THREE BUSINESSES ELEVATE OPPORTUNITIES IN THE CITY, AN ANNUAL 5K AND A GROWING ORGANIZATION SEPARATELY SERVE THOSE IN NEED, WHY RESIDENTS LOVE THE GAHANNA MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE + UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE CITY
This quarterly publication is provided by The City of Gahanna
↑ Jennifer Suitt, Head Brewer at Heart State Brewing
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Bicycle One pedals into its 50th
in Gahanna
Heart State Brewer Jennifer Suitt dives into her role as a female beer maker in a largely male-dominated industry
Kyle Miller’s family and friends keep his memory alive with annual 5K
Inside Gahanna
Side Notes
On March 28, 2024, the 2024 State of Our City address was held at LaNavona Event Center. Mayor Jadwin was proud to report that the City is thriving, with sustained economic growth, capital projects underway, and a strong financial position. If you were unable to attend the event, you can scan the QR code below to watch a video that was shown at the event, highlighting 2023 projects.
IFrom the Mayor
n August, our city will celebrate the 175th anniversary of the founding of “Gahanna” – when John Clark stood along the banks of the Big Walnut Creek and declared the area to be “Gahanna” - a Native American word meaning “three creeks in one.” Today, 175 years later, Gahanna continues to reflect John Clark’s sentiment – a community that has, throughout its history, embraced the concept of “three creeks in one” through its demonstration of diversity, compassion, and friendship.
Our city’s strength lies in its unity and the unwavering support we provide to one another. This issue of Uniquely Gahanna highlights stories that exemplify the resilience of our residents and businesses, Gahanna’s heart, and our community’s dedication to uplifting each other.
In our feature story, we focus on an inspiring female brewer in Gahanna who is making waves in an industry where women are a rarity. Her journey is a testament to the spirit of perseverance and creativity that we value so highly.
Additionally, we share the touching story of a family that honors their son’s memory by raising funds to provide shoes for students in need, ensuring that every child can begin the new school year with confidence. Read about the incredible work of a local non-profit organization that provides essential support to families in need and how the Gahanna community rallied behind a local family at a time of crisis. Both stories exemplify the compassion and generosity that are hallmarks of Gahanna.
One of our most significant achievements this year is the remarkable growth of our local businesses. Companies of all sizes are flourishing, creating job opportunities and contributing to our local economy. In this issue, we highlight three businesses that are making substantial impacts in our city by choosing to grow in Gahanna, and we celebrate a longstanding business that is still going strong after 50 years.
As we prepare to celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of Gahanna’s unique history, I am confident that our city will continue to grow and prosper. Together, we can build a community that reinforces the sense of unity that is “Gahanna.”
Events Calendar
These events are tentative and subject to change. Please confirm event details in advance.
Wednesdays through August
MIDWEEK AT THE CREEK
Creekside Plaza
6 – 8 p.m.
Presented by Visit Gahanna
Friday, July 12, 26, August 9, 23
CREEKSIDE LIVE
Creekside Plaza
5 – 10 p.m.
Presented by KEMBA Financial Credit Union
Saturday, July 13
PIONEER DAY
Gahanna Historical Settlement
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Presented by the Gahanna Historical Society
Friday, July 19, August 16
CINEMA UNDER THE STARS
Friendship Park
Movies will begin at dusk
Presented by Tina Wedebrook RE/MAX Connection and Greg Patton, Heartland Bank
With summer upon us, Gahanna’s Creekside District is a hotbed of activity, as residents and visitors flock to the area to explore the Big Walnut Creek, walk and bike along the Big Walnut Trail, take in live music on the Plaza, attend beloved festivals and events, or simply enjoy a delicious patio dinner at one of the District’s restaurants. Adding to the experience is the Creekside Outdoor Refreshment Area (CORA), which has proven to be a benefit for both businesses and patrons in the District.
The CORA allows visitors to purchase alcoholic beverages from participating bars and restaurants and then “sip and stroll” within the CORA boundaries, using a CORA-branded cup provided by the serving establishment.
“As soon as it became available, we signed up to be a part of it,” said Brandon Ferguson, General Manager of Barrel & Boar. “With all the events going on, people don’t necessarily want to eat food, but they like to walk around Creekside and enjoy a beverage. We just thought it was a win-win situation.”
The CORA originally launched in October 2020, at a time when restaurants needed help and patrons were looking for opportunities to be outdoors. Since
then, the CORA has only grown in popularity.
“Guests appreciate the ability to purchase an adult beverage in a participating CORA establishment and carry it around the Creekside District while relaxing, exploring or enjoying outdoor activities and events,” said Lori Kappes, Executive Director of Visit Gahanna.
Added Ferguson, “We have had guests that only came in for our drinks and then came back for a meal, so it has absolutely helped us. Days with Midweek at the Creek, for example, are always big days for the CORA when we’re not really busy on the inside, but we do sell a lot of beverages from the bar.”
Participating restaurants in the CORA include Barrel & Boar, Marlow’s Cheesesteaks, Local Cantina, Nostalgia Brewing Company, Signatures Mill Stone Tavern, and, most recently, Blue Agave, which joined the CORA after opening in April.
“There is nothing like having a frosty cold beer or a Long Island iced tea and enjoying some great music or walking your dog down at Creekside in a Hawaiian shirt,” said Gahanna resident Tim McClurg.
The CORA offers sustainable options as the CORA-branded cups are made of compostable materials. Thanks to a grant from the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO), the cups can be easily deposited in one of the recycling containers located throughout the District. ♦
We teach like she’s one of a kind. Because she is.
It’s our job to make sure she’s ready. We empower her to ignite her curiosity and develop an appetite for learning as well as the confidence to live with intention. It’s the difference between simply achieving and thriving.
We invite you to tour our world.
Ready to thrive.
Sonika Class of 2033
Meet The City
At Gahanna’s core, community members thrive on assisting one another in challenging times. It is that same drive to help others that motivates the three women who staff the City’s Mayor’s Court.
Director of Court Services Amanda Parker, together with Deputy Clerks of Court Christy Cox and Paula Tenzos, bring more than 60 years of combined experience to Gahanna Mayor’s Court. Established under the Ohio Revised Code and Gahanna Charter, the Court has jurisdiction to hear most traffic offenses that occur within the jurisdiction of the Gahanna Division of Police, as well as those involving zoning code violations. The City engages a trained magistrate who hears cases, while Parker and her team manage and oversee the Court’s operations and records.
After serving in her role for more than 15 years, Parker believes that one of the many
By Dan Pearlman
benefits of having a Mayor’s Court in Gahanna is convenience for those they are serving.
“We can hold hearings more efficiently, in a location that is more convenient for residents and visitors,” she said.
Parker, who also serves as the immediate Past President of the Association of Mayor’s Court Clerks of Ohio, recognizes that court is not a place most people want to visit. In fact, it is the opposite, but her goal is to make everyone’s experience a positive one by helping them to resolve their cases in the most beneficial and efficient ways possible.
In some instances, that means assisting drivers in getting a valid driver’s license. In others, it means helping them to get required insurance or pay an outstanding fine.
↓ From left: Amanda Parker, Christy Cox, Paula Tenzos
“It’s nice to be able to get face time – one on one with people – and feel like you are actually making a difference,” Parker explained. “Nobody comes to court because they are having a good day. We are able to take something that could be a negative, put a positive spin on it, and see if we can help them and make it a positive experience.”
Parker calls Cox and Tenzos “great backbones to the office.” They have been those “backbones” for 25 years and 24 years, respectively – each having spent a quarter of a century connecting with the individuals they serve.
“When you make a connection, can talk through what they need, or just listen, they walk away with a decent feeling,” said Cox. “You do feel like you have accomplished something that you need to do with customer service.”
Added Tenzos: “A lot of people come into Mayor’s Court - it’s unfamiliar, it’s uncomfortable and maybe they have never gone through this process. We try to offer great customer service so they can leave with a positive experience.”
In addition to providing the administrative services for Gahanna Mayor’s Court, the team also supports the New Albany Mayor’s Court. In 2021, the City entered into an innovative shared services agreement with the City of New Albany, to assist in operating their Mayor’s Court as well. Under the terms of the agreement, New Albany utilizes Gahanna’s staff and facility, while their prosecutor handles their own cases.
“The agreement is a great collaboration that is financially beneficial for both Gahanna and New Albany,” Parker explained.
Of course, the Gahanna Mayor’s Court team not only loves working for the City, but also spending time in it during their off hours.
“There are so many restaurants and stores,” Tenzos said. “There is always something going on, and there is always something to do here.”
There is undoubtedly much to do in the City where Parker, Cox and Tenzos have grown their careers while bringing a sense of comfort to the residents and visitors they work with in Mayor’s Court.
“I know the unknown can be scary,” said Cox, “but the people here want to make it easy for everyone.” ♦
Development News
Developing Jobs: Three Businesses Elevating Opportunities in Gahanna
By Dan Pearlman
The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Gahanna in the first half of 2024, with several longstanding businesses and new ventures investing in their future and in our city.
THE GROTE COMPANY – GROWING STRONG AFTER MORE THAN 50 YEARS
Founded by Jim Grote and headquartered in Gahanna, the Grote Company has been manufacturing on the east side of Columbus for more than 50 years. Now, one of Gahanna’s longest-standing businesses is poised to reaffirm its commitment to doing business in the City by investing more than $5.3 million in the modernization of its existing corporate offices and manufacturing facility at 1160 Gahanna Parkway. The renovation will also position the Company to increase its workforce from 107 employees to 120 employees over the next
three years, ensuring that its corporate headquarters remains in Gahanna for years to come.
The Grote Company has a well-earned reputation as a manufacturer of high quality, reliable, food slicing and assembly equipment. With eight manufacturing locations throughout the United States and overseas, the Company serves a wide swath of the food processing industry around the globe, including sectors such as snack foods, bakery, protein, vegetable, and frozen and fresh foods.
Not only is this global company one of Gahanna’s most established corporate citizens, but Bob Grote, Jim Grote’s nephew and current Grote Company CEO, was named one of the region’s “Most Admired Executives in Central Ohio” in 2023. He has overseen the Company’s growth from one small factory with a handful of employees, to a company that employs more than 300 workers worldwide. As one of the leading voices in the food processing industry, Bob Grote is often sought out for his views on issues and trends facing manufacturers. In addition to establishing the Grote Company in Gahanna, Jim Grote was instrumental in choosing the City for the headquarters of companion companies such as Donatos Pizza, Jane’s Dough Premium Foods, and the Edge Innovative Hub – all of which are located on the Grote campus in the heart of the City’s industrial zone.
↓ New Warehouse on Deffenbaugh Court that will house Crocodile Cloth and other businesses
“Our company has thrived in Gahanna for decades,” said Bob Grote. “The community has always been a wonderful partner and supported our growth along the way. We couldn’t find a better place to do business, and the amenities and quality of life for our employees are extraordinary.”
CROCODILE CLOTH EXPANDING TO NEW GAHANNA WAREHOUSE, ADDING JOBS
Nuvik USA, Inc., a global manufacturer of the world-famous Crocodile Cloth over-sized disposable cleaning wipes, launched its first U.S. location in Gahanna in 2019 with just three employees to support its distribution operations. By 2021, the company established manufacturing operations here as well, relying on Gahanna’s proximity to the airport and major transportation networks, as well as its unique blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. Less than three years later, Crocodile Cloth is ready to expand again –and they are again choosing to grow in Gahanna.
Earlier this year, the international company announced plans to expand and relocate from its existing 90,000-square-foot space on Claycraft Road to a newly constructed industrial warehouse in the City’s eastern industrial zone, where it will soon occupy approximately 145,000 square feet. With this move, Crocodile Cloth plans to grow from its existing 30 employees to 70 employees within the next five years. The growth is also expected to raise the company’s current annual payroll of $2.4 million to approximately $6.8 million over the next five years.
“The City of Gahanna has been incredibly supportive, with business-friendly policies and proactive economic development initiatives,” said Bryce Kenimer, Crocodile Cloth’s General Manager. “Their dedication to fostering a thriving business environment is clearly demonstrated in their streamlined permitting process and the provision of economic incentives, which have been instrumental in facilitating our operational and developmental endeavors.”
According to Kenimer, Crocodile Cloth’s commitment to sustainability and its focus on continuous improvement in product effectiveness position the company at the forefront of industry advancements.
Crocodile Cloth’s expansion is creating opportunities for growth of other companies as well. Once they relocate to their new space, Benchmark Industrial, which currently is located next to Crocodile Cloth on Claycraft Road, is expected to expand into the vacated space and grow its own local employee base from 75 employees to an anticipated 150 employees within the next three years, increasing its annual payroll from about $7 million to nearly $16 million.
BURNS & SCALO ROOFING
Burns & Scalo Roofing is making a significant investment in Gahanna by relocating from Delaware, OH, and constructing a brand new 35,000-square-foot facility on Tech Center Drive. This state-of-the-art building, which will feature rooftop solar panels, carport solar panels and a green roof, will house their office, manufacturing, and warehouse operations, setting the stage for future growth and expansion.
The new facility will be large enough to allow the business to grow for more than 20 years. When fully operational, the commercial roofing, siding, and solar panel company will have 34 Gahanna-based employees and more than $2.2 million in annual payroll. With its larger location, the company expects to grow to 52 employees within the next six years.
“Central Ohio in general, and Gahanna specifically, present an amazing opportunity for a growing company to become involved in our shared community,” said Brian Exline, Vice President and General Manager of Burns & Scalo Roofing. “Leading a growing company is extremely rewarding and we expect the opportunity to be limited only by our desire for slow, controlled, sustainable growth—growth that also protects the relationships that we’ve worked so hard to establish.”
Burns & Scalo Roofing began construction of its new facility this spring and it is expected to be operational by 2026.
As Burns & Scalo Roofing embarks on this new chapter, their commitment to Gahanna marks more than just a business decision—it signifies a partnership with the community, one built on mutual growth and shared success. This move not only highlights Gahanna's attractive business environment, but also the opportunities that exist for future enterprises considering similar investments. As the City continues to attract diverse industries, the synergy between new and existing businesses will foster an even stronger local economy, benefiting residents and companies alike.
“I am thrilled that companies continue to see the value of investing in our community and growing in Gahanna,” said Mayor Laurie Jadwin. “Their investment and commitments reaffirm yet again that Gahanna is thriving and is a place where businesses from a variety of sectors want to be. As these businesses expand and add to the economic footprint of the City, we will continue to focus on providing a supportive environment where businesses can flourish and pursue high-quality businesses that can provide long-term, sustainable job opportunities for our residents and revenue for our city.” ♦
Bicycle One Family Pedaling Forward After 50 Years
Bicycle One’s original owner, Don Frazier, did not begin as an entrepreneur. He began as a business adviser.
“There used to be a shopping center on the corner of Granville and Mill, and the end unit was a motorcycle shop that sold a couple of bicycles,” said Don Frazier’s son, Troy Frazier. “My dad said, ‘Hey, I think if you brought in more bicycles you’d sell them all.’ Sure enough, they all sold in a week or two. Then the guy told my dad, ‘I don’t want to sell bicycles, I want to sell motorcycles.’ So my dad said, ‘Well, then, I’ll do it.’ And that’s what he did.”
That was 1974. Since then, the family business has grown from a small space at 82 Mill Street, where Troy and his brother Mark worked as teenagers, to the current 8,600-square-foot location in Hunter’s Ridge Shopping Center. The store, now owned and operated by Troy, is where the third generation of the Frazier family works today.
“We’ve been in Gahanna for long enough that now we see the grandkids of some of our first customers,” noted
Troy. “It’s extremely gratifying for a kid to come into our shop and tell us, ‘This is where my grandad bought his first bike.”
Of course, bikes and biking have changed significantly since the business opened half a century ago. At its new location, Bicycle One offers an expanded showroom where customers can discover and test ride various brands of electric bikes and trikes, in addition to traditional bicycles, mountain bikes and even BMX bikes. The in-person experience, lifetime customer service, and individualized fittings are key hands-on advantages to the family-owned operation.
“Anyone can buy an e-bike online, but here is where you can look at the selections, get fitted for a bike, purchase one for a reasonable price and get it serviced,” said Troy. “That part is really important. It’s also immensely gratifying for me to know that when I fit someone, they are going to be more comfortable riding the bike. And because they’re more comfortable, I know they’re going to ride the bike more, and they’re going to benefit more, too. I love that I can give that to our customers and to our community.”
“The passion is real,” adds Allie Frazier, Troy’s daughter and Bicycle One’s Multi-Media Manager. “That shows in the number of people who come in from hours away to pick up bikes here and get fitted.”
The family’s commitment and passion have served them in times of adversity, such as in 1989 when Troy’s grandmother wrote a large check to offset unexpected construction costs and keep the business afloat. Beyond that, the Fraziers attribute their success to their customers and the Gahanna community.
“It’s a thriving community,” explained Troy. “The government does a fantastic job here. They have always created an environment where you wanted to do business. [And] the police have been amazing. We feel very protected.”
Bicycle One makes sure they give back to their community, too. Company representatives are engaged in educating the public about the importance of bike trails and participate in activities that encourage city investment in infrastructure and paths. When the time came to celebrate their 50-year anniversary, they invited the community to the party as well, holding an open house that included a cookout, sundae bar, raffle, bike giveaway, and a food drive for Gahanna Residents in Need (GRIN). More than 300 people attended.
“This is our home,” said Allie. “We’re from here. This was a big milestone not just for our family but also for the community in general that has been so gracious and welcoming to us for all these years. We really wanted a chance to give back because, without our customers, we would not be able to continue to serve the community.” ♦
↓ Nick Frazier, Bicycle One's Sales Manager, assisting customers
Shoes from the Soul
Kyle Miller’s Family and Friends Keep His Memory Alive with Annual 5K
By Dan Pearlman
Kyle Miller grew up in Gahanna - the City he loved and the City where his memory continues to help children grow and build confidence as they begin each new school year.
Miller, a 1997 Gahanna Lincoln High School graduate, was the type of person who would always build up those around him.
“He made you feel loved,” said his father, Eric Miller. “He was always willing to do things for other people.”
On December 11, 2018, Miller lost his battle with cancer at the age of 40. Shortly thereafter, his family and friends launched the Kyle C. Miller Shoes for Kids Foundation as a way to ensure that his spirit of giving lives on today.
“As a parent, you want your kids remembered,” his father explained. “Kyle grew up here. He loved Gahanna. He was proud to be a graduate of Gahanna Lincoln High School, and we knew that if we were going to do something to keep his memory alive, he would want it done in Gahanna because he believed in helping other people.” →
↓ Eric Miller (left with clipboard) at last year’s Kyle Miller First Day 5K
The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Its signature event is the annual Kyle Miller First Day 5K, which raises money to purchase new pairs of shoes for Gahanna students in need, so they feel confident walking into their classrooms.
“One of Kyle’s favorite things was showing off his brand new sneakers for the first day of school,” said Ty Debevoise, Kyle’s close friend who also works with the Foundation. “I guess you could say he was a sneaker head before people even knew what a sneaker head was. We want to give these underserved kids that same feeling and confidence that Kyle had heading into a new school year.”
The inaugural Kyle Miller First Day 5K was held in 2019, and since then, the event has raised more than $76,000 from participants, donors, and sponsors. The Foundation works with Second Sole in Gahanna to turn those funds into gift cards. It then partners with Gahanna Residents in Need (GRIN), which identifies children in need of the gift and distributes the cards to them.
“Eric is fulfilling his son’s mission to make sure kids have new shoes to start the new school year,” said Brenda Johnston, Executive Director of GRIN. “Together with GRIN, students in need of a little help get a new book bag full of school supplies, toiletry items, food, and a fresh new pair of shoes to start the new school year. They get a chance to start the new school year on an even playing field.”
When the children get their gift cards, they also receive a note from the Foundation. Part of that note reads: “As Kyle’s family and close friends, we were deeply saddened by his passing, and we miss him dearly every day. But we wanted to turn our sadness into something good and work towards spreading joy in our community.”
“I have always believed in giving back,” Miller said. “I have always believed there are two types of people in this world - people that give and people that take, and I think Kyle was the same way. He always wanted to do things for other people.”
Now, Gahanna residents and anyone in central Ohio can help carry on that legacy.
The 6th annual Kyle Miller First Day 5K will be held on Sunday, September 8 at Creekside Park and Plaza. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. with the race beginning at 9 a.m. It will feature fun events and activities for the entire family, and every child who participates will receive a medal. Registration information will be available later this summer, but those interested in participating or donating now can email Miller at Eric.Miller49@outlook.com.
It is Miller’s hope that the annual 5K will continue to grow in his son’s memory and for the children it benefits.
“Kyle always wanted to give back to Gahanna,” he said. “We just want to do what he would have wanted.” ♦
↓ Kyle Miller
Giving Back in Gahanna
How one organization is making kindness cool
By Dan Pearlman
“T he positive side to this is that my faith in humanity has been restored.”
Those were the words of Kerstin Barnette, a Gahanna mother of two, shortly after one of the worst days of her life - the day her Royal Manor home was destroyed in a fire.
Barnette, whose husband is deployed in Kuwait, was home alone when the fire broke out in the morning on Friday, April 26. Upon seeing the flames, her first instinct was to put the fire out on her own, but she quickly realized that would be impossible.
The fire grew rapidly and ultimately destroyed her possessions, including everything belonging to her 5-yearold and 7-year-old sons as well as her husband.
“I just remember sobbing uncontrollably and my heart feeling like it was going to burst as I watched my house go up in flames,” she explained.
But in that lowest moment, the heart of the Gahanna community immediately shone through the storm.
Barnette’s neighbors, friends and family came to her aid, as did Neighborhood Bridges - a 501(c)(3) allvolunteer charitable organization that serves to bridge community resources and drive direct support for children and families in need.
“We do acts of kindness for people in need within our community,” said Ron Smith, the Gahanna Area Director for Neighborhood Bridges.
The organization works exactly as its name suggests. Upon learning of a need in the community, Smith and his team of volunteers act as a “bridge” by sharing the need with a growing list of online subscribers - residents and community members who often fulfill those needs within minutes.
That is what happened after the fire at the Barnette home.
“I received a call from Mayor Jadwin saying that we’ve had a fire,” Smith explained. “We made arrangements to
↑ The Barnette family home after the fire on Friday, April 26
↓ Kerstin Barnette with her children Robby (7) and Charley (5)
talk with that mother about what her needs were and what specific clothes and shoe sizes she needed. We posted that need, and on Sunday, we went around, picked up all of the donations and we immediately took them to her.”
After receiving them, Barnette said, “I am beyond grateful. I’m speechless. I feel so loved.”
Neighborhood Bridges has grown exponentially since it first came to Gahanna in October 2017, after launching in Westerville in January of that year. The organization now has a presence in 51 communities across three states – Ohio, Alabama and Mississippi, and it will soon expand to Tennessee.
According to Smith, Gahanna Bridges helps an average of 74 Gahanna Jefferson Public Schools (GJPS) students every week. It provides some of that aid with the assistance of community partners, including Gahanna Residents in Need (GRIN) and Lions Locker - the anonymous pantry that serves GJPS students.
“96% of our school districts say that we are either very important or critically important in addressing noncognitive barriers to learning in their districts,” Smith said.
Heather Haringa, a School Counselor in GJPS, is among those who often see the benefits of Neighborhood Bridges in Gahanna.
"Working with many students and families, I often come across situations where basic needs are unmet and the impact it has on students,” she said. “Neighborhood Bridges is always quick to respond with help, connecting the family with community resources to ensure those needs are met. That alone removes a ton of barriers and improves the wellbeing of our students and families."
Neighborhood Bridges is an advocate-based program. That means individuals in need must be referred to the program by a professional such as a community or religious leader, first responder, principal, school counselor or social worker. Subscribers can learn about needs in their community by signing up for alerts at NeighborhoodBridges.org.
Seeing firsthand the work of Neighborhood Bridges has already inspired Barnette, and she hopes it serves as an inspiration for others to give to those in need.
“I just want everyone to know how appreciative my children and I are,” she said. “We could be in a much worse position, really struggling though this. Because of Neighborhood Bridges, I am able to keep my kids supplied with what they need and be the mom that I need to be.”
Barnette is a mother who has raised her children in Gahanna - the City where she plans to stay and rebuild her home surrounded by the people who showed kindness in the face of the unthinkable.
“People keep asking me if I’m going to rebuild or if I’m going to just let them tear it down and move somewhere else,” she said. “Why would I leave the community that just had my back and gave me everything off their own to help me get back on my feet? I would not turn my back on Gahanna. We are definitely going to rebuild.” ♦
↑ Jennifer Suitt
CRAFTING SUCCESS IN THE BREWING INDUSTRY
By Jack McLaughlin
Creating new beer recipes is both exciting and challenging. Sometimes luck brings you ultimate success; but even if things do not always work out how you had planned, perseverance and a positive attitude can be the ultimate formula for success.
For proof, one needs to look no further than Jennifer Suitt, Head Brewer at Heart State Brewing, located at 750 Cross Pointe Road in Gahanna. As one of only a handful of female brewers in a largely male-dominated industry, Suitt’s path to success had an unexpected and unlikely beginning.
Suitt’s unique story of becoming a female brewer started several years ago, when she formed friendships while hanging out at one of her favorite local spots, Crafted Drafts on Hamilton Road.
“They were right by my house and put on really cool events, so I was just going to them all the time,” Suitt said.
As time passed, she became more familiar with the employees and patrons alike. Those connections led her to get a part-time job there in 2019. She worked in sales, as a cashier, and helped with tastings.
“I would leave my full-time job as a social worker and then go there for a couple of hours every night,” she said. “And I was like, ‘This is great. I just want to do this all the time.’”
In 2021, her work at Crafted Drafts caught the attention of one of her friends, who worked at Homestead Beer Co. They had an opening for a brewer. Despite not having experience in that position, Suitt accepted the offer to come out for an interview.
The team members interviewing her were not strangers: They had known her for a couple of years and liked her. Confident everyone would work well together, they extended an offer. The lack of experience was a hurdle she could overcome as she would learn on the job.
↑ Suitt poses in front of Heart State fermentation tanks
“If you have the right connections, you don't need previous experience,” she said. “There's obviously a lot that goes on with brewing, but if you have a good team of people around you who know what they're doing and how to train, they'll just train you right up.”
Suitt admits, however, that her situation also involved a healthy dose of good fortune.
“The thing that I try to tell people is offer to help and let people know that you're interested,” she said.
After all, not everyone who steps into a brewery and slaps down an application with no experience will be hired. This is why Suitt suggests making an impression and becoming an asset by offering to do smaller tasks around the brewery.
“Then you're there, they see you, and you can work up from there,” she said. “The other thing is, and this is true for all breweries, the more time that you can spend in a brewery, the more you're going to learn.”
Her initial duties at Homestead included cleaning fermenters, assisting on the canning line, and more, as she honed her brewing chops. Within a year, she was brewing by herself with confidence.
That confidence and hard work led her to earn the position of head brewer at Homestead. In January 2024, Homestead acquired Heart State Brewing. Although ownership may have changed, Suitt’s passion for her job has not.
↑ Suitt adds hops to a beer in progress
↑ Mash is removed from Heart State’s fermentor
↑ Heart State Brewing beers
Today, recipe development is one of her favorite parts of her role at Heart State.
“It's a combination of art and science,” Suitt said. “The art part is putting together different ingredients and trying to create something that's in your head and trying to put it into a glass. The science part is doing all the numbers and math to make sure it’s going to work.”
For many people, including Suitt, craft beer is about experimenting with different flavors and enjoying the experience of comparing tastes. She brings that perspective into her daily work.
“If I'm out with my friends, I want to be able to have a couple of beers, but I don't want to get drunk,” she said. “So I'm working on taking the beers that we already really love. You know, everybody likes a hazy IPA. Everybody likes a stout. I’m trying to make them taste just as good but with less alcohol - even no alcohol.”
She does not want the decreased alcohol to dampen the taste - a challenge she is focused on solving right now.
While the brewing industry is largely populated by men, Suitt said having a strong support team has brought her a lot of comfort. Part of that is knowing other women in the brewing industry. She also credits the men she works with, who are respectful, positive, supportive and who always have her back. She believes that the brewing world is a place where anyone can come in and make a positive difference.
“I just want people to know women are here, we want the support, we want to support you and we want to be a safe place for everybody in our community,” she said. “I don't want people to feel like they can't do something or go somewhere.”
After all, she did. ♦
Growing the Game at the Gahanna Municipal GOlf Course
By Dan Pearlman
While one golf course in the Central Ohio area attracts attention every June for the big names that it draws, there is a golf course in Gahanna that is equally beloved for the community members it draws almost year-round.
Situated in the heart of the City, the Gahanna Municipal Golf Course is a hidden gem that serves not only as a course for seasoned golfers and beginners looking to grow their game, but also as a gathering hub for connection and friendships.
“It’s a very welcoming course,” said Pat Shields, a Gahanna resident who participates in the Ladies Fun League at the Course. “It’s not a real hard course, so people can come out and enjoy the game.”
Krista Johnston, Golf Course Recreation Supervisor, loves watching golfers of all ages and skillsets tee off on the Course.
“Golf is something that you can do for almost your entire life,” Johnston said. “We have some members and people in their 90s and they still walk nine holes every day. It is something that will keep you active, and it is pretty low impact compared to other sports.”
Johnston herself is a lifelong golfer who played on the team at Ohio Dominican University. Recognizing that golf can be intimidating for beginners, she launched the Sips and Tips Fore! Ladies program last year, which is specifically designed for women who are new to the sport.
“We start with some basic rules and etiquette and go through fundamentals about swings,” she said. “We hope to just get more women involved in the game.”
The innovative program has proven to be extremely popular – so much so that it was honored with a Third Place Award of Excellence by the Ohio Parks & Recreation Association in Sports Programs & Events earlier this year.
Another inventive program that Johnston has introduced to attract the next generation of golfers is the Starting New at Golf (SNAG) lesson program, which is tailored to children who are at least five (5) years of age. Similar to the Sips and Tips program, participants learn the fundamentals of golf and how to play the game in a fun and efficient way.
Of course, no golf program or course can be successful without offering a welcoming environment – which extends from the friendliness of the staff, volunteers and fellow players to the conditions of the greens and fairways.
The 9-hole course is excellently maintained with equal love and pride by a devoted team led by Golf Course Supervisor Joe Hebdo.
“The greens need to be cut daily,” Hebdo explained. “Three times a week, we cut the entire course. We also have to stay ahead of the weeds and monitor the drainage and irrigation. I have worked here for 24 years, so as you can imagine, this place has become my backyard, and my team is equally as dedicated to ensuring that the Course is always in excellent condition to attract golfers. I give credit to my team every day.”
Course Rangers also play a major role in ensuring that golfers have a positive experience. The Rangers, who are all volunteers, engage with patrons and monitor the Course to keep play moving along smoothly and to make sure that golfers are not slowing others playing behind them. Many of the Rangers, including Scott Grafmiller, return year after year to volunteer.
“I enjoy being outside,” said Grafmiller, who has served as a ranger for the past five years. “I enjoy golf, and I enjoy meeting new people. It’s just a lot of fun.”
For many of the patrons, it is the fellowship and friendships they have formed at the Course that keep them coming back. One of those patrons is Denny Anthony who has been running the Gahanna Men’s Golf League at the Course for nearly 30 years. The League, which is one of several leagues at the Course, has more than doubled in size under his leadership, with 44 golfers competing every Wednesday for 18 weeks in the spring and summer.
“I like the camaraderie of the players,” Anthony said. “This gives me something fun to do and helps me stay active.”
Hebdo also runs a league that has been in existence for 42 years. He recognizes that while many of the leagues are at capacity, there are occasionally opportunities to play in them.
“If you want to play in a league, you should leave a note with our staff in the Clubhouse,” Hebdo explained. “We will pass it on, and the leagues will contact you if they have an opening or need a substitute.”
However, there is no need to wait on a league opening for your chance to hit the links in Gahanna. The Course is open daily, weather permitting, from 7 a.m. until 30 minutes before sunset. It is preferred that golfers book tee times by visiting Gahanna.gov/484/Golf-Course. The Course also offers golf memberships, which are good for one year from the date of purchase and include unlimited play, pending weather and course conditions and excluding league play or other scheduled events.
Both Hebdo and Johnston hope to see the game they love grow on the Course where they are proud to serve the community.
“Not every city has a municipal golf course,” Johnston said. “We are very reasonably priced compared to a lot of other golf courses, and we put a lot of effort into maintaining the Course so it is playable. It is a very nice 9-hole course.”
And it is a course where members of the community can come together with longtime friends and meet new ones as well.
“It fosters community,” said Karen Bennett, President of the Ladies Fun League. “It fosters knowing your neighbors. I just think it’s good for the whole area. They [golf course staff] hook you up with people who you didn’t know before, and that’s how you meet people.” ♦
↓ Denny Anthony
City News
Project Updates
Moving Gahanna Forward: Your Guide to Capital Improvements
If you are driving around Gahanna, you may have already noticed construction barrels in place, as we work to improve to the City’s infrastructure. This year, the City will invest more than $21 million in capital projects that will improve roadways, parks, and other critical needs. Below is a list of some of the projects in line for Gahanna in 2024.
Street and Sidewalk Programs
Improvements to neighborhood streets, curbs, sidewalks and sidewalk ramps are currently underway on 7.9 miles in the City. For up-to-date information on work locations, see Gahanna.gov/Streets.
Havens Corners Road Water Main
Replacement
Work to replace the aging water main located along Havens Corners Road, between Hamilton Road and Helmbright Drive, began on April 15 and is nearing completion.
↓ Ambassador Commons Park Playground
Taylor Station and Claycraft Roads Roundabout
Construction of a new roundabout at the intersection of Taylor Station and Claycraft Roads is expected to begin on Monday, July 8. The roundabout will ease congestion on this major corridor in the City’s industrial zone. Additional details will be shared at Gahanna.gov.
Gahanna Water Tower Rehabilitation
Crews are rehabilitating and painting the City’s 1-million-gallon elevated water storage tank located near the Gahanna Woods State Nature Preserve Park. The expected completion date of this project is November 1.
Hamilton Road Bridge Replacement
ODOT has started work on the reconstruction of the Hamilton Road bridge over I-270. The project is expected to last through Summer 2025. Upon completion of the bridge reconstruction, ODOT will begin work on repaving Hamilton Road. More information will be shared at Gahanna.gov as details become available.
Ambassador Commons Park & Playground
In April, the City completed work on the full rebuild of Ambassador Commons Park & Playground.
Upper McCorkle Park & Playground
Work is complete on the full rebuild of the Upper McCorkle Park & Playground on the City’s west side, making the area more accessible and inclusive.
Claycraft Road Water Main Replacement
For the last few months, crews were hard at work to replace the water main beneath Claycraft Road, between Taylor Station Road and Morrison Road. The project was completed on budget.
825 Tech Center Dr.
On May 15, city leaders and staff broke ground on 825 Tech Center Drive – the future home of the Gahanna Division of Police, Gahanna City Hall, and Gahanna Senior Center. The project, which was approved by City Council in September 2022, addresses three critical facility needs in one and is focused on creating a welcoming, communityfocused space that will meet modern operational needs for decades to come. The 100,000-squarefoot building will be renovated, with an additional 35,000 square feet of space to be constructed to support specific operational needs. Construction is expected to be completed by early 2026.
For more information on the project (including links to project presentations and public discussions), go to Gahanna.gov/349/Facilities-for-the-Future. Updates on this project will continue to be provided at upcoming City Council meetings.
Numbers to Know
If you have any questions, or if we can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact us directly:
City Attorney: (614) 342-4096
City Council: (614) 342-4090
City Hall (Front Desk): (614) 342-4000
Code Enforcement: (614) 342-4022
Engineering: (614) 342-4050
Mayor's Court: (614) 342-4080
Mayor's Office: (614) 342-4045
Parks & Recreation: (614) 342-4250
Police (non-emergency): (614) 342-4240
Public Service (general): (614) 342-4005
Trash, Recycling, and Water Bills: (614) 342-4440
Streets, Streetlights, and Potholes: (614) 342-4425
Senior Center: (614) 342-4265
Celebrating 175 Years of Gahanna
August 9 – 11, 2024
Join us as we celebrate 175 years of Gahanna on August 9-11, 2024! The milestone weekend kicks off on Friday, August 9, with a special edition of Creekside LIVE that will feature dancing and music of the ages. On Saturday, August 10, we’ll celebrate the founding of “Gahanna” with a 175th Anniversary Jubilee – a community festival that will include an old-fashioned baseball game with the Ohio Muffins, activities, entertainment, food, local organizations, and a look back at our city’s unique history! Then, we invite the community to Come Together Gahanna on Sunday, August 11, for a community picnic. For more information on these events, sponsorship opportunities, and getting involved, go to Gahanna175.com.
Growing in Gahanna
Welcome to Gahanna!
Now Open!
Blue Agave 64 Granville Street (614) 968-5025
BlueAgaveNewAlbany.com
Columbus Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery 1356 Cherry Way Drive (614) 636-4964
ExperienceCAPS.com
Discovery Storage 4569 Morse Road (614) 858-8991
DiscoveryStorage.com/Gahanna
Rasa Yoga School of Ayurveda Yoga 287 W. Johnstown Road
