Westerville November/December 2021 by CityScene Media Group

Art & Life

Westerville artist David Myers 2021 Holiday Gift Guide A Dazzling Christmas Display Record-setting Food Donation Westerville Education Challenge www.westervillemagazine.com

Westerville Realtors & Residents 614-915-4588 www.ThePowellBuehlerGroup.com

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Brandon Klein Senior Editor

Cameron Carr Associate Editor

Claire Miller Assistant Editor

Amanda DePerro Contributing Editor

Juliana Colant Editorial Assistants Megan Roth Tess Wells

Emily Lutz Contributing Writers Sarah Robinson Sarah Grace Smith

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www.wester villemagazine.com CityScene Media Group also publishes: CityScene Magazine www.CitySceneColumbus.com Dublin Life Magazine www.DublinLifeMagazine.com Tri-Village Magazine www.TriVillageMagazine.com Healthy New Albany Magazine www.HealthyNewAlbanyMagazine.com Pickerington Magazine www.PickeringtonMagazine.com Discover Grove City Magazine www.DiscoverGroveCity.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 bklein@ cityscenemediagroup.com. Publisher does not assume responsibility for loss or damage. The appearance of advertising in Westerville Magazine does not constitute an endorsement of the advertiser’s product or service by the City of Westerville. Westerville Magazine is published bimonthly in January, March, May, July, September and November. For advertising information or bulk purchases, contact Dan Nase at dnase@cityscenecolumbus.com. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers. Westerville Magazine is a registered trademark of CityScene Media Group. Printed in the U.S.A. ©2021

4 November/December 2021

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Inside

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

Time f o e Gi ft h t e G iv

06 community calendar 08 faces

The Art of Overcoming Adversity

David Myers doesn’t let anything slow him down

12 Light Christmas

House so bright, won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?

14 hometown heroes

A Garden Guru

Westerville resident donates record-setting amount of produce

16 2021 Holiday Gift Guide

Shop local this holiday season

22 Institution of Inclusion

Westerville Education Challenge brings students together

Wide Selection of Grandfather, Cuckoo, Wall, & Mantle Clocks Monday – Friday 10 am – 5 pm Saturday 10 am–3 pm Open Sundays – Between Thanksgiving & Christmas 1pm – 4 pm

614-895-7420

8 E Main Street • Uptown Westerville

24 Keeping History in Shape

Westerville community renovates Benjamin Hanby’s gravesite

25 Luxury Living Real Estate Guide 25 Top Homes Sold in Westerville 26 living

Back to the Future

Kitchen update involves surprises along the way

28 on the table

Tea Time

Finger foods, napkins and manners

CONNIE@ CONNIES ADOWSKI.COM

30 Bookmarks

28 @westervillemagazine Read more online at WestervilleMagazine.com www.westervillemagazine.com

On the Cover David Myers Photo courtesy of David Myers See page 8

November/December 2021 5

Start a new family tradition!

2021

SAT FRI THU 4 3 2 11 10 9 8 18 7 17 6 16 5 15 25 14 24 13 23 12 22 21 31 20 30 19 29 28 27 26

WED TUE MON 1 SUN

MARK YOUR Dates and events are subject to change. CALENDAR! Check with event organizers before attending.

November/December Through Nov. 7 Curtain Players present Angel Street

Dec 3, 4, 10,11 & 12 Westerville Central High School Theatre Department

weekendscene

wchstheatre.net for tickets

Various times Curtain Players, 5691 Harlem Rd. www.curtainplayers.org

Nov. 4 Meet the Author: Kate Quinn 7-8 p.m. Virtual www.westervillelibrary.org

Nov. 6 Holly Day Bazaar

9 a.m.-3 p.m. Westerville Community United Church of Christ, 770 County Line Rd. www.hollydaybazaar.com

Nov. 6 Otterbein Craft Bazaar WATCH, READ, EAT...WIN! BE ENTERTAINED WITH CITYSCENE PICKS

MOVIES * SHOWS * BOOKS PERFORMANCES * MUSIC * EVENTS

N E W: T H E W E E K L Y W I N

10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Point at Otterbein, 60 Collegeview Rd. www.otterbein.edu

Nov. 11 Veterans Day Breakfast

8:30-10:30 a.m. Westerville Community Center, 350 N. Cleveland Ave. www.westerville.org

Nov. 13 Leap of Faith Dance Company Holiday Craft Bazaar

SCAN THE CODE AND SIGN UP TODAY!

10 a.m.-3 p.m. Westerville Church of the Nazarene, 355 Cherrington Rd. www.leapoffaithdancecompany.com

Nov. 18-21 Otterbein Theatre & Dance presents The Pajama Game Various times Fritsche Theatre at Cowan Hall, 30 S. Grove St. www.otterbein.edu

Nov. 20 Uptown Snack and Stroll

Uptown Westerville www.shopuptownwesterville.com

Nov. 24-26 Thanksgiving Break

Westerville City Schools www.westerville.k12.oh.us

Nov. 27 Small Business Saturday

Various participating businesses www.westervillechamber.com

Dec. 3 Holiday Tree Lighting

7 p.m. Westerville City Hall, 21 S. State St. www.westerville.org

Dec. 3 Westerville Symphony presents Sounds of the Season 8 p.m. Cowan Hall, 30 S. Grove St. www.westervillesymphony.org

SUBSCRIBE AT CITYSCENECOLUMBUS.COM Meet the Author 6 November/December 2021

www.westervillemagazine.com

MY COUSIN’S COTTAGE

Quality Resale Home Furnishings & Décor Holiday Tree Lighting

Dec. 3-19 Curtain Players present Women Playing Hamlet

Various times Curtain Players, 5691 Harlem Rd. www.curtainplayers.org

Dec. 4 Gingerbread Cottage Craft Show 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Westerville South High School, 303 S. Otterbein Ave. www.gingerbreadcottage.org

Dec. 5 Rudolph Run 5K

2 p.m. St. Paul Catholic Church, 303 N. State St. www.runsignup.com

Dec. 5, 12 Sensory-Sensitive Santa

9-10:30 a.m. Polaris Fashion Place Mall, 1500 Polaris Pkwy. www.polarisfashionplace.com www.westervillemagazine.com

Dec. 10-11 Holiday Fun Weekend

Uptown Westerville www.shopuptownwesterville.com

Dec. 17 Ice Sculpture Tour

5 p.m. Uptown Westerville www.shopuptownwesterville.com

Dec. 18 Wreaths Across America

9:30 a.m. Otterbein Cemetery, 175 S. Knox St. www.wreathsacrossamerica.org

Dec. 20-Jan. 2 Winter Break

Westerville City Schools www.westerville.k12.oh.us

Treasures for Home and Holiday Monday – Saturday 11 am – 6 pm Sunday 1 pm to 5 pm 614-899-6110 16 E. College Ave, Westerville OH 43081 www.mycousinscottage.com November/December 2021 7

faces

By Brandon Klein Photos courtesy of David Myers

The Art of Overcoming Adversity

David Myers doesn’t let anything slow him down

avid Myers doesn’t shy away from life’s challenges, but rather he embraces them. It’s the driving force that led him to open the David Myers Art Studio & Galleries in Uptown Westerville in 2002, his victory over testicular cancer in 2019

8 November/December 2021

and how he’s dealt with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, Myers, who normally provides one-on-one art instruction in addition to gallery operations, was forced to change many elements to meet CDC guidelines. Despite being among those who are most

at-risk for COVID-19, Myers did not let the pandemic slow him down. “Being an artist, it’s in our wheelhouse to be creative and problem solve,” Myers says. “When the pandemic came along, I thought, ‘OK, how can we adapt to the ever-changing situation?’” www.westervillemagazine.com

While gallery hours were suspended last year, Myers created an artwork display outside of the gallery and continued art instructions through virtual instruction and on the gallery’s outdoor porch. After the onset of the pandemic, Myers says students from New York, Chicago and other U.S. cities reached out to see if he offered online instruction. He didn’t need much persuasion, he says, and through video conference programs, such as FaceTime, he helps clients set up studios in their homes for their lessons. The lessons offer their own benefits compared with traditional in-person instruction, Myers adds. “You have more confidence when you’re at your home field,” he says. “I sense that confidence when I go to them with FaceTime.” Cathy Camacho of Powell, who started her instructions with Myers in 2019, has taken advantage of the lessons on FaceTime and outside on the gallery’s porch. Camacho says the virtual instructions were not that different, but preferred taking them at the studio rather than at home. “I have a lot more distractions here,” she says. She adds that the porch instructions were liberating and had done one while it was raining, getting a little wet in the process. Sometimes a passerby who sees a porch lesson would stop and ask questions. “It’s been really great,” Camacho says. Kathleen Norris, a now retired Westerville school principal, says the porch lessons were beneficial to her and that she feels like she hasn’t missed out on anything. Her art sessions with Myers have helped her look beyond the challenges and negatives of the pandemic. Myers goes beyond teaching his clients to draw or paint. Originally from northeast Ohio, Myers studied fine art at Miami University and art therapy at California State University, Los Angeles. During his art education, Myers struggled with red-green colorblindness as he attempted to draw or paint for normal-sighted people. “I had a lot more doubts when I was younger,” Myers says. With help from good mentors, Myers was able to embrace his weakness and himself as an individual artist. He now wants to pass that wisdom on to his students, focusing more on why paint or draw rather than how. “That’s what I focus on being for other people,” he says. “I’m really intrigued by the psychological approach to being creative and productive.” www.westervillemagazine.com

Cathy Camacho

Kathleen Norris November/December 2021 9

Camacho says Myers’ art therapy helped her work through mental blocks to her creativity. He helped her through a time when she was the primary caregiver of her mother, who passed away in early 2020. “He was just amazingly supportive,” she says. “I don’t think I could’ve gotten through that without him.” Norris says Myers helped her overcome her insecurities about her artwork. “He doesn’t judge you; he doesn’t judge your art,” she says. “I basically found my artistic voice.” Norris and Camacho’s two-person exhibition Two Voices, One Heart was well received, Myers says. Myers’ life experiences have helped him become the person Norris and Camacho needed in an art instructor. After living in California for 15 years, Myers and his family moved to central Ohio for a change of scene where they could experience all four seasons. When passing through Westerville, he noticed many vacancies in the Uptown area as the economy was struggling after the 9/11 attacks. Myers saw it as an opportunity to open the studio. This created the work-life bal-

10 November/December 2021

ance to take care of his children, Massillon and Cherish, with his wife, Silvia, when the children were toddlers at the time. “I like to look for voids and fill the voids,” he says. Following his 2017 diagnosis, Myers has been cancer free since his second surgery in June 2019. He says the experience impacted his views on life. “That created a sense of urgency for me,” he says. “This isn’t a practice life. We don’t get another shot at it.” Myers continues to offer virtual and on-theporch instructions. His indoor lessons at his studio continue to follow COVID-19 guidelines. “Art instruction sessions have gained in popularity for artists of all ages for a variety of reasons. I find people being more focused on personal expression and self-acceptance,” he says. “They appreciate the freedom to create, independent of

technology. Many use art as an equalizer and as a vehicle for their mental health. … I am grateful to instruct and mentor artists of all ages, whatever the means or method.” Brandon Klein is the senior editor. Feedback welcome at bklein@cityscenemediagroup.com.

www.westervillemagazine.com

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Light Christmas

House so bright, won’t you guide my sleigh tonight? By Emily Lutz Photos courtesy of Rick Hilyard

n the first of October, Rick Hilyard is already preparing his house for Christmas. His synchronized light show has become a staple of the community, but it takes dedication to make the season shine. “It’s just me that puts it on,” he says. “Just me. One crazy person putting up all the lights.” Hilyard may have lost count of how many lights he puts up each year, but he knows the show is getting bigger and better and the responsibility is all his. Each year, preparations for the lights take Hilyard around five weeks. All the effort is more than worth it, though. Hilyard’s Christmastime passion initially started at Halloween. He’d created a haunted house in his garage for neighborhood kids to enjoy during trick or treat that incorporated computer programs and animatronics. Interest in his house grew enough to encourage Hilyard to bring the technology out for Christmas.

12 November/December 2021

The impressive light display at 649 Old Coach Rd. is no secret to neighbors and rumors of its notoriety spread through Columbus and beyond. While this means many natives are familiar with the show, Hilyard makes sure there’s something new each year. Hilyard started with two controllers and 15,000 lights. Since then, the display has become a year-round passion. The possibilities for a light show have grown as well.

“Technology has changed to where you can do much more with one lightbulb,” Hilyard says. Hilyard notes the improved capabilities of bulbs for handling light and the emergence of online communities that provide resources to improve his show. Hilyard even had a Zoom call with enthusiasts in Australia who helped to assist with a technical issue in last year’s show. Holiday entertainment isn’t the only thing Dazzling Lights

The Westerville holiday will begin in earnest on Dec. 3 with multiple ways to celebrate. First, Otterbein University’s tree lighting will kick off the festivities at 5:30 p.m. Later, the City of Westerville will host its own tree lighting at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 21 S. State St. Following both lightings, the Westerville Symphony will present Sounds of the Season at Otterbein’s Cowan Hall, 30 S. Grove St. Other holiday events to save the date for include the Rudolph Run 5K on Dec. 5, Holiday Fun Weekend in Uptown Westerville Dec. 10-11 and the Otterbein Cemetery’s Wreaths Across America ceremony on Dec. 18. www.westervillemagazine.com

provides. Hilyard uses the opportunity to give back to the community by collecting canned goods for Westerville Area Resource Ministry. Visitors are encouraged to bring a couple canned items to donate. He says the show collects about 3,000 pounds of food each year. The light show can also be a powerful means of spreading the joy and kindness associated with the holiday season. One year, Hilyard was shown the extraordinary impact Dazzling Lights is able to have on visitors. A family from Marysville had heard about the show and made the trip with their hearing impaired daughter. His show allowed her to have a holiday experience unlike any she’d previously experienced. “This was the way for her to experience the music, because the lights are choreographed with the music,” Hilyard says. “She could feel the bass and visualize it with the show.” After witnessing the effect of the show on the young girl, Hilyard took the opportunity to increase the connection between music and visuals in his display. He added singing trees and lightbulbs to Dazzling Lights to serve as further visual aid for the hearing impaired. The opportunity to hear stories from his visitors has compelled Hilyard to regularly stand outside and interact with the crowds attracted to the light show. Hilyard has met people from Europe, Africa and Asia outside his home. He often hands out candy canes while talking with visitors. “I’m just a guy putting up Christmas lights and maybe I’m bringing some joy to someone who needed it,” he says. The show begins the day after Thanksgiving and continues nightly, weather permitting. Sunday through Thursday, the lights run from 6-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday the show continues from 6-11 p.m. Visitors can set their car radio to 90.1 FM to listen to music synchronized with the show.

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Emily Lutz is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

November/December 2021 13

★★★

Hometown Heroes

Garden Guru

Westerville resident donates record-setting amount of produce By Sarah Grace Smith Photos courtesy of John Hinton

fter retiring in 2008 from a 45-year career as a math professor, the last 25 of those at Otterbein University, John Hinton went back to the garden. It was a return to roots for Hinton who had grown up on a five-acre “truck farm” where his mom taught him the art of gardening. “It’s been a part of my blood,” he says. “I’ve always loved to garden. To me, it’s sort of a sanctuary.” He started with three plots: his back yard, his neighbor’s back yard and a shared plot at the Church of the Saviour United Methodist. At the church plot, many other gardeners gave up on their produce or found it sickly. Hinton willingly took in the forgotten and spindly plants.

14 November/December 2021

“I hate to see things die, and I love to help things grow,” he says. Hinton developed a reputation for nursing sick and old plants back to health. Soon, gardeners from all over the city were bringing him near-dead plants and expired seeds. “Some of my best producers were not things I planted,” he says. “They were seeds that were left over from last year or plants that came out of nowhere.” For example, one of Hinton’s friends, Sue Simon, gave him two three-yearold packets of seeds. Hinton doubted much would come from them, but he planted them in growing pods in an electric contraption that gives plants more sunlight. He found that 80-90 percent of the seeds grew successfully. Now, Hinton takes care of 11 plots throughout the city. Most of his plots are at the Otterbein Community Garden but he also has one at a school and one at a senior center in addition to the entire plot at Church of the Saviour.

Each plot is 20 feet by 15 feet except the Church of the Saviour plot, which is twice that size. Watering a singular plot takes Hinton about an hour and a half, and he dedicates more than 10 hours a week to his gardening. But what does Hinton do with so much produce? “Well, I couldn’t eat it all,” he laughs. Hinton donates the food to Westerville Area Resource Ministry (WARM), Worthington Food Pantry and Church of the Saviour. During the harvest season, Hinton usually donates weekly. “There are lots of needy people,” he says. “I don’t miss a meal, but there are lots of people who do.” In 2020, Hinton was planning to cut back on his gardening. But with the onset of the pandemic, Hinton knew he couldn’t back down. He read about how many families were struggling financially, and he knew how he could help. “People really needed food because of COVID,” he says, “and I thought, ‘Well, www.westervillemagazine.com

(gardening) is one thing I can do, one way I can help.’” Instead of cutting back, Hinton actually set a new record for most annual produce donated to WARM by a singular individual: 1,678 pounds. To put that into perspective, a healthy family of four eats about 19 pounds of produce a week. From June to November, Hinton donated 21 batches of produce. Each of Hinton’s donations could have fed four families of four. In 2021, Hinton had again planned to cut down on the number of plots he maintains. As a man in his late 70s, gardening is starting to take a toll on him. However, his generous heart keeps him from quitting. “People think I’m crazy,” he says. “My wife says I need to cut back ... but the need is so great.” This year, he has already donated some 1,000 pounds with no intention of slowing down. Hinton takes inspiration from Thomas Merton, a Catholic monk and spiritual hermit of the 20th century. Merton is known for using a cabin and isolation to connect with God. “I use the gardens as my monastery,” Hinton says. “It’s a way to get away. I get in tune with God out there. I like the quiet.” Hinton attributes his charitable heart to his deep spirituality and faith. He can’t help himself from using his God-given gifts to help others. He also credits God with his ability to restore plants, refusing to take the credit himself. “I want to thank God for helping me to learn how to grow such varied produce,” he says. And Hinton’s charitable endeavors aren’t limited to produce. He also financially sponsors more than 12 children across the world through nonprofits such as World Vision, Compassion International and ChildFund. “I just love to help people when I can,” he says. Sarah Grace Smith is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

What was in the 1,678 pounds? Sweet corn Cabbage Kale Broccoli Watermelon Zucchini Tomatoes

Cucumbers Potatoes Cantaloupe Squash Onions Melons Kohlrabi

www.westervillemagazine.com

Beets Turnips Greens Pumpkins Cauliflower Carrots

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November/December 2021 15

2021

Holiday Gift Guide Shop local this holiday season!

My Cousin’s Cottage Find unique treasures and gifts for the home at My Cousin’s Cottage. You'll discover entertaining and kitchen essentials, furniture, seasonal decor, and more - all at budget-friendly prices. Shop often, because the selection updates daily! www. mycousinscottage.com

16 November/December 2021

www.westervillemagazine.com

David Myers Art Studio and Gallery From winter scenes around Westerville to energetic abstract pieces, there’s a piece of art for everyone. Starts at $25. www.davidmyersart.com

Gnome Sweet Gnome Gift shopping for home décor can be difficult and a hit-or-miss experience, so don’t take any chances – stop by Amish Originals for one-of-a-kind and beautifully crafted gifts. $11.99-12.99. www. amishoriginals.com

Book an appointment online with one of our Color Specialists and Halo Couture Extension pros at Shear Madness Studio 58 E Main St

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Edwin Loy Home Part of its Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan series, the Annie Sloan with Charleston Decorative Painting Set includes three new, limited edition colors inspired by the joyful use of paint and color throughout Charleston English farmhouse nestled deep in the Sussex countryside in England. In 1916, Charleston farmhouse became the home of Bloomsbury group artists Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant; two of the most radical and influential British artists of the 20th century. Price: $48.95. www.edwinloyhome.com

Abbey Rose Boutique For the family member who loves an eclectic mix of vintage, antique and often one-of-a-kind items, Abbey Rose Boutique also offers new merchandise, all of which is moderately priced. Prices vary. www.facebook.com/abbey roseboutique

Abbey Rose Boutique 21 North State Street Uptown Westerville 614-891-6050 Vintage & New Home Décor Clothing, Jewelry & Accessories Specializing in Painted Furniture

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Stop in or order online & pick up in store 15 N. State Street Uptown Westerville

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Morgan’s Treasure Morgan’s Treasure is a custom jewelry studio in the center of Westerville’s uptown district that specializes in custom and bridal jewelry, colored gemstone rings, pendants, earrings and more. This 14K gold pendant is set with an incredibly unique ammolite gemstone. The colors flash as they catch the light and display a pattern like a peacock feather. www. morganstreasure.com

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November/December 2021 19

A Twist on Olives For those who feel most at home in the kitchen, a good extra virgin olive oil or a balsamic vinegar is a treasure. With a wide, delicious selection from Italy, Spain, Greece, Chile and more, you’ll have just as much fun shopping as your loved one will have cooking. $28. www.atwiston olives.com

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Grandfather Clock Company Time is ticking to find the perfect Christmas gift, and Grandfather Clock Company has the solution! Choose from grandfather, mantel, cuckoo and more – it’s easy to lose track of time choosing from the wide selection. www.uptownwesterville. us/grandfatherclockcompany www.westervillemagazine.com

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November/December 2021 21

Institution of Inclusion

Westerville Education Challenge brings students together Telhio Credit Union is excited to open our tenth branch location at

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By Sarah Robinson

o parent wants their child to be bullied or excluded. In 2007, Westerville mom and Board of Education member Cindy Crowe decided to do something about it, and started a movement that has grown exponentially. “She was just a mom in Westerville who saw on The Oprah Winfrey Show about the organization Challenge Day and how it was an anti-bullying, student inclusiontype program, and she wanted to bring it to Westerville,” says board member Tracy Davidson, who is also a member of the Westerville Education Challenge. Crowe assembled a group of parents with high school-age children to found the organization. The first order of business was to raise funds to bring Challenge Day to all three Westerville high schools. Crowe died in 2014 after a long battle with ALS, but the Westerville Education Challenge continued on. “Our mentality is still staying true to our mission of helping children feel supported and included within our schools,” says Davidson. “But we have gone from … Challenge Day to supporting quite a few different initiatives that we now are able to support in our middle schools and high schools.” The middle schools support a program called WEB (Where Everybody Belongs), a peer mentor group that connects eighth grade leaders with sixth grade students to help them transition from elementary to middle school. “We also have a program called MODEL, which stands for Mentors Opening Doors, Enriching Lives,” says Davidson. “We have about 140 girls in our middle schools (for whom) we have community mentors come in once a month. They do different activities with them, all geared around

self-esteem and setting goals and making positive choices.” New this school year is the Hope Squad initiative, a peer-led suicide prevention program, and SERC, a social-emotional resource center. And, of course, the Westerville Education Challenge also supports Challenge Day. “Challenge Day is just one day within the buildings that really addresses the themes of peer pressure and bullying and helping build that community of understanding and acceptance,” Davidson says. “We’ve tried to expand that and provide different resources for our kids that (offer) more of a year-long support system and not just a one and done.” The ultimate goal of the Westerville Education Challenge is to empower students and provide resources. “We really want every student to feel like they are included,” says Davidson, “and if bullying is happening, to be able to talk about it and be able to feel empowered to talk about it.” Sarah Robinson is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com. www.westervillemagazine.com

Keeping History in Shape Westerville community renovates Benjamin Hanby’s gravesite By Juliana Colant Photos courtesy of the Westerville Historical Society

esterville’s reverence for its community history inspired an effort to restore the gravesite of one of its best-known historical figures. The Westerville Historical Society, in a collaborative effort with the community, gave some much-needed attention to the gravesite of Benjamin Hanby. Jeff Yoest, a member of the Westerville Historical Society and one of the project leaders, points to the Hanby family’s impact on Westerville history as inspiration for the project. “Benjamin Hanby is probably one of Westerville’s most famous people, and we felt that that plot had potential to highlight a common person who built history,” Yoest says. “Plus, his father, who was Bishop Hanby, has an incredible story and was affiliated with a church and with Otterbein University in the 1800s. We wanted to highlight the family in the area.” Hanby is best known as an Americana musician who composed more than 80 songs including “Darling Nelly Gray” and “Up on the Housetop.” The Hanby family opened their home as a part of the Underground Railroad, which has a storied history in Westerville. They sheltered many fugitives from slavery. One fugitive, Joseph Selby, who died at the Hanby House, was the inspiration for “Darling Nelly Gray.” During the lead-up to the Civil War, “Darling Nelly Gray”’ and its anti-slavery message became so popular that the piece earned comparisons to Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Hanby was the oldest son of William Hanby, an abolitionist, bishop and cofounder of Otterbein University. Hanby was a part of the second graduating class in 1858. He died of tuberculosis in 1867 at the age of 33.

24 November/December 2021

The historical society was drawn to restoring his grave for two main reasons. First, to improve the attractiveness of the gravesite by cleaning it up and updating its features. The organization wanted to create a mini-park within the cemetery for visitors to enjoy. Second, the historical society wanted to fix tilting stones by installing a protective base around the footstones. Workers installed new concrete floors on the footstones with embedded brass plaques to display individuals’ names. Before, the stones only contained initials. Originally a small broken footstone, Hanby’s plot was upgraded to a brand new one. To complete the restoration, the historical society enlisted help from members across the community, with everyone bringing a different service to the project. Professionals leveled leaning monuments, and the Westerville Lions Club helped lay bricks and put sand on top of the concrete foundation. The city’s service department dug out the area in front of the big obelisk and installed a cement base. Additionally, it provided the bricks that line the walkway from the drive to the obelisk. Appropriately, the bricks were repurposed, having come from an old walkway at Hanby Elementary School. The Westerville Parks and Recreation Department ordered a bench for the grave,

which is now a popular spot for visitors to relax. Local mason Richard “Gator” Lakeman installed the brick perimeter around the monument. Renovations were completed this past spring, with the planting of seasonal flowers as the final step in a process that was first introduced in 2019. “It was a collaborative effort with a lot of people involved,” Yoest says. “The City of Westerville was wonderful. I can’t say enough nice things about what they did to help us with this. We couldn’t have done it if they weren’t on board all the way.” Juliana Colant is an editorial assistant. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com. www.westervillemagazine.com

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All information is collected from the Delaware and Franklin County Auditor offices. www.westervillemagazine.com

November/December 2021 25

living

By Brandon Klein Photos courtesy of the Cleary Company

Back to the Future

Kitchen update involves surprises along the way

hen she bought her home in 2019, Ann Stickney knew the flattering house listing photos couldn’t hide the dated look of the house, but there were still some surprises with the kitchen. “Our main concern was that the floors were very uneven,” she says. “You could place a ball down and it would roll all over the place. It gave me the feeling of walking on a ship on the water.” Stickney worked with the Cleary Company to tackle the kitchen remodeling. The project entailed adding a large beam for structural support, because the kitchen ceiling was sagging, and reconfiguring the layout of the half-bath, pantry and wall with the refrigerator. 26 November/December 2021

“At first, to save on cost, we decided to not touch the bathroom at all, but there was a code or vent that needed to be moved and we had to cut into the bathroom,” Stickney says. “So the whole thing was flipped around to better suit the layout.” The surprises kept coming. The owners originally intended to remove the large brick fireplace in the kitchen but, when the remodelers prepared to tear it down, they discovered it was actually the vent and chimney for the heaters. “We had to rethink and pick a way to make it feel less awkward a space,” Stickney says. “I think the small cupboard works pretty well.” In the end, the remodeling was worth it. Stickney says they were attracted to the

Before

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“amazing and crazy house” they found on Zillow that just needed an update. “We didn’t want to live in a house that felt like it belonged to grandma,” she says. “If we didn’t have a dime to spend on updating it, I know we could have lived, but the improvement has just really opened up the house and taken it from a dark, almost spooky feel to something fresh and new. Plus now we are much more inclined (COVID permitting) to have

friends and family come over for drinks and barbecue.” Stickney says her favorite part of the project was the addition of the pedestal sink she purchased from California. “It’s pretty unique,” she says. “There is also a backlit LED mirror in that bathroom that I am pretty proud of.” In the end, all the time and anguish put into the project made for a stunning transformation.

“If the pictures from Zillow ever go down, no one would ever know that the kitchen looked any different,” Stickney says. “All the materials are the same and it flows with the rest of the house beautifully. Pictures can’t do it justice. There are so many stories and trials that went on behind the scenes that you just can’t see in a single picture.” Brandon Klein is senior editor. Feedback welcome at bklein@cityscenemediagroup.com.

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November/December 2021 27

on the table

By Megan Roth Photo courtesy of City of Westerville

Tea Time

Finger foods, napkins and manners Lemon Blueberry Drop Scones Recipe courtesy of Taste of Home

Dough Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour • 1⁄3 cup sugar • 2 tsp. baking powder • 1 tsp. grated lemon zest • ½ tsp. baking soda • ¼ tsp. salt • 1 cup lemon yogurt • 1 large egg, room temperature • ¼ cup butter, melted • 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries Glaze Ingredients • ½ cup confectioners’ sugar • 1 tbsp. lemon juice • ½ tsp. grated lemon zest

hat’s a better way to start a cool November morning than with a cup of tea? Tea time is about more than sipping the tea with your pinky up; it’s your chance to show off some elegance. As the winter season brings cooler mornings, it’s the perfect time to host a fun gathering with friends, family or little ones. A tea party not only makes for a great playdate with parents and children alike, but can serve as a chance to introduce new foods, drinks and manners. Children can learn to appreciate the fun of dressing up and preparing the table and decorations. It’s also a chance to teach table manners and hospitality in a setting that resembles play more than rules. When you’re ready to host your own tea party, try this easy, 30-minute scone recipe.

In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients. In another bowl, combine the yogurt, egg and butter. Stir into dry ingredients until just moistened. Fold in blueberries. Scoop heaping tablespoonfuls and place two inches apart on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-18 minutes or until lightly browned. Combine glaze ingredients and drizzle glaze over warm scones.

Megan Roth is an editorial assistant. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

28 November/December 2021

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For More Information: 614-882-2710 stpaulinfo@stpaulk-8.org | stpaulk-8.org

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November/December 2021 29

bookmarks

For online library resources such as ebooks, digital magazines, kids activities and more, visit www.westervillelibrary.org

From the Westerville Public Library

Westerville November/December 2021

Articles inside

on the table

living

Keeping History in Shape

Institution of Inclusion

Light Christmas

community calendar

2021 Holiday Gift Guide