Tri-Village March/April 2024

UPPER ARLINGTON | GR ANDVIEW HEIGHTS | M ARBLE CLIFF March/April 2024

MAGAZINE

Stepping into the Spotlight Get to know UA Superintendent Robert Hunt

Unique Filipino dining Native plant gardening Grandview Library centennial

MAR 9 2024 — SEP 2 2024

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MAGAZINE

EST. 1978

1335 Dublin Rd., Suite 101C Columbus, Ohio 43215 614-572-1240 • Fax 614-572-1241 www.cityscenecolumbus.com Kathleen K. Gill President/CEO Dave Prosser

Chief Creative Officer

Gianna Barrett

Vice President, Sales

Jamie Armistead Gary Hoffman Maisie Fitzmaurice Rachel Karas Tyler Kirkendall

Vice President, Operations Creative Director Editors

Ria Akhilesh Cailyn Burr Jane Dimel Mary Nader Amber Phipps

Editorial Assistants

Ava Huelskamp

Contributing Writer

Aaron Gilliam

Social Media Coordinator

Laura Pappas

Advertising Sales Director

Megan Brokamp Rae Moro

Advertising Sales

Circulation

614-572-1240

www.trivillagemagazine.com CityScene Media Group also publishes: CityScene Magazine, Dublin Life Magazine, Westerville Magazine, Healthy New Albany Magazine, Pickerington Magazine, Discover Grove City Magazine

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Contact Laura Pappas at lpappas@cityscenemediagroup.com or 614-572-1250 for advertising opportunities Tri-Village Magazine is published bimonthly in January, March, May, July, September and November. Subscriptions are free for households within the city limits of Upper Arlington, Grandview Heights and the Village of Marble Cliff. For advertising information or bulk purchases, contact Laura Pappas at 614-572-1250 or lpappas@ cityscenemediagroup.com No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers. Tri-Village Magazine is a registered trademark of CityScene Media Group. Printed in the U.S.A. © 2024 March/April 2024 • www.trivillagemagazine.com

MAGAZINE

VO L UME 2 5 N U MB E R 3 | M ARCH /AP RIL 2024

8

6 Community Calendar 8 Faces

Paying it Forward

10 In Focus

Books and Beyond

14 Feature

New Superintendent in Town

8

18 Student Spotlight Serving a Purpose

22 Living

Biodiversity in the Backyard

26 On the Table

Filipino Paradise on King Avenue

28 Top Homes 29 Luxury Living

22

30 Bookmarks

@TriVillageMagazine

@CitySceneColumbus

On the Cover: Photo by Ray LaVoie March/April 2024 • www.trivillagemagazine.com

5

PRO UDLY PRE SEN T S YO U R M A R /A PR

columbus/osu

March 1-2

Central Ohio String Festival UAHS Performing Arts Center 1625 Zollinger Rd. www.uaschools.org

March 2

Read Across America

Love taking pictures?

Send pictures and your name to tkirkendall@cityscenemediagroup.com for this year’s Shutterbugs in Tri-Village Magazine!

10-11:30 a.m.

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

March 7

The Stand Project: StreetSmart

March 19

Election Day: No School Upper Arlington Schools www.uaschools.org

March 19

GHHS Jazz Ensemble Concert GHHS Gymnasium 1587 W. 3rd Ave. www.ghschools.org

March 20

Missy Raines & Allegheny

8:30 p.m.

Natalie’s Grandview 945 King Ave. www.nataliesgrandview.com Wyman Woods Park Egg Hunt

6-8 p.m.

UAHS Mirolo Theater 1625 Zollinger Rd. www.thestandprojectua.org

March 9

LEGO Robot Battlebot Building Camp 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

UA Senior Center 1945 Ridgeview Rd. www.robot-academy.com

March 7-9

GHHS Presents The Sound of Music 7:30 p.m.

GHHS Auditorium 1587 W. 3rd Ave. www.ghschools.org

March 12

UA Stage 2024

Courtesy of Grandview Heights

5-9 p.m.

Upper Arlington High School 1625 Zollinger Rd. www.upperarlingtonoh.gov

March 16

UACA Easter Egg Hunt & Bunny Trail 10 a.m.

Thompson Park 4250 Woodbridge Rd. www.ualibrary.org 6

March/April 2024 • www.trivillagemagazine.com

COMMUNIT Y CA LENDA R

March 22

Kid Concert: Greatest Hits with Mister E! 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Miller Park Branch 1901 Arlington Ave. www.ualibrary.org

March 25-29

Upper Arlington Schools Spring Break

March 25-April 1

Grandview Heights Schools Spring Break

March 28

bEgg Hunt for Pups

6:30-7:30p.m.

Wyman Woods Shelter House 1520 Goodale Blvd. www.grandviewheights.gov

March 28

Moonlight Egg Hunt for Adults 7:30-9 p.m.

Wyman Woods Shelter House 1520 Goodale Blvd. www.grandviewheights.gov

March 29

Breakfast with the Bunny

10-11:30 a.m.

Wyman Woods Shelter House 1520 Goodale Blvd. www.grandviewheights.gov

March 29

Pre-Teen Egg Party

6-8 p.m.

Wyman Woods Shelter House 1520 Goodale Blvd. www.grandviewheights.gov

March 30

April 16

10 a.m.

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

6:30-8:30 p.m.

GHHS Auditorium 1587 W. 3rd Ave. www.ghschools.org

Community Egg Hunt

GHHS Scholarship Awards Night

April 4

April 19

7:30 p.m.

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

10:30-11:10 a.m.

Miller Park Branch 1901 Arlington Ave. www.ualibrary.org

Lowdown Brass Band

Erica Carlson and Friends

April 6

April 20

10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Tremont Road Branch, Atrium 2800 Tremont Rd. www.ualibrary.org

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Wyman Woods Shelter House 1520 Goodale Blvd. www.grandviewheights.gov

2024 Sustainability Fair

Earth Day Celebration

April 8

April 25

All Day Tremont Road Branch 2800 Tremont Rd. www.ualibrary.org

6:30-7:30 p.m.

Tremont Road Branch, Friends Theater 2800 Tremont Rd. www.ualibrary.org

Kids Eclipse Craft

April 12

The BOBCake Bash (Formerly the Cake Walk) 6:30-9:30 p.m.

GHHS Gymnasium 1587 W. 3rd Ave. www.ghschools.org

April 12

Fairy Tale Night Hike

8-9:30 p.m.

Wyman Woods Field, East 1520 Goodale Blvd. www.grandviewheights.gov

Live in the Library with Mezclado

April 25

Sips & Succulents

6-7:30 p.m.

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

April 26 NRBQ

8 p.m.

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

Always check websites for updated information.

To submit your event for next issue’s calendar, contact tkirkendall@cityscenemediagroup.com.

March/April 2024 • www.trivillagemagazine.com

7

Faces

By Rachel Karas

Paying it Forward Dot Keil stepping away after impacting a generation of students

F

or more than ten years, when there was a teacher appreciation event, classroom party or fundraiser at a Grandview Heights school, Dot Keil was there.

Though she may not have been noticed “in the field” during some events, she was likely in the background making sure everything ran smoothly.

Her roles have included president, vice president and secretary of the PTO, co-chair of the elementary talent show and president of the Grandview Heights Band & Orchestra Boosters. Dot Keil As she prepares to watch her youngest, Freddie, graduate from Grandview Heights High School this spring, Keil is step- “Thank you is not enough for the ping away from some of her responsibilities to let other parents dedication she has given to the staff take up the reins. While she has countless memories she will and students of Grandview Heights. remember fondly, she is excited for new ways to get involved.

Growing Grandview roots

Her love for the district is palpable and Keil is originally from Dayton and earned an undergraduate she will be missed.”

Life of service

Keil with her son, Freddie, after he finished first grade 8

Keil works as an Education Program Manager for the Supreme Court of Ohio.

Growing up watching her mother serve as the president of her PTO, Keil knew that when she had kids, she wanted to give back to their schools as much as possible.

March/April 2024 • www.trivillagemagazine.com

Photos courtesy of Dot Keil

—Grandview Heights Schools Chief Academic Officer Angela Ullum degree in communications at the University of Dayton.

After graduating, she moved to Columbus to be closer to her now husband, Rich, who was finishing his degree at The master’s degree in Education, Workforce Education and Lifelong Ohio State University. Once in Columbus she went on to earn a Learning at OSU. In 1994, she and Rich married and moved to Westerville.

But, Keil found that her heart was still in Grandview Heights.

“I thought I wanted an apartment complex with all the bells and whistles and the swimming pool and all that but you know, as it turns out, location, location, location,” Keil says. “And I mean, community really is a big thing. We love our street. We love our block.”

They have lived in their Grandview Heights home since 1999. Keil says she and her husband couldn’t imagine having raised their two kids anywhere else. Their oldest child, Sydney, is graduating from Capital University in May.

Keil with Jay Carini selling tickets for the Cake Walk in 2022 (Left to right) Heidi Card, Jamie Lusher and Keil at a school board meeting in 2018

knows how far a token of gratitude goes in this line of work.

“Any chance I have to make people feel a little bit special, or to celebrate their achievement, or to acknowledge and appreciate the work that they do, then I’m all in,” Keil says.

Impacting the future

Keil with Freddie and his friends before Bobcat Revue in 2017

“My favorite thing, probably in the world, is to take something that’s already good and try to make it a little bit better,” Keil says. “Which is, to me, more interesting and more satisfying than taking something that’s bad and fixing it. That’s that sweet spot for me, you know, it’s already pretty great but there’s always room for some improvement.”

Over the years she has helped organize countless classroom parties, fundraisers and activities, and she says the March/April 2024 • www.trivillagemagazine.com

Keil has become a familiar face to those involved in the district, and her efforts haven’t gone unnoticed.

Grandview Heights High School Principal Sam Belk says it doesn’t take long to see how much she cares.

“She is so passionate about the events she puts on,” Belk says. “She makes them fun and engaging, not just for high school students, but (she) really does engage all different grades’ bands so they’re truly excited to get involved with performing arts.”

No matter what she decides to do or where she goes next, the programs she helped build will have a lasting impact at Grandview Heights Schools.

“It’s easy to do things and then just walk away from them and sometimes they’ll go away,” Belk says. “I truly believe some of the things (Keil) put her time, love, tears, sweat, all that good stuff, into here at Grandview, I think those are going to be long-lasting things that will impact generations of kids.”

elementary-level talent show, the Bobcat Revue, is her favorite.

“What a gift to be able to be there with (students) and to help them achieve their vision,” Keil says. “Performing, it’s a little bit of a risk and it takes a little bit of bravery. And I think it was a privilege to be able to sort of nurture that in these young people.”

Keil has organized teacher appre- Rachel Karas is an editor at CityScene ciation and celebration events for years. Media Group. Feedback welcome at Being a passionate educator herself, Keil rkaras@cityscenemediagroup.com.

9

In Focus

By Ava Huelskamp

Books and Beyond Public Library celebrates 100th anniversary serving Grandview Heights

10

to do a special exhibit showcasing badges and other artifacts to teach kids about fire safety.

Another one of the library’s recent endeavors is a community class about ChatGPT to help residents adapt to the technology age. The library is expanding its tech-centric offerings, which Faulkner says has been one of the biggest changes during his 17-year tenure.

“One of our staff members did a craft class where they put together their phone to cast onto the screen so you could see them doing the detailed work with their hands; so that people could follow along in the craft class,” he says.

Programming like this has been a staple at the library for years, along with resources such as community rooms, millions of books available and special guest authors – though the format has evolved.

“We used to take meeting room reser-

vations over the phone and keep the log in a notebook. Now (residents) can do them online themselves through our website.

And manage their reservations and have all the details, automatic reminders, cancellations,” Faulkner says.

Hollywood in the Heights Many of the updates GHPL made throughout its history can be accredited to the Raven Heights Public Library Foundation, which started in the ‘90s and partners with libraries to help them accomplish larger projects without tax dollars.

The foundation’s fundraisers allowed GHPL to bring some household names to Tri-Village for special programming.

“We’ve had the head author Celeste (Ng) in here, of Little Fires Everywhere from the Netflix show,” Faulkner says.

“We went to pick her up when she flew March/April 2024 • www.trivillagemagazine.com

Photo courtesy of Canaan Faulkner

I

f you haven’t been to the Grandview Heights Public Library (GHPL) recently, you haven’t been at all. This year, it’s celebrating 100 years of service, and it doesn’t plan to slow down anytime soon.

“One of the things we pride ourselves on is innovation and bringing great services to the community at a great value,” Canaan Faulkner, GHPL public relations manager says.

It’s safe to say the library has evolved in many ways throughout its tenure – you likely haven’t seen books listed in Italian recently at the GHPL. “We have a big Italian community and I found a newspaper clipping from when they would list the new books in Italian, for the Italian community interest,” Faulkner says.

GHPL is also focused on connecting with its younger members. It’s planning a collaboration with the fire department

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Music on the Lawn

Innovation never stops

in, and she said in order to be at this specific event where she was speaking about her work, she had skipped a table read with Julia Roberts.”

Other big names the library hosted are Will Shortz, New York Times puzzle master, and Margaret Atwood, writer and novelist.

The library didn’t always have so many resources available to cardholders. Faulkner says there are now 67 million items available to cardholders through partnerships with other libraries. If the GHPL doesn’t have the book you’re looking for, it can be ordered from another library and shipped to you. “(In the 1980s) you’d come in and say ‘This is what we have on the shelf and this is what you can take out.’ That’s no longer the case,” he says.

Other resources available to check out or explore at the li- Ava Huelskamp is a contributing writer at CityScene Media brary listed on the GHPL website include board games, craft kits, Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com. early learning backpacks, mobile exhibits, homework help, guitars and ukuleles, and Wi-Fi in Grandview Parks.

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March/April 2024 • www.trivillagemagazine.com

Photos courtesy of GHPL

GHPL PopUp Library

While change can be scary, the GHPL community seems to welcome developments and innovations at the library.

“Once something new is implemented, it’s usually very well received, because it’s something new. It’s something that works; that is exciting. This community is very open to that. And that’s what makes this relationship special, the support we get from the community and the services and the value we offer the community,” he says.

The library is continuing to expand and is soon breaking ground on its new covered outdoor stage. Other projects slated to be finished by the summer are a permanent exterior drive-thru, enhanced traffic flow and parking, and improved pedestrian accessibility and walkways.

This year, the library is also celebrating 38 years of its “marquee event” Music on the Lawn. Every Tuesday in June and July, the library hosts free summer concerts on its lawn with food trucks and a pop-up library people can enjoy while listening to live music.

It’s clear to Faulkner that the library made a positive impact on its community in its first 100 years, and he believes it will continue to do so in the years to come.

“Our tagline is ‘where the community connects,’ and it just drives home the point that (the library) is as relevant as it’s ever been,” Faulkner says.

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New Superintendent Introducing Superintendent Robert Hunt

By Jane Dimel

H

Opportunity knocks When he started college, education wasn’t what Hunt had in mind for a career path. He enrolled at the University of Dayton as a criminal justice major, planning to attend law school, then join the FBI. “They believed strongly that you needed to get out in the field, and I did kind of a ride along with police officers and determined that it looks way more cool on TV,” Hunt says. “Then I started to reflect and think about ‘Where do I want to spend my time and what’s my calling.’ It was always teachers in my life who made a difference and had a huge impact on keeping me moving in the right direction. And I thought ‘If I could do that and be that for young people, what a great career.’”

He transferred to Kent State and earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in December 1996. He took his first teaching position five miles from his hometown of Bainbridge at Kenston Local School District as a middle school English teacher.

He spent seven years there, working his way up from team leader to athletic director, ultimately earning the position of assistant principal while he was finishing up his master’s degree in educational administration from Ursuline College.

At only 28 years old, he was hired as assistant principal at Chagrin Falls High School after being interviewed for the middle school principal position.

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He stayed in Chagrin Falls for almost 10 years as a high school principal and assistant superintendent before becoming superintendent of Streetsboro City Schools for a year and earning the district its first “excellent” rating from the state of Ohio. He returned to Chagrin Falls from

2012-2021, this time as superintendent, and earned a Ph.D. in education administration from Kent State University in June 2019.

Before coming to UA, Hunt served as the superintendent of Barrington 220 School District in Chicago, Illinois for March/April 2024 • www.trivillagemagazine.com

Photo by Ray LaVoie

aving been an English teacher, principal and superintendent, Robert Hunt has seen education from all angles. Working in districts across Ohio and Illinois during his 29 years in the field, Hunt is armed with expertise for his role in Upper Arlington.

in Town

two years. A year and a half in, he got the call that UA was looking for a new superintendent.

“When I was in Chagrin, I was on a variety of committees and tried very hard to have a voice at the state level about education and the direction it needed to go.

March/April 2024 • www.trivillagemagazine.com

And proximity matters. … They want to pick up the phone and have a cup of coffee to understand how something may impact you at the school level. You can’t do it from Cleveland. And the opportunity to be here (in Columbus) and be engaged has always been appealing to me,” Hunt says.

Feeling at home in Arlington Hunt knew moving his family again wouldn’t be easy, but the opportunity ended up being the right choice and he felt energized coming into the UA position.

“The timing I came in was very exciting because a lot was accomplished over 15

“Honestly, I don’t know that there would be another school district in the state of Ohio I would’ve put my family through this number of transitions (for).” the last seven, eight years, from facilities to a variety of difHunt enjoys meeting with students and staff. ferent things,” he says. “And there’s an expectation and anticipation about what’s next. So (I went) right into building The littles are students at Greensview Elementary, where relationships, and now we’re (looking) into what our future Emerson is a fourth-grader and Hawken is in second grade. is going to look like. We’re launching into strategic planning, Hawken plays football and earned the nickname “fighter” and to be in a place that has embraced that in the past, has had after his battle with cancer when he was younger. Emerson, with success in going through that process, and is eager to do it again, curly hair and a knack for taking over a room, bears the nickis truly an opportunity.” name “tornado” and shows interest in fashion and choir. Both Karen Truett, chief communications officer of Upper Arplay soccer and basketball. lington Schools, says that some top district administrators were “Honestly, I don’t know that there would be another school leaving to retire or become superintendents, so Hunt got to craft district in the state of Ohio I would’ve put my family through a team alongside experienced administrators. They have been this number of transitions (for),” Hunt says. “Looking at what it focused on listening and understanding before moving forward offers to our kids … from interventions if there’s any kind of eduwith change. cational struggles to clubs and activities and sports and course He has been able to tour each school in his “UA Adventure,” offerings.

This is a place where my kids have every chance to be where he met with teachers and students and saw them in acsuccessful.” tion. Now, his focus is on “UA Adventure 2.0” since he knows His wife Shannon, a long-time English teacher, is an instructhe ropes and can be more open and have more informal convertional coach for the Educational Service Center of Central Ohio. sations with students and staff.

She has worked in neighboring school districts over the years and now works for various districts from their home in Upper Family first Hunt has four kids, whom he calls the bigs and the littles. Arlington.

For more of Hunt’s upbringing and background, check out His oldest daughter, Ashton, graduated from the University of Dayton last year and is now an English teacher at Worthington the online version of this story at www.cityscenecolumbus.com Kilbourne High School. His oldest son, Braden, is a sophomore and competitive runner at Kent State University studying entre- Jane Dimel is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group.

Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com. preneurship.

16

March/April 2024 • www.trivillagemagazine.com

Photos courtesy of Upper Arlington City Schools

Learning from experience Hunt’s first job was as a “professional dishwasher” at a country club in his hometown before he began high school.

During college, he started a painting company with his friend, turning their summer jobs into a successful business that paid the bills while he went to school. He jokes that his first teaching job was a pay cut after he gave up the painting business.

He and a friend flipped houses, buying properties in the spring to renovate over the summer, then sell or rent them out. Home renovation is now one of his hobbies, and he loves DIY projects around the house.

“I think I realized, in those experiences, there are multiple paths where people are going to go and our job is to help them find their passion, and hopefully send them on their way to be successful,” he says.

Student Spotlight

By Jane Dimel

Serving a Purpose

Watterson freshman hits the ground running after beating lymphoma

Diagnostic Journey After months of feeling tired, Wenzke found a lump on her chest and realized her life could change. On September 13, 2022, Wenzke was diagnosed with Primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma, a rare subtype of non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.

Wenzke knew, upon receiving her diagnosis, that she would live. This didn’t mean that her fight would be easy, however.

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“I was kind of like, ‘Oh my gosh, I cannot believe this.’ I have eighth grade, the most exciting year of middle school, and I’m stuck in a hospital bed,” Wenzke says. “And then I was scared about losing my hair. … It was just shock for the first month and it kind of didn’t set in until three months later.”

After her diagnostic visit, Wenzke stayed in the hospital for about 10 days, then returned six more times for nearly week-long visits. During this time, her parents “split shifts,” as her father, Jeff, stayed with her overnight and her mother, Jen, would stay with her during the day.

Wenzke remembers feeling bored during her stays as she ran out of ways to

Wenzke has enjoyed getting in shape for volleyball since she finished treatment.

pass time each day in bed. Highlights of her treatment period include FaceTiming her younger siblings and bonding with the nurses over Taylor Switft after the release of Midnights. She was lucky enough to see Swift twice in 2023 on her record-shattering Eras Tour.

She always made a point to connect with other kids who were also fighting cancer.

“I was on a walk with my dad for ulcerative colitis and I met this girl who got a cancer diagnosis when she was in fifth grade. We connected over that, which was March/April 2024 • www.trivillagemagazine.com

Photos courtesy of the Wenzke family

A

t 14 years old, Audrey Wenzke was shocked to hear her cancer diagnosis. Less than a year later, Wenzke was cancer-free and finding ways to make a difference.

really cool. It brings out a new community that you can connect with,” Wenzke says.

Wenzke was declared cancer-free in April 2023 and her family’s sponsor from NC4K – an organization that helps pediatric cancer patients – asked her to become an ambassador for them – and share her experience.

“We got to celebrate at the (NC4K) gala. She was announced on stage and got a standing ovation from everybody there.

It was really cool. It was perfect,” Jen says.

Just to be sure she is in the clear, Wenzke will have regular CT scans until she is a freshman in college.

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Self-Expression Wenzke has always been passionate about fashion. She watched nail tutorials as early as elementary school and loved watching makeup tutorials during

est. 1982

3 5 0 5 W. D U B L I N - G R A N V I L L E R D . C O L U M B U S 4 3 2 3 5 Wenzke with Katie McKee at the NC4K Gala March/April 2024 • www.trivillagemagazine.com

W W W. D AV E F O X . C O M . ( 6 1 4 ) 4 5 9 - 7 2 1 1 19

the COVID-19 pandemic, and she sees clothes as a fun way to express herself. As an ambassador for NC4K, she was excited for the opportunity to co-emcee the 2023 Illumination Fashion Show.

“It was a lot of little kids and you got to see them walk down a runway and they were so happy. And I got to do it with Audrey Wenzke (right) with her siblings Jackson, Sabrina and Noah, and parents, Jen and Jeff.

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March/April 2024 • www.trivillagemagazine.com

Photos courtesy of the Wenzke family

“I was kind of like, ‘Oh my gosh, I cannot believe this.’ I have eighth grade, the most exciting year of middle school, and I’m stuck in a hospital bed.

And then I was scared about losing my hair. … It was just shock for the first month and it kind of didn’t set in until three months later.”

Katie McKee (from Good Day Columbus).

She is one of the sweetest people ever. I love her,” Wenzke says. “I got to buy this sparkly fun dress. Before the fashion show, I got to go shopping with her (and some friends), to pick out an outfit and that was such a fun day.”

Wenzke enjoys using jewelry to express herself, especially when wearing her school uniform. Over the summer, Wenzke and her friends made custom pieces at Kendra Scott’s Color Bar at Easton Town Center including a bracelet, necklace and a set of earrings. For a week, a portion of the store’s proceeds went to NC4K. She is passionate about volleyball, which she’s played since she was in fourth grade. Post-treatment, Wenzke has focused on getting in shape to compete for a spot on Watterson’s team.

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Jane Dimel is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group.

Feedback welcome at feedback@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

Wenske at a City Council meeting declaring September Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in Upper Arlington

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TheCoventrySeniorLiving.com | 3240 Tremont Road | Columbus, OH 43221 March/April 2024 • www.trivillagemagazine.com

21

Living

By Amber Phipps

Biodiversity in the Backyard A

fter a long day battling the stressors of her digital marketing job, Upper Arlington resdient Laura Oldham finds peace and clarity among the brilliant colors of her wildflowers.

“I still do a lot of digital marketing work and build websites and all that,” says Oldham. “Being able to take a break between the Zooms and the meetings and to have soil in my hands and to feel like I can

22

walk away and have something tangible … it’s good. It’s helpful.”

Oldham moved from Chicago to Columbus in 2011 and has transformed her property into a garden oasis. Excited about the space she could have after leaving an urban area, Oldham is always researching native plants to make the most of her yard.

After switching from a turf lawn to natural grasses, Oldham has seen her lawn

transform and flourish. Now, she advocates for the importance of native gardening and the benefits of introducing natural species into the landscape Native plants are important to any ecosystem. Wild geranium and perennials such as the purple coneflower are among the most popular in Ohio. Milkweed – which is much more beautiful than the name suggests – is always in high demand March/April 2024 • www.trivillagemagazine.com

Photo courtesy of Laura Oldham

The benefits of native plants and natural gardens

Learn more about Laura Oldham’s environmental efforts and check out her personality feature in the May/June 2023 issue of Tri-Village Magazine. since it’s vital to the survival of monarch butterflies. Many homeowners mistake wildflowers for common weeds, not understanding that they are as important to wildlife as they are beautiful.

The United States Department of Agriculture cites many reasons to start incorporating native plants into your lawn and garden, including the fact that they require no fertilizers or treatments for maintenance.

“Every little bit makes a difference,” Oldham says. “It seems minuscule, but if you plant this one plant it might be a habitat for hundreds of thousands of insects. (The insects) help feed birds, which help feed other animals that turn into the food that humans eat. … So every little bit is a ripple that can turn into a bigger wave.”

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23

Photos courtesy of Laura Oldham

Since native plants and flowers do not require maintenance or constant watering, they’re perfect for people with busy schedules. Fewer waterings also help protect the soil from erosion and degradation of quality and nutrients.

The biodiverse habitat that comes along with native plants attracts many beneficial pollinators, including different species of bees, hummingbirds and butterflies.

Switching to a native garden is achievable through gradual, small steps, one seed at a time. Beebalm or various asters are perfect native plants to introduce to your garden. They are low maintenance and attract a wide variety of pollinators that benefit the growth cycle of the landscape.

“There are so many people who are more than happy to throw all kinds of information at you,” Oldham says. “There’s a really great community that surrounds this because everyone’s passionate about it. For a lot of us it’s not our full-time job, but it’s something that does bring us joy outside of work.”

The U.S. Forest Service is a great resource for information about the kinds of

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24

March/April 2024 • www.trivillagemagazine.com

native plants that thrive in central Ohio.

And, look for plants at local shops such as Strader’s Garden Center and even Whole Foods which provide wide selections of locally grown plants. Starting small with a few natural plants or designating a space for natural species to grow is a great way to dive into the benefits of biodiversity.

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Amber Phipps is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group.

Feedback welcome at feedback@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

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VP - Wealth Management, Financial Advisor

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On the Table

By Tyler Kirkendall

Filipino Paradise on King Avenue Grandview Heights restaurant packs a Pacific punch

F

Cucumber salad and Purple Rain cocktail 26

Chicharron na manok, bistek and garlic rice

banana-leaf covered tables and encourages patrons to eat without utensils.

“Traditionally, this style of dining is eaten with your hands,” Yanga says. “It’s a great way to engage with your fellow diners and a tactile way to interact with food.”

Tradition is important to Yanga, as many of these dishes are family recipes she and the staff have tweaked to appeal to a local audience.

The island-themed interior is inviting and modern, with wood paneling, wood tables and a bamboo-lined roof atop the bar section of the restaurant. The tasteful interior is reflective of the food Bonifacio serves – uncomplicated and effective.

I sampled the cucumber salad and chicharron na manok, considered the opposite ends of the indulgence scale. The cucumber salad was bright, simple and fresh.

The vinaigrette was unobtrusive and flavorful enough to make the cucumber and tomato pop. Each bite with a sour strip of pickled onion was perfectly balanced.

Thighs are my favorite piece of the chicken, making the chicharron a dream March/April 2024 • www.trivillagemagazine.com

Photos by Tyler Kirkendall

or the second article in the Tri-Village Magazine series highlighting ethnic food options, we are headed back to King Avenue to check out Bonifacio: Modern Filipino.

Owner Krizzia Yanga grew up in the Philippines and after moving around a lot, landed in central Ohio to be closer to her mother and open a cafe.

She quickly found success turning a former Wendy’s into Columbus’ first fullservice Filipino restaurant. Her goal was to recreate the feeling of Filipino parties and bring a social and community aspect to dining.

Her mission can best be seen in action on Thursday and Sunday nights, when Bonifacio serves menu items directly on

RECIPE Easy Chicken Adobo Recipe from Krizzia Yanga Ingredients • 2 ½ lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs • ½ cup soy sauce • ½ cup vinegar • 6 cloves minced garlic • 3 bay leaves • 1 Tbsp. brown sugar • Black pepper, to taste

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Method • Combine all ingredients in a pan. Bring to a boil and cook on medium heat until chicken is tender. Serve with rice.

come true. Carefully prepared to ensure that there are no chewy or unpleasant bites, this appetizer is a deep-fried pile of the tastiest part of the chicken – its skin and fat – and was surprisingly light and snackable.

For an entree, I tried the bistek.

The tender beef came thinly sliced and bubbling hot in a cast-iron skillet, complete with caramelized onions and a soy sauce and citrus braise. A forkful of garlic rice dragged through the bottom of the skillet was savory, sweet, and the flavor was smooth enough to warm the soul.

Bonifacio’s food, always beautifully dressed with leaves, peppers, limes, and other garnishes and herbs, presents like meticulously crafted comfort food from a long-lost relative.

“The best description I’ve heard about Filipino food is that it’s a retelling of our history,” Yanga says. “From the Spanish-named stews and braises, the prominence of soy sauce and noodles from the Chinese, and the Malaysianinfluenced curries in the southern islands, Filipino cuisine is a diverse and interesting marrying of many different cultures.”

Tyler Kirkendall is an editor at CityScene Media Group.

Feedback welcome at tkirkendall@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

March/April 2024 • www.trivillagemagazine.com

EXPLORE PUBLIC ART IN COLUMBUS Columbus Makes Art is a project of:

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Download the ARTWALKS app.

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ColumbusMakesArt.com

27

Top homes sold in the Tri-Village area Homes in Tri-Village tended to be on the market for roughly 40 days, and sold for a median price of $295,000 in December 2023, 13.5 percent higher than last year. The median sales price per square foot is down 27.2 percent from last year. (Data from Redfin) All information is collected from the Franklin County Auditor’s Office.

2356 Oxford Rd. 4 beds, 3.5 baths $2,000,000 Sold 2/6/2024

2428 Swansea Rd. 5 beds, 4.5 baths $1,199,500 Sold 1/2/2024

2480 Coventry Rd. 4 beds, 3.5 baths $1,635,000 Sold 1/19/2024

2270 Arlington Ave. 4 beds, 2.5 baths $1,000,000 Sold 1/24/2024

1999 Collingswood Rd. 5 beds, 4 baths $1,322,500 Sold 1/19/2024

2661 Wickliffe Rd. 4 beds, 3 baths $925,000 Sold 1/31/2024

2225 Haviland Rd. 4 beds, 3.5 baths $1,250,000 Sold 1/23/2024

1068 Edgehill Rd. 3 beds, 2.5 baths $921,260 Sold 1/30/2024

2166 N. Parkway Dr. 5 beds, 3.5 baths $1,225,000 Sold 2/5/2024

2088 Fairfax Rd. 4 beds, 2.5 baths $835,000 Sold 1/5/2024

3909 Criswell Dr. 6 beds, 5 baths $1,200,000 Sold 1/12/2024

2098 Ellington Rd. 4 beds, 2.5 baths $805,000 Sold 1/16/2024

READY TO

Spring

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March/April 2024 • www.trivillagemagazine.com

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The Official Magazine of Grandview Heights, Upper Arlington and Marble Cliff

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cityscenecolumbus.com 29

Submitted by Chelsea Weissman, Grandview Heights Public Library Marta! Big & Small

by Jen Arena (ages 1-3)

This bilingual board book covers a lot in a short and simple story. Marta explores her world by comparing her various traits to animals; compared to an elephant, she is small, and compared to a turtle, she is fast. The story is sprinkled with Spanish words while teaching relevant opposites to little ones. The illustrations include cute expressions, and the story celebrates girl power.

Together We Swim Valerie Bolling (ages 2-5)

Simple but powerful text accompanies vibrant and realistic illustrations of a family spending

time together at the pool. The young boy is nervous at the beginning but builds confidence as his mother teaches him skills and his father and sister encourage him. A great book to share with young children who are nervous about water or swimming lessons.

The Skull

by Jon Klassen (grades 1-4)

Slightly odd and spooky, but endearing, this reimagined Tyrolean folktale relays the friendship between a girl named Otilla and a skull she meets in an abandoned house. They bond as she carries him around, and Otilla hopes to help him when he shares a secret with her.

The Tryout

by Christina Soontornvat and Joanna Cacao (grades 5-8)

Along with her best friend Megan, Christina desperately wants to make the cheerleading squad after they start seventh grade in their small town. Based on the author’s experience, this graphic novel touches on themes of bullying and racism, immigration, identity, finding your passion, and believing in yourself. Much of the story covers the preparation and anticipation of the tryouts, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.

Spare Parts: The True Story of Four Undocumented Teenagers, One Ugly Robot, and an Impossible Dream

by Joshua Davis and Reyna Grande (grades 8-12)

This spring, say goodbye to yardwork You can spend days raking, trimming, pruning, mowing, edging, weeding and starting up your irrigation system this spring… or mere minutes by contacting us.

Enjoy professional, fuss-free landscape maintenance at landscapesbyterra.com

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At a high school in Phoenix, Arizona, a team of four immigrant high school boys from Mexico entered a robotics competition with the goal of not getting last place. With some guidance and help from their teachers and a few strangers along the way, they overcome many obstacles and prove that hard work and perseverance pay off. This true story is sure to educate and motivate.

Grandview Heights Public Library www.ghpl.org Upper Arlington Public Libraries Tremont Road Branch, Lane and Miller Park www.ualibrary.org March/April 2024 • www.trivillagemagazine.com

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