Tri-Village November/December 2012

MadeShoppingEasy!

TM

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

www.cityscenecolumbus.com

Charles L. Stein

Kathleen K. Gill

Dave Prosser

Christa Smothers

Lisa Aurand

Garth Bishop Duane St. Clair

Rose Davidson

Alex Wallace

Molly Pensyl

Gianna Barrett

Julie Camp

Pam Henricks

Natalie Kish

www.theshopsonlaneavenue.com

Sadie Bauer

Lynn Leitch

Circulation:

Chief Executive Officer

President/Publisher

Chief Creative Officer

Creative Director Editor

Contributing Editors

Contributing Writers Advertising Director Advertising Sales

Marketing/Promotions Manager Controller

614-572-1240

www.trivillagemagazine.com

CityScene Media Group also publishes: CityScene Magazine www.CitySceneColumbus.com

Dublin Life Magazine www.DublinLifeMagazine.com

Westerville Magazine www.WestervilleMagazine.com

Healthy New Albany Magazine www.HealthyNewAlbanyMagazine.com

Pickerington Magazine www.PickeringtonMagazine.com

The publisher welcomes contributions in the form of manuscripts, drawings, photographs, or story ideas to consider for possible publication. Enclose a SASE with each submission or email laurand@cityscenemediagroup.com. Publisher does not assume responsibility for loss or damage.

Tri-Village Magazine is published bimonthly in January, March, May, July, September and November. Subscriptions are free for households within the ciity limits of Upper Arlington, Grandview Heights and the Village of Marble Cliff. For advertising information or bulk purchases, contact Molly Pensyl at 614572-1256 or mpensyl@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.

NOVEMBER 2012

Nov. 1-30

Concourse Gallery Exhibit: Migwa Orimo, OSU Municipal Services Center, 3600 Tremont Rd., www.uaoh.net

Migwa Orimo presents The Three Rooms of Kioku. “Kioku” means “remembering” in Japanese. In this installation, viewers will experience three aspects of memory – historical, personal and collective – through the use of different elements including furniture, text, drawings and recordings.

Nov. 1-30

Art Exhibit: Doug Titchenal Group

Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., www.ghpl.org

Featuring photography by the Doug Titchenal Group. Coordinated by the Grandview Heights/Marble Cliff Arts Council.

Nov. 6

Intro to Calligraphy

7-8 p.m., Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., www.ghpl.org

DECEMBER 2012

Dec. 1-31

Art Exhibit: Rick Braveheart Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., www.ghpl.org

This exhibit is coordinated by the Grandview Heights/Marble Cliff Arts Council and will feature photography by Columbus resident Rick Braveheart, who is famous for his American landscapes. Braveheart presents a slideshow of his photographs of national parks, conservation groups and nature preserves from 7-8 p.m. Dec. 4.

Dec. 1

Holiday Happiness

10 a.m.-2 p.m., Upper Arlington Library, 2800 Tremont Ave., ualibrary.org

See story on page 6.

Dec. 1

Christmas Concert

7-10 p.m., Upper Arlington Lutheran Church, 2300 Lytham Rd., www.ualc.org

Adult choirs sing your favorite Christmas and holiday songs to celebrate the season.

Dec. 2

Harp Music

2:30-3:30 p.m., Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., www.ghpl.org

Young harp players of HarpOhio, directed by Jeanne Norton, perform a free concert.

Sandy Mundy of the Calligraphy Guild of Columbus will teach the basics of this written art. There is a material fee of $15 and a maximum of 10 participants.

Nov. 7

World Travel: Adventures and Personal Growth

7-8 p.m., Upper Arlington Library, Friends Theater, 2800 Tremont Rd., www.ualibrary.org

Join world traveler Marita King as she shares her passion for traveling. Born in East Germany, Marita and her husband sailed around the world for eight years.

Nov. 8

Music in the Atrium: Folk Wood Players

7-8 p.m., Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., www.ghpl.org

As a part of the Music in the Atrium indoor concert series, this acoustic group plays a variety of wood instruments, including guitar, dulcimers, Irish whistle and hand drums

Nov. 10

Holiday Boutique

10 a.m.-3 p.m., Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., www.ghpl.org

The Friends of Grandview Library present their holiday boutique with gifts for sale and holiday activities. Children can decorate holiday crafts and secretly purchase inexpensive gifts in The Elf Shop.

Nov. 13

Make a Terrarium

7 p.m., Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., www.ghpl.org

Older children and adults are invited to make a terrarium – a small, enclosed ecosystem – with Eva Provenzale of EcoFlora Design. The cost is $12, and there is a class maximum of 15 participants.

Nov. 28

Gingerbread-style Graham Cracker House Competition

Dec. 2-5

Upper Arlington Civic Association Christmas in the Park Thompson Park, 4250 Woodbridge Rd., www.uaca.org

Crafts, Santa and sleigh rides, oh my! Space is limited so this event is by reservation only. The approximately 600 slots to visit Santa fill in just a few days, so visit the website during the first week of November for a registration form.

Dec. 3

Music in the Atrium: Grandview Heights High School

7 p.m., Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., www.ghpl.org

High school musicians perform a holiday show directed by Andrew Grega.

Dec. 4

Tree Lighting Ceremony

6:30 p.m., Grandview Center, 1417 Grandview Ave., www.grandviewheights.org

Enjoy a greeting by Mayor Ray DeGraw, cookies from National Church Residents First Community Village, coffee by Starbucks and crafts and treats from the Fifth Avenue Noodles & Company. Andrew Grega leads the Grandview Singers in holiday favorites, and the cast of GCP Players’ Little Women provides entertainment. Winners of the MembersFirst Pathways Financial Credit Union coloring contest – open to children in grades K-6 – throw the switch to light the tree!

Dec. 6

Music in the Atrium: The Central Ohio Harp Organization

7 p.m., Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., www.ghpl.org

This performance will feature seasonal favorites, Celtic music and favorites played on the harp.

Dec. 6

Imaginating Dramatics

7-8 p.m., Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., www.ghpl.org

Enjoy a theater workshop for young actors ages 5 and up.

Dec. 11

Celebrate It: Glass Ornaments

7-8 p.m., Upper Arlington Library, 2800 Tremont Rd., www.ualibrary.org

Children ages 9-12 will have one hour to craft “gingerbread” houses from graham crackers, icing and candies. Houses will be displayed in the Youth Department. First and second place winners will receive a prize. Registration is required and closes Nov. 27.

Nov. 30

Winter Festival and Tree Lighting

6:30-8 p.m., Mallway Park, 2096 Arlington Ave., www.uaoh.net

Activities include caroling, visits with Santa Claus, ice sculpture demonstrations and carriage rides. Enjoy live reindeer, hot chocolate and special giveaways. Mayor Frank Ciotola will light the community tree. Admission is free.

3:30-4:30 p.m., Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., www.ghpl.org

Children in grades 6 and up. A $2 donation is suggested. Space is limited and registration is required.

Dec. 13

Holiday Origami

3:15-4:15 p.m., Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., www.ghpl.org

Children grades 1-5 can join Yasue Sakaoka to create one-of-a-kind holiday origami. This class is free but space is limited, so registration is required.

Dec. 15

Candy Creations

3-4 p.m., Upper Arlington Library, 2800 Tremont Ave., www.ualibrary.org

Children in grade 6-12 are invited to create various crafts out of chocolate and hard candy. Supplies will be provided. Registration is required and begins Dec. 1.

Dec. 18

Gingerbread Day

3:15-4:15 p.m., Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., www.ghpl.org

Join the library and other children ages 2-5 for an afternoon of stories, crafts and games. Space is limited. Registration is available online beginning Dec. 4.

UPPER ARLINGTON

Christmas Construction

Holiday Happiness features new gingerbread house competition

A new tradition is being introduced at the Upper Arlington Public Library’s 41st annual Holiday Happiness event. Adults and children of all ages will have the chance to create their own gingerbread or graham cracker houses.

Holiday Happiness, which is scheduled from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 1, is a completely free winter celebration open to the community, says Christine Minx, library communications specialist.

“It’s a lot of fun and one of the few really free family holiday programs around,” Minx says. “It’s kind of traditional fun with hands-on crafts and traditional music.”

The event draws close to 3,000 people each year. Returning attendees may notice the lack of a model train this year. The family that provided it decided to retire, Minx says, and the graham cracker and gingerbread house competitions are taking the place of the model train.

The graham cracker house competition for children ages 9-12 will be held at 7 p.m. Nov. 28. Children will have one hour to build their house out of graham crackers, frosting and candies. The finished houses will be displayed in the Youth Department and will be judged during Holiday Happiness. Registration is required for this event.

Entrants into the gingerbread house competition must build with actual gingerbread and can enter into one of two categories: “house” or “other.”

“They can just let their imaginations run wild there (with) a wreath or some other non-house structure,” Minx says.

By Lisa Aurand

Participants can work together as families, or adults may work alone. Each must provide his or her own building materials, including a sturdy base no larger than 18”x18”, and all items used must be edible, with the exception of the base. Entrants must register by 5 p.m. Nov. 25 and bring their creations to the library between noon and 5:30 p.m. Nov. 30.

Returning this year is the Avenue of Trees, featuring holiday trees decorated by local nonprofits. Patrons will again vote on their favorite, which will receive a blue “Patron’s Choice Award” ribbon.

And for the second year, the library will be hosting a Giving Tree in support of the Franklin County Children’s Services Holiday Wish Program. Each of the tree’s paper ornaments represents a commitment by a patron to purchase the gift listed and donate it to a child in need. “We did that for the first time last year and it was a very big success,” Minx says.

Other fun events include the Upper Arlington Community Choir at 10:30 a.m., guitarist Mark Reinhart at 11:30 a.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus from noon2 p.m., and performers from Vaughan Music Studios at 1 p.m.

Lisa Aurand is editor of TriVillage Magazine. Feedback welcome at laurand@city scenemediagroup.com.

THE VILLAGE OF

A Spot for Tea

MARBLE CLIFF

Cambridge Tea House treats guests royally

The Cambridge Tea House – a special place for breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea in Marble Cliff – has completed its third successful year.

Owner and operator Mary Boesch says, “The experience has been really great with support exceeding my expectations. The Village has treated my business perfectly. We have lots of regulars. Some walk or even ride their bicycles to this wonderful old brick building that was formerly a service station. I love working in a repurposed building and welcoming guests from the Tri-Village area and greater Columbus. I’m flattered when people ask if I’ll open another Tea House in their area. For now, the answer is no. I want to focus on this Tea House and giving them the best experience possible.”

Mary admits she had never worked in a restaurant. “Was I prepared? No, I had a law degree and banking background! But my love for food and cooking, coupled with classes at the prestigious French Culinary Institute in New York City led me to develop a business plan that I still follow today. As a small business owner, I wear many hats and am involved in every part of the business. Actually that’s the best part; I can set the tone for the workplace and treat the staff and customers with respect. I enjoy getting out of the kitchen and have guests tell me how much they like our food and wide tea selection. Some share memories of having tea with their grandmothers or mothers.”

Mary can usually be found in the “from scratch” kitchen at the Tea House. “We make everything on the premises, including all our soups (they change seasonally), breads and popular scones. My scone recipe hasn’t changed since opening and I’m told they are the best in town. I believe people eat with their eyes first. I’m very particular about how my food is presented.

My staff understands that, and the positive feedback tells me customers notice.”

The Tea House is open from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. “We hold lots of after-hour events too, like baby showers, wedding showers and smaller dinner parties. Our monthly special candlelight dinners are very popular. In July, the menu for our Taste of Europe dinner included the best foods I had eaten during a recent trip to Europe. Our August dinner was a tribute to Julia Child, who would have turned 100 that month. In September, we had a special dinner with food writer, cookbook author and cooking teacher Betty Rosbottom – which sold out in one day.”

Planning for the holidays has started at the Tea House. “We still have some dates available for small holiday parties. And this year, we’ll be offering a unique gift package of a tin of ‘Paris’ or ‘Holiday’ tea paired with a custom candle of the same fragrance from The Candle Lab on Grandview Avenue. We’ll be glad to talk to you about your holiday needs. Just stop by 1885 W. Fifth Ave. or contact us at 486-6464 or www.cambridgeteahouse.com,” Mary says.

Trinity Church Foundation Gives the Gift of Music

Located at the corner of West Fifth Avenue and Cambridge Boulevard in Marble

Cliff, Trinity United Methodist Church is offering a special concert series featuring the following popular local groups. All concerts are open to the public and free of charge. More information about the series and each performance can be found at the church website, www.trinityumchurch. com/concertseries.htm.

Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012, 3 p.m.

The Ohio State University Chorale and The OSU Men’s Glee Club

Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, 7 p.m.

The Upper Arlington High School Symphonic Choir and the Hastings and Jones Middle School Honor Choir

Sunday, March 3, 2013, 7 p.m. Handbells Columbus

Sunday, April 28, 2013, 3 p.m.

The Trinity Chancel Choir and the Otterbein University Vocal Ensemble with members of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra

GRANDVIEW

Auditor’s Award

Grandview Heights receives top finance honor

The Grandview Heights Finance Department is one of the best in Ohio, according to State Auditor Dave Yost.

Brian Mead from Yost’s office attended the Sept. 4 City Council meeting to present Grandview Heights with the Auditor of State Award with Distinction. Fewer than 100 of Ohio’s 5,600 public entities earned the award, putting Grandview Heights in the top 1 percent statewide, says Robert Dvoraczky, Grandview Heights finance director.

Dvoraczky credits the finance department staff –Assistant Finance Director Megan Miller and Accountant Kathy Kovacs – for their hard work to keep accurate records.

“What makes them special is they anticipate my questions even before I ask them,” Dvoraczky says. “As a team, we work really well together, and I think this award shows that.”

Grandview Heights has received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association every year since 2004. The Award with Distinction was introduced when Yost entered office in 2011.

The award is presented to public entities that have clean audits, which means no findings for recovery, material citations or weaknesses, significant

deficiencies, Single Audit findings, or questioned costs.

In addition, the management letter from the auditor must have no comments related to any of the following: ethics referrals, questioned costs less than $10,000, lack of timely report submission, reconciliation, failure to obtain a timely Single Audit, findings of recovery less than $100 or public meetings or public records. The entity must also file timely Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports.

“It’s very special to the Finance Department staff,” Dvoraczky says. “But more important is the trust and the confidence

By Lisa Aurand

of our residents in their city government. That really means a lot to us all.”

The award showcases Grandview Heights’ strengths. “I’m hoping it sends the message that the city of Grandview Heights is a good place to live, work and do business,” Dvoraczky says. “We appreciate the support we receive from the community with levies and so forth. We feel appreciated and honored.”

Lisa Aurand is editor of Tri-Village Magazine. Feedback welcome at laurand@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Accountant Kathy Kovacs, Finance Director Robert Dvoraczky and Assistant Finance Director Megan Miller show off the Auditor of State Award with Distinction, presented to the City of Grandview Heights Finance Department in September.

HEIGHTS

A Leg Up

Grandview Heights furniture business continues to grow and give back

By Rose Davidson

In a time when the economy is struggling, Loth, Inc. is staying strong.

Loth, an Ohio-based contract furniture company, functions with the main objective of identifying office-related needs in a variety of markets, including corporate, health care, education and government.

The company – with its corporate office and furniture outlet stores in Cincinnati – has now operated in the state for more than a century. The Grandview Heights location at 855 Grandview Ave. oversees sales and a showroom, and has been in place for more than 50 years.

Jeff Brock, general manager of the Columbus-area outpost, has been with Loth for seven years. He has been involved in overseeing multiple projects, including furnishing the recent addition at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

“For the new tower, we partnered with the hospital to identify needs associated with health care environments and collaborated with architects, designers and the hospital around the nature of that hospital, what they were trying to accomplish and how we could support that through their space,” says Brock.

But Loth hasn’t just worked with Nationwide Children’s Hospital in a professional context. The company is also involved in community service efforts for

the hospital, as well as those of other charitable organizations, such as the American Heart Association, United Way and Children’s Hunger Alliance.

As general manager, Brock places a strong emphasis on commitment to the community.

“From a leadership perspective, it’s very important for our culture and our ownership,” says Brock. “Loth is very embedded (in) and gives back to the community.”

All employees at Loth are expected to exemplify the same community ideals. Brock says there are three things that are asked of all associates: time, talent and treasure.

Having the dedication to these qualities, both in the office and the community, has given Loth an edge in continuing to grow as a local business.

“We’ve helped support the growth of job creation in Grandview,” says Brock. “We’ve actually added six people to our staff in the past 12 months.”

While business is booming, Loth isn’t just settling into its success. The company is pushing forward and finding new ways to improve. Brock says Loth continues to add insights and knowledge to

its resource center, and is also working toward expansion.

“Our internal corporate mantra is ‘If you’re not growing, you’re dying,’” Brock says. “We’re committed to adding new ventures, and, as we’re looking to 2013, we see a tremendous opportunity to grow and add more businesses.”

Brock also recognizes the important role that Grandview has played for Loth.

“It’s a very unique culture that drives a lot of diversity, creativity and community awareness,” he says. “It has a tremendous influence in the city of Columbus and it’s been a great place for us to work and call home.”

Rose Davidson is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at laurand@city scenemediagroup.com.

Sew Generous

THey USeD To be known as Santa’s elves because of the gifts they bestowed on central Ohio children at Christmas, but now they spread cheer all winter long.

Once a month during the colder months, a group of about 30 women gathers at the Grandview Heights Public Library. Here, the Toymakers, a special interest group of The Ohio State University Women’s Club, create hundreds of stuffed toys for children. The group used to deliver toys at Christmas, Easter and the end of each sewing season, but now takes the toys in whenever there’s a large enough pile.

Toymakers has been active since 1934, making it the oldest segment of the Women’s Club, says Chairwoman Elizabeth Shaudys.

And Shaudys is one of the group’s longest-standing members – if not

the longest. She joined Toymakers in 1955, the year she moved to Grandview Heights. Her husband, Edgar, is an OSU professor, so Shaudys joined the Women’s Club as a matter of course.

The group used to meet in a member’s home, with the hostess providing lunch, but in the 1980s, it moved to the library.

“It was amazing to me because (the hostess) would have to host and then provide food for everybody. It was

quite an activity, but it was wonderful,” says member Barbara Bouton. “I kept wondering how many pins we lost in her carpet.”

Bouton, a Perry Township resident, joined in 1987 when she moved from Philadelphia. She had been very active in a women’s club there, so she quickly became part of nearly all the interest groups the University Women’s Club had to offer. “The only thing I don’t do is play bridge,” Bouton says.

It’s a social club with a charitable aim: provide stuffed toys to children in need of comfort. To accomplish this, the women make hand-sewn toys with drawnon faces that can go with kids into MRI machines and through CT scans.

“A lot of times when there’s an emergency, families grab

Barbara Herzog, front, and other Toymakers stuff toys that were stitched during the group’s summer break.

Toymakers Chairwoman Elizabeth Shaudys

Toymakers craft handmade stuffed animals for sick children

the kids and run,” Bouton says. “(This is) something there to comfort them because they don’t understand what’s going on. … All these toys are given; they’re not loaned. Once a child has it, it’s forever.”

During the first meeting of the 20122013 sewing season, the group trickles in slowly to the meeting room in the basement of the library. Bouton sets up a Halloween-themed spread of candy and baked goods. Members bring their own lunches. Group dues pay for coffee and tea, and two “hostesses” supplement with snacks. In December, they have a cookie luncheon, and in May, they celebrate the end of another year of toy creation with a salad luncheon.

Tables pushed together across the room are stacked with colorful fabrics, including fleece and “minky” – a plush microfiber that is popular in baby blankets and children’s toys. The women “Ooh” and “Aah” over one another’s stashes of fabric, and eye the items others have worked on over the summer. Bouton shows off a blue miniature hippo she created by shrinking down one of the group’s popular patterns to half its original size.

“I thought some of the smaller children might like these,” she says.

They carry clouds of polyester filling to the table and sit, stuffing animals and dolls that have already been sewn together. Others cluster around two sewing machines in the corner, trying to figure out how to thread them. Once they do, two ladies start stitching.

Last year, members spent about 727 hours working together to make 260 toys that were donated to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities Early Childhood and Family Center, The Dahlberg Learning Center, and Oakstone Academy.

The group has toymaking jobs for all skill levels and interests, Shaudys says. Those who can’t sew can cut, stuff, paint faces or tie bows. “Some

of our members knit and crochet and make toys that way,” Bouton says. The group has many patterns from which to choose.

“It’s a fun group. ... Everybody works

widowed, divorced, single people. it doesn’t matter. All they need to do is be interested in helping a little kid who’s in need of some comfort.”

“It’s an informal group. That’s what makes it nice,” Shaudys says.

The group meets from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month from October through April, ex cept January.

Any member of the University Wom en’s Club is welcome for a yearly fee of $5. The UWC is an open club. An nual membership is $20. For more in formation, visit www.uwc-osu.org.

Lisa Aurand is editor of Tri-Village Magazine. Feedback welcome at laurand@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Julie Buckley threads a needle in preparation for closing a stuffed toy.

Gifting Goodies

Shop local and surprise family and friends with presents from Tri-Village businesses

Chocolate Wonderland

Chocolate lovers will rejoice with a gift basket from Schakolad – even the basket is edible! Available in four different sizes, the baskets can be made of milk, dark or white chocolate and are filled with your choice of the store’s truffles or chocolates. The outside may be customized with a holiday greeting or phrase, making it the perfect gift for any occasion. www.schakolad.com/store23

Prize for the Eyes

Combine sight and style with glasses from Riverside eye Center. With a wide selection of designer sunglasses and eyeglasses, such as Kate Spade and Ray-Ban, you can choose the perfect frames for corrective or non-prescription lenses. Prices range from $150-$500 for a pair of custom glasses. www.riversideeyectr.com

Doggie Deals

Perfect a pooch’s behavior just in time for the new year with training sessions from Cameron Canine Training. This holiday season, trainer Heather Cameron is offering a special deal on training sessions: With the purchase of any two $70 sessions, Cameron is offering one session free of charge. 614-429-8596

Meat and Greet

Impress your dinner guests or holiday party host with this steak box from Huffman’s Market. Filled with two tenderloins, two rib-eyes and two strip steaks, each cut is made of Black Angus Choice beef from Lima, Ohio. The box is $59.99, but Meat Department Manager James Williams can customize any box, so prices vary. www.huffmansmarket.com

Storage Solutions

Help a friend or loved one get organized this holiday season with DIY Garage Solutions from Space Transitions. Mix and match the modular storage pieces, part of the Tuff Duty line by Sauder, and find a perfect, individualized solution for eliminating clutter and creating a more functional space. Prices range from $22-$265 per piece. www.spacetransitions.com

Pet Placemats

A pet’s “kitchen table” can be more than just a dish on the floor with one of these custom dog and cat bowl mats from K.A. Menendian Rug Gallery in the Grandview Heights area. Cat rugs are $45; dog rugs are $45 or $75, depending on size. www.karugs.com

Holiday Hair Care

Take the salon home with Aveda’s new invati hair care system from Nurtur the Salon. With the power of densiplex, an invigorating blend of herbs such as turmeric and ginseng, these products aim to restore hair’s strength and rehabilitate the scalp, treating thinning hair. Products include exfoliating shampoo and thickening conditioner for $24 each and scalp revitalizer for $60. www.nurtursalon.com

Creamy Creations

Present friends with a unique treat – a gift card from Cuzzin’s yogurt, perfect as a stocking stuffer or an accompaniment to a holiday greeting card. Cuzzin’s is offering a special on gift cards: buy five, get one free. The offer applies to any denomination.

www.uasupersite.com/cuzzins.htm

Restoring the Past

At The Defining edge, dated photographic memories can be transformed into lasting images. After digitally restoring the photos, owner Kelly McHarg scans the high-resolution images to a CD and provides printed proofs for sharing with friends and family. Services range from $5-$60, based on the extent of each project. www.adefiningedge.com

Foodie Fantasy

Get the creative culinary juices flowing with this Italian-inspired gift basket from Giant eagle Market District. For $69.99, the basket features 18 Market District items, including an assortment of pasta sauces, olive oils, teas and coffees. Also included are a tumbler, freezer tote and reusable shopping bag. www.marketdistrict.com

Peace on Earth

Used worldwide for meditation, relaxation and personal well-being, Tibetan Singing Bowls are an ideal way to reduce stress and invoke a sense of inner peace. At the Reiki Center on Grandview Avenue, these 6-inch bowls sell for $70 and are among the many items available in the center’s gift shop. www.thereikicenter.net

Perfect Pups

Know someone who got a puppy this holiday season? Make it easy to adjust to the new family member with the Best Beginnings training class from PosiDog The eight-week course covers topics including leash aggression and reactivity, handling and grooming difficulties, confinement and elimination issues at a cost of $129. The class is 90-minutes long for puppies seven to 18 weeks old and 75 minutes for dogs six months and older. www.posidog.com

That’s Amore

For the fine food lover in your life, assemble a customized gift box from The oilerie Columbus. Choose one of 10 pasta varieties and pair it with two bottles of olive oil or balsamic vinegar. Prices range from $42-$46.50. www.oilerie.com/columbus.php

Local Gems

Support a local artist by purchasing one of Treffry Caldwell’s finely crafted jewelry pieces from her line, Pluma Jewelry, at Grandview’s Thread shop. Caldwell, who creates her jewelry in Upper Arlington, uses semi-precious stones in all of her designs. The pieces are one of a kind and sell quickly, so check the store or website to find out what’s available now. www.threadongrandview.com

Game, Set, Match

The Babolat AeroPro Drive tennis racquet, used by tennis professionals such as Rafael Nadal, for $189.99, helps anyone play like a pro. If it’s not love at first sight, Tennis Ltd. in Upper Arlington also offers a Demo Program, which allows you to rent various raquets until you find the perfect one.

Elemental natureSM – based on Ayurveda, a 5,000 year-old Indian healing tradition – tells us the spirit of infinity, air, fire, water and earth are to be found in all living things, including you. When these elements are balanced, your skin looks healthy and radiant.

Treat yourself or someone special to the gift of an Aveda Facial. Purchase a gift certificate for a 60 or 90 minute facial and receive 20% off an Aveda skin care starter set. Offer expires 12-22-12.

614-486-7578

Huffman’s is your official source for all things local. Purchase Ohio Proud items for everyone on your list this holiday season. From locally raised meat to produce, confections, spices, wine, beer and liquor- Huffman’s has you covered.

614-486-5336

Short Cuts

Well-coiffed is well-loved when you purchase a Season Ticket from Sport Clips Upper Arlington. The pass entitles the bearer to six haircuts and 20 percent off products. And at just $102, you’ll save $30 compared to the cost of the cuts when purchased individually.

www.haircutmenupperarlingtonoh.com

Stress-free Scents

Everyone can use a little relaxation after the holidays, and Aveda’s stress-fix product line, available at Shear Impressions Hair Design, located off Dublin Road in Grandview, is the perfect gift to make that happen. The line includes a hydrating body lotion, infused soaking salts and a concentrated roller ball, with each item offering aromatic and therapeutic scents, such as lavender, lavandin and clary sage. Items range from $22-$40. 614-486-7578

Go Nuts

A brilliant gift for any holiday party, Krema Nut Company offers a 40 oz. tin that comes with an assortment of fine nuts. The Krema Gourmet Nut Trio, priced at $26.99, includes giant cashews, chocolate-covered almonds and a blend of pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, almonds and cashews. www.krema.com

Gift Shop

Featuring handmade and unique gifts from local artists and vendors.

Crystal pendants, singing bowls, incense, homemade candles and teas and more!

Mention this Ad to Receive 10% Off Your Entire Purchase! (Offer expires Dec. 31, 2012)

Gift certificates and personalized gift packages available for various healing services.

1540 West Fifth Ave. (614) 486-8323 www.thereikicenter.net

Grand Eats

GRANDVIEW HEIGHtS served up the best bites it has to offer at the Taste of Grandview Oct. 7.

The seventh annual event, organized by the Grandview Area Chamber of Commerce and held from 2 to 7 p.m. at 1515 Goodale Blvd., was a big success, says Chamber President Michelle Wilson.

“Considering it rained the first hour, after the rain went away, the weather picked up and it was really consistent the rest of the time. I don’t know what our official attendance numbers are, but I’m guessing we had 2,000 to 2,500 people come through after the rain,” Wilson says.

The 14 food vendors on hand for the event were happy with the turnout, too.

“I sent out my surveys (Oct. 9), but I did get a couple of independent responses,” Wilson says. “Those that attended were really pleased with the variety of people there and felt like it was good exposure for their restaurants.”

Attendees voted (via text message for the first time this year) to crown winners

By Lisa Aurand

in three categories – Grandest Entrée, Appetizer and Dessert.

Upscale American bistro Third and Hollywood, 1433 W. Third Ave., picked up the award for Grandest Appetizer for its cheddar biscuits with ham and pimento. The restaurant sold out of the mini-sandwiches well before the event’s 7 p.m. end.

“It is a great honor to receive Best Appetizer at this year’s Taste of Grandview,” says the restaurant’s Leigh Nordin. “Thanks to all who came out on a chilly Sunday to support the community. We love being a part of the neighborhood.”

Grandest Entree went to new restaurant Rocco’s Pizza Plus for the Rocco’s Special: a pizza topped with bacon, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, goat cheese and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Owner Brad Rocco says the event is something he looks forward to being a part of each year. “Last year we weren’t quite open yet, so we participated from the first time coming from our remote location in Bexley. This year was a little bit

easier for us to just come down the hill,” from the shop’s location at 1664 W. First Ave., Rocco says.

He’s not surprised that Rocco’s Special, which was created earlier this year, was a hit. “It’s been really popular, so we knew it would be something we entered in the contest. We’re happy that we won, but we expected it to do well,” Rocco says. “We just hope that the people who tried the Rocco’s Special will come to our shop.”

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, 1281 Grandview Ave., took home the award for Grandest Dessert. The local shop was on hand serving up its usual options of a small (two scoops) or a trio (three scoops) of a few classic flavors.

In addition to the food, attendees were entertained by a variety of acts, including the Tony Monaco Trio; country-rock band The Spikedrivers; and the Grandview Jollysteppers, a group of 55-and-older line dancers.

“Our entertainment line-up this year was awesome,” Wilson says.

The event is held every year on the first Sunday in October. For more information, visit the Grandivew Area Chamber of Commerce website at www.grandviewchamber.org.

Lisa Aurand is editor of Tri-Village Magazine. Feedback welcome at laurand@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

A Suite of Their Own

UA couple enjoys master bedroom and bathroom renovation

the master bath won the Best Bathroom award.

The remodeler they had used previously wasn’t available, so the Steinbergs sought proposals from others. They selected Griffey Remodeling of Columbus, owned by Charlie Griffey. “We found Charlie’s ideas were phenomenal,” Beth says.

IN tHE fOuR years since Beth Steinberg and her husband, Steve, bought a 50-year-old home in Upper Arlington’s Surrey Hill neighborhood, a gradual upgrade has been underway.

Over the years, the home had been expanded and undergone some changes. It was in good shape, but was dated. It could have been called a modernizer, but certainly not a fixer-upper.

The Steinbergs, parents of five, are essentially empty-nesters. Both Steve and Beth specialize in critical care – he as a surgeon and professor, and she as a nursing director at OSU hospitals.

After their move, the Steinbergs had some renovations done to the original master suite and bath at the front of the home, had kitchen flooring installed, removed a screened porch but left the roof to create

an entertainment area with a grill and bar, and added a patio and a few other improvements, including paint throughout. “We use this outdoor area quite a bit as we still have a pretty big yard,” Beth says.

Then, after three years in the home, the time came to do something about their master suite, which is in a 1980s addition to the rear of their large, somewhat secluded ranch. The result was impressive enough that the room was featured on the NARI of Central Ohio 2012 Home Improvement Showcase Tour, and

The challenge, Griffey says, was to expand the bedroom but keep a seating area, add a soaking tub to the bathroom where there was no tub and install an enlarged shower – all without losing closet space.

Fortunately the Steinbergs were able to move into the original master suite to the front of the home for just over two months so Griffey could tear out everything in the project area. The workers had their own entrance and could stay out of the remainder of the house.

To enlarge the bedroom, the closet was relocated and an unused computer niche was eliminated. A load-bearing wall separating the sleeping and the seating rooms was rebuilt about two

Beth and Steve Steinberg

photo by Lisa Aurand

feet into the seating area, and a concealed header was installed above the weight-bearing ceiling wall with a sculpted, arched frame built around a larger opening between the rooms. Griffey created the framework, Beth says, describing him as “an absolute perfectionist.” When it was nearly done, he showed her a piece of wood in it that didn’t look right. He replaced it. “I would never have noticed,” Beth says.

Among the upshots: The Steinbergs’ three large dogs – two chocolate Labradors and a mutt – still have their sleeping space in the sitting room. Es-

sentially, the bath was flip-flopped, with the sink and shower on the opposite sides of the room from where they used to be. Pocket doors were installed to free up space in the bath.

A large window was a privacy problem, so it was replaced with small tran-

som windows high above the new tub that solve the issue while still allowing light, Griffey explains.

A large glass-enclosed, marble-tiled shower went in opposite the old small one, which was replaced with the larger sink counters and cabinets. “(The

shower) is really nice. It makes the room look larger,” Beth says.

Storage includes cabinets above the toilet, which is in its own small niche. The marble tile floor is heated although the tub isn’t. Beth says their previous home had a tub with jets to keep water warm, but she didn’t want another. “I wanted a soaking tub,” Beth explains, adding that she uses the tub “at least once a week.”

“It turned out absolutely beautiful,” she enthuses about the project.

Duane St. Clair is a contributing editor. Feedback welcome at laurand@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

The Steinbergs’ bathroom, part of the master suite renovation by Griffey Remodeling, was chosen as Best Bathroom on the 2012 NARI Home Improvement Showcase Tour.

l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l

l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l

l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l

l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l

l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l

l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l

l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l

l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l

l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l

l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l

l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l

By Alex Wallace Photography by Lisa Aurand

Advanced Cooking

The lobby of the Forum at Knightsbridge looks more like a hotel than a senior-living home, and the atmosphere in the dining room resembles that of a country club. The tables are covered with white tablecloths, silver flatware and cream dishes. Well-dressed guests line up, waiting to fill the beautiful dining room and try the night’s special.

And the food is delicious. The Forum at Knightsbridge has a reputation for culinary excellence. Executive Chef Linda Meoak has revolutionized food service for the retirement community. “I don’t call it a nursing home. I call it luxurious senior living,” she says.

Meoak is on a mission to provide high-quality food to aging residents who have enjoyed superior food throughout their lifetime. “I definitely feel the clientele has changed over the years. When they come here, they are used to having something to do, something thought-provoking and good food,” she says. “Good food can move them in or out.”

Meoak graduated from Columbus State Community College, where she received her culinary training through the school’s apprenticeship program, working under Chef David Benefiel at the Hyatt Regency Columbus for three years. She graduated at the top of her class, earned Apprentice of the Year and won first place in a food and wine affinity contest at Columbus State in 1996. Before beginning her career at the Forum 14 years ago, she worked with a small catering company and was the executive chef at Umberto’s Café and Catering.

Meoak and her staff of two sous chefs and

12 cooks prepare about 900 meals a day. The dining room offers three specials a night – usually chicken, fish and one other option – along with their always-available menu, which is similar to country-club-style dining. The kitchen serves everything from macaroni and cheese to prime rib.

Meoak always adds seasonal specialties and chef’s specials to her menu rotation. Often, she has “chef tables” for which residents may register. Meoak prepares a five- to sixcourse gourmet meal and sits with 15 to 20 residents to discuss the food.

Meoak considers the residents her family, and she encourages her other staff members to venture out into the dining room and build a rapport with them. She provides cooking and wine-tasting classes and kitchen tours to residents. She also cooks for residents’ events, celebrations and, at times, wakes. Recently, she served hors d’oeuvres and afternoon tea for a resident’s 90th birthday.

Meoak tries to be patient and accommodating with her staff and the residents. If one does not like the meal options, she is more than happy to prepare something else. “My motto is: We never say no,” she says. “No one goes hungry on my watch.”

She finds satisfaction from the entire culinary process, farm-to-table. She believes food should be respected and prepared with love. She buys local food whenever she can. “They appreciate that and expect that,” Meoak says of the Forum residents.

She finds pleasure in seeing others enjoy her food. Meoak has a sharp eye for detail and values presentation on the

plate as much as the food she puts on it.

Meoak spends over 40 hours in the Forum kitchen, and she still enjoys cooking at home. “I cook to relax,” she says. “It’s comforting. I like the way the house smells,” she adds.

She enjoys spending time at the North Market searching for inspiration. One of her favorite things to cook is soup. “What I like to make the most is soup because it takes a long time to cook, it has lots of layers (of flavor) and you have put a lot of love into it,” Meoak says.

In addition, Meoak is devoted to giving back to the community. She participates in culinary events such as Taste the

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Creme Brulee

Chef Linda Meoak

Chef Linda Meoak

Future, which raises funds for students in the culinary program at Columbus State. And just as Meoak was apprenticed, she oversees students through the Apprenticeship program.

Alex Wallace is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at laurand@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Sour Cream Coffee Cake

By Chef Linda Meoak

This cake recipe is a tribute to my grandmother. She inspired me to become a professional chef. She loved to bake and would always bring this cake to share when visiting. My recipe has been changed a bit to ease the preparation and allow for variations.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 ½ sticks butter, softened

• 1 ½ cups sugar, white

• 3 eggs

• 2 ½ tsp. vanilla

• 3 cups flour

• 1 ½ tsp. baking powder

• 1 ½ tsp. baking soda

• ¼ tsp. salt

• 2 cups sour cream

Filling:

• 3 cups brown sugar

• 2 ½ tsp. cinnamon

• 1 cup nuts (optional)

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Cream butter and white sugar together until light in color and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla and mix. Mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt and add alternately with sour cream to the butter mixture. Mix together brown sugar, cinnamon and nuts and set aside. In a greased Bundt or angel food cake pan, starting with the cake batter, layer with the filling, ending up with the filling sprinkled on top. Bake at 300 degrees in oven or until toothpick comes out clean, about an hour. Cool and remove from pan.

Children’s Books

Awesome Autumn

By Bruce Goldstone

All of the wonders of the fall season in one place! Colorful photographs add to this fascinating exploration of autumn. There’s something here for everyone: fun facts, craft ideas and recipes. Learn how autumn tastes, feels and sounds. (preschool-grade 3)

Adult Books

The Christmas Genie

By Dan Gutman

When Bob the Genie crashlands in Mrs. Walther’s fifth grade class and grants the class one wish, a debate begins on what is the best Christmas wish of all time. Each member of the class proposes something different. All the wishes have both good and bad consequences, but if they can’t agree on just one, they’ll end up with nothing! (grades 3-5)

Ella Bella Ballerina and the Nutcracker

By James Mayhew

Ballet student Ella Bella enters the enchanted world of The Nutcracker. This beautifullyillustrated book clearly explains the magical story of Clara and the wicked Mouse King. Information about the original Russian ballet written in 1892 by the composer Piotr Tchaikovsky is included. (grades 1-3)

Eight Winter Nights: A Family Hanukkah Book

By Laura Krauss Melmed

Short poems explore the history and traditions of Hanukkah. Families will discover the special foods, games and songs of this winter festival. (preschool-grade 2)

Shine Shine Shine

By Lydia Netzer

This novel centers on a woman born with no hair; her husband, who is a prize-winning robotics scientist; and their autistic son. As the characters work through a set of unusual circumstances, the main character is reminded that her quest for conventional American “normalcy” has eroded away the things that matter most to her.

Where’d You Go, Bernadette

by Maria Semple

This story is told primarily through letters and emails to reconstruct what may have happened when Bernadette goes missing just before a trip to Antarctica with her husband and daughter. The characters are quirky, funny and very human. The story is set in Seattle. It’s a fun read from start to finish with a very satisfying ending.

What in God’s Name

by Simon Rich

God is burned out as CEO of Heaven, Inc. and is contemplating how to bring the earth to an end so he can pursue his dream of opening an Asian Fusion restaurant in Heaven. Fortunately, two angels are not so ready to give up on the human race. They strike a deal with God: If they can answer a prayer, he’ll call the whole thing off. They decide to help two socially awkward people fall in love.

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

by Rachel Joyce

Harold Fry is retired, henpecked and indifferent to life. Then he receives a letter from an elderly friend who is dying. Rather than send a message through the mail, Harold decides to walk 600 miles to deliver his message in person. His trek is peppered with fascinating characters who help unlock Harold’s buried spirit and renew his sense of life.

No appointment necessary, with evening and weekend hours available.

Visits start at $59 and, when applicable, we can bill your insurance.

BUT FOR OHIO STATE, EXPERT CARE WOULDN’T BE THIS CONVENIENT.

FastCare clinics provide quality care for common illnesses such as coughs, colds, sore throats, rashes and earaches.

Locations

Gahanna Giant Eagle

1250 N. Hamilton Road

Market District Giant Eagle 3061 Kingsdale Center

Phone 614-366-2050

Hours

Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

medicalcenter.osu.edu/go/fastcare

CENTRAL OHIO’S BEST HOSPITAL OSU WEXNER MEDICAL CENTER