Dublin Life December 2011/January 2012

2012

781 Northwest Blvd., Suite 202 Columbus, Ohio 43212 614-572-1240 • Fax 614-572-1241 www.cityscenecolumbus.com

Charles L. Stein

Kathleen K. Gill

Dave Prosser

Christa Smothers

Gail Martineau

Duane St. Clair

Garth Bishop

Colleen D’Angelo

Lauren Novelli

Tyler Davis

Pam Henricks

Gianna Barrett

Molly Pensyl

Emily Steel

Lynn Leitch

Chief Executive Officer President/Publisher Chief Creative Officer Creative Director Editor Contributing Editors

Contributing Writers Advertising Director Advertising Sales Controller 614-572-1240

Circulation: www.dublinlifemagazine.com

The Publishing Group Ltd. also publishes: CityScene Magazine www.CitySceneColumbus.com

Pickerington Magazine www.PickeringtonMagazine.com

Westerville Magazine www.WestervilleMagazine.com

Tri-Village Magazine www.TriVillageMagazine.com

Healthy New Albany Magazine www.HealthyNewAlbanyMagazine.com

The Publisher welcomes contributions in the form of manuscripts, drawings, photographs or story ideas to consider for possible publication. Enclose a SASE with each submission or e-mail dublinlife@pubgroupltd.com. Publisher does not assume responsibility for loss or damage.

The appearance of advertising in Dublin Life does not constitute an endorsement of the advertiser’s product or service by the City of Dublin.

Dublin Life is published in June, August, October, December, February and April. Subscriptions are free for households within the city limits of Dublin, Ohio. For advertising information or bulk purchases, call 614-572-1240. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers. Dublin Life is a registered trademark of The Publishing Group Ltd. Printed in the U.S.A.

Change has been a constant in Dublin, especially over the past four decades. Inside this issue of Dublin Life, we explore how business development has improved the fabric of our community through an ecological and technical advancement at IGS Energy as well as a vital community care initiative that touched the hearts of our Japanese friends and business leaders here and abroad.

On the cover this issue we feature a painting of a familiar and traditional image of Dublin. Old Dublin Christmas was created in 1995 by Dublin resident James Murrin. As a member of the Dublin Art League, James was asked to paint a winter scene for a Dublin AM Rotary Christmas card fundraising project. He also donated the original artwork to the Rotary for an annual auction.

Our goal for this month’s cover was to feature a recognizable and traditional Dublin winter scene. Sandra had to look no further than her own kitchen – as she and husband Dave McKee purchased the painting at the rotary auction several years ago. A shared appreciation and fondness for Historic Dublin inspired James to paint the scene and Sandra to purchase the painting.

A sampling of Historic Dublin shops and the unique gifts they offer are spotlighted in this issue of Dublin Life, as well as a sweet story of community giving (see page 13). We hope you enjoy the Holiday Season with your family and friends, and best wishes for a healthy and prosperous New Year!

About the Artist

James’ earliest art memories include his mom making Christmas cards in their basement with an airbrush. Years later he studied photography, design and drawing in college, but ultimately chose dentistry and eventually pursued a career in endodontics. After 15 years in practice, he circled back and enrolled at the Columbus College of Art and Design to study painting. James’ works also are featured in this month’s issue of Studio Visit Magazine, a national art publication. Visit James’ virtual art gallery at www.jrmurrin.com. James and his wife Anne live in Muirfield Village; their daughter Alex now lives in Washington, D.C.

Slainte,

To Your Health

The City of Dublin is committed to maintaining a healthy community. It’s a goal that Dublin City Council and city staff take to heart – literally. The City of Dublin wants to do everything it can to help you and your family maintain healthy lifestyles as well as provide information on preventing and reversing degenerative diseases like heart disease, strokes and cancer. We hope to achieve this through community partnerships like the Healthy Dublin initiative.

We are approaching a time of year when many are tempted to overindulge, which is often followed by resolutions to try to undo the temptations brought on by a festive holiday season. This year, I challenge you to enjoy the merriment in moderation and to try to work in a healthy regimen while enjoying all the celebrations of the season.

The Dublin Community Recreation Center offers a variety of exercise programs and classes for all age groups. But there are many more options in our community – some as close as your own backyard. Why not bike or take a walk along one of the multiuse paths, or hike to one of the city’s 52 neighborhood and community parks?

I have found, for me personally, that yoga is one of the best ways I can commit to a healthier lifestyle. It also provides me with added energy and reduced stress levels, and it makes me feel better and allows me to be more productive.

In the coming months, the City of Dublin will continue to work with our partners on the Healthy Dublin initiative – 411Fit, the Dublin branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library, Dublin Chamber of Commerce, Dublin City Schools, Dublin Methodist Hospital, HealthSpot and Washington Township – to bring more programs and information to serve you and the rest of our community.

In the meantime, I hope you will continue to take great strides in doing all that you can to ensure your own good health. I encourage you to log onto www.healthydublin.org for nutrition and exercise tips, and information on how to sign up for a free health assessment by Dublin Methodist Hospital.

To your health,

Kathy Gill

Sandra Puskarcik, ABC President/Publisher Director of Community Relations The Publishing Group Ltd. City of Dublin

Marsha I. Grigsby, City Manager

Front row (l-r): Mayor Timothy A. Lecklider and Vice Mayor Amy J. Salay. Back row: Richard S. Gerber, Cathy A. Boring, John G. Reiner, Marilee Chinnici-Zuercher and Michael H. Keenan.

CommunityCalendar

Dec.1-16

Juliellen Byrne: Oh Rats! Dublin Arts Council Gallery, 7125 Riverside Dr., www.dublinarts.org

The final entry in the 2011 Visual Art series, this sequence of ceramic sculpture by local artist Juliellen Byrne will be on display at the Dublin Arts Council.

Dec. 1-Jan.1

Wildlights

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 W. Powell Rd., www.columbuszoo.org

Visit the Columbus Zoo to see millions of lights, enjoy ice skating, meet Santa and more. Not open Dec. 24-25.

Dec. 1

Annual Christmas

Tree Lighting in Historic Dublin

6-8 p.m., Adjacent to Indian Run Elementary School, 7030 Coffman Rd., www.irishisanattitude.com

The tree lighting ceremony will take place at the end of an evening, which will include photos with Santa, live reindeer and various performances.

Dec. 4

The Dublin Singers Crystal Christmas

3 p.m., Kildare Church, 7179 Avery Rd., www.dublinsingers.com

The Dublin Singers perform John Rutter’s Magnificat and other musical gems with a Chamber Ensemble. Adults $10, seniors and children under 13 $7.

Dec. 10

The 8th Annual Christine’s Christmas Concert

8 p.m., Capitol Theatre at the Riffe

Center, 77 S. High St., www.christinewilsonfoundation.org

This inspiring Christmas concert is in honor of Christine Wilson, who lost her life in 2003 from a house fire. This year’s concert will benefit the burn center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

Dec. 16

Recognition Luncheon featuring the Spotlight Dublin Award

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Muirfield Village Golf Pavilion, 5760 Memorial Dr., www.dublinchamber.org

Featuring the Spotlight Dublin Award, which is given to an area business or businessperson, who has brought positive national attention to the Dublin area.

Dec. 17

The Nutcracker

11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., Abbey Theater, 5600 Post Rd., www.dublin.oh.us

Dec. 18

Dwight Lenox Holiday Show

3 p.m., Abbey Theater, 5600 Post Rd.,

Captein

of Mount

Joseph

of Wooster Penny Park

State University Darice Polo Kent State University

Jolene Powell Marietta College

Robert Robbins CCAD

Dana Saulnier

Miami University

curated by Dominique H. Vasseur, Columbus Museum of Art

John Yan Sun

Muskingum University

Edward E. Valentine

The Ohio State University-Lima

Paige Williams Art Academy of Cincinnati

www.dublin.oh.us

The annual presentation of Columbus’ finest jazz singer. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children.

Dec. 20

Columbus Blue Jackets Book Jackets Program

6:30-7:30 p.m., Dublin branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library, 75 N. High St., www. bluejacketsfoundation.org

Join Grant Clitsome and Stinger of the Columbus Blue Jackets as they read stories and meet with kids at the Dublin branch of the library. Player is subject to change.

Dec. 22-Jan. 2

Winter Break for the Dublin City School District

Dec. 22-28

Happy Hanukkah

Dec. 25

Merry Christmas

JANUARY

Jan. 1

Happy New Year!

Jan. 11

Rory Krupp: Fluffing Reality Dublin Arts Council Gallery, 7125 Riverside Dr., www.dublinarts.org

Artist Rory Krupp’s newest art showcase will be on display showing a variety of watercolor paintings. An opening reception will be held at the DAC gallery from 6-8 p.m.

Jan. 15

Creative Vacations Travel Show

Noon-4 p.m., Dublin Embassy Suites, 5100 Upper Metro Pl., www.creativevacations.com

Join travel experts from more than 29 companies and plan your next luxurious vacation

on either land or sea. Holland America’s On Stage Alaska presentation is back for a second year.

Jan. 16

Martin Luther King Jr. Day – No School

Jan. 19

Spring Literacy Program: Volunteer Training

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Riverside Elementary School, 3260 Riverside Green Dr., RSVP at www.dublinchamber.org

A number of organizations in Dublin have united for the NextGen Dublin Literacy Program, and to kick off the year, there will be a volunteer training session designed to teach interested community members about how to work to promote literacy through the Book Buddies program. Book Buddies will work with Riverside Elementary first-grade students one lunch hour per week for eight weeks to help improve the students’ literacy and comprehension skills.

The Forum at Knightsbridge is honored to be a longstanding and respected member of the Columbus community. We offer an uncompromising, high standard of living with all the warmth and hospitality of home, right here on our beautifully landscaped campus.

Experience the lifestyle you deserve…don’t wait a moment longer! Call for lunch and a tour to see why life at The Forum is better than ever!

A Woman of Many Titles

Director Linda

“Feed the hungry, heal the sick and proclaim the gospel,” is the motto of the Dublin Food Pantry, where Linda has been the volunteer director for three years and worked for 15 years. In that time, she has seen the economy take its toll and the number of Dublin residents in need of help increase. Each month, the food pantry, located in the basement of Dublin Community Church, provides for 220 families, with dozens of new Dublin residents regularly asking for help.

The number of first-time pantry clients is on the upswing, and many feel ashamed that they have to ask for help to put food on the table, Linda says. She and the trained volunteers try to keep their clients’ spirits lifted and their dignity intact.

“We don’t know their whole story, and it’s not our place to judge them,” she says. “These are human beings at a particular stage in their journey, and we want them to walk through here with their heads held high.”

Catherine O’Connell is Linda’s right-hand woman and is in charge of the 75 to 100 volunteers needed weekly to handle the pantry’s tasks. Those jobs include stocking shelves, assisting clients and picking up food from large donors like Whole Foods, which donates 500 to 800 pounds of food each week to the pantry. Other regular donors include Starbucks, Chipotle, Giant Eagle, Panera, GFS, Bob Evans and Trader Joe’s.

Linda Fisher is like a puzzle – many small pieces fit together to make one amazing woman. For the past 15 years, more and more pieces have been added to Linda, but not one additional duty or responsibility has taken away from who she is – and her love for the Dublin community.

As a former Baptist missionary in the U.S., Spain and Venezuela, Linda, 57, has moved 15 times in 22 years. She and her husband, Gary, also a Baptist missionary, came to Columbus from Venezuela in 1996 when their daughters, Leslie and Stephanie, were 16 and 12, respectively. Linda wasn’t sure how her gifts would be used, but it became clear during the subsequent 15 years that many people, from all walks of life, would benefit from her passion for humanity and the Dublin community.

“Linda is a phenomenal asset to the Dublin Food Pantry,” O’Connell says. “She does hands-on physical labor as well as mental work, shows great passion for the clients and the pantry, and dedicates an enormous amount of time. Linda is the complete package.”

Of course, Linda has a different take on the subject.

“I have the best job in Dublin. I’m the public face of our generous community, which brings in food and lets me hand out the goodies like Santa Claus,” she says.

A perfect example of local generosity takes place at the Dublin Irish Festival each August. In 2011, the festival raised nearly $8,000 and 10,000 pounds of food for the pantry.

The Dublin Food Pantry has outgrown its space and is looking to share a building with the Welcome Warehouse of Dublin on Brand Road at Indian Run United Methodist Church. Ideally, pantry officials would like to offer food, counseling, parenting classing and job training all under the same roof.

“We want to help our clients be givers, not just receivers,” says Linda.

Linda will step back from her director duties at the Dublin Food Pantry when the board hires a full-time, paid administrator who can seek large grants and choose a direction for the pantry as it grows.

Linda Fisher adds director, señora and farmer to her list of jobs

Señora Linda

A new piece to Linda’s puzzle came in 1997, when the Dublin Baptist Church expressed a need for bilingual help due to an increase in the area’s Latino population.

Linda began assisting Spanish-speaking families by arranging appointments, talking to doctors and offering counseling. Her presence made a difference, and Señora Linda was named the community outreach director of the Hispanic Chapel. Her husband was named pastor, and together, they started a Spanish-speaking worship at 9:30 a.m. Sunday mornings.

Linda and Gary are as comfortable speaking Spanish as they are speaking English. At gatherings, Linda plays her acoustic guitar and sings praises in Spanish with the mostly Latino guests, who accompany her with maracas and tambourines. Then they take turns discussing what they are thankful for – “Estoy agradecido a Dios por” – and using the time to chat about their families, jobs and religion.

Three time a week, Linda travels to congregants’ homes for Bible study. At the trailer park on Avery Road, she teaches English classes based on the Bible. In the summer, they have backyard Bible clubs, which is like vacation Bible school, but Linda and Gary travel to the children.

“Many of our students don’t have transportation, or they work odd hours and can’t transport the children,” says Linda. “Last summer, we met with 180 children at eight different sites and had to enlist a large team of energetic teenage volunteers to help.”

Farmer Linda

For the past year, Linda and her family have lived and worked on Kibby’s Family Heirlooms farm, a multi-generational family farm in Milford Center, southwest of Marysville. They grow heirloom variety fruits, vegetables and herbs to give families safe and healthy food options.

Linda’s son-in-law, Jim Kuebler, who goes by “Kibby,” is a sous chef at Doc’s Café

MERRY CHRISTMAS, DUBLIN!

We celebrate your giving spirit and thank you for not only “giving back,” but “paying forward” through your hours of volunteering. Enjoy breakfast on us; it’s our pleasure to serve you!

and Wine Bar in Marysville. It was Kibby’s idea to grow their own food with organic methodology to use in the restaurant, at home, at farmers’ markets and to provide local families through community supported agriculture.

The house gets crowded with Kibby; his wife, Leslie; and their daughter, Soraya, 3, all sharing space with Linda, Gary and Linda’s mom, Helen Postlewait. The only one missing is daughter Stephanie, who lives in Florida.

“A lot of grace is extended to one another when living together,” Linda says. But they wouldn’t have it any other way and all are enjoying the satisfaction of working the land. Linda certainly has enough on her plate to keep her busy and fill her day.

Her friend, Priscilla Colon, from the Hispanic Ministry says it best.

“Most of us have 24 hours in a day, but God must have given Linda 48 hours for all that she accomplishes,” she says.

Dublin resident Colleen D’Angelo is a contributing writer. Comments and feedback welcome at dublinlife@pubgroupltd.com.

Linda with her mother, Helen Postlewait.

Linda sings during a Spanish language worship service through the Dublin Baptist Church.

A Sweet Gift

The Sisters Sweet Shoppe gives back in a sweet way

Dublin high school students will help an area child fulfill his or her wish this holiday season by making gingerbread houses for The Sisters Sweet Shoppe’s annual Gingerbread House Auction.

Students at Dublin Jerome and Dublin Scioto high schools are creating the gingerbread houses for the silent auction on Dec. 3 at the Sweet Shoppe located on High Street. The students make these gingerbread houses for a home management class they can elect to take. The event – featuring crafts, food and a silent auction – will raise money for the Make-A-Wish

For the past four years of the auction, some of the handcrafted gingerbread houses have sold for more than

Last year, the auction raised more than $700 for the foundation and helped send a young girl named Sara to Nashville to record a song she had written, says Nanette Purdy, one of the sisters who own the shop. The plan was to play Sara’s song at this year’s auction, Purdy says.

Purdy and her “fruitcake sister,” Melissa Sonksen, are strong advocates of the Gingerbread House Auction and giving back to the community.

The auction is special because it is a “fundraiser where the school pairs up with the community and raises money, when normally it’s just through the schools,” says Chelsea Dobbs, a development associate for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. “It links the students and the schools to the community.”

The auction will benefit one Make-A-Wish child, who will be from the local area. Make-A-Wish does its best to find a child from Dublin, but if this is not possible, then the auction will still benefit a local child.

One of her fondest memories, Purdy says, is when the auction supported the Ohio State School for the Blind marching band. The auction raised enough money to send the band to play at the Rose Bowl.

“It was very moving to donate to the band and then see them perform at the Rose Bowl,” she says.

Purdy also loves the event because the kids are so enthusiastic to help and lend support.

The Sisters Sweet Shoppe, besides hosting the event, purchases any unsold gingerbread houses after the event and gives them away to children who come into the shop and admire the houses.

Lauren Novelli is a contributing writer. Comments and feedback welcome at dublinlife@pubgroupltd.com.

Business Partnerships Fuel Community Growth

Building relationships with local businesses is one of the key components of the City of Dublin’s Economic Development program. It is vital that the city stay connected with the business community in order to meet the needs of our business leaders, as well as to maintain the economic vitality of our community.

The Economic Development team works to assist business owners in expanding and growing their companies in Dublin. We also seek to attract new businesses and to help entrepreneurs in the creation of new companies. Many of these goals are accomplished through the homegrown and international relationships we build in the community.

IGS Energy is a great example of a Dublin business that was looking to expand its headquarters in Dublin. Because the City of Dublin already had a great working relationship with IGS Energy, when the company was looking to move its corporate headquarters to a new building, we worked in partnership.

As a leading residential supplier of natural gas in the U.S., it was important to IGS to create an energy-efficient and sustainable building. The City of Dublin was able to create a customized economic development agreement to help IGS achieve its goal.

Earlier this year, the new IGS Energy headquarters built in 2010 at 6100 Emerald Pkwy. earned the Platinum certification for its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

IGS Energy’s headquarters is the largest LEED Platinum Certified building in Ohio and the only commercial office building to achieve Platinum certification in central Ohio.

IGS Energy and the City of Dublin will again partner this time to improve the deployment and usage of energy resources in our community by the city as well as by our residents.

In early 2012, the City of Dublin and IGS Energy will open a new compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle fueling station at 6351 Shier Rings Rd. IGS Energy will manage access to the 24-hour fueling station and plans to offer station access to

local residents and businesses.

Key card access will be required to the facility, and Dublin residents and businesses may have limited access to the station once they contact IGS Energy in order to set up an account. There will be no minimum monthly purchase requirement to maintain an account. Account holders will receive a key fob that they can swipe when they fuel up, and then will receive a monthly statement from IGS. Information about business and residential accounts and vehicle conversion to CNG or bi-fuel (CNG and gasoline) capability is available from automobile dealers or at http://cng.igsenergy.com.

Initially, the station will fuel approximately 44 City of Dublin vehicles, growing to more than 200 city vehicles in the years to come. A grant funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities program is enabling the city to convert the fleet for CNG usage.

Operating City vehicles on CNG provides significant cost and energy savings to our fleet. On average, CNG costs about 50 percent less than gasoline, while still delivering the same power and performance. As fuel costs and emission standards increase, Dublin City Council sees the value that CNG can add to the city’s bottom line. For more information on the program, visit www.igsenergy.com.

IGS Energy is just one example of the many successful and valuable business partnerships that support Dublin’s continued growth and leadership in central Ohio’s economy. For more information, visit http://dublin.oh.us/econdev.

More than 40 City of Dublin vehicles will be converted to use compressed natural gas from the IGS Energy fueling facility.

IGS Energy Headquarters

About Dana McDaniel

Dana McDaniel serves as Deputy City Manager/Director of Economic Development, a position he has held since 2004. He has worked for the City of Dublin for 23 years.

In addition to serving as Dublin’s economic development director, Dana oversees Land Use and Long Range Planning, Engineering, Building Standards and the Streets and Utilities programs. Previously, Dana served as the City’s Director of Public Service and began his career in Dublin in the City Manager’s office as a Management Assistant.

Dana’s key projects during his service to the city have included: achieving accreditation by the American Public Works Association; expanding Dublin’s broadband infrastructure to include over 100 miles of fiber optics and a 24-square-mile WiFi system; the Dublin Entrepreneurial Center and other award winning economic development programs resulting in over 11,000 jobs retained and attracted since 2004. Dana attributes the success of the city’s programs to the leadership of City Council Members and City Managers, past and present, who have supported and continue to support the spirit of innovation.

He is active on several regional government and civic boards, including Franklin County Public Health Department, Franklin County Emergency Management & Homeland Security, Dublin Chamber of Commerce and Dublin Counseling Center.

Dana has a bachelor’s degree from Miami University of Ohio and a master’s degree from The Ohio State University, both in public administration. He also holds a master of strategic studies degree from the U.S. Army War College.

Dana and his wife, Lisa Patt-McDaniel, live in Dublin and are the parents of two daughters, Caitlyn and Colleen.

Dublin Delights

For the Charmer

Charm your loved ones with a Forever in My Heart charm bracelet, necklace or keychain from One Stop Bead Shop on Sawmill Road. The small charms, which are $3 each and feature birthstones, initials, children, flags, military symbols and more, fit inside the lockets, which range from $18-$20. www.1stopbeadshop.com

For Those Looking to Relax

Give a great gift and reward yourself, too. For every $100 you purchase in gift cards at the Woodhouse Day Spa on High Street, you receive a $20 card for yourself. And you can make the gift stretch even further by purchasing a package of services, such as five manicures. For every five purchased, you receive one free.

www.columbus.woodhousespas.com

For the Scribe

Give a personalized gift with personalized stationery from Paper Occasions on High Street. Bring back the art of letter writing with these sets, which cost $2-$3 per card/envelope pair.

www.paperoc.com

For Your Sweet heart

Mix and match your favorite fudge flavors at Aboxa Fudge on High Street. Choose from a quarter, half or one pound boxes, which range from $6-$17 in store. www.aboxafudge.com

No need to venture far to find gifts for your friends and family. The perfect holiday finds are right here in Dublin.

Delights

For the Fashionista

This season, Simply Rr’s at Tuttle Crossing Mall is featuring a new line of Brighton accessories, including leather purses, necklaces and earrings. Stop in to find the perfect gift for your favorite fashionista. 614-734-0505

Check out these local shops and restaurants for unique holiday gifts

For the Looker

Emerald Eye Care on Emerald Parkway does more than just help you see better; they help you look better, too. Check out their line of designer sunglasses, including Maui Jim’s. www.emeraldeyecare.com

For the Knitter

Pick up a skein of cotton candy yarn, made of mohair and silk, at Knitting Temptations on High Street for a quick holiday project. The thin yarn makes a great scarf that’s a hit all over Italy. One skein is $24.95. www.knittingtemptations.com

For the Little Ones

Make bedtime more fun with Blankets and Booties’ Books to Bed sets ($40). Featuring books like Pinkalicious, Fancy Nancy, Dumpy the Dump Truck and Paddington Bear, the sets come complete with pajamas in sizes 12-month to 4T and the coordinating story. www.blanketsandbooties.com

For the Pet Lover

Man’s best friend deserves a holiday treat, too. Stop in Mutts & Co. on Sawmill Road and pick up some of their all organic, human-quality treats that are made fresh in the store. Cookies are $2.50 each or three for $6. Cakes range from $15.95$18.95. www.muttsandco.com

For the Stressed

The holidays can be stressful, so reward your closest friends and family members with a 30-minute relaxing Swedish massage from Jacobsen’s Skin & Body Care on Bridge Street. The 30-minute massage is $35 and a full hour is $60. www.jacobsenskincare.com

For the Homebody

Enjoy a nice cup of tea with this Tea Forte holiday gift set from Oakland Nursery at the Shoppes at River Ridge. For $24.99, pick up the brewing system complete with a collection of Warming Joy Tea, a brewing system and a tray. www.oaklandnursery.com

For the Cookie Monster

Our CupCakery on High Street in Historic Dublin has so much more than just cupcakes. The sweet shop features cookie and brownie gift sets ($2-$2.25) that are perfect stocking stuffers. www.ourcupcakery.com

For the Spirited

Show your Dublin spirit with gear from the Dublin Spirit Shop at the Dublin Community Relations Department in the Municipal Building, 5200 Emerald Parkway. The store, which is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, features sweatshirts, T-shirts, hats, jackets and more. www.dublinohiousa.gov

For the Polished

Make

Shoppes at River Ridge. For only $25, the service is the perfect holiday treat. www.simpuresalonspa.com

For the “Bag” Lady

Make your bags blend in, no matter what you’re wearing. The Miche Demi bag is new this holiday season, and Audacious Boutique at the Shoppes at River Ridge features a number of shells from which to choose. The Demi base bag is $44.95 and shells range from $39-$44. www.audaciousboutique.com

For the Foodie

Give a gift to yourself this holiday season by purchasing your friends and family gift cards from Matt the Miller’s Tavern on Avery-Muirfield Drive. For every $50 you purchase, you get $10 for yourself. www.mtmtavern.com

For the Christmas Crazy

The Morgan House restaurant, gift shop and home store on Glick Road explodes with holiday favorites each season including Christopher Radko ornaments. Spend an afternoon, and enjoy a nice lunch and time browsing the gift shop, home items and gourmet foods for that perfect gift for anyone on your list. www.morganhse.com

Partnerships lead to cleaner air and healthier residents

The City of Dublin is partnering with two innovative companies focused on the health and well-being of the community.

EcoChem Alternative Fuels, a tenant of the Dublin Entrepreneurial Center, has produced a high-performance clean diesel fuel designed to reduce pollution and improve fuel economy. Dublin City Council approved an agreement to fuel the City’s fleet of diesel engines with the HPCD. In addition, the fuel is being used by Dublin City Schools and the Washington Township Fire Department.

“Our fuel will deliver a significant increase in the overall engine performance and fuel efficiency while reducing harmful emissions emitted from these vehicles with absolutely no change in equipment or fuel storage and dispensing,” said Joshua Koch, CEO of EcoChem Alternative Fuels. “We are grateful for the cooperation and support we have received from the City of Dublin and the faith the community has in our fuel and our business.”

One of the city’s newest companies,

has built a patent-pending, technologically advanced medical station that enables physicians to deliver services to patients in neighborhood locations like pharmacies or work sites.

The Care4 Station allows doctors to hold real-time video consultations from the convenience of their office or home. The station includes a stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, thermometer and other medical devices to aid the physician in making a diagnosis. HealthSpot has plans to roll out Care4 Stations throughout the community and expects its combination of convenience and affordable healthcare will be well-received around the country.

In addition, HealthSpot is one of the community partners collaborating on the Healthy Dublin initiative. Healthy Dublin is a community-based health and wellness program designed to improve the overall health and well-being of those who live and work in Dublin by encouraging healthier lifestyles.

Dublin celebrated for international partnership

Recently, The Hon. Kuninori Matsuda, the Consul General of Japan, hosted an event in Dublin – “Arigato (thank you), Ohio” to show appreciation for the state of Ohio’s relief efforts in the aftermath of last spring’s tsunami and earthquake in Japan. Dublin and the Columbus region enjoy a great international partnership with the Japanese business community. According to a recent report from Columbus 2020, the region is home to 83 Japanese companies.

DRAFT – Sidebar II to Main Story – with photo from 10-26 Japanese reception

Recently, The Hon. Kuninori Matsuda, the Consul General in Detroit, hosted an event in Dublin – “Arigato (thank you), Ohio” to show appreciation for the state of Ohio’s relief efforts in the aftermath of last spring’s tsunami and earthquake in Japan. Dublin and

This large representation is primarily the result of Dublin’s corporate neighbor, Honda of America in Marysville, and its many suppliers in the area. The State of Ohio reports that Japan has 559 business establishments in the state employing 51,747 Ohioans.

Kuninori Matsuda, Consul General of Japan, hosted a celebration of the Dublin community’s generosity Oct. 26.

From Everyday to Holiday

It’s all about glow, glitz and greens

Designing the perfect holiday mantle can be a challenge, but Karita Dawson knows how to make it shine.

The co-owner of Complements Interiors on High Street in Historic Dublin says holiday decorations should have more glitz than everyday decorations, which should represent a homeowner’s particular taste

Recently, Dublin Life charged Dawson with readying a mantle for the holidays at the Muirfield home of Rachel and Jeff Beck. The two-story dark brown mantle is an impressive focal point in the couple’s family room, which is always decked out for the holiday season, Rachel says.

“I just love Christmas, especially now that I have kids.”

Dawson took the mantle — which features everyday items such as glass candlesticks, an oversized hanging painting and an urn — and transformed it into a centerpiece fit for the most lavish of holiday parties.

“Use lots of lights,” Dawson says, noting that her No. 1 tip for holiday decorating is creating an intimate, glowing setting.

“You want it to make you sit with a glass of wine and look at the mantle.”

Greens and ribbons also are a huge part of her holiday repertoire. Dawson suggests using high-quality artificial greens because they last longer and can be considered an investment piece.

Dawson also suggests creating a layered look with the greens and running them both behind and in front of items such as tall candlesticks.

“You always want there to be dimension,” Dawson says. “Make sure there’s a balance of the materials to offset different pieces.”

Gail Martineau is editor. Comments and feedback welcome to dublinlife@pubgroupltd.com.

Fun for the Whole Family

The timeless Elf on the Shelf has made a comeback this year with Carol Aebersold and Chanda Bell’s book The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition. The gift set includes an elf, the book and a keepsake box, and you can register the elf online to receive a special letter from Santa. Elf on the Shelf is available online and at local stores, including Target.

Dawson suggests using greens, 4-inch ribbon and lighting to create layers on the mantle.

Shopper’s Guide:

Cedarbrook Landscaping and Garden Center on Glick Road has a number of items to spice up your mantle. Check out their variety of ribbons and green wreaths to add a holiday touch to your decorating.

Find some unique mantle pieces at Thalia and Dahlia on High Street. From candlesticks to urns that are perfect for holding pine cones, the home boutique will have what you need to create the perfect setting.

Baker’s Village’s Christmas Shoppe on Dublin Road features personalized items to make your mantle uniquely you.

Winter AboundSoups

Chef Lee Morris shares the best of his seasonal soups

There’s nothing like a warm, steaming bowl of soup on a cold winter day.

And Chef Lee Morris at the Country Club at Muirfield Village knows what to do to warm up the members and guests of his restaurants.

Signature menu items at the club range from Tuna Carpaccio to Poached Lobster Rolls and Chicken Coq Au Vin to Braised Veal Shanks, but one part of the menu is forever in flux: the soups.

Lee’s goal is to keep everything seasonal to ensure a tasteful soup selection.

“Right now, there’s a traditional chicken noodle soup. We’ve also got a potato, bacon and corn chowder with fried leeks.” These two options fit the cold season with with the recently harvested fall corn and mixed vegetables in the chicken noodle.

For winter, Lee’s top choice for his guests is a puréed butternut squash soup.

“The spices are what really make it great,” he says. The blend contains onion, garlic, ginger, nutmeg and salt and pepper as aromatic components. He sweetens the soup with a drop of honey, too.

The chef’s favorite winter soup also is the most complicated of his winter repertoire. The squash is oven roasted and pureed with seasonal spices such as cinnamon, clove and ginger. The resulting soup is then topped off by a dollop of crème fraîche.

As a final way to create a successful meal, Lee also recommends pairing the soups with different wines for a festive feast.

“You could also try some sweeter cocktails. Different kind of bread sides or even an antipasto would work well with a lot of these.”

Tyler Davis is a contributing writer Comments and feedback welcome to dublinlife@pubgroupltd.com.

Butternut Squash Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 large butternut squash (4+ pounds raw)

• 3 cups vegetable broth

• 1 large onion (chopped)

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

• 2 tbsp. honey

• 2 tbsp. unsalted butter

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Serves 6

• 1 tbsp. fresh grated ginger

• 1 tsp. nutmeg

• 1/8 tsp. ground clove

• 1 tsp. cinnamon

• 2 tbsp. olive oil

• salt and black pepper, to taste

• crème fraîche garnish

Slice the squash in half, lengthwise. Using a spoon, core the seeds and cube the squash. Place in a roasting pan. Liberally coat with olive oil, salt and black pepper. Roast in oven for one hour or until the flesh is easily pierced with a paring knife. Remove from the oven, and let cool so it is not too hot to handle. Remove the skin and roughly chop any large portions of the remaining flesh.

In a large pot over medium heat, add 2 tbsp. of butter. Once the butter has stopped bubbling, add 2 tbsp. of olive oil.

Add the onion, cinnamon, ginger, garlic and clove. Cook until the onions are translucent and starting to lightly yellow, about 6 minutes. Add the nutmeg and stir. Cook for another 3 minutes.

Add the roasted butternut squash and stir. Let cook for about 5 minutes before stirring again. You should start to see carmelization coming on the bottom of the pan. Add the honey and let cook again for another 5 minutes.

Add about 1/2 cup of the broth and deglaze the pot. Once all those nice brown bits are up from the bottom of the pot, add the remaining broth. Bring to a boil and let cook for about 5 minutes at a low boil.

Turn off the heat and let cool for another 5 minutes.

Puree the mixture until you have a nice smooth texture. Return to heat and let simmer until you are ready to serve. Garnish by adding a dollop of crème fraîche.

Lunch Lunch Evolution

From the first day of grade school, lunchtime is an integral part of the day. Children worry about what kind of lunchbox to bring, who to sit with in the cafeteria and whether to pack or buy a hot meal. Our movies and TV shows mercilessly focus on lunchroom drama, with tables segregated by stereotypical nerds, jocks and delinquents engaging in food fights or rock concerts. Eventually, most kids learn to navigate the cafeteria and actually enjoy the mindless chatter and break from classes.

Upon entering the working world, employees truly realize the benefits of an hour away from the office. If you have a desk job, walking outside in the fresh air could be your only chance for mild physical activity as well as a mental break. Some winter days when I worked in New York City, I took the subway downtown while it was still dark, walked through a tunnel to my office building, took the elevator up to the 51st floor, ate at my desk and took the subway home in the dark without ever seeing daylight. Those days were depressing, so I made a concerted effort to step outdoors during the precious lunch hour.

Some days I’d venture out with a friend and try a new Korean or Ethiopian restaurant. Other days, I’d visit the soup guy on the corner, order a bowl of creamy broccoli, and sit outside by the World Trade Towers watching the throngs of people go by. The break in the day recharged my emotional batteries and gave me a chance to experience more of my New York environment.

And then came motherhood. We moved to Dublin in 1996 with a toddler and a baby on the way, and lunchtime consisted of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or an occasional McDonald’s cheeseburger. My neighbors congregated for many mid-day meals at local restaurants and I longed to join them, but daytime babysitters were hard to find. In 2000, when I had my third child, the older two were in school, so I started bringing the baby with me to some Friday lunches. My daughter and I loved this time together and we continued this routine even as she entered preschool. My friends teased that I’d never be able to get Catie to attend school on Fridays because she was used to her “mommy and me” lunches. Catie went to elementary school every day, though, and I joined her for an occasional noon snack in her cafeteria instead of going out.

Now I can eat out most days since I make my own work hours. It’s the calmer part of the day as opposed to evenings when I race children to their school events, practices and meetings, and still fit in homework and dinner. Sometimes, my husband, Tony, and I will meet for lunch to catch up, since it’s the only quiet adult time we can find. Other days, I will invite a friend who needs to get out of the house. I recently dined with my friend, Kelley Megahan, at J. Liu. Kelley’s kitchen is under construction, and I knew she could use a nice meal out. A few weeks ago, Dublin Life editor Gail Martineau joined me at Salvi’s Bistro to talk about upcoming story ideas for the magazine. It

was a great way to catch up and a prime atmosphere for a business lunch.

And sometimes, I have a mid-day snack alone, running errands or Skyping a friend. The other day, I picked up the hot rib appetizer from Montgomery Inn, and my best friend, who moved from Dublin to Scottsdale, Ariz., six years ago, watched me dip the ribs into the tangy sauce over our video connection as we laughed and caught up on the banalities of life.

Yes, lunches definitely have changed over the years. -CD

Write With Me!

Thinking of a New Year’s Resolution for 2012?

I am bringing back the art of letter writing, and I vow to write one letter per week to different individuals who have made a difference in my life, big or small. No more excuses, just write that “thank you” note, or jot down some memories and reach out with a letter. Write and tell me that you will join my quest with a New Year’s Resolution, and I will include the participants in the February and December issues of Dublin Life Magazine in 2012. Please describe your resolution and how you’re going to go about achieving it.

Send your letter to:

Colleen D’Angelo

781 Northwest Blvd., Ste. 202 Columbus, OH 43212

Colleen D’Angelo is a freelance writer, who lives in Dublin with her husband, three children and several small animals. She enjoys playing tennis, walking the Dublin bike paths and traveling to distant lands.

Children’s Reads

Oh, What a Christmas!

By Michael Garland

When the harness to Santa’s sleigh breaks mid-flight, Dasher, Dancer and the rest of the reindeer fly off into the night ... leaving Santa and all of his presents stranded. Who will guide Santa’s sleigh and save Christmas now? (Ages 4-8)

Adult Reads

My Two Holidays— a Hanukkah and Christmas Story

By Danielle Novack

When Sammy’s classmates take turns talking about which holiday they celebrate, Sammy becomes very nervous. Some people celebrate Christmas and some people celebrate Hanukkah. But Sammy celebrates both! (Ages 4-8)

A Christmas Sonata

By Gary Paulsen

A young boy and his mother spend Christmas 1943 with relatives while his father is fighting in the war in Europe. In a grand gesture, the boy’s uncle restores the children’s faith in the spirit of the season. (Ages 9-12)

Miss Fox’s Class Shapes Up

By Eileen Spinelli

When Miss Fox realizes that her students do not have healthy habits, she teaches them that healthful living is fun and rewarding, which they find to be true on Field Day. (Ages 5-8)

Ms. Leakey is Freaky!

By Dan Gutman

Kids are getting too unhealthy, so Ella Mentry School has hired a health teacher to help the kids eat right and exercise. She turns out to be a real health nut! (Ages 7 and up)

A Christmas Memory

By Truman Capote

In this beautifully written story, a young Capote reminisces about gathering pecans with his oldmaid eccentric cousin, Sook. Together, Truman and Sook will bake 30 fruitcakes to deliver during the holiday season in the midst of the Great Depression. A favorite to read and reread every year.

The Shepherd, the Angel, and Walter the Christmas Miracle Dog

By Dave Barry

It’s 1960, and playing the shepherd in the annual St. John’s Episcopal church pageant is just the beginning of young Doug Barnes’ troubles. The family dog, Frank, is not doing well, and little sister Becky loves that dog more than anything else.

In the Dark Streets Shineth

By David McCullough

Christmas Eve, 1941. Few times were bleaker than those, just days after Pearl Harbor. Noted historian McCullough brings the story of how British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and President Franklin D. Roosevelt met at the White House and how the speech they delivered that night brought hope to the nation.

Holidays on Ice

By David Sedaris

For those in need of a little irreverence (or even a lot of irreverence), check out Sedaris’ collection of stories; the best-known is “SantaLand Diaries,” in which Sedaris details his stint as Crumpet the Christmas elf. Definitely not for the kiddies, Sedaris will have you laughing out loud with his tales of hungover Santas and unhousebroken toddlers.

Extra Lean Family— Get Lean and Achieve Your Family’s Best Health Ever

By Mario Lopez

With the realization that what you eat affects those closest to you, Lopez has expanded on his healthy eating plan to include the entire family in this book. Filled with recipes and hints, Lopez shows that eating healthy can also be delicious.

When your child needs urgent care, everything matters.

And what matters most is pediatric expertise. at’s why our Close To HomeSM Centers are sta ed by medical professionals who have received additional training to care exclusively for children. Physicians, nurses, technicians, everybody at Nationwide Children’s Hospital is a pediatric specialist.

is higher level of expertise enables us to see things others may not. We know when a simple fever could be something more serious. We know how to set a broken bone so it grows properly to its adult size. We know the correct dosage of medications for children of all ages.

Our suture techs even practice putting stitches in the soft skin of a peach, because it helps us minimize scarring on the soft skin of a child.

Every piece of equipment is also specialized. Why? Try tting an adult-sized blood pressure cu on the arm of a two-year-old. Or giving an injection to a ve-year-old with an adultsized needle.

Urgent care should be expert care. So always call your child’s doctor rst and remember we’re here when you need us. For directions, hours and location speci c information, visit www.NationwideChildrens.org/UrgentCare.

Of course, we happen to think is a BIG DEAL .

SWITCH CALL or order ONLINE today. .