(614) Refined | Summer 2023

PUBLISHER

Wayne T. Lewis

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Lindsay Press

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Megan Smith

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Megan Smith

Ben Callahan

Karli Moore

Jen Brown Priscilla Dwomoh

Wendy Pramik

Jen Murillo

Aaron Massey

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Megan Smith

Jaelani Turner-Williams

Melinda Green

Canaan Lendell

Taylor Dorrell

Sharon Weiss

Erin Hackett

Dr. Leslie Kim

Wendy Pramik

Caitlin Patrick

Jack McLaughlin

Sav McKee

CREATIVE DESIGNERS

Bryce Patterson

Tori Smith

Atlas Biro

VIDEO PRODUCER/ EDITOR

Austin Black DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

Justynne Pride

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Julia Attanasio

MARKETING ASSISTANT

Zoe King

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Meggin Weimerskirch

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Mindy Wilhite ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Paul VanHorn

Anna Gerhard

BRAND MANAGER, 614 LAGER

Lizzy Saunders

EVENTS COORDINATOR

Lizzy Saunders

LETTER from the EDITOR

Last summer, I traveled to Sirolo, Italy — the ‘gem of the Adriatic Sea.’ Situated high on a cliff in the Province of Ancona in Marche, this region — with not even 4000 residents — is said to have had prehistoric dwellers as far back as 100 thousand years.

For a week, we hiked down from our apartment to the white-sand beach below. This hike was not for the faint of heart — a steep 20-minute climb down and a laborious burning of the leg muscles back up. The plus side of that daily trek was the easy justification for our afternoon Aperol spritzes.

As seemingly the only Americans in the village, we woke up long before the residents for our shots of espresso and bread smothered in Nutella as we pinched ourselves with delight, surrounded by hills of wheat, olive trees, and the salty sea air. And while we were some of the first to greet the sun in the cobblestoned village, we certainly weren’t the last to bed each night. Al Fresco dinners in the piazza began around 11 pm and would go on for hours.

Parents sat chatting at a table with the baby next to them in a high chair. Boisterous teenagers met up in Piazza Vittorio Veneto for calamare and gelato. Aging men gathered near the church steps of San Nicola di Bari to play the Italian game and enjoy an aperitivo.

You may have a similar memory or dream that transports you. One that separates you from your current routines and teases your senses with new smells, tastes, and textures. We need that expansion — to be challenged in new ways. Each of the stories in this issue certainly challenged me to see the corner of our world here in Central Ohio in new ways.

I hope you enjoy our take on Italian summer al fresco dining (page 52), with foods and wares available right in our own city. And, if you feel inspired to fully tap into your Italophile side, why not start the meal a little closer to midnight? I’ll have the espresso and pastries waiting for you the next morning.

with Chef Josh Dalton

Celeste Malvar-Stewart

the photo of the clothing exhibition

the Mentor; Mentee joint exhibition with Tracy Powell at the Beeler Gallery CCAD showing individual designs along with three collaborative pieces.

CONTRIBUTORS

Jaelani Turner-Williams is a culture writer, book enthusiast, and graduate of The Ohio State University. She specializes in digital and print media, with bylines in Billboard, Rolling Stone, Teen Vogue, VMP, and more.

Wendy Pramik is a freelance travel writer and photographer from Columbus. She enjoys taking weekend adventures around Ohio with her husband, Mike, and their two children, Rosie and Max.

Taylor Dorrell is a contributing writer, columnist, reporter, and freelance photographer based in Columbus, Ohio. His work has been published in Business Insider, VICE, Teen Vogue, Bloomberg Businessweek, and Jacobin Magazine.

Melinda Green is a freelance writer, web developer at Fahlgren Mortine in Columbus, and a former classical singer and horse trainer. She has been writing for publications around the city, covering arts and features for twenty years.

Ben Callahan is a writer, photographer, and entrepreneur, among other things. His motto is, “Stay in learning mode,” which helps him remember that every interaction is an opportunity to grow. Find him at bencallahan.com.

Sharon Weiss was born and reared in Columbus. She is the proud mother of two and grandmother of three. An art collector for fifty years, she is the owner of Sharon Weiss Gallery, 24 Lincoln Street Studios, and 12 Lincoln in the Short North. She is the creator of “Artful Living In Ohio” home tours.

Priscilla Dwomoh is a multifaceted creative whose passion for art and fashion transcends a variety of mediums. Her expertise and experience in modeling, wardrobe styling, and photography adds great creative insight to her projects.

Originally from New York, Jen Brown is a commercial, brand, and lifestyle photographer. She is the owner of Flat 51, a photo studio and event space in Columbus. Jen also curates the German Village Makers Market. Find her at jenbrownphotos.com.

Based out of Columbus, Ohio, Canaan Lendell works at a design firm by day and develops recipes by night. When not testing experimental kombuchas, you can find him plotting his next trip to Tokyo.

Tori Smith is an ADDY awardwinning graphic designer. After graduating from the University of Kentucky in 2o22, she moved to Columbus to work as a Creative Designer at (614) Media Group. She specializes in typography & layout, with experience in many mediums.

Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Bryce Patterson is a graphic designer with 5+ years of professional experience. Since the summer of 2021, he has been working at (614) Media Group as a Creative Designer.

Atlas Biro is a visual storyteller with experience in mediums spanning from print design to augmented reality. Currently working as a Creative Designer at (614) Media Group, their work covers communities ranging from blue collar America to the nation’s elite.

Jen Murillo is a Colombian-American photographer based in Columbus, Ohio. She graduated with her Bachelors in Photography from Columbus College of Art & Design in 2016. Jen’s goal is to create a safe space that allows her subjects to embrace their inner and outer beauty. You can find her on the dance floor with a camera in hand.

A multidisciplinary interior designer, Erin Hackett (@hacketthousestudio) founded Hackett House Studio on the belief that your surroundings influence your happiness and tell a story about the person that you are. Connect with Erin at hacketthousestudio.com

Dr. Leslie Kim (@drlesliekim) is an Associate Professor and Director of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in the Department of OtolaryngologyHead and Neck Surgery at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Her practice focuses exclusively on aesthetic and reconstructive surgeries of the face and neck.

Dayton native Caitlin Patrick is a freelance writer, avid reader and lover of words. Devoted to self-healing by way of writing practice, Caitlin's mission in her work is to support others in their own journeys. Find her at caitlinpatrick. substack.com or reading historical fiction (matcha in hand, of course).

THE JOY OF Art Collecting with

Words by Sharon Weiss

Photography by Megan Smith

Layout by Tori Smith

I grew up in a home my dear mother made visually pleasing. She had a flair for decorating, and I remember thinking our modest home was so inviting. This decor included an oil painting of a Maine ocean scene purchased in Ogunquit, Maine, when my parents were very young. I still own this beautiful painting of the rocky Maine shoreline and I love it today just as I loved it growing up. My children appreciate it also and I look forward to sharing it when it is time for me to pass it on to another generation. My grandchildren have commented how much they like it too. Now, that is great news!

SHARON WEISS

My father was born and reared in Maine. So, Maine ocean scenes have always been a drawing card for me in collecting. The Maine coast remains a favorite subject matter of many contemporary artists' paintings today.

When I had my own home in my early twenties, I knew immediately that art had to be a part of my environment. I began visiting museums whenever I could to see art and learn about the artists who created it. In those early days, our Columbus

Museum of Art had a policy that you could borrow art from a local artist, similar to borrowing a book from the library. If you liked it, you could purchase it. At my gallery today, I call it “out on approval.”

I purchased my first oh-so-special Aminah Robinson painting from that museum shop. I was, in my mind, becoming a collector of art and antiques at twenty one years of age. Indeed, it has become my lifetime passion. A joyful passion!

An interior oil painting by Columbus artist Fred Fochtman

Aminah Robinson painting that Sharon purchased years ago at the Columbus Museum of Art's gift shop.

A Maine shore scene by Columbus, Ohio, contemporary artist Fred Fochtman

After becoming quite comfortable visiting primarily Ohio museums, I yearned to see art galleries. Of course, I knew museum paintings were just to be admired and were a learning tool in the art world. I decided it was time to investigate galleries where I might be able to purchase what I loved. “Might” was the keyword. Could I simply wander through an art gallery enjoying the art like I had done at a museum? To my delight, I found out I could, and oh, to my delight, I could purchase at a gallery if my heart found something I could afford. The search continues to this day to find art that speaks to me. Art does speak to me, and I am captivated when it does! It's a joyful experience.

I have collected now for fifty years. Just think. A long time.

Along the way, I began being drawn to landscape paintings. Artists from the beginning of time have painted landscapes in their studios from memory or imagination and plein-air (from the French “en plein air” in the open air). I loved looking for landscapes

that spoke to me and if I could afford them or if layaway was offered, oh my! I brought them home and found just the perfect place on my wall. I could see beauty day and night in my very own home.

As the years went on, I experienced more involvement in the Columbus art community (I did this by going to museum openings, art fairs, gallery openings, and meeting other art enthusiasts). I began noticing different styles of art that I was drawn to just as much as the landscapes I adored. One style I fell in love with was interiors. I loved the personal feeling I had seeing inside places I had never been. I became hooked, and my focus changed. I was then searching for interior paintings that spoke to me. My walls at home were changing and I quickly found that my landscape paintings looked marvelous with the interior paintings I was acquiring. I believe it was at this time my art collection was born. I couldn't wait to come home from work every day and see the ‘artful home’ I was creating. I was in love with art and the artists who were creating art and that continues to this day.

MAINE SHORELINE BY George Morris. From Sharon's childhood home.

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6. Cold Picnic Pillow Cover $75 each

Chef

A Conversation with Your restaurants serve the city well, each aiming for excellence and a focused niche. How do you keep your creative reservoirs filled? What keeps you inspired and forward-thinking?

JoshDalton

have been. To me, it seems like people need to sit down and break more bread and find that common ground.

Traveling! Everyone should get out and explore as much as possible. It's the best way to stay inspired and remain creative. Seeing what other people in our industry do in different cities and countries certainly helps me stay creative.

In 2019 Forbes wrote a piece about you and your vision for your restaurants. Since then, do you feel like Columbus restaurant-goers are starting to embrace the tasting menu-only concept as you had hoped more fully?

We always have a need for more guests; things have certainly improved for us in offering a tasting menu format. I am always trying to push the boundaries. Ideally, I'd like to provide a more extensive tasting experience. However, that always comes at a cost, and I don't think we're quite there yet.

Food is a connector. How do you see this essential element of our human connection as either cultivated or wasted in current culture?

Throughout time people from all walks of life can break bread and come to a common ground. As a society, we are more divided than we ever

You are a self-described, 'untrained' chef – yet you are working gastronomical miracles in the kitchen. Where do you see us, everyday cooks messing up on the basics? In your opinion, are there a couple of areas in which we could have more success and less frustration in the kitchen?

It's a matter of keeping things simple. Most people make the mistake of not seasoning properly— salt and pepper is a big one. The next thing is introducing acid, whether it be citrus or vinegar. Buy the best ingredients possible, do as little to them as possible, and sear at high temperatures.

It's a gorgeous day in Columbus, and you have a rare opportunity to be out of the restaurants, exploring, eating, shopping, and making memories. Where would you go? What would you do?

Usually, if I have an extended amount of time, I'll try to get out of town. If not, I'll usually play with some of my new kitchen toys, work on finishing my pilot's license, or drive my Vespa around. But more than often, I'll coax some of my team to go out for drinks and dream about the next concept.

Interview by Megan Smith

Photography by Sam Kendall

Layout by Bryce Patterson

What are you most proud of within the walls of your 5 locations?

Regardless of what location you're at, we all have the same goal in mind, and that's to set standards of high expectations. Our entire intention is to put out the best food we can, with the best ingredients and hospitality, to offer our guests the best experience we can across the board. In addition, one of my longtime goals has been to provide a better workplace environment with benefits—something we've been able to do at our company over the last year.

Quick 10

What would others say is your greatest virtue? I would say self-awareness. I am honest with myself, and when I know I'm not good at something, I'm not afraid to ask for help or look for the answers. I think many people bullshit themselves thinking they have all the answers.

What item of clothing gets the most mileage in your wardrobe? Black tees!

What feeds you creatively? Circling back to traveling on this one.

What zaps you creatively? Two things: drama within the restaurants. We have 96 employees, and dealing with every person's particular thing can be a lot to juggle. The other is not doing the food I want because I must keep the doors open and find a happy medium between offering food that I'm satisfied with and that people are willing to pay for.

Favorite pizza topping? If you take away cheese — spinach, and good mushrooms. No pineapple, period. Not up for debate.

Hamburger topping? A good aioli is the crucial thing, lettuce, tomato, pickle, and lots of pickles, something to cut through that cheese.

Ice cream topping? If you have good ice cream, nothing. But a good hard shell can save the day.

Three ingredients we should always have in our pantry? Crusty bread, vinegar, and an excellent finishing olive oil.

Fridge? Butter, labneh, and cheese.

Freezer? Ice cream, frozen burritos, and more ice cream.

Remodeling with Joel Walter 101

The Joint Center for Housing Studies reported that Americans were estimated to have spent $427B on home improvement projects in 2022, with kitchen and bathroom remodeling leading the way. And while their quarterly LIRA report predicts a drop in home renovation spending in 2023 due to a cooling housing market, the desire for the comforts of home will always remain.

Recently Joel Walter, President & Founder of NJW Construction here in central Ohio, sat down to answer a handful of our home remodeling questions. Joel is a Certified Remodeler (CR), a Certified Kitchen & Bath Remodeler (CKBR), and a certified Universal Design Certified Professional (UDCP).

Interview by Megan Smith

Photography by Karli Moore

Layout by Atlas Biro

Inviting nature to play in this family gathering sanctuary. Upper Arlington, OH

What licensing and credentials should a contractor have?

Licensing from local jurisdictions is a must. Taking it a step further, ask for credentials and further education. These are typically offered through the National Association of Remodeling and the BIA and can include professional certifications such as Certified Remodeler, Universal Design Certified Professional, and Bathroom and Kitchen Remodeling Professional.

What sorts of projects have you seen mid-Ohio homeowners most interested in tackling in recent months and why?

The projects we see are improvements to create better lifestyles at home. Bathrooms and kitchens are still the mainstays, with people working towards the efficiency of these spaces, comfort, and having their personal touch on the project.

What question do you wish more clients asked in the initial consultation that they don’t think to ask?

I want to switch this question up and ask what clients do not realize from the initial consultation. The biggest mistake I see is homeowners not leaving enough time for the design and selection process. Once the client decides to move forward, the design process (blueprints, interior design, and reviews) can move quite smoothly once started by being thorough from the start.

Locally, where do you see building/remodeling trends going over the next few years?

The modern rustic look has been very popular. In the exteriors of homes, we see darker palettes with tie-ins of natural woods. The interior of the home's paint colors is getting more creative but staying with the warm and soft palettes with natural materials.

Timeless elegance, uniquely its own; marble, walnut and brass has never looked so good. Upper Arlington, OH

Dare to be Different

How to Create Home Interiors as Unique as You Are

Words by Erin Hackett

Photography by Hackett House Studio

Layout by Bryce Patterson

When I think about what “home” means, I think about words like love, comfort, and safety. These are at the core of what every home should be. But our homes are also extensions of ourselves - a chance to outwardly express the sense of style and the uniqueness of our characters. Just like no two people are the same, no two homes should be the same, either.

Creating a home that is uniquely yours should be a joyous process and involve a bit of self-discovery:

First, consider your lifestyle by prioritizing the elements that resonate with your true sense of “home.” If you have a formal living room, but don't entertain frequently, try turning that room into a Morning Room; an ultra-relaxing, spa-like space where you can perform a peaceful morning routine for a harmonious start to your day.

Next, donate any superfluous decor items replacing them with sentimental items that elicit warm feelings. For me, it’s a toy car model meticulously crafted by my dad, which now adorns my bookshelves and never fails to bring a smile to my face whenever I see it.

Enhancing your home with artistic elements, such as sculptures or new light fixtures, can leave a lasting impression. Consider adding vintage Turkish pots for texture and visual appeal. Opt for custom pieces from local artists to make a bold statement.

Creating unique, never-been-done spaces comes with its own set of challenges; it requires time and patience. You must be willing to explore new ideas and be open to discovering new materials and methods of application.

This approach to interior design is addicting: once you open your mind to the world of possibilities in your home, your biggest problem will be having enough space to implement them all. Things like hand-painted tile become a gateway drug to the world of statement stone slabs, and the discovery of bespoke textiles opens the irresistible urge to refinish the vintage, heirloom furniture that has been sitting in your grandparents' garage for ages.

As a Columbus native, I pride myself on collaborating with local vendors who share my passion for embracing the extraordinary:

Classico Tile has hand-painted and zellige tiles that aren't in big box stores.

OHM International is a great visit for those looking for unique, hard-to-find stone slabs.

In-Home Concepts is my go-to source for striking cabinetry hardware.

Textile designer Virginia Kraft Textiles creates gorgeous fabrics for adding those soft finishes that make a home feel warm and inviting.

That beautiful kitchen or living room you fell in love with on Pinterest will be even more beautiful when you put your unique touches on it, and creating that space can be equally as enchanting. Whatever your project or home update you're working on, I implore you this: dare to be different.

about Plastic Surgery

Words by Leslie Kim, MD -

Double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

Illustration by Megan Smith

Layout by Tori Smith

MYTH: Skin care needs to be expensive.

Our skin is the largest organ of our body and one of the best reflections of our overall health and appearance. Visible signs of aging in facial skin include rough skin texture, uneven pigmentation, brown spots, fine and deep wrinkles, inelasticity, and poor skin tone.

While there is a plethora of products out there, here is a secret: effective skin care is simple and does not need to be expensive! The basic framework that benefits most adults is three steps in the morning for daytime protection and three in the evening for regenerative repair. Additional products and procedures can be added to fit your specific skin needs after a discussion with your provider.

Botox (botulinum toxin) is a neurotoxin that temporarily blocks muscle contractions. It is commonly used to smoothen dynamic wrinkles, or wrinkles that result from repeated facial expressions such as “11” lines, forehead lines, and crow's feet. The effects of Botox typically last 3-4 months. If you stop getting Botox, the dynamic wrinkles will simply return over time.

Dermal fillers are substances injected underneath the skin to restore volume and fill in deeper wrinkles, such as the nasolabial folds (smile lines) and the marionette lines. The most common fillers contain hyaluronic acid, a natural substance in the body. Fillers can last several months to years, depending on the individual and specific fillers used. As the body breaks down filler and the aging process continues, it is not uncommon for patients to miss the results of the filler and desire treatment again.

Cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreen don't need to break the bank; use gentle, non-comedogenic products available at the drugstore. The only investments that are truly worthwhile are your medically “active” ingredients, such as antioxidants (like 10-15% vitamin C) and retinoids (like tretinoin).

MYTH:

1 2 3

Botox and dermal fillers are popular non-surgical cosmetic treatments. It is important to differentiate between them because they are commonly confused.

Unnatural results can sometimes result when dermal fillers are used to chase outcomes that are only attainable with surgery. It is important to seek the care of an expert injector who understands the limits of these non-surgical treatments, as less is often more.

MYTH: The nose grows with age.

Contrary to popular belief, the nose does not grow larger with age. However, it can certainly appear that it is growing or changing due to anatomic changes that occur with aging. Due to a loss of skin elasticity and weakening of the nasal cartilages, the tip of the nose can droop more and appear longer over time. As we age, a gradual loss of facial fat can also make the nose appear more prominent and seemingly larger.

Once you start botox/filler, you can't stop.

While rhinoplasty (surgery to change the shape of the nose) is most commonly performed for patients in their 20s-30s, it can also be performed in older patients seeking facial rejuvenation procedures such as facelift and necklift, who are bothered by these aging changes in the nasal appearance.

4

MYTH: Results from plastic surgery are immediate.

In general, it takes one year or longer to heal after plastic surgery. While some of the results are noticeable and enjoyable even immediately after surgery, bruising often takes 2-3 weeks to resolve fully, and swelling can sometimes worsen before starting to settle. The majority of healing occurs in the first several months post-op. Still, this early period can be a physical, mental, and emotional rollercoaster for even the healthiest patients.

Working with your board-certified plastic surgeon to optimize your physical, mental, and emotional well-being for the most successful perioperative journey is important. Preexisting untreated mood disorders can become exacerbated during the postoperative period, so pre-surgery counseling and treatment are highly recommended.

5

MYTH:

Plastic surgery is vain.

Plastic surgery encompasses aesthetic as well as reconstructive procedures. For both, I have heard many patients in consultation say, “I can't believe I'm being this vain.”

see a plastic surgeon. We should not feel ashamed by pursuing options to restore, repair, and/or enhance our appearance and function- as long as it's based on a healthy mindset, as above.

We get our hair done, put on makeup, and wear clothes to portray the best versions of ourselves to the world. Plastic surgery is simply on that continuum of choices we can make to put our best faces forward!

Be it your dream wedding, an anniversary, or a corporate gathering, Jorgensen Farms is the place to celebrate meaningful moments in life. We look forward to seeing you on the farm soon.

jorgensen-farms.com

Photo: Brad Feinknopf

Photo courtesy of Jacob Spence

CORVETTE C ARE

When I think of Corvettes, I think of the late Joan Didion. Those black and white Julian Wasser portraits of the California writer with her “Daytona yellow” 1969 Stingray and a cigarette. Or that early scene in the commercially unsuccessful movie adaptation of her novel, Play It as It Lays, where the main character Maria files her nails while driving through Los Angeles. They are both, the Corvette and Didion, relics of their time. Relics that require constant attention if they are to weather the stormy winds of history.

There’s been no trouble keeping Didion’s legacy alive, with plentiful reprints and documentaries since her passing in 2021. With a lifetime of works, she has become an integral part of American history and the literary canon. Corvettes, however, face a different struggle. The aging Corvettes of the 20th century require maintenance, upkeep, and restoration. The average techs from modern-day trade schools are exceptionally knowledgeable of the newest cars on dealership lots, with their flashy electronics, gadgets, and computerization. However, ask them to tune a carburetor, deal with a vintage suspension system, or set idle air screws, and they’d likely have just as much knowledge about it as a car-less freelance journalist. “You can take a guy that has every Master tech certification in the world,” says Ryan Srbljan, owner of Corvette Care, “hand them a 1967 Corvette, and it doesn’t make any sense to them.” And so that staple of Americana, the vintage Corvette, appears to be in jeopardy.

Words by Taylor Dorrell

Photography by Jen Brown Layout by Bryce Patterson

The solution is not complex but is instead, if we avoid attempting to expand the requirements of becoming ASE certified, difficult: namely, to find older mechanics with the knowledge that the younger generation lacks. And even more pressingly, to impart that knowledge to that younger generation. The issue is that the old heads are retiring or, to put it bluntly, dying off. Whereas a couple of decades ago, a garage like Corvette Care could find a vintage tech in a few weeks, that search has been lengthened to a year, Srbljan tells me; an issue for Corvette owners who, in the near future, might not have any mechanics who were alive when their cars were manufactured.

But a shop like Corvette Care is finding a way to juggle the difficulties of running a performance and repair shop for Corvettes of all ages. Started in the 1970s; that decade Maria was driving her Stingray through LA, Corvette Care was just a passion project for Lloyd Harvey, who owned a shop on Ferris Road. Harvey passed it to a friend, who passed it off to Srbljan. Srbljan, also known as Frenchy — a nickname that doesn’t reflect his Eastern European roots but instead a misreading of his last name — saw an opportunity to grow the business into what it is today: a 7500-square-foot facility in a more convenient location that still maintains that “corner shop” feel, hosting at any given time a Corvette from 1958 or 2014, performing $300,000 restorations and $200 carburetor fixes, working on a car from Pakistan and one from down the street. The shop is, as Frenchy put it, “full service” when it comes to Corvettes.

Ryan Srbjan, owner

Corvette Care

Despite the variety of Corvettes between C1 and C8 generations, there are primarily two types of vintage Corvette owners: the cozy retiree who unsuspectingly realizes that their project car is beyond their own individual scope of repair; many of these customers are considered purists, often members of the National Corvette Restoration Society who will find solace in conversing with the techs about old cars, restoration projects, etc. — and then there’s the new wave Corvette owners, a younger, middle-aged generation that inherits a vintage Corvette from their parents and might want it modded to feel more up-to-date — many of these customers don’t mind if the car is gutted and might find solace in avoiding conversing with the techs about old cars, restoration projects, etc. Srbljan says his goal is to continue providing a shop that can cater to both. “You’re either versatile enough to deal with that or you find yourself a dinosaur really quick in this industry,” he told me.

There is something distinctly American about Corvettes, with their striding flash and sleekness. Didion’s 1969 Stingray was a physical manifestation of America’s post-War disillusionment, the car embodying, as the car writer Bob SoroKanich put it, “a curdled ambition, a swoopy, show-car-inspired body plopped on largely unchanged mechanicals.” But when the philosopher Jean Baudrillard visited America in the 1980s, he observed that “the latest fast-food outlet, the most banal suburb, the blandest of giant American cars or the most insignificant cartoon-strip majorette is more at the centre of the world than any of the cultural manifestations of old Europe.” And so, it’s not surprising that Corvette Care is expanding its operation, growing as a business, and projecting an optimistic future. Even with everything happening in the world, the Corvette can still feel like the center of the world. With Columbus’ car-centric urban design, it would be easy to replace Didion’s LA with Central Ohio. Her character Maria, smoothly running her Corvette through I-270, driving just “as a riverman runs a river, every day more attuned to its currents, its

deceptions.”

Photo courtesy of Slade Lapusnak

Photo courtesy of Andreas Brun

Ohio's Wine Country

The covered bridges and wineries of Fairfield County

Words by Wendy Pramik

Photography by Wendy Pramik

Layout by Atlas Biro

Indulging in the freedom of a “soft retirement,” Steve and Teresa Morbitzer pull up to the tasting room of Rockside Winery and Vineyards in Lancaster, half an hour from their home in Columbus’ German Village neighborhood. Moments later, the couple is savoring glasses of Vidal Blanc and gazing at the chartreuse grapevines that cover the landscape.

A bit farther north, along the shores of Buckeye Lake, a young Johnstown couple commemorates their first Father’s Day at Thornville’s Buckeye Lake Winery. Basking in the ambiance of vintage boats, they delight in a flight of Napa Valley wines, celebrating a special moment in festive, seaside-like surroundings.

These scenes unfold at seven distinct wineries throughout Fairfield County, Ohio, on the Covered Bridge Country Wine Trail. It’s a haven for discerning wine lovers and admirers of rural

landscapes, where you can experience flavors reminiscent of the California coast yet remain firmly planted in Ohio’s backyard.

Fairfield County boasts 15 of the state’s 125 historic covered bridges, the most of any county. The wooden structures, built to protect their underlying bridges from decay, date back to the 1800s, and many still function today.

“We take great pleasure in discovering the sights of Ohio, from the charm of covered bridges to the allure of wineries,” said Steve Morbitzer, a short while after he and Teresa arrived at Rockside in a sleek BMW Z3 convertible.

Nestled among the idyllic, rolling hills of Lancaster, this family-run business has produced stellar wines since 2014. Nearby are two covered bridges, including a carefully preserved red one called the John Bright No. 2 Covered Bridge that spans a stream on the Ohio University-Lancaster campus.

Photo courtesy of Moritz Knoringer

It’s a cornerstone of the Covered Bridge Country Wine Trail, which shows off the state’s bountiful harvest and engineering history. All make great spots for selfies.

For Heather and Todd Keenan and their daughter, Bristol, a visit to Buckeye Lake Winery presented a day at the beach to view antique watercraft at the Wine & Woodies boat show. In addition to wines and sunsets, Buckeye Lake Winery is known for its impeccable cuisine, including steak, salmon, pasta, and rolled gelato.

“We did a tasting from pinot grigio to red, and we’re trying to rank them now,” said Heather Keenan before joining Todd for a walk to the shore to examine the wooden boats.

Nearby stands the Charles Holliday Bridge, built in the 1890s. It originally crossed Walnut Creek and has been reconstructed on the Millersport Lions Club Sweet Corn Festival grounds.

The structure represents Fairfield County’s bounty of bridges and wineries, which make for an unforgettable visit.

Visitors may request a Covered Bridge Country Wine Trail guide and more information about Fairfield County wineries by calling 800-626-1296, or by stopping at the Fairfield County Visitors and Convention Bureau in downtown Lancaster.

Wine & Woodies antique and classic boat show at Buckeye Lake Winery

The Rock Mill covered bridge in Carroll, Ohio, spans 30 feet over the Hocking River, situated beside the fully restored 1824 Rock Mill gristmill.

No-Scare Healthcare

One Medical is redefining healthcare by offering 24/7 access to providers and an approachable platform

Words

by Sav McKee

Accessibility, personability, and inclusivity are at the heart of One Medical’s mission. This newest, membership-based, comprehensive healthcare concept, now spanning four different Columbus locations, blends human-centered design and cutting-edge technology with an exceptional team of healthcare professionals who genuinely care about, listen to, and respect each individual patient they serve.

Most of us have needed to schedule an urgent appointment, only to experience the excruciatingly long wait times, up to weeks or even months. At One Medical, you don’t have to wait to maintain your optimal health; members have 24/7 access to virtual care, and their calming offices provide same or next day appointments for common illnesses, chronic diseases, or sexual and mental health concerns. To ensure their services are more accessible and inclusive, One Medical takes most insurances.

Their efficient telemedicine option saves you time in your day; no more navigating traffic, skipping work, and languishing for hours in a sterile waiting room, only to then receive 5 minutes of service from a doctor. With just a push of a button on the app, your needs are met immediately in a 30 minute appointment, spent with the provider the entire duration. Messaging and on-demand video chats are at no extra cost for members, which is a testament to One Medical’s commitment to respecting your time and energy.

Some patients might prefer face-to-face care, and One Medical caters to these preferences. Each of their pristine, serene offices, located at Polaris, New Albany, Dublin, and Easton, are thoughtfully designed to evoke a sense of comfort and tranquility. These locations also offer onsite lab services so that you don’t have to worry about additional travel to another office. One Medical is partnered with The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center to offer seamless access and coordination across primary and specialty care services.

“We’re thrilled to be growing in Columbus,” said Thomas Nguyen, MD, a primary care provider at One Medical. “A lot of patients are now hearing medical information through Tik Tok or social media, and think, ‘Hey maybe I should get that checked out,’ and they put it off because of the long wait lists at traditional physician offices. But with us, they’re able to talk to us and get in for a remote or in-person appointment quickly.

The compassionate providers at One Medical understand that connection is the pinnacle of exemplary care, so whether it’s through their app or in person, they offer a personalized experience that Columbus residents deserve. “The best care comes

We get down to their chronic problems immediately. The sooner you address it, the better the outcome.”

Photography by Aaron Massey

Layout by Atlas Biro

from building strong relationships with our patients and fostering open communication. You won’t be judged here, and there’s nothing you should be ashamed to tell us. We’re here to help you feel your best — physically and emotionally,” explained One Medical.

Inclusion is one of their many specialties. “While LGBTQIA+ people aren’t defined by any specific health needs, our providers understand the unique health concerns and obstacles members of this community often face. We know that many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and nonbinary people have had poor healthcare experiences — and we’re here to change that.”

A membership at One Medical extends far beyond just Columbus; granting patients the freedom to visit other nationwide facilities, with all of their medical information integrated into a unified platform. If you find yourself in another state needing medical assistance, you can use their convenient telemedicine option or find a nearby office location.

One Medical sets an unprecedented standard of true healthcare excellence. It’s never been easier to transition to a doctor’s office where you can be your whole self - and get holistic care for the whole you.

Check out their website, onemedical.com, for more information.

Persistence Pays

This former Ohio State University basketball Captain turned CFP® is ushering in a new generation of complete financial planning with Iterhic Wealth Advisors

Words by Jack McLaughlin

Photography by Jen Brown

Layout by Tori Smith

Meet Matt Terwilliger, Founder of Iterhic Wealth Advisors. If the name sounds familiar, you’re probably an Ohio State sports fan, as Terwilliger played power forward and center for the Buckeyes basketball team for four years, a collegiate career that includes two Big Ten Championships and a 2007 trip to the National Championship.

While Terwilliger went on to play professionally in Europe for a number of years after his time at Ohio State, he eventually transitioned from pro athlete to certified financial planner, and is uniquely equipped to help today’s generation plan for their present and future.

Today, we’re ushering in a new era of wealth management that’s different from the previous era. Not only are the majority of financial advisors approaching retirement age (the average age of a financial planner today is 55, and 20 percent of advisors are 65 or older), today’s families and professionals also require a different kind of service with a different point of view.

“I think the biggest differences I’ve seen with young investors are their concept of retirement and their access to information,” Terwilliger said. “The previous generation grew up in a time where you had to call into a broker or advisor to get information, because the internet didn’t exist. Today, all the information is there, but understanding it and being able to decipher what is correct, and what information actually applies to you, that’s where people need guidance now.”

For Iterhic, this process is personalized from the beginning, as Terwilliger and registered senior wealth associate Bethany Demassimo spend the necessary time to understand the complexities of each client’s situation as well as their fears and motivations, in order to help them realize their most important goals.

I’ll tell clients we’re not going to talk about investments for two to three meetings,” Terwilliger said. “I want to get to know you and your family, I want to understand your short term goals and your vision for your future to put together a customized plan that we can execute on every day, every month, every year.”

In these conversations, the former Ohio State athlete relies heavily on lessons he learned in the classroom, but also ones he learned on the court.

“The power of teamwork is the overarching theme for me, in basketball and life in general. When I think of that team in 2006-2007, the one word that always comes to mind is selflessness. We had six NBA players on that team, but on any given night, any one of them would have been the star of the game,” he said. “If the team wins, we all win. That ability to put others in front of yourself without abandoning your own personal goals, that’s something I try to help clients with.”

The team, in this case, also refers to the family unit—something Terwilliger and Demassimo are also familiar with. Each has their own family with three children, and being in a similar place as so many clients who also have young families offers them a perspective that age and experience oftentimes cannot.

This perspective also gives them a unique sense of accomplishment when clients reach financial milestones that Iterhic Wealth helped to determine and work toward every day.

“You plan with people for years to achieve these goals, and then they get there and sometimes they don’t even believe it,” Terwilliger said. “It’s something special to be a part of that journey. That's why we named the business Iterhic. It's Latin for ‘Journey to Here.’ We want all of our clients to experience the joy in the journey; to know the best years of their lives are not on the other side of a retirement goal. The best years are the years lived in the present. We believe financial planning makes that presence possible.”

The Scarlet & Gray Standard

From the classroom to the farm, The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center is providing nationally-ranked, accessible care and cutting-edge innovation

Words by Jack McLaughlin

When you think of the Ohio State University, you likely think of wide receivers and Woody Hayes, but it’s more than just athletics making a name for the school today. The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center — comprised of six different hospitals and providing a wide variety of top-ranked medical care to animals both large and small — is at the top of this list.

As part of the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine — recently ranked as the third best in the country by US News and World Report — the Veterinary Medical Center is helping define the future of veterinary medicine in Ohio, as According to the Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center Director Karin Zuckerman, currently 80 percent of veterinarians in Ohio graduated from Ohio State.

Each year, more than 60,000 patients visit one of the six OSU veterinary hospitals, which provide care for over 80,000 animals annually. While dogs and cats are a major portion of the patients seen, they’re far from the only species of animals served. The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center offers care to both large and small animals, including horses, goats, sheep, pigs, cows, alpacas, llamas, donkeys, and even an occasional reindeer or camel.

Urgent and emergency care are available for both large and small animals, as is a wide range of veterinary care options including everything from primary care to specialties like oncology, neurology, ophthalmology and more.

Educating tomorrow’s veterinarians is only a portion of how the Veterinary Medical Center is making its name. In addition to academics and cutting-edge veterinary research, the Veterinary Medical Center provides top-tier veterinary care.

With ample, and free, on-site parking, its University District location is a mere stone’s throw from State Route 315 and doesn’t require patrons to navigate the more crowded portions of Ohio State’s campus. The Dublin hospital, offering after-hours, weekend, and holiday urgent care, along with orthopedic surgery and ophthalmology appointments, is located just off Franz Road near Tuttle Mall.

“We’re providing the highest-level care through six different facilities, and we’re trying to make it as accessible as we can,” Zuckerman said.

It’s the academic component that really separates us from our competitors,” Zuckerman said.

I like to say it all starts here.”

Photography by Aaron Massey

Layout by Atlas Biro

Ambulatory on-farm care is available for farm animals and horses through the Veterinary Medical Center’s Marysville facility and Columbus-based Galbreath Equine Center. This service is especially helpful for large animals with limited haul-in transportation options.

And speaking of horses, one more way the Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center is raising the bar is through the construction of a brand-new, 11,000 square-foot performance evaluation arena for its equine sports medicine program.

Slated to be completed in December, the new facility will be all-weather and multi-surfaced, offering opportunities to conduct multi-discipline and multi-specialty evaluations for equine athletes.

“We are proud to make a difference in the lives of animals and their owners each and every day,” Zuckerman said.

To learn more, visit vet.osu.edu/vmc/

JONATHAN MOODY:

Architectural BUILDING AN ON Legacy

Words by Jaelani Turner-Williams Photography by Priscilla Dwomoh Layout by Atlas Biro

Jonathan Moody, President and CEO of the architectural firm Moody Nolan, didn't always want to succeed his father, Curtis. In his youth, Moody aimed to venture into a career that sounded good on paper, like aerospace or aeronautical engineering. Still, his mind changed over time, seeing how respected his father was. Curtis Moody's' work on The Schottenstein Center and the former Sawyer Towers (now Latitude Five25) fascinated his son, who was urged by relatives and family friends to follow his father into architecture. Now over 40 years since its inception, Moody Nolan has become one of the world's most prominent architecture practices and the largest AfricanAmerican-owned and operated firm.

“We went from being good architects to realizing that we could lead the profession in many respects, even challenging our clients beyond what they were originally thinking,” Moody tells (614) Refined.

But initial projects were overwhelming for Jonathan, who joined the firm as a senior associate in 2011. “Every time it felt like I could swim, my dad would say, ‘alright, I need you to join this meeting,’ and throw me in another pool and a new defense,” he recalls. “It was a realization every time [I was] thrown into something new that he was throwing me into it because he saw a confidence that I could handle it and that I needed to.”

That confidence has brought extensive growth in the last decade and a chance for Moody to clarify what the firm can become. His father founded the firm, but Moody and his close-knit design changemakers have reinvented Moody Nolan, introducing it to new cities and markets. While we chat over Zoom, Moody's in San Francisco, where he's contemplating whether the firm should have a role in Northern California and internationally. If we're looking at a new frontier, not to say that we leave anything behind, but how do we bring everything together collectively? How do we look to new things but also reinvest in where we currently are?” he asks.

Moody grew up in Northeast Columbus before the sprawling and continuously-renovated Easton Town Center was constructed. Places inside of I-270 have always interested the Cornell University and UCLA graduate. He cites the Near East Side neighborhood of King-Lincoln as one of the most historically well-known areas before its disconnection from downtown when I-71 was built in 1966. In conversation, Moody knows each locale like the back of his hand and shows concern for downtownadjacent neighborhoods needing attention. “There's

this dynamic of people who helped build the history of a neighborhood and a current surge of change happening in Columbus. There's this urgency around a place losing its identity. All these places have unique identities that need to be maintained,” says Moody.

The projects that Moody Nolan has established in different cities nationally harken back to Columbus, where Moody resides with his wife, Montra, and their two children. Here, the firm led the contemporary renovation of East High School, the interconnected design of Upper Arlington High School, the progressive and postmodern Linden Community Center, and more. Moody's work stems from collaborating with residents, who share their input to preserve the neighborhood's historic attributes while looking toward the future.

“When you add into it a deep understanding of how neighborhoods work and not just an outsider coming in and taking over, it leads to better outcomes,” he says. “I think the most unsuccessful projects are the ones where outsiders come in and just do something, and then the people who live there feel so alienated that they don't use it. And I think some of the most successful projects are the ones where, even though it's new, people feel so connected to it, like, ‘I had a part in that design outcome,’ that they become some of the most used places.”

Steakhouse photographed by Mark O’Tyson

Diverse by design, Moody incorporates different perspectives into the work at Moody Nolan, creating teams that engage communities to solicit opinions and challenge the firm's viewpoint. That deep understanding translates to Moody's newest endeavor as a guest speaker, where he visits educational institutions to motivate aspiring architects. “I've constantly — especially in the last few years — been shocked when I go to a college or university to talk to students, and they show sketches of our buildings. I think, ‘I had no idea you were watching.’ I had no idea people saw us in that light. It's an honor to be recognized by another generation of architects who may not believe they could be architects.”

Moody's outreach to Gen-Z students has created a ripple of possibility for rising architects and designers to build lasting hubs, especially through the unpredictability of artificial intelligencegenerated technology. A recent visit to Hampton University in Virginia, also one of seven HBCU architecture schools, showed Moody that being philanthropic can be as simple as inspiring others to reach, or even surpass, the success of their forerunners.

There's only about two percent of Black architects in the country. So, when they see me, it's a reminder of what’s possible. I didn't know that just by being and doing that, people are realizing that they could be and do in a similar manner,” says Moody.

The Columbus Metropolita Library Martin Luther King Branch on Long Street is the first branch library in the United States to be named after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The design is a metaphorical response to the MLK monument in Washington D.C.

One of Moody's biggest projects to date, the cultural enclave of the International African American Museum in Charleston, South Carolina, opened in June. At Gadsden's Wharf, which overlooks Charleston Harbor, IAAM is a space of honor and exhibition, revealing the untold stories of enslaved people and their descendants through genealogy. Moody sees the museum and educational destination as an important site for AfricanAmericans seeking to know where their family's story in America began. “It's exciting because it is another level of storytelling for–I like to use the phrase ‘historically overlooked groups’–people who haven't been able to tell their story,” he says.

“To say that this building sits on the site where nearly forty percent of all African-Americans who are American descendants of slaves can trace their ancestors-and to have a memorial and a touch point for it-it's going to be an exciting place.”

Constantly innovative, Moody's mission-minded purpose has its sights on advancing architecture through creative thinking. “We just want to be really good architects first and foremost and effective in what we do,” says Moody. “I've recognized more and more that you never know who's watching, and you never know who's being inspired by just seeing us be successful.”

“I've recognized more and more that you never know who's watching, and you never know who's being inspired by just seeing us be successful.”

STORY - SUMMER 2023 Photography by Sahar Coston-Hardy/Esto, The International African American Museum is a museum of African-American history being built in Charleston, South Carolina, on the site where Gadsden's Wharf, the disembarkation point of up to 40% of all American enslaved persons, once stood. Construction of the IAAM began in January 2020 after 20 years of planning.

Al Fresco DIY IN COLUMBUS

Words by Canaan Lendell

Photography by Ben Callahan

Styling by Brie Augsburger and Megan Smith

Layout by Tori Smith

Often relegated to little more than sack lunches in twee packaging, a well-assembled picnic is a masterclass in curation. When the stars align — good weather, good company, and good food — one captures a wholly unique sense of conviviality and gusto for life. This can be a tall order for even the most experienced picnickers; luckily, Columbus has plenty of well-equipped small and family businesses ready to do the hardest work for you.

Inspired by the idea of a Tuscan picnic, our stop at Carfagna's Italian Market didn't disappoint. The large Polaris store is bursting at the seams with meats & cheeses, baked goods, house-made pasta, salads, wines, coffees, and Italian sodas. Grab some of their famous chicken salad, a wedge of cheese, a baguette, a DIY cannoli kit from their bakery, and a bottle of wine to create a perfect picnic for two. If you call ahead, Carfagna's famed cheesemonger will craft a charcuterie board, especially for the occasion. Or head to their extensive butcher department where they sell braciole — thinly sliced beef specially made to be breaded and fried for the classic Italian bistecca sandwich. Adorned with Italian dressing, roasted red peppers, arugula, and lemon juice, it is both hearty and refreshing, seemingly crafted with al fresco dining in mind.

For those looking to create a bespoke picnic, Dublins' Oakland Nursery HOME has something for everyone's tastes. Spread across two buildings, Mediterranean tablescapes coexist with sleek contemporary offerings that stun in equal measure. You may find an antique linen napkin set to dress up the quilt you'll lay in the grass or a set of modern Melamine plates that elevate even the most worn picnic table. A curated collection of wooden charcuterie boards and cutlery may catch your eye — or you may walk out with new patio furniture, an heirloom hutch, or an oversized cast iron duck for the garden (what we were eyeing). An old water pailturned-wine pitcher added a quaint, personal touch to our picnic, as did the small collection of Deroma terra cotta pots for our succulents. Creativity is encouraged here; picnicking is DIY at heart, after all.

Amidst all the opportunities for elevation, it's important to remember that picnics should be a fun affair. A little thought and planning go a long way, but good spirits and company make the day even when the elements don't cooperate, the ice cream sandwiches melt, or you leave the bottle opener on the counter at home. So, pass the cannoli and pour another round of limoncello. Your picnic companions will undoubtedly be saying ‘grazie mille’ to a job well done.

Charcuterie Primer

We met cheesemonger Michelle Vieira (@columbuscurdnerd) on our recent trip to Carfagna's, where she gave us a lesson in building a summer charcuterie board. When selecting cheeses for a picnic, Michelle looks for cheeses that will hold up in high temperatures. She suggests one of two directions: a hard cheese or a fresh, light, spreadable one. “I generally lean more towards cow or goat cheeses in this instance because sheep milk cheeses have a higher fat content, which is what gets extra sweaty out in the sun.”

Here is what Michelle assembled for our refined summer picnic:

MONTEGRAPPA (cow, Italy: Asiago)

This hard cow's milk cheese comes from the Asiago region in Italy and is super snackable. It has a lovely crunch from the long-aged tyrosine crystals throughout it. The flavor is reminiscent of a cross between an aged Asiago and a cheddar.

IDYLL FARMS CHILI BILLY

GOAT CHEESE SPREAD (goat, USA: Michigan)

This Upper Peninsula goat cheese is incredibly light and fluffy, which I'm always seeking when it's just too hot out. What I love about this one is the combination of Aleppo and chipotle peppers. It has a lovely heat to it without being too overwhelming.

MILTON CREAMERY MORNING HARVEST

(cow, USA: Iowa) This is a divine, sweet gouda/cheddar hybrid from Iowa. It has a nice brown buttery flavor that plays nicely with just about anything. There is something to love about it for the group's cheese novice and the bonafide curd nerd.

SPIANATA ROMANA

This is an excellent mild Italian salami with some garlic. It's super approachable and a welcome salty hit on the board.

PROSCIUTTO WRAPPED CANTALOUPE

FIG SPREAD

FRUTTO D'ITALIA SPICY SICILIAN OLIVES

These come in convenient little snack packs in the store, and what's great about these is they don't have the brine in them, so you can take them on the go and put them on the board without it being a big mess.

DRIED APRICOTS

DIBRUNO BROS BLACK LAVA CASHEWS

These come to us from a fabulous fellow Italian Market over in Philadelphia. They make these lightly caramelized cashews dotted with black lava salt. A perfect sweet/salty bite with a nice crunch.

A REFINED PICNIC MENU

Food and drinks can be found at Carfagna's Market

BEVANDA/VINO

- A' Siciliana Sicilian Blood Orange & Lemon Sodas

- Granbazán Albarino Etiqueta

Verde Wine

- Duca di Salaparuta

Calanica Frappato

Terre Siciliane Wine

CIBO BUONO

- Caprese with Orange Segments

- Charcuterie Board (see page 54)

- Pistachio Cannoli (premade cannoli and cannoli kits available)

- Marinated Tomato Cucumber Salad

- Bistecca Sandwich with Arugula and Roasted Red Peppers

TABLESCAPE DETAILS

from Oakland HOME

Vietri Melanie Dishware $12-$70

Napkin $8

Napkin Ring $7

Indaba Wine Glass $20

Table Runner $50

Wood Tiered Charcuterie Stand $129

Wood Riser $35

Wicker Tray $40-$60

Placemat $30

Vintage Galvanized Pot $60

Vintage Pottery $70

Vintage Wrapped Jug $99

Italian Terracotta Deroma $16-$30

Faux Succulent $5-$15

Teak Butcher Block $189

Dawn Outdoor Teak

Dining Chair $999

Agnes Outdoor Teak

Dining Table $3999

SANDY WARNER:

OAKLAND HOME’S Creative Visionary

Words by Melinda Green

Photography by Ben Callahan

Layout by Tori Smith

For the past ten years, Sandy Warner has put her stamp on Oakland HOME in Dublin, creating one of the city's most delightful home decor stores.

The company's legacy dates to 1940, when Gustav and Bertha Reiner, German immigrants, started Oakland Nursery. The current “original” garden store on Oakland Park Avenue in Columbus opened in the mid-1970s, followed by stores in Delaware, Dublin, and New Albany.

Warner, a photographer and visual artist with an MFA, has been with the company for over 40 years; her husband, Mike, a landscape architect, for over 50. Her energy is contagious.

In the late 1970s, in her early 20s, she began doing seasonal jobs for the garden center, like designing and putting together the Santa House every holiday season. After ten years, she pitched the idea of becoming the store's visual merchandiser—and was accepted.

It was at the time when garden centers were not looking like hardware stores anymore,” she recalled. “They wanted to transform themselves into family-friendly places with a softer environment.”

Warner became a buyer, then helped open the Dublin store in 2005. Eventually, in 2013, Oakland HOME was born, and she found her niche.

“I start with vintage pieces. To me, vintage pieces set us apart because you won't get another one like it. I really think that they speak to many different people in many different ways.”

The store is full of treasures: A vintage wedding chest from India, a mango wood shelving unit, distressed antique metal bird cages, cooking-vessel fire pits, and a leopard-print cannon chair. This, maybe, is what the big-box home decor stores want to be.

But vintage pieces aren't all that Oakland HOME has to offer. Beyond the entryway's bold, fourfoot-tall outdoor planters is everything from jewel-encrusted glassware to fine outdoor dining essentials to a collection of eclectic, imported wines. Some customers drop in to feel inspired, basking in the peaceful ambiance of their “happy place.”

“It's interesting,” Warner said. “People come back and say, ‘You know, I was walking through. And then suddenly, I found this piece, took a picture of it, and it was haunting me, and I had to come back and get it.’” And that inspiration is just what Oakland HOME is all about.

Oakland HOME’s 10-year anniversary celebration, full of prizes and specials, will be from September 1-10, 2023.

SALVATORE CARFAGNA:

COLUMBUS’ Fourth-Generation Grocer

Words by Melinda Green

Photography by Ben Callahan Layout by Tori Smith

S hop. Taste. Learn. “Those are the three words that we like to adhere to,” says Salvatore Carfagna, General Manager of Carfagna's Italian Market.

From its late-1930s origins when Saturnino (“Sam”) Carfagna sold produce and meats to a shop in what is now New Albany, to his small meat market in the Linden area, to Columbus's first proper supermarket on State Route 161, to an international specialty grocery, and finally to an Italian market at Gemini Place, Carfagna's has adapted to generations of change and is steadily growing in its current niche.

Fourth generation Salvatore Carfagna, has been a part of the business since he was “old enough to push a broom.”

“We were in the back room cutting meat at a very young age,” he said. “We are butchers first and foremost.” Although he spent nearly a decade in medical device sales, he — like others in the family — eventually found himself back home at the market and its expansion.

A walk around the grocery section yields such delights as truffle-laced prosciutto, tender Piedmontese beef, fresh burrata, Wagyu beef tallow, and toasted Sicilian pistachio gelato. Meats are all prime and choice grade, cut fresh daily. Many items are prepared in-house, using family recipes posted around the store; there is no “keeping secrets.”

Carfagna's also has a wine club and eight different tasting options daily, selected to be both seasonal and enlightening. Add to that the monthly champagne and caviar tastings, live music, cooking classes for adults and kids, the family restaurant, and a fantastic selection of limoncello and amaro in their OHLQ store. Carfagna's truly has become a destination store.

“We try to bring people the highly sought-after stuff,” Carfagna said. “If we're going to do caviar, we'll bring in the best caviar we can get. We try to carry the best olive oils and balsamic in the city.”

“Not only are you shopping our family business, but you're shopping a community of family and small businesses, both local and international,” he continued. “There are foods I learn about daily, and bringing that education aspect to the forefront makes us unique.”

FB: CarfagnasMarketRistorante

INSTA: carfagnasmarket

Let's be honest, the Italian foods that we know and love are a small fraction of what [Carfagna's] offers. We provide our customers education and open their minds to stuff they haven't tried,” he continued.

HOW TO MAKE

Limoncello

Words by Canaan Lendell

Photography by Megan Smith

Layout by Tori Smith

As spring showers settle into the languid heat of late summer, I turn to a uniquely Italian liqueur - limoncello. Equal parts pucker-inducing and syrupy sweet, the storied liqueur is an easy DIY project for the summer months. As legend tells it, Maria Antonia Farace would make the liqueur using lemons from her bountiful citrus gardens on the island of Azzurra. The recipe eventually ended up in the hands of her nephew, Max Channel, and then his son, Massimo Canale, who trademarked and started production under the name “Limoncello Di Capri.” It has since spread throughout the region, country, and world, becoming Italy’s second-most beloved liqueur behind only Campari. Luckily for us, it couldn’t be easier to make, with the bonus of giving you complete control over the final product.

It starts with the lemons, which should preferably be both organic and of an aromatic varietal. Your supermarket Eureka lemons will make a perfectly enjoyable limoncello, but Meyer, Sorrento, and Amalfi lemons provide additional depth for

RECIPE

• 500 ml 80 proof vodka (doesn’t need to be the best, but don’t use it if you wouldn’t drink it in other cocktails)

• 10 lemons

• 1 1/4 cup sugar, more or less to taste

an intensely aromatic experience. There’s no requirement to strictly use lemons, though; oranges, grapefruit, and more esoteric citrus like Buddha’s hand make intriguing and delicious variations.

The next step is the most important - removing the peel without a trace of pith. As we’ll be extracting all the essential oils and flavor compounds out of the peels, any bitterness will be acutely felt in the final product. The peels are then submerged in vodka or grain alcohol until they are bleached and brittle - a sign that their oils and flavor compounds have been extracted. Finally, the alcohol is strained and combined with sugar. Patience is rewarded here - the longer the final product sits, the more round, mellow, and complex your limoncello will become. As the essential oils mix with the sugars and alcohols, they create a host of compounds that separate the good limoncellos from the great ones. And you’re done! All that’s left to do is serve, straight from the freezer, as the perfect digestif to an al fresco meal.

1. Using a sharp knife or peeler, completely peel lemons, carefully removing as little pith as possible.

2. Combine peels and vodka in a sealed container and store them in a cool, dark place for a week.

3. Add sugar, stirring or shaking thoroughly to combine, and store in the freezer indefinitely.

4. Enjoy!

Do-Gooding:

EMPOWERING ACADEMY Leadership Latinas

When I asked Lillian Morales-Laster of ELLA what her one message would be to the world, she paused, smiled, and said, “You are enough.”

As I interviewed her from my office chair via Zoom, I couldn’t help but feel that if there happened to be a secret list of crucial humans who are passionate about community care and doing good in the world, I feel confident that Lillian is on it.

New York-born and Ohio-raised, Lillian proudly serves as the Executive Director for ELLA (Empowering Latinas Leadership Academy), a program dedicated to supporting Latina women in their careers and nurturing their leadership skills. With her father’s family hailing from Puerto Rico, Lillian’s passion for supporting Latina women is born from both seeing the need from her own lived experience and the fact that she was once a mentee in this program herself.

Founded in 2010 by the Hispanic Chamber of Columbus, this non-profit originally began as the Latina Mentoring Academy (LMA), a program created to introduce resources to Latinas within central Ohio communities interested in starting businesses. After several years, LMA noticed a theme with their applicants: most of the women were in the workforce, seeking guidance in the area of professional development as they navigated their various roles. Noticing this trend, Latina Mentoring Academy set itself apart from the Hispanic Chamber of Columbus and became its

own stand-alone program. Now in its fourteenth year, and with its newly rebranded name of ELLA (pronounced “eh-yah” meaning “her” or “she” in Spanish), the organization is looking back at the last fourteen years with gratitude and toward the future with excitement. “Our rebrand came about as a way to celebrate that we are always growing and developing. This rebrand is focused primarily on leadership and making sure we meet the women where they are,” says Lillian.

Created with empowerment in mind, ELLA is a six-month, no-cost mentoring program from May to October, where Latina women are intentionally matched with mentors who support them as they acquire a plethora of skills, knowledge, and resources to help vitalize their chosen careers. Outside of professional mentorship, women can participate in intentionally curated workshops and community engagement.

Each cycle of the program kicks off with a networking event, I Mi Hermana (I Love My Sister), where we ask previous mentors and mentees to invite any women in their life who may be interested to come and meet other women in the Latina community.”

Words by Caitlin Patrick

Photography by Jen Murillo

Layout by Bryce Patterson

After the networking event, women can then submit their applications.

The application process isn’t too invasive. We look for women who clearly understand where they want to go but want more tools and resources to get there.”

The mission of ELLA has always been focused on encouraging Latina business owners but is now evolving in that identity by incorporating more business development and support into

the curriculum. The dynamic all-female team at ELLA continues to drive the metamorphosis of the program to meet the needs of the Latina community. “It is a time commitment for both mentees and mentors, but we encourage the women to look at it as a form of self-care.” Lillian expresses.

From mentee to Executive Director, Lillian loves to see the women go through the program and find a deeper sense of confidence, as she also did when she went through the program. “I love seeing women get the promotion they’ve worked towards or become board members for a worthy cause, but seeing them exude deeper confidence is truly why we do this work.”

Cycle 14 Mentee and Mentor Mixer at Ground x Grind.

Executive Director, Lillian Morales-Laster, standing in the back row, far right.