Dublin Life June/July 2023

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June/July 2023

6 City of Dublin

8 Community Calendar

10 faces Matter of Life

Trainer’s cancer prevention conversation

14 All (Bike) Trails Lead Home

Dublin is the only Ohio city designated as a silver-level Bike Friendly Community

16 in focus

Shamrock Shenanigans

Irish Festival brings sustainable fun

20 With You, I Serve

Resident dedicates life to aiding veterans in crisis

22 Trailing Around Dublin

Irish Fairy Door and Celtic Cocktail trails continue in Dublin fashion

26 good SummerideasSafety

Washington Township Fire Department provides tips

28 ARTifacts

Creative Community for All Community arts organizations unite a vibrant Dublin

32 school connection

Puzzles to Solve

Welcoming refugee students to Dublin

34 student spotlight

Future Chefs

Schools’ competition features the future of culinary excellence

36 dublin dishes

Lucky Ladies

The Daughters of Erin honor Irish culture and history at the Dublin Irish Festival

38 living Dublin Dream House

Local couple gives historic Dublin home a facelift

42 luxury living real estate guide

43 top homes sold in dublin

44 write next door

Walk Through Life Group of Dublin women walk to enjoy the views and build friendships

46 bookmarks

On the Cover

Dublin Irish Festival

Photo courtesy of City of Dublin

ASSESSING OUR HEALTH NEEDS

ASSESSING OUR HEALTH NEEDS

Dublin is a city that cares and provides the best possible health and well-being options for our community. Part of that promise includes continuous evaluation and improvement. This year, we are undertaking a comprehensive Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) to better understand our residents’ health and wellness priorities. A CHNA is a unique and holistic evaluation of our community’s health across a wide range of indicators to understand current conditions, identify gaps and enable the City to accurately re ect community priorities and interests. The assessment is being conducted in collaboration with local health organizations, community leaders and residents. It aims to identify key health challenges and develop strategies to address them.

Dublin is a city that cares and provides the best possible health and well-being options for our community. Part of that promise includes continuous evaluation and improvement. This year, we are undertaking a comprehensive Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) to better understand our residents’ health and wellness priorities. A CHNA is a unique and holistic evaluation of our community’s health across a wide range of indicators to understand current conditions, identify gaps and enable the City to accurately re ect community priorities and interests. The assessment is being conducted in collaboration with local health organizations, community leaders and residents. It aims to identify key health challenges and develop strategies to address them.

In 2022, the City requested proposals from health assessment industry experts. Based on their quali cations and success with previous CHNA e orts, market research rm Illuminology was selected to perform Dublin’s assessment. The group is now conducting extensive quantitative and qualitative research, including reviewing recent data and conducting stakeholder interviews and focus groups followed by a community survey. This process will ensure participation from a cross-section of all who live in Dublin.

In 2022, the City requested proposals from health assessment industry experts. Based on their quali cations and success with previous CHNA e orts, market research rm Illuminology was selected to perform Dublin’s assessment. The group is now conducting extensive quantitative and qualitative research, including reviewing recent data and conducting stakeholder interviews and focus groups followed by a community survey. This process will ensure participation from a cross-section of all who live in Dublin.

The research phase began in February and is expected to continue throughout the summer. Once Illuminology’s assessment is complete, the consultant will develop a comprehensive action plan to build a local culture of health. The plan will include:

The research phase began in February and is expected to continue throughout the summer. Once Illuminology’s assessment is complete, the consultant will develop a comprehensive action plan to build a local culture of health. The plan will include:

• A focused and integrated set of strategies, goals and measurable outcomes to address target populations and community health needs

• A focused and integrated set of strategies, goals and measurable outcomes to address target populations and community health needs

• Tactics to produce a measurable shift in outcomes toward an appropriate balance of environmental, economic and social well-being

The CHNA will also identify ways to improve social determinants of health. This appraisal, along with the outcomes of our Parks and Recreation Master Plan, will strengthen our parks and recreation system, improving our community’s health by providing opportunities to stay t and healthy.

The CHNA will also identify ways to improve social determinants of health. This appraisal, along with the outcomes of our Parks and Recreation Master Plan, will strengthen our parks and recreation system, improving our community’s health by providing opportunities to stay t and healthy.

While we don’t yet know the results of this assessment, we are excited about the prospects. Will we improve chronic disease management? Remove the stigma surrounding mental health and improve access to treatment? Maybe we will eliminate disparities in health care among our community’s diverse populations. These are the types of life-changing outcomes that are possible and o er a long-term impact for residents. This critical research, combined with Dublin’s growing health and wellness sector, will position Dublin as a model healthy community.

While we don’t yet know the results of this assessment, we are excited about the prospects. Will we improve chronic disease management? Remove the stigma surrounding mental health and improve access to treatment? Maybe we will eliminate disparities in health care among our community’s diverse populations. These are the types of life-changing outcomes that are possible and o er a long-term impact for residents. This critical research, combined with Dublin’s growing health and wellness sector, will position Dublin as a model healthy community.

By collaborating with innovative health care providers, dedicated community organizations and engaged residents, we will be able to promote a healthier environment that moves us in our focus to become the most resilient global city of choice.

By collaborating with innovative health care providers, dedicated community organizations and engaged residents, we will be able to promote a healthier environment that moves us in our focus to become the most resilient global city of choice.

Megan O’Callaghan Dublin City Manager

Megan O’Callaghan Dublin City Manager

• A detailed, prioritized implementation plan

• Tactics to produce a measurable shift in outcomes toward an appropriate balance of environmental, economic and social well-being

• A detailed, prioritized implementation plan

CommunityCalendar

June/July

All events are subject to change. Visit websites for more information.

MAY 29-JUNE 4

the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday

Muirfield Village Golf Club 5750 Memorial Dr. www.thememorialtournament.com

THROUGH SEPT. Dublin Market

Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon Bridge Park www.thedublinmarket.com

JUNE 8, JULY 13

North Market Night Market Second Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. Bridge Park 6750 Longshore St. www.northmarket.org

JUNE 9, JULY 7

Friday Night Jazz presented by Market Bar 8-10 p.m.

Bridge Park 6750 Longshore St. www.northmarket.org

JUNE 13-JULY 21

Nicholas Hill: The Pandemic Portraits Dublin Arts Council 7125 Riverside Dr. www.dublinarts.org

JUNE 17

Global Water Dances in Dublin 10-11 a.m.

Dublin’s Riverside Crossing Park Plaza 6635 Riverside Dr. www.dublinarts.org

JUNE 19

Juneteenth Bridge Lighting

Evening

The Dublin Link will glow red, white, blue, green and yellow to represent both the American and Pan-African flags.

JUNE 24

Rainbow Dublin Community Pride Noon-3 p.m.

Riverside Crossing Park 6635 Riverside Dr. www.rainbowdublinoh.org

Photos courtesy of City of Dublin, Dublin Arts and Visit Dublin

Independence Day Parade & Evening Celebration.

by Claire Miller

Matter of Life

Nate Traucht is a father, personal trainer, body builder and cancer survivor. And that’s cause for major celebration.

The Dublin resident is in remission after he was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in 2021. After undergoing his treatment plan, the quarter-size tumor was nonexistent after four weeks.

“There’s no tumor, it’s gone,” his doctor had told him.

Because the initial treatment plan had been effective, he didn’t need to undergo surgery, something only four percent of colorectal cancer patients experience. Doctors aren’t sure why.

One of the hardest parts of his experience, he says, is trying to understand why he was so lucky.

“That was my biggest mental and emotional trauma from this,” Traucht says. “Why me? Not, ‘Why me, why did I get it?’ but, ‘Why did I live from it so easily?’”

Although he may never have the answer, he’s come to the conclusion that he can use his story to raise awareness.

Daily battle

Leading up to his diagnosis, Traucht had no physical ailments or symptoms that indicated his health was less than perfect.

In 2018, Traucht’s father had precancerous cells removed from in his colon. Traucht mentioned this to his doctor during a physical in 2019 and, since Traucht was 44 and now had a family history, his doctor recommended getting checked.

According to the CDC, regular screening beginning at age 45 is the key to preventing colorectal cancer and detecting it early.

“I didn’t (get checked) because I’m super fit and I don’t worry about myself at all,” he says. “I just worry about my kids, my family and my clients. So I didn’t get checked.”

It wasn’t until 2021 – he skipped doctor’s visits altogether in 2020 because of COVID-19 – that Traucht finally got his first colonoscopy scheduled at age 46.

Photos courtesy of Nate Traucht

faces

Trainer’s cancer prevention conversation

He went in for the procedure in September 2021. When he woke up, the doctor informed him that they found a mass about the size of a quarter in his rectum. Based on its size, the doctor suspected cancer.

After the biopsy came back, Traucht was officially diagnosed with colorectal cancer. A week later, an MRI determined it was stage 3.

Traucht started treatment 17 days later, which included daily radiation treatments and daily oral chemotherapy, to reduce the tumor before surgery could be performed.

But four weeks into his six-week treatment cycle, he went up to Cleveland for a scan. Shockingly, the doctor couldn’t feel or see the tumor anymore. His tumor had disappeared after just four weeks of the planned six-week treatment.

After taking a month off from treatment, doctors declared him in remission in January 2022.

However, because colorectal cancer has a high recurrence rate without surgery, Traucht underwent four more months of IV chemo and a higher dose of oral chemo to ensure he would remain in remission. He completed his treatment in May 2022.

Every six months Traucht will get MRIs and CT scans, and once a year he will get a colonoscopy. After five years of clean scans, a patient is considered cured.

Training for life

Traucht continued to work and train throughout the process. He even worked out for longer periods of time while undergoing chemotherapy because exercise made him feel better.

All sausage has been made fresh in house since 1969 from a recipe handed down from 3 generations. Our bread and famous whipped butter are made fresh daily. Pasta and casserole dishes are made fresh to order.

“I never felt down in the entire six months or eight months of treatment that I did,” he says. “I didn’t miss a single day of work. I didn’t miss a single workout. In fact, my workouts got longer. They didn’t get harder, because I know my body’s getting beat up by all the treatments. I decreased the intensity but increased the duration because I felt the best during the day when I was working out.”

He competed in the OCB Buckeye Natural body building competition at the Greater Columbus Convention Center this spring, which was his first since diagnosis and exactly one year after he entered remission.

Traucht has lived in Dublin for more than 20 years. He first came to the area from a small town outside of Findlay to attend The Ohio State University, where he received a degree in exercise science with a minor in nutrition.

Traucht has been training since he started college. He got his first certification and started his first business at 19. He trains clients independently, both inperson and online.

He is very close with his two daughters, Valentina, 9, and Amelie, 15.

Traucht feels lucky for his outcome, especially knowing that, for many, the battle doesn’t always have the same outcome.

In fact, one of Traucht’s close friends is one such person whose journey with cancer was very different. She, too, was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, but she experienced symptoms that were “100 times” worse, according to Traucht. She was in remission for a year before it returned and she underwent surgery, which took her more than a year to recover from.

Because of his quick and highly successful treatment outcome, Traucht was part of the national discussion of colorectal oncology.

While Traucht believes his mental fortitude, faith and daily prayers contributed to his success, his doctor quickly ruled them out when he shared his hypothesis.

“But I’m gonna believe what I want to believe,” Traucht says with a smile.

Traucht has used his experience to spread the word about the importance of colonoscopies. He’s been interviewed on TV for colorectal cancer awareness multiple times. He says he doesn’t have filters when it comes to the topic and his willingness to talk about it is part of how he makes sense of his survival.

“I know personally 26 people that have gotten their first ever colonoscopy because of me,” he says. “People in my personal life that I see all the time, and people that just come up to me on the street (to tell me they scheduled one after seeing me on TV). … That’s the only thing I can think up, because I’ll talk about it.”

Claire Miller is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at cmiller@cityscenemediagroup.com

”I know personally 26 people that have gotten their first ever colonoscopy because of me.”

by Caroline Ingraham Photos courtesy of City of Dublin

All (Bike) Trails Lead Home

Dublin is the only Ohio city designated as a silver-level Bike Friendly Community

sense of comfort. Trail goers can find creative ways to enjoy date nights, team building with coworkers or a workout.

One year after launching in Downtown Dublin, Bird e-scooters had more than 4,200 riders who traveled 17,361 miles, saving 2.45 metric tons of carbon emissions through this eco-friendly transportation option.

Dublin’s micromobility program allows residents to choose a sustainable mode of transportation to travel within the city. Bird scooters not only help reduce the carbon emissions from vehicles but offer riders a fun experience as they travel through Dublin.

For years, Dublin’s parks and paths have served as a cornerstone of life in the community. With more than 60 parks to choose from, visitors and residents have many options to stay active. The city’s outdoor amenities are also here for all to enjoy, from biking and scooting to walking on Dublin’s 150 miles of shared use paths. Dublin’s broad network of trails within its awardwinning park system showcases many of the reasons that make Dublin a sustainable, connected and resilient global city of choice.

Most Sustainable

When it comes to increasing access to sustainable transportation, Dublin’s shared

use paths were designed intentionally, says City of Dublin Transportation & Mobility Planner J.M. Rayburn.

He says the City researched ways to improve the quality and effectiveness of the trails so they would be appreciated for decades to come. Rayburn notes that while extensive path systems serve a purpose, putting specific emphasis on the traveler’s comfort and ease of use encourages the longevity of the trails after they are built.

An integral part of the City’s planning and design was to ensure that people of all abilities have access to as many of Dublin’s amenities as possible. Rayburn emphasizes, “We want to make it so that everyone is integrated into the community in the way that they want to be.”

In efforts to make the paths accessible to all, the City has implemented many micromobility initiatives that allow residents and visitors to explore the trails with a

“Dublin’s micromobility program facilitates affordable and accessible options for residents to navigate the city,” says Jeannie Willis, City of Dublin director of Transportation & Mobility. “It strengthens the connection between businesses in Historic Dublin and Bridge Park and is a large investment in Dublin’s economic growth.”

Commuters also find Dublin’s shared use paths to be a helpful tool for living a sustainable lifestyle.

Langdon Sanders bikes to work from his home in the Brandon neighborhood of Dublin and commented on the flexibility that the city trails offer.

“I can get to work in about 10 minutes biking on the paved paths, and it’s nice having the option to bike to work,” he says. “It feels great to know that I did my part to lower pollution in my community.”

Most Resilient

In 2022, the City of Dublin received the honor of silver-level Bicycle Friendly

Community from The League of American Bicyclists. The award recognizes Dublin’s biking infrastructure as well as safety and education initiatives available for residents. More than 860 communities applied for the award, and Dublin was the only Ohio community to earn the silver level. The honor shines a light on the number of opportunities the City provides for community members to be active. Until 2022, the City maintained a bronzelevel designation that it received in 2016.

As part of Dublin’s outreach, the City, including Dublin Police, and Dublin City Schools have partnered to educate students about bike safety and using the City’s extensive paths. The Dublin Bike Roadeo, which occurs each May, is an annual City event that offers kids a hands-on experience where they can put their safety knowledge into practice with interactive stations and an obstacle course.

Most Connected

Not only does Dublin work with its community partners when it comes to getting the public involved with outdoor activities, but it connects the broader region through the Emerald Trail. In 2020, the City of Dublin designated existing trails

from S.R. 161 and Sawmill Road to Glacier Ridge Metro Park to be a part of the Emerald Trail. Overseen by Central Ohio Greenways, part of the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), the Emerald Trail connects a network of 10.5 miles of Central Ohio trails across surrounding communities.

Dublin residents may map out their routes and discover new trails with the Dublin Bike Map & Parks Guide. The map has a grid-view system where people can easily find parks and amenities. This allows residents a comprehensive view of the City’s shared use paths and mileage between popular destinations, which local families appreciate.

“You can bike from one end of Dublin to the other and then use the trails and paths to connect with other communities,” says Lara Leach, a Dublin resident, mother of two and scoutmaster for a Dublin Boy Scouts troop.

The shared use paths are also a space to explore so much more. Through the trails of Dublin, in addition to the flowers and plants maintained by the City’s Horticulture team, are tunnels painted with murals as well as public artworks commissioned by Dublin Arts Council. The Council’s “Art In Public Places” features works that hold significance to the community, including sculptures such as Exuvia and Out of Bounds. The art pieces are positioned along the paths.

From biking around Historic Dublin to walking to school, almost every Dublin resident has a story about their experiences using the trails.

“For my family, we can bike to parks, ponds, and events or get ice cream. As a runner, the paths provide a safe environment with a variety of scenery,” explains Geoff Babbitt, a Dublin father and resident.

Community members can also play an active role in maintaining the City’s trails. In combination with Dublin’s bike education efforts, there are 40 Dublin Bicycle Ambassador volunteers who survey the shared used paths — more than 1,000 miles per month — to help monitor the conditions of the trails.

The volunteering efforts in Dublin allow the shared use paths to be cared for by the residents who use them and are a way residents can give back to the trails

that provide a chance to travel and make memories in the outdoors.

Thomas Merritt, who led the bike ambassador force for over a decade, explains, “I have always enjoyed giving back to the community, and the Bicycle Advisory Task Force provided an opportunity to participate in something I enjoy with a focus on improving the quality of life in my community.”

Learn more about bicycling in Dublin at.https://dublinohiousa.gov/recreationservices/parks/biking/.

Mobility Concierge, At Your Service

Interested in biking in Dublin? Have questions about how to rent an e-scooter? Curious about the different shared use paths across Dublin? Want to learn more about the Dublin Connector?

Stop by the City of Dublin Mobility Concierge from 1 to 3 p.m. on Fridays, now through the end of September, at Riverside Crossing Park’s East Plaza Pavilion. City Planner J.M. Rayburn with the City’s Transportation & Mobility Division invites you to roll, stroll or walk on over to chat.

The City’s Mobility Concierge is a partnership with SHARE Mobility, MidOhio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), COTA, CoGo and Bird to support micromobility efforts and educate the public on the many mobility options available in Dublin. This is a great opportunity to ask questions, offer suggestions or learn more about moving through Dublin. Visitors can also register for the Dublin Connector shuttle, a free transportation service for Dublin residents over the age of 55, residents with disabilities or anyone who works in Dublin.

Caroline Ingraham is an intern for the City of Dublin. Feedback welcome at cpi@dublin.oh.us.

by Rachel Karas Photos courtesy of City of Dublin

Shamrock Shenanigans

Irish Festival brings sustainable fun

As temperatures rise throughout the summer, so does the excitement for CityScene Magazine’s 2023 Best of the ’Bus Best Suburban Festival winner, the Dublin Irish Festival.

People from all over the world will dust off their kilts and dig for their green, shamrockcovered apparel this August as they set out for the 36th annual Dublin Irish Festival. This three-day festival – taking place Aug. 4-6 – works not only to celebrate

Irish music, dance, culture and tradition but also to showcase what the City of Dublin has to offer. With three decades of history and almost 100,000 guests attending each year, the festival is Dublin’s biggest annual attraction.

Building back up

After a few years of disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic, City of Dublin Director of Events Alison LeRoy says the festival is finally picking back up and bringing several fan favorites back and better than before.

Kicking off the festival, the Dublin Irish Festival 5K & Kids Dash, presented by IGS Energy, takes runners and walkers through Historic Dublin the night before the festival. For the first time, participants get to continue the fun with a post-race party and concert in the parking lot behind Starbucks in Historic Dublin, and race participants 21 and over will receive one beer included in their race fee.

For visitors looking for some more familyfriendly fun, the Wendy’s Wee Folk Area and Pot O’ Gold Playland are great places to stop by for bounce houses, arts and crafts, and dance performances.

With the help of the Autism Society of Central Ohio and the City of Dublin Adaptive Coordinators, LeRoy says there is a sensory tent located between the Celtic Canine area and the Wee Folk craft area.

“We created this area for kids who need a place that might be a little quieter so they can enjoy the experience,” LeRoy says. “I think it’s great, especially for parents. They know that they have that area that they can go and use it to take a break and that makes them feel a lot more comfortable in coming to the festival.”

The Friday night feis dance competition, which historically only included adults, was extended last year to include younger dancers, but LeRoy says it will return to an adult only event.

Another popular attraction that’s returning are the whiskey bars. Last year’s visitors got a taste of different varieties and cocktails featuring the spirit in two whiskey bars, and LeRoy says they look forward to adding more variety this year.

“There’ll be one (tent) that’s really more high-end that has some different experiences that people can come out and do, and so that’s going to be something that we continue to grow,” LeRoy says. “Knowing that whiskey is a growing spirit

Having visitors come from out of town who are looking for a place to stay? Visit Dublin is a wonderful resource that offers tips and information on hotels, restaurants and activities as well as some deals when booking through them. For more information, go to the organization’s website at www.visitdublinohio.com.

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in the country, it’s something that we want to focus on because it is really tied to the cultural aspect of the Irish.”

As always, local, national and international acts will bring plenty of musical entertainment across the seven stages throughout the grounds. More information about the groups and their performance times can be found online at www. dublinirishfestival.org

Helping the planet and community

With thousands of attendees each year, a lot of waste is created over those three days, but the festival is working hard every year to decrease its carbon footprint.

To help cut down on things like plastic bottles, refillable water bottle stations known as Quench Buggies are located around the 38-acre festival grounds.

Recyclable beer cups are used at the many drink stations, with reusable mugs available as always.

A relatively new addition to the festival’s sustainability efforts is biodiesel generators and solar generators. Provided by the solar energy company ZeroFossil, these generators powered some parts of the festival last year, and while they can’t power the whole festival yet, LeRoys says they are looking to expand further.

“We had them in a couple of areas but we wanted them to power the Pot O’ Gold Playland so that we didn’t have the diesel generators there,” LeRoy says.

The planet isn’t the only thing getting help at the festival. On top of the nearly 1,100 volunteers each year, LeRoy says there are several fundraising groups – such as homeowner’s associations and sports teams – that sell beverages to earn a portion of the proceeds.

“It’s a great way for them (to earn money),” LeRoy says. “We always say instead of having to do, like, a mulch sale, they can come out and sell beverages at the Irish Festival. It’s probably a little more fun.”

Cherished event

As someone who has been a part of the Dublin Irish Festival for 25 years, LeRoy says she has always enjoyed the event and sees it on the many faces who come out that weekend.

“The first time (people) come, they’re always blown away by the size and the different things that are going on,” she says. “And I think even when you explain it to somebody, you come in and it’s just amazing to see the people there.”

LeRoy says that for some, it is a weekend they look forward to and plan for all year so they try to make the most of it while it lasts.

“We have a ton of people who show up the minute we open the gates and don’t leave until we close the gates, and can’t wait to show up the next year,” LeRoy says. “It’s really developed a great community, whether it is the people who live in Dublin or the people who’ve just made it their tradition to come back to the festival every year because they love the culture and the experiences they have.”

Rachel Karas is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at rkaras@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Here are some of the other offerings at the festival that you won’t want to miss!

Shopping: Choose from more than 90 vendors to purchase handmade jewelry, home décor, fine art and other goods.

Food: Try some traditional Irish foods such as hearty stews and traditional Irish breakfasts, or simply revisit your favorite festival foods.

Sports: Compete or watch athletes from around the region compete in traditional Highland Games events and more.

Cultural: Learn about Irish history and culture through literary and historical presentations and hands-on workshops. Learn more at www.dublinirishfestival.org

With You, I Serve

Resident dedicates life to aiding veterans in crisis

By Lucy Lawler

Photos courtesy of Adam Carr

When Adam Carr was inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame last November, he was overcome with a range of emotions. Beyond gratitude, humility and vindication, one feeling seemed to rise above the rest: determination.

“Serving doesn’t end when you get out of service,” Carr says.

Donning the Green Beret

Carr’s desire to join the United States military solidified during his senior year of high school. The Sept. 11, 2001, attacks played a meaningful role in the decision.

“I can remember vividly being a teenager and seeing that and being really inspired by all the folks that stood up to volunteer to go defend our country,” Carr says. “Additionally, I didn’t have a way to pay for college, so it was kind of a twofold approach of, ‘I’m inspired to serve my country and I can earn my way through college.’”

He went on to serve in the Ohio Army National Guard as well as the Ohio Air National Guard, while completing an undergraduate degree in security and intelligence at The Ohio State University, which he earned in 2006.

Later that year, Carr became an Army Special Forces Green Beret, specializing in engineering and demolition while on active duty. It wasn’t until 2014 that Carr retired from military life, setting his sights on starting a new chapter back in Ohio.

Discovering Dublin

Thrilled by the prospect of returning home and reconnecting with family, Carr – stationed in Okinawa, Japan, at the time – and his wife, Tarah, started researching different areas of Columbus online.

Almost immediately, Dublin became a top contender due to its friendly atmosphere, he says.

“I mentioned Dublin to my wife, and she flew into town to take a look and really fell in love with the place,” Carr says. “We’ve just fallen in love with the community, the schools, everything that’s going on here, from what we’ve seen happen with Bridge Park to all the different development.”

Called to action again

In 2016, Carr began working at Save a Warrior, a nonprofit that aims to eradicate veteran suicide.

Save a Warrior’s main program is 72 hours in length and incorporates ideas from neuroscience, neurobiology, depth psychology, mythology, anthropology and more; overall, it takes a holistic approach to improving veterans’ mental health, Carr says.

Carr in Afghanistan

Top: Adam Carr and his family.

Middle:

“There are plenty of retreats and organizations out there where you have people kind of sitting around the fire drinking, telling war stories, and that’s not the approach,” he says. “The approach is to go all the way back down to where the trauma actually happened, the ‘original crime scene’ is what we like to call it, and process that and move through that and accept that.”

As of 2023, Save a Warrior has served more than 2,000 people, Carr says. As director of innovation, he is currently working to expand Save a Warrior’s reach through digital means, such as a virtual academic center designed for out-of-state veterans.

Carr is excited to see how Save a Warrior can grow in the future. Its mission is simple but its impact is profound: to save lives. According to research touted by Carr, for every person who takes their own life, 135 people – from first responders on the scene to siblings, parents, friends, coworkers and more – are affected.

“For every person that doesn’t take their life, you know that’s 135 people who are positively impacted,” he says.

Protecting the future

Now a father of three, Carr hopes to put the mentorship and public speaking skills he’s acquired over time into consistent practice, he says. Whether that means coaching a sport or giving talks at local schools, Carr says he is ready to step up.

“Being involved with the community and being a positive figure is really important to me,” he says. “Continuing to give back and make a positive impact here matters.”

Lucy Lawler is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Carr with soldiers in the Philippines.

Bottom: Carr at the ribbon cutting for the Warrior Village, a 47-acre property donated by the Central Ohio American Charities in 2018.

Trailing Around Dublin

Irish Fairy Door and Celtic Cocktail trails continue in Dublin fashion

By Isabelle Fisher Photos courtesy of Visit Dublin Ohio

Looking for a trail that doesn’t require an oversized backpack or bulky boots? Dublin has mastered the perfect combination of shopping, eating and drinking with its Irish Fairy Door and Celtic Cocktail trails that make for a perfect summer activity to get out and downtown.

Sara Blatnik, the marketing director for Visit Dublin Ohio, says both trails have not only positively impacted the city and businesses since its inception in 2016, but also provided a path for discovering Dublin and the ultimate family fun.

“We knew we had a lot of retail in the downtown Dublin area at the time that wanted foot traffic,” Blatnik says. “So, we started the Fairy Door Trail as

something fun to do for families and kids but also drive traffic to those retailers.”

A trail that guides you through Historic Dublin and Bridge Park, the Irish Fairy Doors of Dublin began with only seven businesses but has since expanded to 11 business stops with almost 10,000 completions of the trail.

In order to fully complete the trail, hit every business and find each resident fairy. Once you find all 11 fairies, record their names in your passport and return the completed passport for a free Fairy Door T-shirt as your prize.

“It was really meant to be a tool that when people come to Dublin that they stay here rather than going to downtown Columbus or Polaris,” Blatnik says. “But what we found was that people are actually coming here for the trail.”

Without help from the Irish Fairy Door Company, this program wouldn’t look the same. In efforts to promote its new fairy kit toys, The Irish Fairy Door Company partnered with Visit Dublin Ohio to put out its kits in businesses for kids to find and fall in love with. As for each business that’s part of the trail, each door is customized, created and sent by the Irish Fairy Door Company from Dublin, Ireland as its own twist on finding the doors for the trail.

“It really reached beyond anything that we expected,” Blatnik says. “So,

we want to keep growing on that ... because it brings (the businesses) about 1,500 to 1,800 people through their doors every year.”

A few businesses included in the trail are Flourish Boutique, Johnson’s Real Ice Cream and Dublin Toy Emporium. Enas Lanham, owner of Dublin Toy Emporium, is no stranger to the Irish Fairy Door trail, as her toy store remains a continuous feature since arriving in Dublin.

“It’s great for business,” Lanham says. “First of all, fairies and toys are connected so anyone that comes in, there is always something to buy or if not in that moment, in the future.”

Based on the success of the Irish Fairy Door trail, the second trail taking over Dublin is the Celtic Cocktail program that highlights the best of the city’s dining and craft cocktails with an Irish twist.

Featuring cocktails that include your favorite Irish whiskeys and Shamrock garnishes, 17 lucky libations will be available for you to stop, relax and drink as the trail goes on.

Locations on the trail include Fado Pub & Kitchen with an Aperol- and pineappleinfused Irish sunset cocktail, Vaso Rooftop Lounge with its A Night in Dublin cocktail and North High Brewing to grab Lucky

Shots + Hops. It is noted that the Celtic Cocktail trail is not meant to be completed in one day.

As summer strolls on, the Irish Fairy Door Trail and Celtic Cocktail trails continue to invite families and adults from all over to discover the new looks and future opportunities that Dublin can offer them.

“The opportunities are endless,” Blatnik says. “We know that we’re driving traffic in sales to these businesses and we always try to keep it fresh for new ways to promote it and new audiences to participate.”

Isabelle Fisher is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com

good ideas

by Megan Brokamp Photos courtesy of Kori Hurley

Summer Safety

Washington Township Fire Department provides tips

Summer is finally here, and as families pack away their coats and throw on their flip flops, Washington Township Fire Department is giving Dublin residents what they need to enjoy summer to the fullest – and we’re not talking about the basics like sunscreen. As school ends and Dubliners flock to the outdoors, the department’s events and classes aim to teach residents safety skills.

“We’re very dedicated to maintaining training and the proper resources to keep the community safe,” says Community Education Coordinator Kori Hurley.

But summer safety education in Dublin isn’t boring. Wetsuits & Way-cool Trucks provides an array of risk-reducing activi-

Other safety tips

Beyond these classes, the Washington Fire Department has shared safety tips and information from the American Red Cross and National Safety Council to encourage you to stay healthy and safe this summer.

Beat the heat

After the chill of winter and gloom of spring showers, brighter forecasts are quite the relief. However, as the temperatures rise, don’t forget to stay safe.

While enjoying outdoor activities, stay hydrated with water and plenty of fluids. Wear clothing that is lightweight. You can stay even cooler by wearing light-colored clothes, as dark colors absorb the sun’s rays.

Playground equipment can heat up quickly, and if a swing or slide is hot to the touch,

ties, including tours of the fire safety house, bicycle safety training and even a dive team demonstration in the recreation center pool.

Families learn with laughter as they explore fire trucks and other safety equipment or play games with instructors.

Hurley says some of the most common injuries of the season come from pool and biking activities, and these demonstrations aim to mitigate those injuries.

Summer is also a popular time for teens to explore first-time jobs. From babysitting courses to CPR training, the department has a range of classes for those working through the season. Entering the workforce can be daunting, but these classes will ensure students can take on their new jobs confidently.

“(The classes) enable them to have the skills necessary for employment,” Hurley says.

cover it with a blanket before your child plays to avoid burns.

Although it is tempting to soak in the sun for as long as possible, know when it is time to take a break to avoid sunburns or overheating. The American Red Cross and National Safety Council recommends staying indoors and avoiding strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day, which is typically around 3 p.m.

The indoors are typically a safe spot to cool down, but places such as cars or areas without air conditioning can be dangerous during hot days. While you’re running errands, never leave your kids or pets inside the car. Even on a 70-degree day, cars can reach over 100 degrees.

As many teens turning to babysitting for spending money, the department has the perfect way to make sure they are prepared for their new responsibilities. The department’s American Red Cross babysitting class equips individuals with necessary child care tools to ensure they can responsibly care for children and infants.

One such tool is CPR certification. The township offers various CPR classes that teach participants the correct administration of CPR and how to use an automatic external defibrillator, or AED.

Stay guarded while grilling

There’s nothing better – or more American – than getting friends, family and neighbors together and grilling out. Still, it’s important to remember that a grill can mean risk, especially if the grill master is enjoying a drink or two or the kids are running around in the backyard.

Make sure you grill outside and in the correct space. The department recommends maintaining a three-foot safe zone around your grill. Additionally, ensure it is on a stable surface where tipping cannot occur.

Tend to your grill. Ensure it is clean by disposing of grease or fat both in and below the grill.

Remember the grill may stay hot for at least an hour after use, so be aware of the temperature and avoid moving the grill when it is

The class also educates on first aid for choking victims and recognizing the signs of a heart attack.

CPR is a valuable skill for everyone to learn, and the department offers the class for free to those who do not need to be certified but still want to learn how to give chest compressions and life-saving breaths.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the department also offers free car seat installations to ensure your little ones are safe in the car. Schedule an appointment at wtwp.com.

“Car seats are impactful because we want to keep all of our children safe,” Hurley says.

Megan Brokamp is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com

lit or hot. Keep an eye on it until it’s completely cool. Make sure children and pets stay out of reach, even if it is not lit.

For those using gas grills, check for propane leaks. Once you’ve ensured your gas tank hose is safe, exercise caution when lighting the grill. If the flame is extinguished, allow time before you relight. For charcoal grills, only use charcoal starter fluid to ignite flames.

Practice fire pit precautions

Fire pits should be at least 15 feet away from all surfaces and structures. Additionally, keep your fire tame by ensuring it does not exceed three feet wide and two feet high.

Paper and wood are great ways to kindle your fire; never use gasoline.

ART ifacts Creative Community for All

Community arts organizations unite a vibrant Dublin

By Janet Cooper

Art draws people together and promotes individual and community well-being. Dublin’s public art and the Dublin Arts Council (DAC) Sundays at Scioto concert series are well-known, but a plethora of additional community arts opportunities exist for hobbyists and professionals of diverse ages and interests.

The Council’s annual Community Arts Grants program ensures the vibrancy of a

number of nonprofit arts organizations by investing more than $125,000 in the community in the last five years.

“The arts matter because they help us see the world from different perspectives,” says National Endowment for the Arts staff member Jennie Terman. “They give us empathy and help us understand people, places, periods of history and issues with which we may otherwise be unfamiliar. They comfort us in grief and energize us in celebration. They are important because they can act as a catalyst for change. … The arts ignite something in our brains that I can’t explain, but I know it’s essential for life.”

Dublin’s community arts organizations provide year-round inspiration with a number of exciting programs and performances coming this summer and fall.

Global Water Dances Dublin

Dublin-based Columbus Modern (CoMo) Dance Company will facilitate Global Water Dances in Dublin’s Riverside

Crossing Park Plaza on Riverside Drive, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 17. This initiative to promote water preservation takes place in 180 locations worldwide.

The performance will be a restaging of modern dance pioneer Doris Humphrey’s 1928 Water Study, a groundbreaking piece for its time. The choreography is performed with breath and silence as the ensemble brings visuals of the ocean’s rolling or crashing waves to life. CoMo Company dancers Faith Smith and Laura Puscas, joined by guest choreographer Francine Butler, will work with members of the community to facilitate the presentation of this historic work.

“We look forward to sharing movement with Dublin, from exploring your own creativity to watching CoMo dancers tell the story of water,” Puscas says. “I hope you’ll join us and take away a new appreciation for this valuable resourceand some actions you’ll take to make a difference for water in our community.”

Photos courtesy of City of Dublin, Neha Dadhich, Evolution Theatre, Amy Palomaki and Ty Williams

Community members join Columbus Modern Dance Company’s Laura Puscas in Riverside Crossing Park on June 17 for Global Water Dance.

A recent performance by Evolution Theatre in Dublin’s Abbey Theater.

Local organizations, such as the Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District will be on hand to connect audience members to water sustainability ideas. It is free to participate and attend the performance. It is not necessary to register.

Local playwrights premiere two plays

One Show / Two Plays open July 20 through July 29 in Dublin’s Abbey Theater, on Post Road, is presented by central Ohio’s only professional LGBTQ+ theater company, Evolution Theatre Company. This theater provides a supportive, encouraging environment for celebrating the artistic vision of LGBTQ+ individuals, advancing the understanding of gender issues and fostering the expression of creative performance arts by and about the LGBTQ+ community.

The first selected play, The $5000 Challenge, was written by Douglas Whaley and directed by his husband, David Allen Vargo, who are both Dublin residents. During a nationally televised talk show, a professor offers to pay $5,000 to the charity of a Reverend’s choice if he can produce five formerly gay men who went through his church’s conversion therapy program and are now completely heterosexual in orientation. Let the debate begin as this story, based on true events, unfolds.

The additional play, The Body Politic, is written by Columbus resident Cory Skurdal. A very conservative right-wing politician up for re-election dies under circumstances very contrary to his party’s stance on gay rights. His expert media and campaign team gather to “spin” and “clean up” the situation. Can they succeed before the news is leaked?

“Since making our home at the Abbey Theater in 2021, we’ve enjoyed tremendous support from the Dublin Arts Council, the City of Dublin and the en-

tire community,” says Mark Phillips Schwamberger, executive and artistic director of Evolution Theatre Company. “We owe much of our success to the warm reception we have received. As we continue with our third season at the Abbey Theater, we plan to be part of the community for many years to come. Thank you, Dublin!”

More art to enjoy

Other grantee activities include the Japan America Society of Central Ohio’s (JASCO) Obon Festival on Saturday, Aug. 12 from 4 to 6 p.m. in Riverside Crossing Park, featuring Japanese games, food and performances.

Dublin Area Art League will host its 20th annual fall Paint Out in Historic Dublin on Saturday, Sept. 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and a fall exhibition at the Dublin Community Recreation Center.

Dublin Community Bands, Eversole Run Middle School Drama Program and Dublin Singers have already completed their 2023 Community Arts Grants performances.

Dublin Arts Council will open the application cycle for 2024 projects later this summer, with a deadline of Nov. 17. To learn more, visit www.dublinarts.org/community/grants/.

Learn more

Columbus Modern Dance Company (CoMo) www.comodance.org

Dublin Area Art League www.dublinartleague.org

Dublin Arts Council www.dublinarts.org

Dublin Community Bands www.dublinbands.com

Dublin Singers www.dublinsingers.org

Evolution Theatre www.evolutiontheatre.org

Global Water Dances Columbus www.globalwaterdancescolumbus.org

Japan America Society of Central Ohio (JASCO) www.jascentralohio.org

Janet Cooper works with the Dublin Arts Council. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Eversole Run Middle School’s cast of The Wizard of Oz take a bow.

A recent Dublin Area Art League exhibition at the Dublin Community Recreation Center.

Taiko performance during the 2022 Obon Festival.

by Cassie Dietrich

Puzzles to Solve Welcoming refugee students to Dublin

This spring, Musa Hussaini sat outside a classroom and reviewed flashcards with two English Learner (EL) students at Wright Elementary. As an Afghan Family Liaison at Dublin City Schools, Musa spends his days interpreting and translating for students experiencing challenges he understands far too well.

Less than two years ago, Hussaini and his family were among thousands evacuating Afghanistan after President Biden enacted Operation Allies Welcome. Led by the Department of Homeland Security, Operation Allies Welcome is an ongoing effort to resettle vulnerable Afghan allies who worked for the United States in Afghanistan the past two decades. Since the fall of 2021, 76,000 Afghan refugees have come to the U.S. as humanitarian parolees, a temporary immigration status that allows refugees to live and work in America, but does not guarantee permanent residency. Over 1,700 of those refugees have settled in central Ohio.

Hussaini, who is fluent in both English and Dari, was an interpreter for the U.S. government. Fearing prosecution or suffering due to his alliance, Hussaini, his wife and children fled Afghanistan through the evacuation process in Kabul. After arriving at a port of entry, the Hussaini family was processed and vetted through a U.S. military facility before being connected with US Together, a resettlement agency that provides refugee and immigrant integration programs around Ohio. Aided by US Together, the family settled in Columbus with limited resources and belongings, but a lot of hope.

With some knowledge of American culture and the English language, Hussaini quickly found a calling in helping other Afghan families with their transition to the U.S.

“There are many Afghan families here who do not speak any English, so I began

Students in the We Amplify Voices (WAV) after school program. WAV is a visual arts workshop at Coffman High School for Afghan students.

Photos by Tessa Grady and Kate Tyack

helping them with paying bills, going to doctor’s appointments, applying for jobs, and enrolling in public school,” Hussaini says. “They have nothing, no knowledge of the language, the foods or the culture, and so I try to help with what I know.”

It was through this volunteer work with neighbors and local Afghan communities that Hussaini discovered an opportunity to use his experience to help others.

Taking Responsibility

As the number of Afghan families settling in central Ohio has risen, so, too, has the number of Afghan students in local schools, with Dublin City Schools being no exception. The district enrolled numerous Afghan refugees as students for the 2022-2023 school year, but did not have staff fluent in Afghanistan’s Dari and Pashto languages to provide sufficient academic support to students. The district’s EL team partnered with the Educational Service Center of Central Ohio (ESCCO) to create two positions for Afghan Family Liaisons who could assist teachers

in reviewing and reinforcing lessons to Afghan students with limited English proficiency. In January, Dublin City Schools hired Hussaini, who works with students in grades K-5, and his counterpart, Ayoub Hotak, who focuses on students in grades 6-12. Hotak and his family arrived from Afghanistan and settled in Ohio a decade ago. He uses his experiences from working at the Islamic Cultural Center to connect with students and help them learn about American culture, the laws, the communication, and even the body language.

“While some of our refugee students have had schooling and know some English, others who lived in more rural areas of Afghanistan arrived with emerging reading and writing skills, even in their native language. So these positions, Musa and Ayoub, they are invaluable,” says Teresa Troyer, an EL lead for the district.

Teresa has also been instrumental in assisting the district with transitioning Afghan students and their families. She designed a self-paced, online course called, “Welcoming New Arrivals,” that helps staff

understand the immigration and resettlement process. The course covers the major cultural differences for specific populations, as well as best practices for working with refugees, including how to properly welcome and incorporate them into the classroom. Additionally, Troyer has led in-person professional development with buildings that have large groups of refugee families, such as Wright Elementary.

When a new Afghan family arrives in the area, resettlement agencies, including US Together and Community Refugee & Immigration Services (CRIS), contact Troyer or Erica Stone, the district’s EL coordinator. The first step for the family is to properly enroll their students in the district, a complex process with several required forms.

“We help communicate about vaccinations and the copies of documents they need to be at school,” Hotak says.

Then, Stone and Troyer work with their team to connect the family to related services and also provide each student with a backpack filled with the school supplies

Musa Hussaini works on letter sounds and recognition with second graders Tamana Tota Khil and Bibi (Saima) Amir Sherzad at Wright Elementary.

they will need (thanks in large part to local donors, including NBC4’s Stuff the Backpack program and One Dublin’s school supplies drive).

Always Growing

Once enrolled, the true educational journey begins.

“It starts there, and then we help with academic needs. We attend parent-teacher conferences, help teachers adapt lessons, and help students understand this new world. School is very different here compared to Afghanistan. Some schools there are desks in rows in a tent and are crowded, with many, many kids. And in some places, girls do not go to school there because the Taliban will not allow it. So for our students coming to U.S. schools, it is very different,” Hotak says.

Currently, Hussaini and Hotak serve 85 refugee students from 28 households. Their positions are funded by the Refugee School Impact Program through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. They spend each day working in small groups with Afghan students, helping them to grow literacy skills in reading, writing, and comprehension. But, most importantly, they provide the support of a loving adult who understands the challenges young Afghan refugees have experienced.

“This cultural adjustment comes in continual waves. It is not a one-time adjustment, but a journey. These kids have been through a lot, seen a lot. They might be part of a family of nine living in an apartment with things that have all been donated. That isn’t what their life was like. Three years ago, they weren’t thinking about

being on a plane on their way to another country. But they are here and we are ready to prepare them for success like we are for every other student,” Troyer says.

Better Together

While welcoming students from other countries can be challenging, the elite learning community at Dublin City Schools is celebrating the growth they have experienced as a result of welcoming diverse students. The district, whose student body represents 100 countries and speaks more than 80 different languages, has the sixth highest number of English Learners in Ohio.

“Having students who are not native to the U.S. provides us a real opportunity to reflect on our teaching and communications practices. We look at inclusivity and we strive to not see barriers, but to see what we can do to get families connected to what they need so they can thrive. We want our teachers to use our family liaisons as a resource to support their own learning and professional growth so they are also making connections with new student experiences and cultures,” Troyer says.

In fact, the Dublin City Schools staff have gone above and beyond in connecting and collaborating with EL families by forming a welcome team through CRIS. A group of staff from the Academic and Student Services Department volunteered to welcome a family and spent six months helping them furnish and decorate their apartment. They also helped raise one month’s rent for the family, took the children shopping, hosted the family at a hockey game, and helped the parents visit the Dublin Food Pantry and One Dublin. The district is also a site for both school day and afterschool programs through Columbus Literacy Council (CLC) and US Together. These programs support new arrival students with small group coaching, job shadowing, goal setting, college visits, study habits, managing stress and more. Hussaini and Hotak help with the after school groups, elevating their impact on refugee students.

Looking ahead, Troyer says the district does not know how many more refugee students they may welcome in the future. But the EL team does have goals to continue to grow hospitality and support for students.

“There are certainly more puzzles to solve. When students come from experiences that match your own, there isn’t an uncomfortableness, but when students and their experiences are so different, that’s the real opportunity,” she says. “People know when you’re trying, even when it’s hard.”

Cassie Dietrich is a Public Information Officer for Dublin City Schools.

Ayoub Hotak listens while fifth grader Anina Khaksar reads a picture book at Wright Elementary.

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student spotlight

by Aaron Gilliam

Photos courtesy of Emilia Martin and Brooks Vogel

Future Chefs Schools’ competition features the future of culinary excellence

While cooking is an important skill for anyone and everyone, it’s also an art form and an important part of every culture. Here in Dublin, students get to hone their cooking craft – and are being recognized for standout abilities.

Sodexo is a large-scale hospitality company that oversees curating and preparing the lunches for many schools, including those in the Dublin City School District.

Emilia Martin is a registered dietitian and operations manager at the Dublin City Schools and an employee of Sodexo. Her roles include creating the lunch and breakfast menus at the schools along with providing educational resources to students on diet and cooking skills. Martin prides herself on the opportunity to educate the youth.

This past March, Martin spearheaded the district’s participation in Sodexo’s National Future Chefs Challenge. Competing students provide a recipe with pictures for the chance to cook or bake their recipe at an in-person competition.

Twenty-six fifth-graders from Dublin Schools entered, and six were selected for an in-person competition at Dublin Scioto High School. Students were paired with a member of the kitchen crew at their respective school and given a workspace and chef’s hat to complete their recipe.

Then, the young chefs presented their dishes to a panel of judges.

Entrants were judged based on taste, originality, kid friendliness, healthy attributes, presentation and how closely the recipe fit this year’s theme. This year, students were asked to provide a side dish featuring a fruit or vegetable of their choice.

“The judges had a really awesome time,” Martin says. “I think all the parents were re-

ally excited. It definitely let their kids broaden their experience with cooking and dive into that passion of theirs. I think it helped a lot of them gain a little bit of confidence.”

The event drew in a fairly large crowd of people who wanted to see some of the best young chefs in the area. A stir fry presentation was provided for those in attendance while the contestants prepared their dishes for judging. Kids in the audience were invited to come up and help prepare the stir fry recipe.

Competing fifth-grade chef Avery Vogel’s recipe, cheesy broccoli stuff, took home the crown. The recipe is a family favorite, passed down to Avery from her great-grandmother.

“My inspiration was, well, it was my great grandmother’s recipe, so … that helped a little bit,” Avery says. “And I just like cheese and broccoli together.”

Avery is passionate about cooking, and frequently prepares meals for her family.

Avery Vogel’s award-winning recipe.

“I cook a lot of main meals like chick en,” Avery says. “I cook, like, every night at home.”

“For me, it’s cool, I was formerly the only chef in our family. All the cooking fell to me before Avery started helping,” her father, Brooks Vogel, says. “As a parent (cooking) is a great life skill to have, but to be able to spend time in the kitchen with her trying different recipes, it’s been fun.”

With Avery’s win came some great prizes including new pots and pans for her kitchen. She was also nominated for a regional cooking competition where her recipe will be sent to another round of judges with a chance to take home a regional title.

And while it’s exciting to win and progress further into the competition, it’s all about having fun and honing skills in the kitchen.

“I had a lot of fun,” Avery says. “I was so nervous that I only said two words when I presented my dish.”

With the success of this year’s competition, Martin seeks to make it an annual event with the potential of expanding the contest to more than just fifth-graders.

“To know that students are engaged in cooking at such a young age and really care about what they are putting in their bodies is really awesome,” Martin says. “I hope that other students and kids growing up can try to experiment in the kitchen to get more involved with it so that they’ve created a foundation for healthy habits.”

Aaron Gilliam is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com

Avery Vogel accepting her certificate.

dublin

by Tyler Kirkendall Photos courtesy of Karen Fahy

Lucky Ladies

The Daughters of Erin honor Irish culture and history at the Dublin Irish Festival

Fahy. “You can sit down and relax and have a cup of tea and scones. Since we started the tea room, it has evolved into feeling like walking into a home to have a cup of tea.”

The tea room is perfect to escape the bustling Irish Festival without leaving the venue. Fahy says that their cold tea is as good as the hot to cool down on those hot August days. She loves seeing regulars return every year, excited for their annual sip.

The tea room also offers home-baked goods prepared by DOE members. Their scones have increasingly become a fan favorite over the years.

If you’ve explored the Dublin Irish Festival any time in the last decade, you may have come across the Daughters of Erin’s unique tea room or even stopped in for a cup or a scone. You may not know that this organization has been operating since 1978, and its goal is simple: celebrating and preserving Irish culture.

Because the local Shamrock Club was exclusive to men, the Daughters of Erin (DOE) was born. Its 10 founders wanted to create a way for women to celebrate Irish heritage and serve their community. The group’s motto today is, “American by birth, Irish by the grace of God!”

In the decades since, DOE has raised over $700,000 for central Ohio charities and organized countless fundraising events. These funds support local students through college scholarships and the Irish Life Experience for students with high

grades, an interest in Irish culture and volunteering experience.

The Dublin Irish Festival is one of the most exciting times of year for the DOE, as it’s the perfect time to share Irish culture and host weary festivalgoers in need of a rest.

“It’s a place to sit down and cool off or warm up,” says DOE member Karen

Tyler Kirkendall is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at tkirkendall@cityscenemediagroup.com

More information is available at www.daughtersoferin.org, and all are welcome.

Irish Soda Bread

with raisins and caraway seeds

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup sugar

• 1 tsp. baking soda

• 2 tsp. baking powder

• 1 tsp. salt

• 2 large eggs

• 1 ¼ cups buttermilk

• 2 tsp. caraway seeds

• 1 cup golden raisins

• 1 Tbsp. milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Stir together.

In a separate bowl, beat eggs, buttermilk and oil together. Make a well in the center of dry ingredients and pour in all the buttermilk mixture.

Add caraway seeds and raisins, if using. Stir until a soft dough has formed. Shape the dough into a large ball on a lightly floured surface. With a sharp knife, make a cross on the top of the dough. Place dough on the prepared pan. Brush the top with milk.

Bake in the center of the oven until golden brown, about 30 to 40 minutes.

Gluten-free Zucchini Bread

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose gluten-free flour

• ½ tsp. salt

• ½ tsp. baking soda

• ½ tsp. baking powder

• 1 tsp. cinnamon

• 2⁄3 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

• ½ cup sugar

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 2 ½ cups of zucchini chunks

• 2 eggs

• ¼ cup vegetable oil

• 1 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease a 9-by-5 inch loaf pan, place parchment paper on bottom.

In a large bowl combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinna- mon. Whisk to combine.

Put chocolate chips in a small bowl, add 1 Tbsp. of flour mixture to coat chips, set aside.

To flour mixture add brown and white sugars. Whisk to break up any lumps.

In a blender add eggs, oil, vanilla and zucchini. Emulsify until zucchini is in small pieces.

Make a well in flour mixture then add egg mixture and gently stir. Add chocolate chips, stir to combine. Pour into loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

living by Katie Giffin

Dublin Dream House

Local couple gives historic Dublin home a facelift

Susan and Bob Dyas bought their home along the Scioto River in 2011 after the house sat on the market for almost a year. Originally built in 1956, the home needed a serious makeover and the new owners, who have a business remodeling homes, were up to the task.

“I think the reason this house sat as long as it did was because it was such a huge project,” Susan Dyas says, “but because of our business, … we were probably one of the few couples who walked in here and could see what it could be.”

Built by Joe Dixon, Dublin’s mayor from 1971-1976, and his wife, Lois, the home sits on the edge of a cliff face overlooking the Scioto River, offering breathtaking view of the riverscape.

Some of the original features show Dixon’s passion for the Dublin community. Details such as the green railing surrounding the back patio, green trim lining the house and a green shamrock at the front

And

Photography courtesy of J E Evans Photography

of the house put Dixon’s Dublin love on full display.

Dublin loved the Dixons back. Joe was named Grand Leprechaun in 1991, and Lois was named Grand Lepre-

chaun in 2008. Over the years the two stayed active in city council and, as the mayor, Joe cut the ribbon for the first Memorial Tournament held at Muirfield Village Golf Club.

The community mourned together after Joe’s passing in 1998 and Lois’ death in 2009. But their memory and love for Dublin still lives on in the Dyases’ home.

First Floor Flip

As the Dyases began their remodeling, they started by opening up the main living area.

“Literally the day we closed on the house and signed the documents, we came in with a sledgehammer and took down the first wall,” Dyas says.

That first wall originally bisected the kitchen and living area, and they converted the original garage into a home office and guest bedroom. They then built a garage and kitchen extension on the opposite side of the home, taking the square footage from roughly 1,100 square feet up to 2,000.

The kitchen extension, added in 2019, features an additional stove, a 3-D backsplash tile and extended cabinet space for appliances.

In the main kitchen space, they added a granite counter with peg board drawers and cabinet storage built into the counter to maximize the space.

“A lot of design challenges, which turned into benefits, were some of the smaller spaces we had to work with,” Dyas says.

The Dyases continued maximizing space in the master bath by adding a vanity in the walk-in closet to accommodate narrow counter space, a laundry chute below that to eliminate the need for a laundry basket and lowered windows overlooking the river to bring in more natural light.

They also remodeled the basement, turning it into a workout area and playroom for their four grandkids.

Moving Outdoors

After updating the main living area, the Dyases turned their attention to the outdoor living space.

Whether you ' re an experienced or novice investor, buying, selling, or ready for a 1031 exchange, SREP will guide you though the entire process.

They converted the screened-in porch into a sunlit dining room that leads out onto a newly finished deck. Replacing some of the original railing with a glass rail, the two added an outdoor kitchen space, complete with a grill and a minifridge.

A pergola covers the outdoor living area with remote-controlled overhead blinds, so the Dyases can bring in more or less natural light at the touch of a button.

Future Updates

As the Dyases look to future renovations, they hope to finish landscaping their backyard by adding a firepit and replacing the fence that looks over the cliff face.

As a home built by a former Dublin mayor, its walls contain a lot of love, passion and history. And now, the Dyases are filling them with even more.

“It was a labor of love, but we wouldn’t trade it for anything now,” Dyas says. “It’s kind of like a little treehouse in the woods overlooking the river.”

Katie Giffin is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

”It was a labor of love, but we wouldn’t trade it for anything now. It’s kind of like a little treehouse in the woods overlooking the river.”

Luxury Living

what’s your style?

Steve Smith (614) 205-3394

8500 Northbluff Ln., Powell – Immaculately maintained 1-owner home with a golf course view in Golf Village! 5 Beds - 3.5 Baths. Solid wood floors throughout main level. Chef's kitchen boasts built-in appliances. Living room, den, & great room offer plenty of space for entertaining. Extra-large bonus room on 2nd floor with vaulted ceilings and skylights doubles as a 5th bedroom. New roof & mechanicals. $729,900.

KELLER WILLIAMS CONSULTANTS REALTY www.SteveSmithAssociates.com

Alli Close (614) 726-9070

8800 Davington Dr. – A wonderful Muirfield floorplan updated throughout with white trim, remodeled kitchen w/granite counters. A finished lower level adds tons of room and is perfect for rec, games or movie nights. A huge, deep yard to enjoy entertaining in the screened porch or private paver patio. Easy walkability to schools!!

CUTLER REAL ESTATE www.dublinhomes.com

Neil Mathias (614) 580-1662

7579 Tartan Fields Dr. – Welcome to this light & bright Tartan Fields 4 bed & 4.5 bath luxury home. As you enter, you're greeted by a 2-story entry with gleaming hardwood floors that carry you through the open & spacious floor plan. Boasts of a huge chef's kitchen and luxurious 1stfloor owner's suite. With the gorgeous landscaped and partially fenced backyard, it makes this the perfect home for entertaining. $1,000,000.

CUTLER REAL ESTATE www.TheMathiasTeam.com • Free home estimate available

Steve Smith (614) 205-3394

11549 Circle Dr., Lakeview – Fishing for a new investment property or summer vacation home? This completely renovated waterfront home on Indian Lake has so much to offer! Two of the 4 bedrooms are waterfront facing with sliders leading out to the patio & balcony. Additional parcel for parking across the street. Electric boast hoist included. Just a 10 min. walk to the beach! $529,900.

KELLER WILLIAMS CONSULTANTS REALTY www.SteveSmithAssociates.com

Mike & Lorie Strange (614) 361-8853

Immaculate 5-level split home w/ elegant features. Hardwood flooring, deep trim, 2-story entry, office w/ French doors, tray ceiling in dining room with indirect lighting. DREAM kitchen w/ Quartz countertops and backsplash, Thermador appliances, steam oven and stainless hood - accent island. Great room w/ crown molding, stone floor to ceiling fireplace. Private primary suite and much more…

KELLER WILLIAMS CONSULTANTS REALTY www.StrangeHomeTeam.com

Carolyn Redinger (614) 679-1274

WORTHINGTON! DREAM of creating balance of home & work life! Separate entry to salon/office or convert back to family room, 4 BR 2.5 BA 2 CAR. Fenced yard+raised bed+zen gardens+water fountain. Updates: roof, windows, HVAC, kitchen+appliances, flooring, fresh paint. Front porch entry/ramp+interior chair lift. $414,900.

INFINITY LIVING • Real Estate, Property Mgt. & Feng Shui CRB, CRS, GRI, ABR, PSA, CSD, SRES, SRS, AHWD, MRP, FSIM • www.InfinityLiving.org

Top Homes Sold in Dublin

The price of Dublin homes went up 1.2% in March 2023, with the median price being $456K, in comparison to last year. On average, homes in Dublin sold within 29 days of being on the market, 3 days less than last year. A total of 46 homes were sold in March this year, down from 61 last year.

with columnist Colleen D’Angelo Photos courtesy of Colleen D’Angelo

Walk Through Life

Group of Dublin women walk to enjoy the views and build friendships

properties was mined from local quarries. Some of the walls date back to the early 19th century and are a testament to the strength of the stone.

Even the new construction tries to blend in by using stone fronts and porches, meeting the desired character of the community. The zoning codes are strict, but with good reason, as is evident by the incredible renovations taking place.

As we walked, Mary Ann Schmitt pointed out her beautiful home and the house right next door where her son and daughter-in-law live. Properties rarely go on the market here as they are frequently passed on to family or sold to friends. To find your special home in Historic Dublin is a matter of timing and perseverance.

If a home in Bridge Park is like a shiny new coin, then a house in Historic Dublin is like a rare Indian Head Penny: difficult to find, and treasured by those who own one.

Today, the City of Dublin recognizes the importance of Dublin’s history and aims to protect the overall character of the city by emphasizing the preservation of architectural styles, details and streetscape elements.

Recently I was introduced to several ladies who live in Historic Dublin and call themselves Women Who Walk. Nancy Monahan started the group in 1986 and the friends have been strolling together every day since.

“I love to connect people to one another who share common interests, and welcome newcomers to the group,” Nancy says.

I joined the group on a chilly Tuesday morning at 8 a.m., dressed in my hat and gloves, even though it was late April. We began our trek along South Riverview, aptly named for the view of the Scioto River.

We passed several homes under construction and many with historic markers reading, “This property has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior.”

The street has one charming home after another, some with porch swings and others with rocking chairs, reminding one of a quieter time in life filled with reflection and conversation.

Much of the limestone masonry on the homes and walls surrounding the

Dublin Mayor Jane Fox also lives in the area with her husband, Dr. Thomas Fox. They built their home in 1991 and kept the original stone garage, and tried to incorporate that design throughout the rest of the home.

Jane was invited by Nancy Monahan to join Women Who Walk in 1992 and has been strolling with them ever since.

“I like that we walk at a pedestrian pace so we can really appreciate all of the changes with the seasons,” Jane says.

Continuing on our journey we went over South High Street and into the parking lot of the Dublin Community Church. The ladies recognized Kevin Langden, who was carrying canned goods into the Dublin Food Pantry.

Please consider donating to the Dublin Food Pantry Located on 81 W. Bridge St. behind the Dublin Community Church www.dublinfoodpantry.org

Sharon Miller (left to right), Nancy Monahan, Jane Fox, Cathy Tilling, Marry Ann Schmitt and Karen Strauss stand together during their morning walk.

“The pantry looks as bare as Old Mother Hubbard’s cupboard,” Kevin says.

That led us to chat for a while about why there is such a lack of food right now and what could be done about it.

Once we were done, the Dublin Cemetery, which was established in July 1858, was our next destination.

The cemetery was designed to be a park, where visitors can pay their respects to the deceased and amble along the tree-lined paths. Jane says on some chilly mornings, there is an icy mist that hovers in the air over the gravestones, and occasionally there are spotted fawns in the spring.

We continued in stride, discussing recent favorite books and travel destinations. Together, the ladies have helped one another through births, illnesses, deaths, divorce, graduations, marriages, children and grandchildren.

“If someone is down, we pick them up and help out with meals or transportation or whatever they need,” Nancy says.

“It is a therapy group where we solve all the world’s problems on our walks,” Jane says.

Seventeen women have been part of the group throughout the years and the most recent addition is Karen Strauss. She and her husband, Karl, moved to Dublin six months ago from Toledo to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren who live in Grandview.

They bought the downtown property in 2019 and hired Susan and Bob Dyas of the Epic Group to build their dream home. Unfortunately, in June 2020 when the house was two-thirds of the way complete, lightning struck their home and burned it down.

“There were a lot of tears,” Karen says, “but ultimately Historic Dublin was meant to be our home so we started the rebuild and we couldn’t be happier with our decision.”

All of the Women Who Walk talked about how much they enjoy the walkability of the area. They stroll to the library, restaurants, farmers’ market and even Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams.

On the morning we walked, the ladies continued to a birthday breakfast, waving to local business owners who they know by first names, celebrating friendships both old and new.

Colleen D’Angelo is a Dublin Life columnist and freelance writer. She and her husband, Tony, raised three children in Dublin over the last 25 years.

Colleen enjoys playing and teaching pickleball; walking her pup, Mason; and traveling internationally. You can reach her at colleendangelo1@gmail.com.

bookmarks

From the Dublin Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library

By Hannah Burkhard, Information Services Specialist at the Columbus Metropolitan Library – Dublin Branch

Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club: A Novel

by J. Ryan Stradal

The Lakeside Supper Club has been in Mariel’s family for decades. Once owned and operated by Mariel’s grandmother, it now belongs to her. While The Lakeside means the world to Mariel, her mother Florence disapproves of the life it forces her to live. But when the Lakeside starts hemorrhaging money, the rift with her mother isn’t Mariel’s biggest problem. Mariel’s husband Ned, whose family is also in the restaurant business, might be able to help them stay afloat with his chain of diners, but only if he can hold off his midlife crisis. If Mariel and Ned weren’t in enough of a rut, a tragedy strikes, causing them to lose almost everything. But they find that with hardship comes hope and the most important part of a family business is family.

A Dash of Salt and Pepper

by Kosoko Jackson

Xavier is back in his hometown, the idyllic Harper’s Cove, Maine, and he’s not happy about it. He just got dumped, passed over for a fellowship and now he’s stuck begging for a sous chef position just so he can make enough money to escape his small town ... again. Logan is the owner of Harper’s Cove’s hippest new restaurant, The Wharf. Its success is great for Logan and his daughter and temporary prep chef, Anne, but the two need some help. Xavier and Logan are exactly what the other is looking for, but there’s one small problem: their personalities clash like oil and water. Working through their differences is challenging enough, but it gets even more complicated when they realize they might actually like the tension building in the kitchen. A Dash of Salt and Pepper is a fun, romantic comedy for fans of Red, White & Royal Blue

Your Table is Ready: Tales of a New York City Maître D’

by Michael Cecchi-Azzolina

Your Table is Ready tells the true story of what it’s like to be a gatekeeper for something coveted by diners from all walks of life: a table in the most exclusive restaurants in New York City. (Spoiler alert: It isn’t always a nice story.) Michael CecchiAzzoline spent more than 35 years in the restaurant industry. During that time, he was threatened, punched and bribed all while seating mobsters, celebrities and even royalty. In this entertaining and riotous memoir, Cecchi-Azzoline lets readers take a peek behind the curtain into a world where some of the biggest egos are willing to beg for a seat at the table, while others use their reservations to do a whole lot more than eat. With humor and a no holds barred attitude, he shares experiences working in restaurants like Le Coucou plus his insider tips for how to dine like the rich and famous.

Southern Cooking, Global Flavors

by

Chef

2Kenny

Gilbert

and Nan Kavanaugh

Chef Kenny Gilbert, a Top Chef alumni and former private chef for Oprah Winfrey, shares his passion for cooking fresh, vibrant and bold dishes in this new cookbook. While best known for his flavorful Southern recipes, Chef Kenny is also an avid traveler with vast experience cooking around the world. Through his training and work as a chef in restaurants across the globe, he’s learned how to creatively combine traditional Southern cuisine with international spices, ingredients and flavors. Enjoy stories, tips, techniques and over 100 recipes that will transport you and your meals to another destination. With mouthwatering recipes such as jerk-spiced spareribs with habanero-mango BBQ sauce, coconut-guava slaw, charred corn-jalapeño mac and cheese and many more, this cookbook is perfect for summer!

by Allison Pataki

As the only child of the man who created the General Foods Corporation, Marjorie Merriweather Post lived a life few could imagine. While she may have been seen as American royalty, she always strived to do more, whether that was in the hills of Hollywood or serving the homeless during the Great Depression. Marjorie’s life had its challenges – especially with love – but she learns to embrace her voice and power, using both to shape the future.