

How a one-woman company is creating beautiful jewelry from recycled high fashion By Jack McLaughlin Photos by Leonardo Carrizo

dlyn Otero ordered a rare, gray boutique Chanel suit—and it’s finally been delivered This rare item, which shipped from Japan, cost her a whopping $850. After unpacking the delicate, sought-after garment, Otero gingerly carries it up a flight of stairs to her in-home studio before laying the suit out across a workspace tabletop and dutifully tearing off the original buttons, one by one. Believe it or not though, Otero has good reason to destroy part of the expensive garment she just ordered. She’s the brains behind Designer Jewelry Co., a Columbus business that crafts and sells one-ofa-kind jewelry—from bracelets and necklaces to earrings and chokers—using buttons, metal logos, and charms from repurposed designer clothing as centerpieces. “A lot of times I would see these great designer shoes that were older, a little worn out,” Otero said. “Even though most people thought they should go in the trash, I remember thinking how great it would be to give them new life, even if it’s just parts of them.” So while the buttons on a vintage Chanel suit are a good source for jewelry charms and trinkets, so too are shoes. Visiting her Dublin-based home studio, she had just finished surgically → 614NOW.COM

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This way everyone can have access to designer pieces in some sense,

because when you’re buying directly from a boutique, these pieces can be very expensive. When it’s something repurposed, it’s still an authentic designer item; it’s a little piece that’s still really meaningful. And it’s totally unique."

removing the large gold logo from a weathered Ferragamo shoe and affixing it at a rakish angle to a long, gold link chain she salvaged from a Clintonville thrift shop (her chains are regularly repurposed from area thrift stores). And when it comes to designer items, Otero doesn’t discriminate. She buys everything from Versace handbags to Louis Vuitton shoes to Gucci keychains—the last of which she recently transformed into a beautiful silver choker featuring the iconic Gucci GG logo made from 0.925 sterling silver. “The entire process is relaxing to me; it’s a release,” Otero said. “It’s just the act of creating something, and it’s that part of it where I get to think in a different way. I experiment with all the different shapes and charms and chains to find what feels right to me.” It’s not just the creative process that excites Otero. The everyday search for new, rare, and interesting pieces is part of what she loves about Designer Jewelry Co. “I’m addicted to the hunt,” she said with a laugh. Otero warns there are pitfalls to her unique brand of high-stakes online shopping though: counterfeit clothing. She’s been sold fake designer goods on three different occasions, but now verifies each item through a third-party authenticator that uses detailed photos of logos, stitchwork, and serial numbers to ensure pieces are legitimate. She’s even gone undercover in an attempt to make sure the service is on point. “I had a Louis Vuitton bag charm that I sent in with the wrong serial code on purpose,” she said. “But they caught it.”

↓R epurposed hardware from Gucci, Versace and Louis Vuitton pieces

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↓ Repurposed Necklaces

↓ Otero repurposing hardware from vintage designer shoes

Otero updates her latest hauls on instagram (@designerjewlery.co) and her website, repurposeddesignerjewlery.com, where interested customers can place custom orders themselves, and even learn the stories behind each designer piece used. And while being able to give designer items and vintage chains new life in a litany of creative ways is important to Otero, one of the things she values just as much is giving her customers access to truly original designer jewelry. “This way everyone can have access to designer pieces in some sense, because when you’re buying directly from a boutique, these pieces can be very expensive,” Otero said. “But when it’s something repurposed, it’s still an authentic designer item; it’s a little piece that’s still really meaningful. And it’s totally unique.” ♦

Learn more at @designerjewlery.co on Instagram or at repurposeddesignerjewlery.com

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vegan for

everyone

↑ The California sandwich available at Vida's Plant Based Butcher

Upper Arlington deli offers mom-and-pop favorites in vegan form → By Jaelani Turner-Williams / Photos by Jen Brown

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↑ Vida's Plant Based Butcher storefront located in Upper Arlington

arl Underwood IV’s plant-based approach to food started at an early age. “My father was raised with a plant-based diet and he decided to continue that on with myself and my siblings. I was about 13 years old when I officially started down the path of being plant-based, and I haven’t stopped since,” Underwood said. Underwood has gone on to found Vida’s Plant Based Butcher, an Upper Arlington-based venture that offers deli options derived from soy, wheat, and vegetable-based ingredients for Columbus’ growing vegan scene. Underwood, who serves as the deli’s executive chef, derived the concept for the deli from his distribution company, TrulyVida, founded in 2018. When one of the company’s clients, Dirty Frank's Hot Dog Palace, needed a new vegan hot dog supplier, TrulyVida came to the rescue. The company went on to build a rapport in the downtown community, working with businesses including North High Brewing Company, Eden Burger, 4th & State, and Fit Fresh to produce vegan alternatives. As the company evolved, Underwood saw the need for a way to bring his vegan options directly to the consumer.

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“TrulyVida was getting a lot of attention at the restaurants that featured them on their menus and so I wanted to give the community a chance to buy these products for themselves, take them home, and be able to cook and create delicious meals,” he said. The construction for Vida’s storefront began just before Ohio’s stay-at-home order was issued this past spring. But as COVID-19 cases dwindled, the deli opened last fall by instituting social distancing as well as carryout and delivery options. “Just getting the doors open was the hardest part,” Underwood said. “Although the pandemic really slowed things down for us, we were able to use the extra time to really make the space what it is now and work on perfecting our recipes.” →

“Although the pandemic really slowed things down for us, we were able to use the extra time to really make the space what it is now and work on perfecting our recipes.”

← Carl Underwood IV Owner, founder, & executive chef of Vida's Plant Based Butcher

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↓ Storefront of Vida's in UA

With a quaint atmosphere, the deli-style selections of Vida’s Plant Based Butcher replicate the atmosphere of mom-and-pop supermarkets. The deli counter has an array of cold-sliced, plant-based meats and cheeses. From the subtle spiciness of pepperoni to the savoriness of brown sugar bacon, and the creamy herb of dill havarti, customers have a variety of flavors to choose from. Shoppers can also opt for premade sides like gluten-free mac n’ cheese, sandwiches from “The Cold Corner,” or “From the Grill,” featuring selections such as the deli’s top-selling Vida’s Reuben. “It’s been very humbling to have people come up and thank me for opening Vida’s and for giving

them a chance to have more options when dining out and to take home with them,” Underwood said. “We also have people who aren’t vegan come in all the time simply out of curiosity to see what a plant-based butcher is; and I love seeing them leave happy and a little shocked that they liked it so much.” Underwood’s hope is that his products are enjoyed by a diversity of diets. “It is a stepping stone to show people that becoming plant-based does not necessarily mean you have to give up some of your favorite flavors and that they can still be enjoyed, just in a better way,” he said. “Vida’s is a place that gives options that are delicious for everybody, not just for vegans.” ♦

Learn more at VidasButcher.com

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↑ 100% plant based cold cuts

↑ Soup of the day sign along with drinks offered at Vida's Plant Based Butcher

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Nocterra

Jennings Java

www.nocterrabrewing.com (614) 896-8000 41 Depot Street, Powell, OH 43065

www.jenningsjava.com (614) 935-8348 1193 S. Front Street, Columbus, OH 43206

Located in historic downtown Powell, Nocterra’s brewers have been perfecting their recipes & crafting high-quality ales & lagers since they opened in 2019. They offer a wide array of beers including traditional styles like Munich dunkels, pilsners & porters, but have pushed the boundaries with fruited sours that truly expand the definition of beer. And IPAs? Yep! …everything from citrusy Beta Flash NE IPA to the big bold flavors of Scioto Coast Double IPA w/ honey.

On the hilly campus of Muskingum University, Jennings Java was born from a college dorm room in the Spring of 2016. Jennings Java highlights coffee’s unique flavors by sourcing quality beans from various regions around the world. Wholesale or home brew, Jennings Java roasts to order, promising the freshest flavor and an authentic experience with each sip. This is how we remain “True to the Origin” in every cup that you enjoy. Jennings Java provides amazing coffee and a smile to everyone that comes through our doors.

Brewing Co.

Nocterra’s canning line has been pumping out 6-packs for Central Ohio so there are plenty of ways to get their beer. Find a complete list of stores on their website, or, stop by the taproom for a pint & take home a 6pack to share.

Parsons North

Telhio Credit

www.parsonsnorth.com (614) 824-4208 685 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43206

www.telhio.org

Brewing Co.

Union

Patio season is upon us and we’ve got a big one. Enjoy this Spring in a spaced-out, safe environment here at Parsons North. With a wide selection of styles to choose from and a rotating schedule of Food Trucks, there’s plenty of opportunities to find your perfect combination.

If they don’t have it, then tell them to get it (wink wink). Cheers and welcome back!

For more than 80 years, Telhio Credit Union has been serving central Ohio as a not-for-profit, full-service financial cooperative. We offer the same financial products and services as a bank –but with a small, important twist; since we are a cooperative, our members are our owners. This means that our members come first and foremost. As an organization, we also believe in our core values of caring, commitment and integrity and being an active presence in the communities we serve. That is why we offer programs to help our members live easier lives, like our Checking that Protects account that gives members the added benefits of local discounts. As Telhio Credit Union grows and expands, we continue to develop new financial solutions for our members and maintain an active presence in the communities we serve.

Family Practice

Nida’s Thai

www.familypracticewestcarellc.com (614) 878-7285 3421 Farm Bank Way, Grove City, OH 43123

www.thaionhigh.com (614) 299-9199 976 N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43201

WestCare

on High

Hey Columbus, we made it through winter. Spring is here and COVID-19 vaccines are more readily available for all adults. During the past year, we put off important appointments and may have even neglected our own health; whether it’s your annual wellness exam, yearly cancer screenings or the vital PAP exam. Maybe you haven’t had even found a primary care provider.

Welcome to Nida’s Thai On High - Columbus, OH. We would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to your home to great combination of Thai dishes. We serve only the freshest and finest ingredients.

As a female-owned and independent practice Family Practice WestCare is ready to serve all your healthcare needs. In fact, most new patients can be scheduled within a few days. This past year was tough, and we are ready to work in collaboration with you to get you feeling happy, healthy and ready for a bright future.

At Nida’s Thai On High, you will experience the liveliness and excitement of our exhibition kitchen. Our extraordinary fast and friendly wait staff wishes to make your visit to us an unforgettable event. You could view our menu and online order ahead - no hassle.

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Uptown 51 gives upscale dining the home kitchen treatment → By Jaelani Turner-Williams Photos by Ally Schnaidt

← "Nuggs" chicken dish from Uptown 51

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F that makes Uptown 51 Kitchen + Bar feel like an or Adam Yoho, it’s the open-kitchen concept

intimate experience for guests. “What we hoped to bring to Uptown 51 was a unique experience where the guest receives attentive service and can interact with the kitchen and chef directly,” said Yoho, who co-owns the eatery with Derrick Hodge. “It feels like having guests at my home, albeit the kitchen at Uptown is much nicer.” Uptown 51 has become a new Gay Street destination for guests to feast, drink, and be merry. Following a soft opening last December, the space officially opened in March. The fast-casual service is as well-suited to a post-workday cocktail as it is to a curated soiree such as a birthday or anniversary. Uptown 51’s ambience is open and raw, allowing guests to focus on conversation, good times, and elaborate meals. Boasting an upscale drink menu, selections are a blend of traditional options—such as the Maple Old Fashioned with Maker’s Mark bourbon whiskey, bitters and orange, and Ohio-based maple syrup—and unique takes on cocktail standards like the Elderflower Cosmo.

← Adam Yoho Co-owner of Uptown 51

“What we hoped to bring to Uptown 51 was a unique experience where the guest receives attentive service and can interact with the kitchen and chef directly.”

→ Elderflower Cosmo ↓ Uptown 51 menu

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↑ Some of the wine selection at Uptown 51

“As a chef, I believe in getting the best ingredients and letting them shine.”

← Adam Yoho helping guests inside Uptown 51

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The food is as high-end as the libations. Yoho partners with the Butcher & Grocer to feature locallyraised products and features seasonally specific, artisanal finds from the farm, sea, and garden. “[The] ground beef for our Bacon Dream burger is sourced from RL Valley Ranch through The Butcher & Grocer,” Yoho said. “We also feature a weekly Butcher's steak. This changes on what they have available, but is always Ohio beef. The produce also comes from local farms when available.” Yoho often shares restaurant dishes with his family for their stamp of approval. “The Nuggs [Uptown 51’s hand cut chicken nuggets] has been a big fan favorite. According to my daughter, they are better than Chick-fil-A, which for a nine year-old is a huge compliment,” he said. Although Uptown 51 is the first restaurant Yoho has owned, he’s a veteran of the culinary world. A graduate of the Art Institute of Atlanta’s Culinary Arts program, Yoho has worked as a professional chef for nearly twenty years. He navigated the dining scenes of Texas and Pennsylvania prior to relocating in Columbus, participating in the opening of eight restaurants along the way. “As a chef, I believe in getting the best ingredients and letting them shine,” Yoho said. “Ultimately, making delicious food, offering gracious hospitality, and enjoying my work has continued to keep me passionate about my craft after many years.”

Learn more at Uptown51.com ↓ Uptown 51 sign outside their restaurant

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FOR HIS DAUGHTER A medical diagnosis led to gluten-free baked goods from Chef’s Table owner By Jack McLaughlin / Photos by Jen Brown

"It was kind of like a wave of relief knowing that I don't have to be missing out on all of these foods I really loved anymore."

hen Ania Whitacre was diagnosed with Celiac Disease five years ago at the age of 9, it was apparent that her life would be irrevocably changed. The less predictable side of it though, was just how much her new diet impacted the trajectory of her father Shane’s career: While Ania’s family became entirely glutenfree, gluten-free food also slowly became critical to Chef’s Table, her father Shane’s in-home dining service. “We are a one hundred percent glutenfree household,” Shane Whitacre said. “Even when my daughter’s not here, I’ll make a gluten-free baguette. I won’t even think about a recipe with gluten, because that’s just the bread that I crave now.” And for Chef’s Table—which opened in 2016, offering gourmet meals prepared in diners’ homes by Whitacre and other top-tier chefs—the process of embracing gluten-free eating was gradual and organic, taking place over several years. Today, while the company’s other chefs prepare food traditionally, everything that Shane cooks up through Chef’s Table is entirely gluten-free. The best part? People don’t notice the difference. “That’s the goal really, that everything we create is as good as its gluten counterpart,” Whitacre said. “I’ve had gluten-free bread, pasta, danishes, cream puffs—you name it—at my dinners. And nobody has realized.” →

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↑ Shane Whitacre, Owner of the in-home dining service Chef's Table & daughter Ania Whitacre

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↓ GF Chocolate Eclair

And after COVID hit last year, when many Chef’s Table services temporarily came to a halt, Whitacre ended up with an abundance of free time on his hands— time he poured into developing the best possible gluten-free baked goods. This eventually led to monthly drive-though popups in Worthington for their gluten free goodies, headlined by baguettes, eclairs, and one of their newest and most popular items: gluten free cinnamon rolls. Ania remembers her first bite of these as well. “It was kind of like a wave of relief knowing that I don't have to be missing out on all of these foods I really loved anymore,” she said. “Because to me they’re comfort food in a way, but even more so than a normal person. And now that I can eat them, they taste 10 times better.” But these new cinnamon rolls didn’t just come out of the oven great; like anything that’s worth it, their recipe took time to develop. And luckily, that was something Whitacre had lots of last year. He took on the delicate, often painful process of tweaking ingredients and retooling methods before trotting out the final version. “It really comes down to recreating everything you know about traditional ↑ GF Croissant

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TO ME THEY’RE COMFORT FOOD IN A WAY, BUT EVEN MORE SO THAN A NORMAL PERSON. AND NOW THAT I CAN EAT THEM, THEY TASTE 10 TIMES BETTER.

↑ Gluten-free baked goods from Chef's Table

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↓ Ania & Shane preparing gluten-free cinnamon rolls

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AS A PARENT YOU WANT THE BEST FOR YOUR KID. I FEEL FORTUNATE THAT I HAD A CULINARY BACKGROUND, SO THAT WHAT I COULD OFFER JUST SO HAPPENED TO LINE UP WITH WHAT HER NEEDS WERE. IT FEELS GREAT TO BE ABLE TO HELP. baking. Forget about it, it doesn’t apply,” he said. “First, the yeast and water ratios are way different. And then there’s the unique flour blend that only I make; you can’t just pick it up off the shelf. But the technique is even more important: how dough is proofed, how it’s baked, how you have to handle it. Even the way you roll them out is so much different.” For Shane and Chef’s Table, though, all the hours in the kitchen calibrating this recipe and others were ultimately worth the effort. Because first and foremost, his gluten-free focus was inspired by his daughter. “As a parent you want the best for your kid,” he said. “I feel fortunate that I had a culinary background, so that what I could offer just so happened to line up with what her needs were. It feels great to be able to help.” And now his cooking benefits more people than just Ania. Many more. Shane Whitacre has been reminded of this countless times by thankful patrons who want the best for their gluten-intolerant children, the same as he does. And for him, that’s a great feeling too. “I’ll get emails from parents in a similar situation. They have kids with Celiac. People tell me that something I've made for them that was a family tradition they had for years, but just couldn't recreate it gluten-free,” he said. “It’s meant so much to them to be able to bring these traditions back. To enjoy them the way they remember them.” ♦ Learn more at chefstablecolumbus.com/gluten-free

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Central Ohio’s first Black-owned brewery wants to give a voice to minority members of the craft beer community → By Jack McLaughlin / Photos by James D. DeCamp ← Anthony 'Sizzle' Perry Crafted Culture owner and brewmaster

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“I don’t give a damn if you don’t believe in putting fruit in beer,” Anthony Perry Jr. said fervently, stiffening his posture for a second. “If I want to put strawberries and Cognac in a doggone cream ale, then I’m going to do that. Because there are people who want to see it.” If you couldn’t already tell, Perry Jr., the owner of Crafted Culture Brewing in Gahanna, doesn’t have time to care about what the beverage industry says his new brewery (which opened officially on Feb. 27) should be making. And he has good reason to feel this way. Crafted Culture is the first Black-owned brewery in Central Ohio. For Perry Jr. —and his team of Zac Baaske and Peyton—beer represents so much more than malt, hops, yeast, and water. It’s a catalyst for change. “There are five Black-owned breweries in the state, so there are a few of us, but in my opinion not enough,” Perry Jr. said. “I mean, there are 50 breweries in central Ohio. There’s room for a couple more to

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pop up from some people who look like me.” Crafted Culture aims to make this a reality. It starts with their motto: “Beer the change.” “We are intentionally seeking out those minority individuals to come in here. We’ll teach you this industry if you don’t know it. We’ll embrace you if you’ve known it all this time and no one gave you a second look,” said Perry Jr. “I’ll say it until I’m blue in the face. We’re going to utilize this industry to help give voices to the LGBTQIA members of the craft community, the women, the African American voice, the Latinx voice, every voice that hasn’t been heard in beer. Just step up; we’ll be the megaphone every freaking time.” And this ethos comes across loud and clear in their beer as well. A style the brewery plans to focus on, golden ale, is likely the best way in beer to showcase variety. While still imparting its own crisp and refreshing flavors, its light body doesn’t normally overpower other

← Crafted Culture Brewery & Tasting Room in Gahanna

ingredients. It serves as a canvas, allowing bold and unique flavors to step into the foreground. One early Crafted Culture brew is a golden ale featuring chamomile flower, ginger root, and lemon peel. “With stuff like this, I don’t want to say we’re not pandering to people’s tastes, but we’re definitely not pandering to the stereotypical craft beer consumer,” Perry Jr. said. Another early Crafted Culture beer, brewed in collaboration with Endeavour Brewing and Spirits, carries a more direct message. Code Switch is an uncompromising golden ale made with the addition of rosemary, thyme, sage, and bay leaf. It takes its name from code switching—the act of adopting a different style of speaking or acting in the face of social pressures. →

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“I think it’s important people see that at times you have to put on a different face to cut your teeth in this industry,” he said. “We’re two brands that have had to do that. So let’s really poke fun at the fact that we’ve had to be somebody else in order to pull off things in this industry.” And while there’s exhilaration and opportunity that come with Crafted Culture’s position as Central Ohio’s first blackowned brewery, there’s also, according to Perry Jr., the burden of precedent. “It’s exciting to me, but it is stressful. The only reason it’s stressful, though, is because it’s hard to see when the next one of these is going to happen, right? You don’t see when the next person is coming. If this was a situation where I had three friends who were going to open their breweries, it would be a lot different,” he said. “The way it is now, I am the representation of African American craft beer in my city. But I’m ready for it. We’re ready for it.” ♦ Learn more at CraftedCultureBrew.com

← Code Switch being poured out of the tap

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The way it is now, I am the representation of African American craft beer in my city.

← Anthony 'Sizzle' Perry Crafted Culture owner holding the Crowler

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Now that the sun is out and the weather is getting warmer, it’s time to shake off those winter weather blues and get going. But finding your perfect workout takes a bit more planning than just strapping on your favorite pair of sneakers. To help you get inspired, we consulted ACSM Health & Fitness Journal—specifically, their worldwide survey of fitness trends for 2021. These guys are nothing if not thorough. For the last 15 years, the journal’s editors have circulated an electronic survey to thousands of professionals worldwide to figure out health and fitness trends for the following year. This year’s survey was sent online to over 75,000 health and wellness professionals across the globe, and responses came from nearly every continent. The result? Online training took first place in the list of top worldwide fitness trends for this year—not surprising, given the challenges the pandemic has posed to traditional group fitness activities. Second place went to wearable tech, followed by body weight training, outdoor activities, and high intensity interval training (AKA: HIIT training). Stick with us to learn a bit more about each category and just why they’re so popular right now. Got those sneaks and water bottle ready? Get moving with us, Columbus.

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We have the pandemic to thank for the recent popularity of online training. The fitness trend earned top place in ACSM’s annual survey of popular exercises worldwide, thanks to gym closures everywhere. And though many gyms have since reopened, online training continues to have staying power. Melanie Ash, owner of Fitness Evolution Studio, said she plans to keep offering virtual options to studio members to provide them with more ways to get in their exercise. “A year and a half ago, I would have never thought I’d be doing this,” she said. But on March 15 of last year, Fitness Evolution Studio was forced to embrace online training when it closed in response to Ohio’s state-mandated shutdown. That night, Ash hopped onto Google Meet to teach her classes live online. It was something she’d continue doing for 10 weeks. The experience was great for her clients, Ash said, because it was live instead of prerecorded. And while Fitness Evolution Studio isn’t holding their virtual-only classes any longer, Ash said that’s just because her clients have been more interested in coming back to the studio. Still, she said she plans on continuing to offer her clients the option to attend inperson classes virtually. Studio members also have the option to access 30- to 40-minute pre-recorded instructional videos online. 614NOW.COM

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Who needs those dumbbells, anyway? Body weight training became popular in gyms globally within the last decade, according to ACSM. The exercise ranked third in ACSM’s 2021 report of the top trending exercises around the world, compared to last year’s seventh place. Julie Wilkes, CEO of Seven Studios, said your own body is the only thing required for this fitness party. “You’re literally using your body as your equipment,” Wilkes said. Isometric body weight training features no movement with lots of resistance, Wilkes said. The goal is to put your muscles under resistance—think plank holds, for example. This type of exercise is most commonly associated with developing balance, stability, and strength, and it helps you get that lean muscle tone. It’s also a bit gentler on the body. Isotonic body weight training, in contrast, involves putting constant weight or tension on your muscles while you move your joints through their full range of motion—think squats or lunges. Doing exercises like these helps you develop strength and support through your joints and improves your ability to move. You’re also getting a bit of a cardiovascular challenge in addition to the strength training. Regardless of which type of body weight training you’re doing, it’s important to pay attention to your body. Joints should line up with other joints, Wilkes said. If you’re doing a pushup, that means your shoulders should be in line with your wrists. If you’re squatting, get those knees in line with your ankles. The best part? These exercises can be done in 10-minute sets throughout the day, making them super easy to fit into a busy schedule.

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Wearable tech has been pretty hot since it first hit the market. According to ACSM, it was a top fitness trend since first being introduced in their world fitness survey in 2016. This year, wearable tech is the second most popular fitness trend across the world. The category includes fitness trackers, smart watches, heart rate monitors, and GPS tracking devices that track metrics such as heart rate, body temperature, calories, sitting time, and sleep time. The most cuttingedge tech can even measure blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and electrocardiogram. The gadgets are an incredibly powerful way to help people stay accountable and aware of their actions, said Julie Wilkes, CEO of Seven Studios. The most popular types of wearable devices measure the number of steps you take as well as your heart rate, Wilkes said. The metrics allow incredible insight in how your body is responding to stress and physical activity. “We start to learn about your fitness levels,” she said. Sleep, too, is a popular metric to measure, especially because a lack of sleep has been connected to a greater risk of developing mental health issues, Wilkes said. While there are a variety of metrics that can be measured with wearable tech, there’s also a variety of ways to wear them. Wilkes said armbands, wristbands, and even rings are all options. Wilkes recommended starting with a model that’s affordable, and upgrading later. “There’s many different wearables out there,” she said.

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It’s easy to have a love-hate relationship with high intensity interval training, better known by its acronym, HIIT. It’s an exercise in tough love, if you’ll pardon the pun—you might be grinning and bearing it while that heart rate is up, but it’s a great way to get some cardio in. We’re not the only ones who think so. HIIT took first place from 2014 to 2018 in ACSM’s annual survey. This year, it dropped to the No. 5 spot. The exercise, which typically include short bursts of highintensity exercise followed by a short period of rest, has been popular in gyms worldwide, according to the journal. According to Russ Midlam, owner of Pursuit Fitness, the number-one reason HIIT is so popular is because it’s a real time saver. The average workout clocks in at 20 to 30 minutes, and can be done four to five times a week—perfect for those who always seem to be on the go. “They can bust through a workout, be done, feel great, and get on with their day,” Midlam said. The goal is to burn as many calories you can in a short amount of time—and the exercise options are endless, Midlam said. To really make the most out of your workout, you can incorporate strength training into your HIIT circuits. Midlam said the combo not only helps you burn calories in the moment, but also allows you to burn calories AFTER your workout as your body repairs.

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Getting a workout in is somehow so much easier when the sky is blue with cotton candy clouds and you feel that sun on your skin. And it appears that more of us are embracing it: According to ACSM, outdoor activities ranked no. 13 in their 2020 survey of top fitness trends before skyrocketing to no. 4 for 2021. The shift was felt on a local level as well. Bryana Ross, health and wellness manager for the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, said that residents have been looking to city parks more than ever before because of the pandemic, and using them in new ways. “This really allowed us to shine,” Ross said. The most popular fitness activities? Using park trails for walking, running, and biking. Last year especially, Columbus residents turned to the trails to get in virtual half- and full marathons after so many were cancelled out of concern for pandemic safety, Ross said. Bike riding has also experienced a recent boost in popularity. “I think it has actually blown up tremendously,” Ross said. Alum Creek Trail’s major hub is within Three Creeks Metro Park, Ross said. The trail goes north through the Bexley area, and extends into the Polaris area. The Olentangy Trail, meanwhile, takes riders from Worthington to Antrum and Tuttle Parks into the OSU campus area and beyond, to downtown, where it meets the Scioto Trail, which in turn proceeds a big south toward Audubon Park.

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nie West

By Stepha

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PET POOP POWER... AND MORE

Eco-conscious business practices take hold throughout Columbus economy By Jack McLaughlin Photos by Alex Lefebvre

t the end of last summer BrewDog announced, among a litany of green initiatives, that they had become the world’s very first carbon-negative brewery. This means that, through their many eco-friendly projects, they actually remove more carbon from the environment than their business outputs. BrewDog isn’t the only company with a Columbus footprint that’s taking a greener approach. If you take a look around the bustling city of Columbus— from mead to ice cream to even pet care—you’ll find other green initiatives nearly everywhere you look. According to Mayda Sanchez Shingler of the Ohio Sustainable Business Council, the number of these projects continue to rise. “When we first started [the OSBC] in 2015, green business was there, but it’s become so much more mainstream,” she said. “The amount of businesses participating has probably doubled since then.” Sanchez Shingler believes that environmental involvement for local businesses starts at the top of companies and trickles down to employees via workplace culture.

“The culture among senior management is important to set priorities that value long-term sustainability and resiliency over a short-term profit or growth,” she said. One of those green-thinking business leaders just so happens to also be arguably the most iconic Columbus entrepreneur today: Jeni Britton Bauer. Since her line of artisan ice creams launched in 2002, she’s been pushing to create a waste-free business. While that goal hasn’t been achieved yet, the dessert mogul aims to divert 150,000 pounds of shop waste from local landfills this year alone. Throughout the restaurant world of Columbus, green projects are typically less visible and quantifiable to consumers than the heavy-hitting initiatives at Jeni’s, but that doesn't make them any less impactful. For the newly-opened Emmett’s Cafe (along with many other Columbus restaurants), buying local whenever possible is a great way to offset pollution. Emmett’s also has implemented a fleet of delivery bicycles through local group Bound614. “It starts off at a daily level in your city, so it was really important for us to look at the logistics, and a huge part of our carbon footprint would have otherwise gone to delivery,” said Emmett’s Marketing Manager Sela Williams. For Portia’s Cafe in Clintonville, the little things also add up. Owner Portia Yiamouyiannis has implemented a compost program where a huge percentage of cafe items (including →

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↑ Jendell Duffer, Owner of Green Sccop Waste Removal & Recycling

" We’re the first business in the United States to turn pet waste into energy. "

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↓ Sela Williams, Marketing Manager at Emmett's Cafe

← Emmett's Cafe has commited to sourcing locally whenever possible and has switched to bicycle delivery in order to cut down on their carbon footbprint.

food scraps, silverware, and even to-go boxes) are compostable. These rising green initiatives can be found in local craft beverage industry as well. Brothers Drake Meadery, which according to owner Sarah Benary is one of the largest buyers of honey in the state, supports local bee populations through their purchases. Additionally, the meadery purchases 30% recycled glass for their production bottles, which are bought domestic instead of internationally. “Glass is the largest part of our carbon footprint, so minimizing that impact has really been our main focus,” Benary said. Even though local beermaker Land-Grant Brewing isn’t the size of BrewDog, they’re still able to enact effective green initiatives. According to Land-Grant marketing and strategy manager Tony Cipriani, the brewery works to donate their used yeast and grain to local farmers, and a portion of the latter goes to Growler’s Dog Bones, who makes pet treats using this byproduct. But perhaps the most unique and interesting eco-conscious business in Columbus comes from an

industry you’d probably not expect. Green Scoop Pet Waste Management specializes in exactly what it sounds like: pet poop. They offer litter-removal services both to personal homes and central Ohio cities (including emptying public pet waste boxes). What they do with this waste, though, is what sets them apart. “We’re the first business in the United States to turn pet waste into energy,” said owner Jendell Duffer. To do this, Duffer sends the waste to thirdparty processing plants where it can be converted into electricity and natural gas. And while, according to Cipriani, even ecofriendly initiatives are more difficult to maintain during the pandemic, it’s clear that the city of Columbus has taken up the mantle of conversation, and taken on the challenge of incorporating eco-friendly projects into its economy. And more is likely on the way. The advent of solar energy could soon be a major factor in the creation of green projects. According to Suzanne Csejtey of Design Energy, solar energy is becoming increasingly affordable and more useful, with energy

resilience technology (which allows solar owners to store their converted electricity for later use) primed to play a major role. And in the meantime, through beer, breakfast sandwiches, and even dog poop, the city of Columbus is going greener every day. ♦the challenge of incorporating eco-friendly projects into its economy. And more is likely on the way. The advent of solar energy could soon be a major factor in the creation of green projects. According to Suzanne Csejtey of Design Energy, solar energy is becoming increasingly affordable and more useful, with energy resilience technology (which allows solar owners to store their converted electricity for later use) primed to play a major role. And in the meantime, through beer, breakfast sandwiches, and even dog poop, the city of Columbus is going greener every day. ♦

Learn more at the Ohio Sustainable Business Council website osbcouncil.org

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ON A ↓ (L to R) Charles Peaks, D’Andre Martin and Marvin Green, three of the five founders of Leafy

ROLL Meet Leafy, the local eco-friendly toilet paper company that’s one of the first Black-owned businesses of its kind → By Jack McLaughlin / Photos by James D. DeCamp 614NOW.COM

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↑ Leafy is created with bamboo, making it biodegradable and tree-free

"A lot of trees can take over 100 years until they’re ready to be cut down, but bamboo can be used in only a few years."

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xactly a year ago today, for many Americans dealing with the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic, toilet paper was worth its weight in gold. And beyond all the memes and the jokes about TP hoarders (and yes, some of them were really good), this happened for a reason: Everyone needs toilet paper. So—looking to capitalize on a market that isn’t going away anytime soon—Anthony Caldwell, Troy Cherry, Marvin Green, D’Andre Martin, and Charles Peaks launched Leafy Products in early January. “It’s an essential product; that’s one of the big reasons we started,” Green said. “But we also wanted to make something that would give back to Columbus, and something that was better for the environment.”

As its name implies, the eco-friendliness of Leafy is perhaps its largest selling point. This aspect of the product also plays a part in creating the first thing you’ll likely notice when you reach for a roll: unlike other TP, it’s not white. “Leafy isn’t dyed, where most toilet paper is. That’s what gives other brands a white color,” Peaks said. “Leafy is also chemical-free and biodegradable, which are selling points for a lot of people.” This isn’t the extent of Leafy’s environmental focus, either. One of the greenest parts of the new Columbus brand has to do with what it’s made from: 100% bamboo, which is considered a more stable and renewable natural resource for, among other reasons, just how shockingly fast it grows.

“A lot of trees can take over 100 years until they’re ready to be cut down,” Martin said. “But bamboo can be used in only a few years.” Well-known as the fastest-growing plant on Earth, bamboo can often shoot up at the eye-popping rate of two inches per hour. What’s more, it actually releases 30-35% more oxygen into the atmosphere than an equivalent tree. Outside of its eco-benefits, bamboo also offers a natural anti-bacterial agent known as “Bamboo Kun,” which is a huge plus for anything coming into contact with the more sensitive areas of your body. And while we’ll spare you most of the details on this one, due to Leafy’s threeply construction and the natural texture of bamboo, customers have gushed over → 614NOW.COM

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↑ Leafy is available in select retail stores.

It’s an essential product; that’s one of the big reasons we started, but we also wanted to make something that would give back to Columbus, and something that was better for the environment.

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the product’s comfortable feel that’s both soft and firm. Leafy is available in local stores such Weiland’s Market, Reuse Revolution (located in North Market Bridge Park), and Green Haven Living. Their rolls, while high-quality and environmentally friendly, are competitively-priced, with a six-pack costing $7.49 and a subscription service that saves customers 10%. Plus, all online orders receive next-day delivery to Columbus (via their own fleet of drivers). And just like the health of our environment matters to the forward-thinking company, Leafy (which is also Ohio’s first Black-owned toilet paper company) is also concerned with real humanitarian causes. The company is providing local jobs to delivery drivers and actively giving back to the community it came from, even if it’s only been active for three short months. “Right now we’re looking at supporting the Huckleberry House. They have a few locations in Columbus and they work with a lot of troubled and orphaned youth,” said Green. “But we’re going to be supporting other causes too in the future. We’re looking at help for the elderly right now too, but it’s really just about what we believe in, that’s where we’ll donate to. That’s really what we’re about.” ♦ Learn more at getleafyproducts.com

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recy

Local artist aims to reduce textile waste through recycled pieces By Lindsey Escaja Photos by Jen Brown

ion

f g a n s i l h c

was Dre McLeod’s experience working as an interior designer personal assistant in Los Angeles that ultimately inspired her to create art out of secondhand clothes. “I saw all these incredibly beautiful, expensive, luxurious fabrics that were going to be tossed out, and it broke my heart. So what did I do?

I took them home and utilized my seamstress skill and eye for color to start making quilts from repurposed fabrics,” she said. Combining traditional methods from her Appalachia upbringing with modern design aesthetics, McLeod is taking action to help reduce, reuse, and recycle every day with

↑ Dre McLeod, Artist

her vintage, secondhand, wearable art. And despite running her own business, she sees herself as more of a working artist. “Over the past couple of years, I have committed myself to work almost exclusively with repurposed materials as a way to minimize the demand for newly produced goods,” she said. → 614NOW.COM

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↑ McLeod's work using repurposed fabrics

"Hopefully by sharing my art, it will be that one thing that inspires others to see the changes that need to be made on a larger scale."

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As McLeod continued to learn how much textile waste was produced by the fashion industry and individual consumers, she knew she had to keep doing what she was doing and then some. “On average, every American throws away about 80 pounds of textile waste each year,” she said. “That adds up quickly, and many of these textiles are synthetic, so they take hundreds of years to decompose, if at all. Plus many of them are initially produced using non-renewable resources.” Looking to the past and embracing

her love for art history, McLeod’s latest collection is a mix of past and present, incorporating French Symbolism, Art Deco, Brutalist Architecture, Surrealism, and The Golden Age of Illustration. McLeod tries to not only be mindful about the decisions she makes in everyday life but also how she can bring those same values to her work. “It’s important to me to try and understand where things come from and how my decisions affect other people rather than myself,” she said. “I can’t single-handedly re-use all the textile waste

↑ McLeod's studio

that exists, but I can commit to using what is available rather than creating a demand for new.” And McLeod hopes that sharing her art will help inspire others to reuse what they already have. “And hopefully by sharing my art, it will be that one thing that inspires others to see the changes that need to be made on a larger scale and help to normalize a circular economy,” she said. ♦ For more information about McLeod and her clothing, visit dremcleod.com.

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← AJ McMillen & daughter Molly

How skateboarding has brought three fathers and their kids closer together By Melinda Green Photos by Ally Schnaidt

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"It's fun because it's kind of like having a friend to do it with." – Molly McMillen ↑ Molly Mc Millen, 13

eally up . I r t i g n oard " I hu skateb a h c tou go didn’t ears a y e l p cou y." until a r Moll o f e n I got o when illen cM

– AJ M

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"I've lear

ned faste r than if I w as just doing it o n my ow n." – Molly M

cMillen

or many parents, one of the greatest joys is sharing things you love with your children. And for three local dads, a passion for skateboarding is helping them not only reconnect with themselves, but also build connections with their kids. For Clintonville resident Markus Matthews, movies triggered his passion for skateboarding in the late 1980s, and soon he began competing and skating all over town. “Through high school, college, work, sometimes we’d have to skate at 1 or 2 a.m. to avoid summer heat and police,” he said. Then, a car accident in 2000 left Matthews re-learning to walk. It was years before he started pushing around on his board again, rebuilding his skills. Fast forward a few more years, and his son Troy expressed curiosity about skateboarding. It brought joy watching his kids learn about skateboarding independently. “We went to Skate Naked [skatepark] on the east side,” Matthews said. “He saw what Dad could do, and he wanted to do it as well." Troy, now 9, tells his father the board skills he’s working on, then goes off to learn and practice with friends. Matthews’ daughter Myla, 6, joins them at the skateparks, too. “At first, she would grab Daddy’s board and sit on it,” Matthews laughed. “Then she just hopped on. She’s kind of finding her way, too—no instruction from me.” While Matthews’ daughter is following in her father’s footsteps, another father in Blacklick credits his 13-year-old daughter, Molly, with his return to skateboarding. AJ McMillen discovered his passion for skateboarding in elementary school. →

← AJ McMillen & daughter Molly

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"Even

if the y’re n ot ska ll sho ting, ot ba skets to me and t abou alk t vide and t o game hings s while I’m sk We c ating an ju . st han g out – Ga ." be Po they’

ling

↑ Gabe Poling & family

"I just turned 40, And I've learned a few new tricks in my ‘elder years." – Gabe Poling

↑ Russell Poling, 11 & Ryan Poling, 8

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↑ Gabe Poling

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Family Friendly Tandem makes childcare easy for Central Ohio families By Melissa Braithwaite

uring the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tandem, a locally-owned and operated neighborhood concierge service, partnered with OhioHealth to help front-line workers obtain childcare. The partnership allowed its essential employees the opportunity to find reliable sitters—at a time when the world was anything but. This is just one of the many ways that Tandem goes above and beyond for families. Tandem’s goal is to provide the most reliable connections between families and childcare providers, and they do it at no cost to families or providers, while meeting each provider’s and family’s requirements through an incredibly user-friendly and flexible platform. CEO Olivia Weinstock says the Tandem platform makes it very simple to make exceptional matches for families, regardless of their needs.

" Our goal from Day One was to only show families the providers who met their exact needs… We really understand each profile. "

“One of the most important things about our model is the curated matching process,” she said. “Our goal from Day One was to only show families the providers who met their exact needs, including price, availability, age, education, specific qualifications, and more. We really understand each profile from both sides and match them up that way.” Sarah Fortin, a Bexley resident and Tandem user, said she was thrilled with the quality of sitters Tandem has connected her with. “We started looking for childcare when my twins were born and tried another popular site,” she said. “The quality of sitters was underwhelming and inconsistent. Applicants wouldn’t show up for the interview or would be questionable.” Roshini Mathew, another local Tandem user, said she too was relieved by the ease of the matching process, which includes a simple request form to fill out. “They do the background check for me and I find the person I need for what I am looking for,” she said. Additionally, Mathew said she loves that she can book the same sitter over and over or find a new one. “I’ve used Tandem quite a lot in the last year,” she said. “We have used 6 or 7 sitters and they have all been really great.” Weinstock said parents really love using the Tandem platform for payment because it takes the guesswork out of the transaction. No need to figure out how many hours your sitter worked and think about payment. It’s done for you. Users can pay at any time and the process is seamless and free. “Using TandemPay is something anyone can do, whether using our platform for services or not,” Weinstock said. “We are responsible for all taxes for the providers, and families do not have to track how much they pay over the course of the year. They can simply download financial reports from the platform.” Mathew agrees with that sentiment. “Payment is really great. Usually, I don’t have cash on me, and I like that everything is done electronically because it’s more transparent,” she said. “It tells me exactly how many hours a sitter has stayed and then I can make an electronic payment from my checking account. The sitter gets a debit card and the money all goes to them. I love it and the sitters seem to too!” Weinstock said Tandem will continue its work to make their business the simplest and most convenient pay platform out there, and she is proud that her company is able to help so many local families, especially during these difficult times. “It was a lifesaver to really be able to find someone to help take care of our children during COVID,” Fortin said. “Having the app reminds me when I need to pay our sitter and not having to think about how much to pay, and when—having that simplicity is very helpful.”

For more information visit join-tandem.com

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↑ Markus Matthews with son Troy & daughter Myla

aked Skate N to t n e w "We ast on the e ] k r a p [skate at Dad saw wh e H . e sid anted nd he w a , o d could s well." to do it a ws s Matthe – Marku

“The kids that were skating were the kids I was drawn to,” he said. “The little outcasts, the art kids.” After college, McMillen went to Colorado temporarily to help open a tattoo studio. “I had no health insurance, no means of financial security whatsoever,” he said. “I couldn’t run the risk of actually injuring myself. I hung it up. I really didn’t touch a skateboard until a couple years ago when I got one for Molly.” AJ and Molly worked on their own, in nearby lots and their garage, until Molly was ready to try the indoor skatepark. “I didn’t even have my own board,” AJ said. “She tricked me. I took her to the skate

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shop to buy some pads, but then she said, ‘you need to get your own board.’ That way, I could ride with her.” For her part, Molly enjoys skating with her father. “It’s fun, because it’s kind of like having a friend to do it with,” she said. “I’ve learned faster than if I was just doing it on my own.” Gabe Poling also started skateboarding in elementary school. “I wasn’t too serious,” he said. “I skated on and off.” But eight years ago, he recommitted to the hobby. “I just turned 40. And I’ve learned a few new tricks in my ‘elder years,’” he laughed. →

"It's a gift. Our worlds are the same, but totally different. They go to the skatepark and just skate there's no phones, they just go. It's a dream come true." – Markus Matthews

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"She’s

kind o f findin g her w ay, too — no instruc tion fr om me ." – Ma rkus M

atthew s

↑ Myla Matthews, 6

↑ Troy Matthews, 9

← Markus & Troy at Skate Naked

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Lately, Poling has been skating in his driveway in Worthington four or five days a week, sometimes with his sons Russell, 11, and Ryan, 8. Although the boys aren’t serious skaters (yet), Poling says skating also gives him another way to spend time with them. “Even if they’re not skating, they’ll shoot baskets and talk to me about video games and things while I’m skating. We can just hang out,” he said. All three men truly relish the opportunity to connect with their children. “It’s a gift,” Matthews said. “Our worlds are the same, but totally different. They go to the skatepark and just skate; there’s no phones, they just go. It’s a dream come true.” ♦ Learn more about Skate Naked at skatenaked.tumblr.com

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dventure can be as complicated as a backpacking trip across Europe or as simple as hitting up your local axe-throwing watering hole and throwing a piece of sharp metal into a piece of wood—in this 614 Adventure Spotlight, we're going with the latter. Axe-throwing has grown in popularity and whether you're looking to blow off steam or have a fun night out with friends, the action of seeing your hero strength land a blade into soft wood is oh so satisfying. So what are you waiting for, Columbus? A night of adventure is just an axe-throw away. →

By Stephanie West

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GO FU LUMBERJA Axe-throwing is on the rise in Columbus →

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← Taken at Capital Axe Throwing

ACK By Jack McLaughlin / Photos byLeonardo Carrizo 614NOW.COM

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↑ Cindy Walsh attempts a bullseye at Dueling Axes in New Albany

"IN MOST CASES, YOU’VE THOUGHT ABOUT THROWING AN AXE OR SOME OTHER SHARP OBJECT AT SOMETHING. AND IN MOST CASES, YOU HAVEN'T BECAUSE WE LIVE IN A CIVILIZED COMMUNITY." 96

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he human race has evolved in many truly remarkable ways. We’ve learned to split the atom, walk on the moon, and (most importantly) order a pizza with two clicks of a mouse. Sometimes though, the adventurous primate in all of us takes over, and we just want to throw an axe at the wall. “In most cases, you’ve thought about throwing an axe or some other sharp object at something else. And in most cases, you haven’t because we live in a civilized community,” said Jess Hellmich, who launched the Columbus-based Dueling Axes with Paul Sherry in June of 2018. “But now all of a sudden you have a commercial space for it to be done safely in a controlled environment.” And while any axe-throwing company offers their own small variations in guidelines, the general

rules go something like this: Participants stand within their designated throwing lane, 12-15 feet from a target that’s usually painted onto soft wood. Their axe (usually between 1.25 and 1.75 pounds) should generally make one full rotation before sticking into a target, which features different sections holding specific point values. There are a range of throwing techniques, such as the two-handed over-the-head toss or the one-handed throw. But no matter which one you pick, Mayra Aburto, marketing director of Capital Axe Throwing, wants you to know that it’s actually a very safe activity. “We get a lot of questions about that, but we have throwing coaches on hand for everyone. We go over our house rules carefully, and people are super receptive to them,” she said. “We haven’t had a single issue with safety.” →

→ Natasha Jones hits the target at Capital Axe Throwing

And in the last few years alone, axe-throwing in the U.S. has enjoyed a meteoric rise. You might even recall a viral video from several years back of A-lister Jason Momoa trying his hand at the sport. While the activity has plenty of natural appeal, and celebrity endorsements never hurts, Hemlich actually believes one of the reasons it’s become so popular is because places like Dueling Axes transformed axe-throwing into a true leisure activity. “We weren’t the first in Columbus, but industry-wide, we were one of the first ones to take it from the warehouses and garages and the off-the-beatenpath locations to an actual nightlife activity,” Hellmich said. “Our intention was always to bring it mainstream.” One way to do this is by adding 98

food and drinks to the mix. The original Dueling Axes downtown location has a BYOB and BYOF policy (in addition to delivery partnerships with nearby restaurants). What’s more, its New Albany location, which opened in December, offers a full bar to guests. Likewise, Capital Axe Throwing features a concession stand, draft and bottled beer, and even catering options for larger parties. This approach to axe-throwing doesn’t preclude a viable competitive scene, though. With professional organizations like the World Axe Throwing League, which recently received ESPN airtime, axe-throwing as a sport is very much on the rise. There are even some top competitive names from Columbus. One of them, Dr. Dan Ceballos—who has already

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logged multiple high finishes in WATL competitions—is from Columbus, and was a regular at Dueling Axes early in his career. And really, that’s the beauty of axe-throwing. It’s popular and exciting, but still fluid. This allows fans of the activity to participate in a number of different ways, none of them wrong. “We’re seeing more and more people come through now as they understand what axe-throwing is all about. And this is part of the reason it’s so great too; axe-throwing really can be whatever you want it to be right now,” Hellmich said. ♦

Learn more at theduelingaxes.com or capitalaxethrowing.com

"AXETHROWING REALLY CAN BE WHATEVER YOU WANT IT TO BE RIGHT NOW."

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