Tri-Village July/August 2024

Shutterbugs

Maggie’s

Orthopedic Practice MOST TRUSTED

“I was really active in college, but began experiencing hip and back pain. Doctors said I had hip dysplasia – but offered no next step. I thought this was just how my life was going to be. After searching for solutions online, I found experts at Orthopedic ONE who could fix my problem. I got off crutches and never looked back. Orthopedic ONE absolutely changed my life.”

– Maggie James, Military wife, Bartlet’s mom and Orthopedic ONE patient

On the Cover: Photos by Kirsten Carry (top left), Michael Moro (right), Jake Ruffer (bottom left)

Wednesdays through Oct. 23

Upper Arlington Farmers Market

3:30-6:30 p.m. 2140 Tremont Ctr. www.upperarlingtonoh.gov

Tuesdays July-Aug.

Music on the Lawn

7-8 p.m.

Grandview Heights Public Library 1685 W. 1st Ave. www.ghpl.org

Wednesdays through July

Evening Family Story Time

6:30-7 p.m.

Grandview Heights Public Library 1685 W. 1st Ave. www.ghpl.org

July 4

U.A.C.A. Fourth of July Celebrations

Parade – Northwest Blvd., 9 a.m. Party in the Park – Northam Park, 5 p.m. Fireworks – Northam Park, 10 p.m. www.uaca.org

July 11

Performance by Hot Tuna 7:30 p.m.

Natalie’s Grandview 945 King Ave. www.nataliesgrandview.com

columbus/osu

July 12

Jazz Academy on Tour

10:30-11:30 a.m.

Upper Arlington Public Library 2800 Tremont Rd. www.ualibrary.libnet.info

July Movies12in the Parks – Wish

7 p.m.

Sunny 95 Park 4395 Carriage Hill Ln. www.upperarlingtonoh.gov

July 12, 13

Columbus Food Truck Festival

11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Scioto Peninsula 333 W. Broad St. www.columbusfoodtruckfest.com

July Sunday14at the Movies: Paw Patrol

2-4 p.m.

Upper Arlington Public Library 2800 Tremont Rd. www.ualibrary.libnet.info

July 15

Adaptive Story Time 10-10:30 a.m.

Grandview Heights Public Library 1685 W. 1st Ave. www.ghpl.libnet.info

July Child’s17Homestead: Bring the Farm to You

10 a.m.-noon

Lane Road Library 1945 Lane Rd. www.ualibrary.libnet.info

Photos courtesy of City of Upper Arlington

Columbus Food Truck Festival

Music on the Lawn

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

July STEAM18Challenge: Nature Edition!

2-3:30 p.m.

Lane Road Library 1945 Lane Rd. www.ualibrary.libnet.info

July 18

Party on the Plaza

6-9 p.m.

U.A. Municipal Services Center 3600 Tremont Rd. www.upperarlingtonoh.gov

July 19

Duck Derby Pool Party

3-6 p.m.

Grandview Heights Municipal Pool 1350 Goodale Blvd. www.grandviewheights.gov

July 21

Performance by Phil Dirt & The Dozers

7 p.m.

Natalie’s Grandview 945 King Ave. www.nataliesgrandview.com

To

Aug. Movies9in the Park – Trolls Band

Together

7 p.m.

Thompson Park 4250 Woodbridge Rd. www.upperarlingtonoh.gov

Aug. 11

GHHS Band Concert

7 p.m.

Falco Park 1294 Fernwood Ave. www.marblecliff.org

Aug. 14

July 27; Aug. 24

The Grandview Hop

5-9 p.m. Grandview Avenue www.grandviewhop.com

July 29

Concourse Gallery

8 a.m.-5 p.m.

U.A. Municipal Services Center 3600 Tremont Rd. www.upperarlingtonoh.gov

Aug. 1

National Night Out

5-8 p.m.

Wyman Woods Park 1520 Goodale Blvd. www.grandviewheights.gov

Aug. 3

Back to School Bash & Fam Jam Noon-3 p.m.

Goodale Park 120 W. Goodale St.

First Day of School Upper Arlington Schools www.uaschools.org

Aug. 16

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Animal Ambassadors

10:30-11:30 a.m.

Miller Park Library 1901 Arlington Ave. www.ualibrary.libnet.info

August 16-17

St. Andrew Parish Festival 5 p.m.-midnight 1899 McCoy Rd. www.standrewparish.cc

Aug. Friends24 of UA Parks Volunteer Day

9 a.m.-noon

Cardiff Woods Park 1734 Cardiff Rd. www.upperarlingtonoh.gov

Aug. 31

TRI the Heights Youth Triathlon

8 a.m.-noon

Grandview Heights Municipal Pool 1350 Goodale Blvd. www.grandviewheights.gov

Party on the Plaza

Committed to the Community

Juggling retirement, volunteering and family

From volunteering on weekdays to coaching sports on the weekends Craig Smith is wholeheartedly committed to serving the community of Upper Arlington. As an active member of the city, Smith finds purpose and joy in supporting its various clubs, sports teams and district board managements.

Smith has been a devoted Upper Arlington resident for more than 30 years or in his words, “long enough to lose track.” He finds comfort in the relationships he’s built over the years, and time spent with friends in the community makes living in Upper Arlington all the more worthwhile.

“I made a lot of really good friends in the neighborhood and around the city, and it’s great to catch up when we do get to see each other,” says Smith. “It’s just a really nice community to live in.”

An Impressive Reputation

The passion Smith feels towards his community drives him to get up and out of bed each morning. Smith retired after 31 years of working for the state. He says that 22 of those years were

devoted to Ohio’s drinking water program and environmentally focused projects.

In retirement, Smith continues to be an advocate for his community and the environment.

Smith is a proud member of the Kiwanis Club of Columbus and has been part of the committee since 2010. Kiwanis is a service organization with a focus on improving the city and ensuring the betterment of children and family life.

“I serve on Upper Arlington’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, I’m on the board of directors for the Water Management Association of Ohio,” says Smith. “I’m active with our local division of (Kiwanis) clubs, our district here in Ohio and our international operations.”

Kiwanis has allowed Smith to pursue his passion for helping the community he’s become so innately involved with.

“Once I joined Kiwanis, it just opened up a whole new world,” says Smith. “There were just so many other things that I hadn’t anticipated. I joined to help with their soccer program and ended up serving as district governor on international committees and things like that.”

Smith finds purpose in the daily activities he spends working on volunteer projects and efforts devoted towards beneficial impacts.

“What inspires me the most is, every once in a while, we have what we call Kiwanis moments,” says Smith. “It’s that moment that you see the impact of what you’ve done on an individual child and that just keeps you going.”

Smith has many memories from his years of volunteering, but there’s one story that has stuck with him for years. He tells an emotional story of the time a child in the Kiwanis Soccer Buddies program learned to open up and trust the people in his life. Smith watched as the boy went from refusing to participate to taking his hand as they kicked the soccer ball together.

“It wasn’t until afterward that I realized that was the same little boy who 18 months ago didn’t want to socialize with anybody,” says Smith. “His mom was just beaming because that’s exactly what she wanted out of our program. He socialized, he learned to trust people and so every time I think of that, it’s why I do this.”

Keeping Organized

Everyone has their own way of managing schedules and juggling the unavoidable chaos of day-to-day life. For Smith, years of community involvement and coaching has allowed him to establish his style for managing everyday tasks.

Between meetings, events and projects, Smith is calm, cool and collected. He’s a go-getter with a morning to-do list and a

Building beds for children in need

Photos courtesy of Craig Smith

Craig Smith

trusty calendar he makes an effort to update every day.

“When I worked for a living, I had to stay organized because I was jumping from project to project and task to task,” says Smith. “It’s just about sorting out and going ‘okay, this is what I can accomplish today’ and then reminding myself to take a break.”

Even in retirement, Smith leads a busy lifestyle and stays goal-oriented. He’s seemingly unphased by his busy schedule

nizations vital and alive, because the community doesn’t always see us, but they also have no idea how much we do behind the scenes to help them,” says Smith.

Getting Involved

Smith is an expert on volunteer opportunities and projects around the city. For those interested in getting involved with the community, there are a variety of programs that require as much or as little time as desired.

A few clubs to consider are Kiwanis, Sertoma, Optimist, Rotary and Lions, which offer many opportunities for volunteers. Each organization focuses on civic responsibilities and community engagement through events and fundraisers.

and enjoys the experience of volunteer work and building connections with the community.

“I had an accomplished career with the state, now it’s just a matter of doing what needs to be done just to keep things moving and participate in our community,” Smith says.

Smith has gone above and beyond for his community but claims the most interesting thing about his life is that he “caught a no hitter in slow pitch softball.” His loved ones and community friends would say otherwise.

“I guess the long-term goal, the only one I’ve got is: let’s keep all of these orga-

Volunteer opportunities range from literacy projects to park cleanups to fighting food insecurity. Kiwanis, the club Smith actively participates in, sponsors several school programs throughout Columbus.

“We sponsor a Key Club in both Grandview Heights and Upper Arlington High Schools and then we provide mentors for those,” says Smith. “We have a Builder’s Club in the Grandview Heights Middle School… we’re building an Action Club which is a service club for special needs adults.”

Along with these clubs are community cleanup days where volunteers can go out and remove invasive species at the parks and plant trees every month.

“There are tons of opportunities, I would encourage folks to explore your community, figure out what your passion is,” says Smith. “And if the passion that you want to follow isn’t necessarily there, one of the clubs or another organization is probably interested in doing that anyway.”

Amber Phipps is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

The Smith family, Cameron, Craig, Laura and Brendon

Craig Smith presenting a Kiwanis scholarship.

Restocking shelves at the Heart to Heart Food Pantry

Shutterbugs

Our annual look at Tri-Village through the lenses of its residents

Crystal King

April Stevens

Dan Kasun

Miranda Ma

Michael Moro

Elfi K.

Brent Holt

Shutterbugs

Katherine Hayek

Melanie J.

Randy Everett

Michael Moro

Lindy Gill

Kirsten Carry

Shutterbugs

Ellen Keahon

Maisie Fitzmaurice

Tara Blevins

Sam Saxton

Beyond the music:

the 2024 Dublin Irish Festival has something for everyone!

From our whiskey tastings, Irish food, Celtic canines, 5K and kids dash, sports activities, athletic demonstrations, dance and play performances, Irish history and literary presentations. To genealogy, shopping, Pot O’Gold Playland for the wee folk and more, we invite you to find what ignites YOUR Irish spirit August 2-4.

PURCHASE TICKETS

Sue Ferguson

Tammy Pierce

History is Our Story

Grandview Heights/Marble Cliff Historical Society reaches important milestone

By Ava Huelskamp

Once dubbed the “millionaire’s suburb,” the Grandview Heights/Marble Cliff Historical Society is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The nickname comes from the large number of industrialists and businessmen who once had their summer getaway cottages in Marble Cliff, according to the society’s President Kent Studebaker.

The concept for the historical society began with a conversation in 1973 between residents Ann Larrick and Win Keller. They were inspired by research into the area’s history completed by two teachers at Edison Elementary School.

Schools are still an important part of the society’s legacy –so much so that education about it starts in fourth grade in the district’s schools.

“We have a part of the curriculum that focuses on our local history…(the kids) do a walkabout in the community and they are learning as they experience the community,” Studebaker says.

Digital Days

Head of the society for the past four years, Studebaker reflects on how it’s changed since its official start in 1974 – noting the significant shift from paper to digital records. The community has easier access to archives, especially prospective homeowners looking to learn more about the history of houses in the area.

“Those documents which historically have been archived in a room at the library that was termed the Founder’s Room – and that’s the historical society’s physical site – have been accessed primarily by appointment. Now we have most of our materials available through the website, and folks have a greater opportunity to access historical data that we have in our collection,” Studebaker says.

After COVID-19, digital initiatives became integral to the society’s outreach. A quarterly e-newsletter and walking tours comprise its regular programming.

Photos courtesy of Kent Studebaker

1974 board members

Memorial Day parade

Grandview Heights/Marble

Cliff Historical Society and Grandview Heights Public Library’s History Tours app features a collection of self-guided walking tours, each containing 8-9 stops over an estimated distance of two miles. You can download the free app at grandviewhistorywalks.org or from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

“We try to do historic and informational sharing, most of that is done digitally and we find that in the world – especially after being closed down a bit – digital became a very significant communication,” Studebaker says.

As of November 2023, the society released its 12th walking tour, which is a joint effort with the Grandview Heights Public Library. Tours are released three times a year, and each features eight identified sites and historical background.

Community members can access the app-based walking tours digitally and explore accessibility options for those who aren’t able to walk far distances.

“As you might imagine, this was a popular program during COVID when people weren’t out, but they were walking in the community to escape isolation,” Studebaker says.

The most recently released walking tour is “The Italian Connection,” which details the history of the Italian community in the area.

Home Sweet Home

The Tour of Homes is another can’t-miss event organized by the historical society. Every three years, Grandview Heights and Marble Cliff residents are invited into six of the community’s significant homes to learn more about their history and architecture. Studebaker says every home featured has a story associated with them.

“Samuel Prescott Bush, who was the grandfather and great grandfather of President Bush, built a home here in Marble Cliff,” Studebaker says. “It has been maintained, and is now the centerpiece of a condominium community called Prescott Place.”

view Avenue has always seemed to be a gathering point. There are pictures of high school students gathering in front of what had been a longtime drugstore there.”

Some Things Never Change

While the society and its surrounding communities may have changed, its mission remains the same.

“The last couple tours have brought in upwards of 800 individuals that come into the community. It’s a significant mix of local residents, but also folks who do not live in either Grandview Heights or Marble Cliff. So it is a highlight for the society and for the communities,” he says.

There are several properties in the com

Grandview Heights/Marble Cliff has accrued a large collection of historical monuments and archives, and Studebaker says keeping up with all the materials is overwhelming for the society.

“Managing (the database) is probably much more of a challenge today than it was when the society started,” he says.

When looking back at these archives, such as photos of Grandview Avenue, Studebaker says the difference in the street from then to now is tangible.

After 50 years of serving the Grandview Heights/Marble Cliff area, Studebaker says the society has “maintained its stature” as an important part of both communities.

“It’s the keeper of the historic records, the opportunity to share with current residents, the history of the community,” he says.

“And 50 years later, we still feel the same way, that it’s important today and we feel that it will be important in the years to come.”

Ava Huelskamp is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome

Photo courtesy of Kent Studebaker

Grandview Heights/Marble Cliff’s marketing during the early days of its existence.

Student Spotlight

By Kyle Quinlan

Zen Dens at UAHS

A place to unwind and increase mindfulness

Through a partnership between Franklin County Public Health (FCPH) and community members, the Upper Arlington Community Health Action Team (UA CHAT) strives to make the city a healthier and happier place for everyone. Through community outreach, surveys and statistics from FCPH, UA CHAT focuses on destigmatizing mental health and spreading mindfulness to all, from youth to older adults.

Katy Oberle, UA CHAT coordinator co-chair, says UA CHAT is the planning, financing and supporting zen dens at Upper Arlington High School. These zen dens are essentially mindful spaces for students and staff to take a moment for deep breathing, destressing or even practice yoga.

Through a CHAT mini grant of $11,000, the organization was able to help fund the school’s efforts to implement these spaces, CHAT Coordinator from FCPH Amani Alam, says. Although not available yet, the zen dens are set to be implemented at the beginning of this school year.

Oberle says students were surveyed, and indicated that they overwhelmingly supported the zen den idea.

A space dedicated for calming music, comfortable furniture and relaxing lighting are some of the requests the students had for the area, Alam says.

While implementing zen dens has a goal of benefiting students, Oberle says there is also a ripple effect that will occur with parents of students and family members of staff through making them aware of the importance of mental health. This project will not only impact the students, but the entire community as well.

“That makes a statement that this is a part of our culture in the schools,” Oberle says. “We value not only academic excellence, but we value student and staff mental health and well-being.”

Oberle says UA CHAT will act as a resource to help meet the needs of the school and community.

It is one of seven CHATs that operate throughout the county, including in Hilliard, Westerville, Prairie Township, Canal Winchester, Clinton Township and an East Side CHAT that each pursue local members’ community goals.

Katy Oberle receiving FCPH grant to fund Zen Den Rooms initiative.

Though the COVID-19 pandemic slowed community engagement and complicated the fight against mental health stigmas, Oberle says the team is small but mighty, with about eight consistent members.

Meetings are held once a month where members share ideas and concerns, interacting with others to explore new ways to improve their environment. All members, even the chair members, are volunteers.

Those interested in joining UA CHAT can contact the organization at FCPHCHAT@franklincountyohio. gov, where individuals from all backgrounds, occupations and ages are welcome. If you feel you don’t hold the credentials or experience to join the UA CHAT, Oberle wants to remind all Upper Arlington residents that “you’re a stakeholder if you care about our community.”

Kyle Quinlan is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

2023 Best in Show | Shannon Godby

On

Ruffer

Handmade in UA

Moretti’s of Arlington cultivates tastes of Italy every day

Tucked in Tremont Shopping Center, is Moretti’s of Arlington, a lively spot with a wide array of Italian fare made uniquely in one family’s style. The doors don’t open until the late afternoon, but the prep work starts far in advance.

Owner Tim Moretti gets in the kitchen at 5 a.m. every day to prepare. He handcrafts pastas, sauces, bread and more, pulling from family recipes. Moretti has operated the restaurant since 2000, but the recipes have been around much longer. He comes from a line of restaurateurs who set up shop around Columbus, and he and his wife, Jami, followed suit.

Veal Moretti

Photos by Jake Ruffer

Dedicated to protecting and preserving what’s important to you

For over 55 Years, Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP has provided legal excellence to businesses, families and individuals.

Moretti’s signature meatballs with ricotta

Italian wedding soup with a Redding Road Sipper

LOCATED AT KENNY CENTRE MALL (JUST SOUTH OF HENDERSON) @magpiemarketantiques

1125 Kenny Centre Mall (614) 929-5264

Open Monday-Saturday 10-6:00, Sunday 12-5:00

Complimentary butter

“It sounds like the Moretti family has been cooking pasta in Columbus since 1947,” says Moretti’s bartender of 13 years, Jack Keys.

Famiglia

“We have so many regulars here,” says Shannon Evans, restaurant manager. “I know 40 percent of our people coming in. We know them by name, they come all the time. It’s like one big family,” she says.

For decades the same food has kept people coming back for more. How? By being original and plentiful.

“Everything’s fresh and homemade,” Evans says. “And Tim still loves his big portions.”

The food

A typical meal at Moretti’s of Arlington might start with the Italian wedding soup, richly green and earthy, with some signature meatballs hiding in the broth, accompanied by bread, smothered in butter that patrons can (and do) buy by the tub.

Round two often includes more meatballs, the way Moretti makes them — big. The dollop of creamy lemon ricotta on top marries the salty flavor with light sweetness.

The fan favorite, veal Moretti, is a golden-breaded cut of meat atop mushrooms, a creamy sauce and handmade pasta.

Most folks don’t have room for dessert, but if they do, an assortment including chocolate chip cannolis and tiramisu are on the menu.

Jake Ruffer is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

Living By Kyle Quinlan

Decades of Care

Finding the perfect home

With easy access to amenities, options for social activities and top-of-the-line healthcare, it is a shame you have to be at least 55 to live in most senior living communities.

Many adults may not realize the amount of lifestyle options they have within the communities located in the UA and Grandview area. Mirroring the high-end luxury apartments and condominium complexes in the area, many senior living communities today include swimming pools, fitness facilities, outdoor lounging spaces, walking paths and more.

One of these communities is First Community Village (FCV), an Upper Arlington tradition since 1963. Although the organization’s mission to provide the best experience for its residents has never changed, the ways in which FCV provides those experiences surely have changed throughout the decades.

“Needs have evolved over the years,” David Timmons, an FCV resident since 2012, says. “It started out as a place for mother and is far beyond that now.”

People are moving to independent and assisted living communities at a younger age and taking advantage of the social scene and resources.

When Timmons and his wife were contemplating the move into FCV, she told him, “We need to do it when we can, not when we have to,” which ended up being the best decision for them.

FCV isn’t the only great living community in the area, Harrison on 5th, located near Victorian Village is conveniently close to locally-owned restaurants and a grocery store. It also has multiple options for space and levels of care.

The newest addition in Upper Arlington is The Coventry located in the Kingsdale Shopping Center. The Coventry offers a full range of living options, as well as a sky terrace.

The Forum at Knightsbridge boasts its greenery and access to nature as well as being pet-friendly–and is across from the new Pickle and Chill.

If you need help choosing where you want to live and what level of care is appropriate for you, the Ohio Assisted Living Association (OALA) is located off Dublin Road in Marble Cliff. In Grandview, Senior Transition Experts are also available to help connect you or a loved

one to a place that meets your needs and living preferences.

Kyle Quinlan is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@ cityscenemediagroup.com

First Community Village

5 Points Sky Lounge at The Coventry

Photo courtesy of Rob Mottice

Photo courtesy of National Church Residences

Top homes sold in the Tri-Village area

In April 2024, Tri-Village home prices dropped 11.1% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $213K. On average, homes in Tri-Village sold after 19 days on the market compared to only five days last year. There were four homes sold in April this year, down from nine last year. (Date from Redfin)

All information is collected from the Franklin County Auditor’s Office.

2492 Onandaga Dr.

4 beds, 5.5 baths

$3,198,823

Sold 5/16/24

2445 Cambridge Blvd.

4 beds, 4.5 baths

$2,300,000

Sold 4/5/24

4181 Kenny Rd.

4 beds, 4.5 baths

$2,225,000

Sold 5/17/24

2501 Middlesex Rd.

3 beds, 4.5 baths

$1,646,155

Sold 4/3/24

3134 Derby Rd.

4 beds, 4.5 baths

$1,500,000

Sold 5/6/24

4162 S. Squires Ln.

5 beds, 3.5 baths

$1,310,000

Sold 4/12/24

3501 Redding Rd.

4 beds, 4.5 baths

$1,250,000

Sold 4/19/24

1742 Edgemont Rd.

4 beds, 3.5 baths

$1,245,000

Sold 5/23/24

3493 Redding Rd.

3 beds, 1.5 baths

$1,200,000

Sold 4/25/24

2545 Sandover Rd.

5 beds, 2.5 baths

$1,200,000

Sold 4/1/24

2538 Berwyn Rd.

5 beds, 3.5 baths

$1,152,538

Sold 5/7/24

3937 Tarrington Ln.

4 beds, 3.5 baths

$1,050,000

Sold 4/30/24

Submitted

Puppy Puppy Peekaboo

by Grace Habib (ages 0-2)

This fun board book has cute and colorful illustrations, and each page is designed for babies to grab and pull, which helps develop motor skills

Just Like Grandma by Kim Rogers (ages 3-6)

Becca loves spending time with her grandma, and wants to be just like her. They bead moccasins, paint, powwow dance and play basketball together.

Why Do Cats Meow?

By Dr. Nick Crumpton (grades 1-3)

Constructed like a picture book, this nonfiction title is organized like a chapter book outlining specific cat subjects, including the history of cats as pets, why they have wet noses, famous cats, and the importance of how and why you care for them.

Attack of the Black Rectangles

by Amy Sarig King (grades 4-7)

Mac and his friends are reading an assigned book in their sixth-grade class. At first, they are confused, then angry, when they realize words have purposely been crossed out. Many of the adults in their lives want them to keep their

thoughts about this to themselves.  Other adults like Mac’s mom and granddad, encourage him and his friends to rally together and fight against this censorship.

Abuela, Don’t Forget Me by Rex Ogle (grades 8-12)

This memoir written in prose is a fast but powerful read,chronicling the author’s life from a toddler to college, with a focus on his relationship with his grandmother.

Grandview Heights Public Library www.ghpl.org

Upper Arlington Public Libraries

Tremont Road Branch, Lane Road Branch and Miller Park Branch www.ualibrary.org