(614) | September 2025

Opening Volley

JACK MCLAUGHLIN Editor-In-Chief

Goal to Go

When I told him how old my daughters are—one four years, the other 15 months—DeVier Posey shook his head, like an act of commiseration, and laughed.

“Man, you probably don’t even know your middle name right now,” he joked, one father to another.

If you’re a Buckeyes football fan, or even a college football fan, for that matter, you probably know his name. Posey played wide receiver for the Buckeyes from 2008-2011—he even hauled in the game-winning touchdown against Oregon in the Rose Bowl—before moving on to the NFL.

Like many OSU greats, he calls Columbus home today, and on an unseasonably mild August night, one of our photographers and I spent a few hours with Posey. We took pictures, sure, but we talked more, and I got to learn— at least a little bit—about who he is as a person.

I learned about his kids—three boys—the athletic rivalry he had with his brother growing up, about the importance he places on humility. I learned that the October Saturday in 2011 when top-ranked Ohio State had their perfect season spoiled in a loss to Wisconsin was “one of the worst days of [his] life.”

Whether it’s a team we love or hate, it’s so easy for us to see football players, and athletes in general, as just that: football players or athletes. It’s so easy—as a diehard football fan, I’m as guilty as anyone else—to let seasons good or bad, games, or even single plays define these people.

In our September issue, we sat down with some of the biggest Buckeyes names in recent memory to tell their stories, including the likes of Jim Tressel, Cardale Jones, Braxton Miller, Bobby Carpenter and more. And we sat down with them as players, sure, but also as people. Fathers, sons, brothers, business owners, farmers, even politicians. We learned about their time with the Bucks, but also their lives before and after, including what they’re up to today, whether that’s running a burger bar, working on a family farm or even serving as Ohio’s Lieutenant Governor (looking at you, Jim).

If you take anything from this issue, we hope you learn to see some of your favorite former Buckeyes stars as human beings. Hilarious, caring, flawed, unique, passionate ones. Ones who bleed Scarlet and Gray, but still bleed like you and I.

CONTRIBUTING

Created by

LEGENDARY

� STAFF PICKS

We put the Buckeye Legends on the spot (nothing they’re not used to!), and their bold predictions for OSU’s 2025 season are in—straight from the former greats themselves:

Well, we’re going to be good. Ryan’s done a great job. You know, everyone will be shooting at us because we’re standing at the top of the mountain. You’re gonna have ups and downs, but if you stay true to who you are, and keep the troops together, you can maybe have one of those special years.

— Jim Tressell, Head Coach, 2001-2010

I can definitely see this team making a run at the National Championship again.

— Zach Boren, Fullback, Linebacker, 2009-2012

This is one of the top 3-4 most talented teams in the country. They have all the ingredients. I think they’ll make it to the playoffs, semifinals, and then it’s up to them to see how much farther they can take it.

— Bobby Carpenter, Linebacker, 2002-2005

I honestly think this team will repeat, and/ or take another trip back to the National Championship. Caleb Downs, Jeremiah Smith, Sonny Styles, and Luke Montgomery were all huge pieces and all are returning. This group is generational and special. The ceiling is so high. I’m excited to sit back and observe greatness this 2025–2026 season.

— DeVier Posey, Wide Receiver, 2008-2011

I don’t usually make predictions, but I think they’re going to be good. It’s almost impossible these days for a team to go undefeated. So, they may lose one regular season game.

— Greg Lashutka, Tight End, 1963-1965

It's hard to go back to back, but if there's one team that can do it, it's this OSU team.

— Cardale Jones, Quarterback, 2012-2015

ON the WEB

Do you check your news and entertainment updates on 614now.com? You should. Every day we’re posting Columbus’ top news, entertainment, and sports stories from throughout Central Ohio. Check out all the Columbus news online, including the new ones below at 614now.com and subscribe to our daily email!

Gourmet donut concept opening first ever brick and mortar in Clintonville

Dough

will hold the grand opening event of its first ever storefront Aug. 2323, from 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m., or until they sell out.

New concept from Bodega, District West owners opens in Short North

A new concept from the minds behind Bodega and District West, Black Sheep Kitchen & Spirits officially opened for business on Aug. 7.

Organizer of Ohio hot air balloon festival pleads guilty to stealing festival funds

According to the Office of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, 52 year-old Marysville man Kevin Behrens pleaded guilty to theft charges as part of a plea agreement in Union County on Aug. 14.

2025 OSU FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

OSU vs. Texas Columbus, Ohio

OSU vs. Grambling State Columbus, Ohio

OSU vs. Ohio U Columbus, Ohio

OSU vs. Washington Seattle, Washington

OSU vs. Minnesota Columbus, Ohio

OSU vs. Illinois

Urbana-Champaign, Illinois

OSU vs. Wisconsin Madison, Wisconsin

OSU vs. Penn State Columbus, Ohio

OSU vs. Perdue West Lafayette, Indiana

OSU vs. UCLA Columbus, Ohio

OSU vs. Rutgers Columbus, Ohio

OSU vs. Michigan Ann Arbor, Michigan

DINNER W ITH A

After five years without dinner service, The Boat House at Confluence Park is celebrating their grand reopening with a whole new menu and hip cocktail program

By Jordan Abbruzzese

When I arrived at The Boat House at 4:00 p.m. sharp, well-dressed diners were already flocking to the door for their happy hour reservations. It was a Wednesday afternoon, but the date nights were rolling in like a Friday evening. Hosts greeted each guest, pouring complimentary bubbly in glasses so patrons could ‘cheers’ to their grand reopening. After a long hiatus, The Boat House at Confluence Park—a Columbus institution—is back and better than ever.

The restaurant at 679 W. Spring St. was originally constructed in 1987 as The Confluence Park Restaurant, built by the Specialty Restaurants Corporation. In the early ‘90s, a large deck with seating was added, allowing diners to look out over the water at the stunning view of the downtown Columbus skyline.

For decades, it was a favorite in the city, based on the elevated fair, elegant event spaces for both weddings and corporate meetings, and serene views on the water. Although the restaurant is freeway adjacent, it offers a quiet and peaceful refuge, complete with a decorative boardwalk and small water garden upon entering the building. But in 2020, that came to a halt, along with many other players in the industry. Even as restaurants reopened after the pandemic, The Boat House decided to exclusively host events without the dinner service throughout the restaurant, feeling it was the most responsible way to operate through the uncertainty.

The space also faced a major plumbing issue in 2023, forcing them to close completely while repairs were made. The closure provided an opportunity for a first round of renovations, like refacing the 1980s bar with a new nautical look, and additional cosmetic updates to the floors, walls, and kitchen area.

Outside, Columbus was waiting, wondering when and if The Boat House would once again be open for dinner service. →

“The phone really started blowing up after The cocktail line-up feels like a beach vacation, perfect for your next TikTok or Instagram story. Notably, their most popular cocktails include The Confluence, which is a hard lemonade, the Tropical Thunder—a pineapple and coconut based drink, the Paid Vacation—passion fruit and vodka mix served in a hanging dome glass, One in Melon—a delightfully pink watermelon infused margarita, a

Since the grand reopening, the kitchen recently prepared 55 smashburgers in a single evening. When asked why the reopening now, and why the rebrand— including a new, updated logo—Reynoso smiled.

“Because Columbus was ready for something different,” he said. “We have a phenomenal food and beverage scene, and we wanted to come out and be competitive and different. All these drinks we also do in our other restaurants in Orange County, and Miami, but the names are different. For example, Ghosted is called La Morte in Miami.”

“The vibe, the music, the three firepits outside, and we have our bistro lights

Sweet, spicy, savory and everything in between, here’s your guide to five of Columbus’ best gameday wing choices

By Anthony O’Connell

Football season is here, which means friends, cold drinks, and plenty of gameday feasts. If you can’t decide what to eat, just wing it.

Wings are the quintessential game-day food, and there’s a flavor for every fan: dry rub, saucy, spicy, or savory. Are you team drums or flats? (I’m team whichever wing is closest.) Ranch or blue cheese? (Why choose when you can have it all?) Even if you don’t care about the score, chicken wings, beer, and good company are a winning combo. From sweet heat to savory classics, from multi-day cooking processes to simple perfection, these are five of the most feast-worthy wings to enjoy this football season.

Roadhouse Wings & Grille

Mango Habanero

2177 Hilliard Rome Rd.

Their wings are everything you want: consistently crispy, juicy, and coated in plenty of sauce. I love that you can choose your spiciness level for any flavor, whether mild, medium, hot, or x-hot. My pick is the Mango Habanero hot, a sweet heat that’s as hard to stop as the Ohio State Buckeyes offense.

cheese, and butter on a perfectly cooked wing is a winning combo, the kind of triple threat that wins championships.

Golden Phoenix Restaurant

Salt & Pepper

4542 Cleveland Ave.

A casual sit-down Chinese-American spot with a full bar and some great cocktails and even better wings. I suggest starting with the Zombie before you dig into their beloved Salt & Pepper chicken wings. They’re presented beautifully with chopped vegetables, so it’s basically a salad in my book. Green onions stir-fried with garlic, chili flakes, jalapeños, and seasoning take the flavor up a notch. The wings are extra crispy with a satisfying crunch, tender and juicy inside, and seasoned to perfection. Much like an onside kick, you might not expect them…but they could be the game-changer of your football season.

Bittersweet

The Cheesecake Girl’s season of sweetness and sorrow that concluded with a new location at The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center

Abusiness, The Cheesecake Girl, Samantha ”Sam” Strange, 32, knew a lot about creating unique desserts, doing pop-up sales and building-out store locations. But when she got an email asking her to bid on a retail bakery space at The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, she was at a loss.

”I had no idea what they were talking about. I baked cheesecake.”

The space the hospital was looking to fill was formerly Cheryl’s Cookies, which had a 30-year run in the location before closing in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, Sam wasn’t looking for another location, but with some encouragement from her parents, Mike and Lorie, and prayer to determine the best next step, she filled out the bid forms and waited, a little ambivalent.

But her outlook changed when she got word her bid had made it through the first round, and she’d been invited to pitch The Cheesecake Girl to the hospital board.

”I started thinking, ‘I wonder if this could be great? We could be there for 30 years, who knows?’”

Well, Lorie Strange knew. She had no doubt.

”From the beginning, my mom was saying, ‘This is going to happen. I feel it. This is meant to be.’” →

Sam made her pitch in September 2022, telling the board about her company and suggesting some hospital-specific tie-ins, positioning cheesecake as a treat equally appropriate for celebration or consolation.

The pitch went well, the second-round of waiting had begun, and Sam got back to businessas-usual.

Two months later, her father Mike Strange was diagnosed with T-cell Lymphoma.

Suddenly, the family’s connection to The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center was far more than just business. Mike went to the James Comprehensive Cancer Center for a month, where Lorie slept every night until he was discharged, to continue with outpatient treatment. Their in-person experience gave them all a new appreciation for the hospital.

Sam was still waiting to hear the outcome of her pitch when her dad went into remission in March, 2023. With the family in a more hopeful place, they agreed they should make a go of it if The Cheesecake Girl was chosen for the hospital spot.

”We hadn’t heard anything in a long time,” she said, ”then kind of all at once, in August of 2023, they reached out and said they chose me and wanted us to sign a lease.”

That same month, Mike’s cancer returned. The lymphoma had metastasized, but he hadn’t lost his enthusiasm for the project.

”My dad was so gung-ho about it, even when he was in the hospital,” Sam recalled. But it didn’t feel right to keep growing The Cheesecake Girl while her father was undergoing cancer treatment. In the process of finalizing the lease, she told her parents she could still back out.

”They said, ‘Absolutely not,’” they insisted. ”‘Don’t stop for anything. We’re fully behind you.’”

Mike started outpatient treatment, but this time the cancer got bad fast, Sam said. He spent another month in the hospital, Lorie by his side, and died in November, a month before the location’s scheduled opening.

His family was grieving, and the space wasn’t

”My dad was the point of contact for all contractor things for all our other buildouts,” Sam explained. ”He was the person working through the orders, the schedule, everything, but he could barely talk for the last month he was here, during the most important part of construction.”

Sam turned to her contractors, Julie and Allen Godfrey, who were aware of Mike’s illness.

”I remember calling Julie and saying I have no idea what’s going on. I’ve got three other locations to run, my dad is in the hospital and I don’t know what to do,” Sam said. ”Julie told me, ‘Don’t worry one more second about this. I’ll handle everything, and I’ll do it in your best interest.’”

She was true to her word. “I’m telling you, it was turnkey,” Sam declared.

The Cheesecake Girl at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center opened December 28, 2023, dedicated to Mike Strange. A picture of the family is displayed there, along with Mike’s favorite Bible verse and a brief tribute.

Now in her second year at the hospital, Sam still seems awed by the journey, and is so grateful to the doctors and nurses who cared for her dad.

”A lot of people who get the diagnosis he got would have to travel to be at a hospital as good as the Wexner and the James,” she said, ”so we are very, very thankful that it was essentially in our backyard.” ♦

CREOLE IN COLUMBUS

Cajun and Creole cooking from a chef with Louisiana roots lands in The Short North

By Laura Hennigan

here’s a new spot in Columbus to grab some delicious, authentic Cajun cuisine with the opening of House of Creole in the Short North. Taking over the former Fireproof space at 1026 N. High St., the restaurant arrives in the (614) after doing well in the Cleveland location that opened in 2022.

Chef Jeffeary Miskiri is the owner of Miskiri Hospitality Group, a unique collective of Black, family, and women-owned products and restaurants in the Washington D.C. area. “I’ve been cooking my whole life and worked in the family business as a kid,” he shared. “Our family roots are in the South and I’ve always had a passion for cooking Cajun and Creole dishes.” While in college, Miskiri wrote his first business plan for a Caribbean and Southern cuisine restaurant and submitted it in a competition. He ended up winning first place and a $10,000 grant to help further his dreams.

His next stop was the Crescent City, where he spent two years with his great-grandfather and immersed himself in the heritage, culture, and style of Louisiana’s Creole and Cajun cuisine. Once back in D.C., Miskiri was ready to launch his first restaurant. Po Boy Jim opened in 2012, followed by Creole on 14th in 2020 and then Suga & Spice in 2021.

Not long after, the opportunity to expand to Cleveland presented itself, and House of Creole opened in Northeast Ohio in 2022. “The lack of having this type of cuisine in the Midwest was intriguing to me and I felt confident that it would be received well,” he said. →

“House of Creole Cleveland has been so successful that Columbus made sense as the next location. There wasn’t much Cajun and Creole cuisine here, so I was confident that we could do well in this market,” he continued

The contemporary restaurant prides itself on creating unique dishes and craft cocktails inspired by the diverse cultures of New Orleans. The interior is both tropical and moody, with plenty of greenery and gold accents. Mikari is proud of all the dishes, but some of his favorites are the loaded gumbo, Cajun shrimp and grits, jambalaya and Creole wings. There is also a brunch menu that includes mimosas, chicken and waffles, catfish and french toast.

“We’re excited to be in Columbus and everyone has welcomed us with open arms,” said Miskiri. “We love the diverse culture here and feel like it’s a really good fit. This cuisine represents who I am… I love creating it and am excited to share it with the city.” ♦

“WE’RE EXCITED TO BE IN COLUMBUS AND EVERYONE HAS WELCOMED US WITH OPEN ARMS.”

From artists to content creators and football stars, Columbus comes together to combat food insecurity

FROM THE EDITOR

As a journalist, I’ve found that the best stories—the ones that are most compelling, most unique—follow the facts. They dive into an unexpected or unusual aspect of an interview, and follow it to its conclusion.

Sometimes, though, when preparing for an interview, I’ll find myself planning ahead, especially when I already think I have a preconceived idea of where a story is going.

Before I spoke to Liam Layton (whose story you can find on p. 40), I will admit that I did this. I asked him—a local food-based content creator who supports Mid-Ohio Food Collective (MOFC)—if he felt a greater sense of responsibility to combat food insecurity now that he has a large online platform behind him. I was expecting a resounding “Yes.” His answer—although in more eloquent terms—was “No.” And I wasn’t expecting it.

Layton told me that, while he has more capacity to help now, his desire to help remains unchanged, and would be as strong if he had zero followers, as opposed to the over a million he has.

I think, if we can all take away something from this year’s Hunger Action Month content, it has to do with Liam’s answer to my question. Regardless of our current station in life, if we truly want to help, we can. There are things we can do, however small they might seem at the moment. Sure, we might not be able to donate hundreds of dollars or spend an entire week volunteering, but it’s the culmination of these small efforts that adds up in the end anyway.

Jack McLaughlin, (614)Magazine

PROMOTIONS

Flyers Pizza — All Month | All Locations

Round up to the nearest dollar, or donate $1, $5, or a custom amount at checkout—online or in-store.

Kroger Co. — All Month | All Locations

Round up to the nearest dollar, or donate $1, $3, or $5 at checkout. All proceeds go to your local food bank.

Local Cantina — All Month | All Locations

For every Sweet Corn Margarita sold in September, Local Cantina will donate $1 to MOFC.

Bendi Wok N’ Bar — All Month | All Locations

For every Sparkling Boba Cocktail sold in September, Bendi Wok N’ Bar will donate $1 to MOFC.

The Pizza Box — All Month | All Locations

Food truck located at Antiques on High and Getaway Brewing Company. For every pizza sold in September, The Pizza Box will donate $1 to MOFC.

Grove City Brewing Company — All Month

3946 Broadway, Grove City

Round up to the nearest dollar at checkout. Bring any canned or boxed food donations and receive a coupon for 10% off your next food purchase (dine-in only).

Liberty Tavern Polaris — All Month

2170 Polaris Pkwy, Columbus

For every Caprese Martini sold in September, Orange Umbrella Restaurants will donate $1 to MOFC.

Rossi Kitchen + Bar — All Month

895 N High St, Columbus

For every Caprese Martini sold in September, Orange Umbrella Restaurants will donate $1 to MOFC.

South Village Grille — All Month

97 Thurman Ave, Columbus

For every Caprese Martini sold in September, Orange Umbrella Restaurants will donate $1 to MOFC.

GuestRachelRives

Yes, we are a food bank. But we are also so much more!

In Mid-Ohio Food Collective’s podcast, Everyone at the Table, you will gain a fresh perspective on all things MOFC!

Join our host Scott Light, as he leads conversations about the evolving work of ending hunger. Tune in and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts for a new perspective on food banking and hunger in our community.

CALEB DOWNS

Safety, Ohio State Buckeyes

All-American football player Caleb Downs and his family’s foundation donates time, energy, and resources to MOFC

By Jack McLaughlin

If you’re a college football fan especially of The Ohio State Buckeyes then Caleb Downs is probably a household name. The All-American defensive back transferred to Columbus in 2024 after his freshman year at Alabama, and has continued to represent the scarlet and gray spirit both on and off the field.

You may not know that Downs also has an older brother, Josh, who's a standout wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts, and that their family has a foundation, the Trust Downs Foundation, managed by Executive Director Andre Mandeldove. The organization believes in fighting food insecurity, aligning with Mid-Ohio Food Collective’s mission.

“As a foundation, there is a special place in the family’s heart the Downs of helping others, especially when it comes to basic needs like food and shelter,” said Mandeldove. “It’s a faith-based foundation. We have all been so blessed, we feel as though we have been given this platform for a reason: to serve.”

Mandeldove and Downs have been out in the community, sitting side by side with people in need, and experiencing the growing crisis of folks not being able to access food.

“When you are lacking that basic need, we don’t think it’s super uncommon to lack other basic needs,” said Mandeldove. “Sometimes people are in a situation where you have to choose one or the other. They can provide shelter, but have to go without food. Some people can locate food but go

“WE HAVE ALL BEEN SO BLESSED, WE FEEL AS THOUGH WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN THIS PLATFORM FOR A REASON: TO SERVE.”

without shelter. Some people experience both.”

Last season, Ohio State center (and fellow All-American) Seth McLaughlin partnered with Mid-Ohio Food Collective as an ambassador, raising more than $11,000 through the sale of his “Run The Damn Ball” hats. This year, he’s passed that torch to Caleb, who will continue the tradition of Buckeyes giving back. And next year, Caleb hopes to pass that torch again, inviting fellow Buckeyes to join in the fight against hunger and carry forward the legacy of service.

“It’s really about donating time and energy,” said Mandeldove. “And that is what we found to mean the most to these individuals and the communities they’re serving, when they get to talk and connect to Josh and Caleb.”

This holiday season, the Trust Downs Foundation will be partnering with Mid-Ohio Food Collective to provide Thanksgiving meals to families through a long-term campaign. Using Caleb’s platform, the two organizations will host a season-long donation page to help bring in food for families, but also raise awareness to the need here in Columbus.

“This is the foundation of a family who is really rooted in their faith,” concluded Mandeldove. “Columbus has embraced him, and coming off that National Championship win, it feels like home. He wants to give back and is excited for another opportunity to do the Lord’s work.”

LIAM LAYTON

With millions of views each month, the popular food-based content creator under the name The Plant Slant talks roots, recipes and giving back

By Jack McLaughlin | Photos by Polly Sellers

Liam Layton may be the most famous man on the internet when it comes to cottage cheese.

No, seriously. The New York-raised content creator—now a graduate student in Nutrition at The Ohio State University—has made a name for himself on YouTube, TikTok and more via a series of foodrelated videos that are as witty and sarcastic as they are informative.

His channel, The Plant Slant, often features Layton testing healthy snack hacks, and it didn’t take long before he was flooded with requests to try recipes that rely on cottage cheese as a proteinboosting and calorie-lowering substitute. His reactions to them quickly became one his calling cards as a creator.

“I like cottage cheese, but I eat it out of the container with a spoon like a civilized person,” he said with a laugh. “People on the internet are putting it in everything, and that’s not right. It’s like the new cauliflower.”

And while Layton has carved a comfortable niche for himself as a well-known content creator— meaning he can afford to make as many cottage cheese-related recipes as he wants— it hasn’t always been this way for the popular YouTuber, who grew up on federal assistance food programs like SNAP and WIC.

So when the One Big Beautiful Bill—which resulted in billions of dollars cut from SNAP—passed into law earlier this year, Layton decided to help where he could, sending a $500 donation to MidOhio Food Collective.

“I WOULD SAY HAVING A PLATFORM DOESN’T MAKE ME MORE COMPELLED TO HELP... BUT I REALIZE THAT WITH WHAT I HAVE I CAN MAKE A BIGGER MARK.”

“That happened and I thought, ‘Ok, how are a lot of people going to get food now? Food banks. What’s the closest food bank to me? Mid-Ohio Food Collective,’” he said with the same kind of matter-of-fact pragmatism that has helped win over millions of viewers across the internet.

And while his most recent donation caught the most attention, he has quietly contributed more than once since starting his tenure at OSU, including an earlier instance where he donated the proceeds of a T-shirt design he sold to the food collective.

For Layton, finding ways to give back dovetails neatly with his ideas of content creation and audience engagement: Take a minute to logically walk through the best way to make an impact, and your content—like your donation—will likely make a larger mark.

“It’s like when I make a video, I ask myself: ’Did it get views? What are people talking about? Is there a recurring theme I can isolate with

this and another video that did well,” he said. “You also need to be entertaining and teach people something. I started off doing just informative stuff and nobody watched. At the same time, if you’re just doing a skit, you’re not providing anything.”

Layton finds himself in a unique position, with a captive audience of over a million every month. He recognizes that with more views comes more impact, but the fundamental drive to help is something that’s been there all along.

“I would say having a platform doesn’t make me more compelled to help, I would feel the same compulsion even if I had no viewers, but I realize that with what I have I can make a bigger mark,” he said.

Check out some of Layton’s content on YouTube, TikTok and more @The-Plant-Slant.

GIVE HELP

September is Hunger Action Month, and Mid-Ohio Food Collective is inviting our Central Ohio neighbors to step up and help us fight insecurity. Last year was our busiest ever. In 2024, customers visited their local pantries a record 1.84 million times. Whether you can give food, money, time, or your voice, no act is too big or too small!

DONATE

Donating to MOFC is one of the best ways to help our hungry neighbors. For every $1 donated, MOFC can provide up to 2.5 meals to families in need. With 93% of funds going directly to hunger relief programs, you can be sure every penny has an impact. Visit give.mofc.org/614Action to chip in against hunger.

VOLUNTEER

Got some spare time? Spend it giving back at (614) Magazine’s #1 ColumBEST Favorite Local Charity several years running! We need 1,000 volunteers per week, and everyone can make a difference—whether they’re harvesting at the Mid-Ohio Farm, stocking shelves at a Mid-Ohio Market, cooking at the Mid-Ohio Kitchen, or sorting and packing donations at the Mid-Ohio Foodbank. Sign up at mofb.volunteerhub.com.

ADVOCATE

With record-high need and shrinking government support, we need your help to push for policies and funding that help feed people, protect programs and address the root causes of hunger. Together we can tackle food insecurity and the challenges that contribute to it, such as housing, transportation, poverty, and access to health care. Visit mofc.org/advocate to learn more and get involved.

GET HELP

Hunger is in every ZIP code in Ohio. Wherever you call home, hunger lives here...but so does help! If you, your friends, your family, or your neighbors need help putting food on the table, Mid-Ohio Food Collective and our network of local partners have your back.

FIND FREE FOOD CLOSE TO HOME

Visit mofc.org, click on “Find Food” and enter your ZIP code to learn about the pantries and free community meals near you. Each listing shows the site’s hours, address, and helpful details to make your stop as quick and easy as possible.

SEND SOMEONE TO PICK UP

If you can’t get to a market or pantry, all MOFC partner agencies use a process called proxy shopping. You can send a person you know and trust to pick up food and deliver it to you. Visit MOFC.org/proxy to download proxy shopping forms in nine languages.

GET HELP WITH PUBLIC BENEFITS

Need help applying for SNAP, Medicaid, or other programs? MOFC’s customer and benefits outreach team can help guide you through the process free of charge. Visit MOFC.org/get-help to learn about the ways we can help.

CRYSTAL LETT Ohio House Representative

From Mental Health advocate to State House office, Crystal Lett’s journey has always included thinking larger than herself

By Jordan Abbruzzese | Photos by Polly Sellers

Representative Crystal Lett, a Columbusarea native out of Hilliard, didn’t always plan to run for office. Beginning her career in mental health advocacy at North Central Community Mental Health Services in Columbus, Lett worked with young folks with mental health disorders many of which dealt with food insecurity.

“I served Franklin County in particular, and at the time I linked them with Mid-Ohio at large, and I knew they had programming that would be beneficial for kiddos to volunteer,” explained Lett. “It was a two prong approach, accessing them for what the kids needed, but also engaging in opportunities to have those kiddos learn how to give back.”

As a parent of a child with health issues, Representative Lett has firsthand experience with what the community needs, and what they are able to access.

“The thing I struggled with the most with my own child was that access component,” said Lett. “I know what it feels like to be hanging on by an actual thread.”

During back-to-school time, parents are spending more than usual on fees, clothes, and supplies. Families who are already paycheck to paycheck may need to utilize a food pantry to eat three meals a day and keep their families fed. Food banks are saving these families by filling in the gaps when parents don’t have the opportunity to change employment or earn higher wages.

For many of these families, the parents are already working more than one job.

When it comes to working with the government to advocate for food insecurity services like Mid-Ohio Food Collective, Representative Lett feels that elected officials

should be prioritizing food pantry funding, and making sure they have the resources they need to feed the community, all within a more sustainable funding model.

“We have to make harder cases for why this money is important. It’s aspirational and is the right, smart, and economically-wise thing to do for our people and for our state,” said Representative Lett.

While Representative Lett is in a unique position to help make a difference, you do not need to be an elected official or a celebrity to make a change. Lett believes strongly that it’s beneficial for us all to have a society where we can lean on each other, and serve one another. The service leader has “never regretted” a time she showed up and got involved.

“Being a part of something that is bigger than you brings your whole community together, and is deep, meaningful, and purposeful,” said Representative Lett.

“BEING A PART OF SOMETHING THAT IS BIGGER THAN YOU BRINGS YOUR WHOLE COMMUNITY TOGETHER, AND IS DEEP, MEANINGFUL, AND PURPOSEFUL.”

GREG SOURS

The local concert photographer is turning his vintage shots of rock legends into a fundraiser that helps feed and support Central Ohio families through Mid-Ohio Food Collective

By Sav McKee | Photos by Erich Hiner

Hall & Oates, Peter Frampton, Neil Young, and Queen are all helping feed Central Ohio.

Well, sort of.

Nearly five decades ago, Greg Sours was photographing concerts for the Ohio-based magazine Focus Rock Entertainment. From the pit and stage, he captured rock icons in their prime. “Somehow I managed to keep the negatives safe, dry, and in good shape, and eventually digitized them,” said Greg. Now, those images have found a new purpose: raising awareness and funds for MidOhio Food Collective.

“It was just an idea that I came up with,” he said. “It upsets me that in the richest country in the world, people go to sleep at night hungry. I’ve never been in a situation where I was concerned about my next meal, but there are a lot of people who are.”

Greg prints, frames, and sells his photographs, often including the colored-copies of concert ticket

stubs in the frame, too. Prices range from $40 to $150, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to MOFC. While buyers across the country have discovered his work, about 90% of his customers are right here in Columbus. Freddie Mercury, pre-mustache, midleap, Peter Frampton lost in a guitar solo—these are pieces of music history, sure, but they’re now funding meals for local families.

Greg once volunteered in MOFC’s kitchen, chopping vegetables and prepping meals. Standing for long shifts isn’t possible anymore, he said, so this project became his way to keep giving back meaningfully. “This is something for me to do that keeps me busy, where everybody wins,” he noted. So far, he’s raised around $4,000 for MOFC.

MOFC was the obvious choice for Greg. “What really impresses me about

MOFC is that they provide so much to the community—they give knowledge on how to prepare food, they grow food, and they offer programs. It’s the best choice for a charity because you know that your dollar is going to go as far as it can go.”

And, perhaps, most importantly, he emphasized that, “There’s no element of shame that exists at MOFC. They’re there to help people any way they can.”

You can find Greg’s work at Sours Photo on Facebook. Contact soursphoto@gmail.com for more inquiries.

“IT’S THE BEST CHOICE FOR A CHARITY BECAUSE YOU KNOW THAT YOUR DOLLAR IS GOING TO GO AS FAR AS IT CAN GO.”

FEEDING HOPE

When you volunteer with us, you help feed families and strengthen our community. Every hour you give brings fresh food to those in need. Whether sorting at Mid-Ohio Foodbank, helping at the Farm, or greeting shoppers at a Market, you’re part of ending hunger here at home.

“I PUT ON MY MOFC VOLUNTEER T-SHIRT WITH PRIDE AND THE KNOWLEDGE THAT I PLAY A ROLE IN MAKING A REAL DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS.”

Ed S. Mid-Ohio Foodbank Volunteer

“IT WAS JUST SO SIMPLE TO SIGN UP AND GET STARTED. MAKING SOMEONE'S BURDEN LIGHTER AND THEIR DAY A LITTLE EASIER IS A REWARD IN ITSELF.”

Amy S. Mid-Ohio Market Volunteer

doesn’t

“IT WARMS MY HEART THAT I CAN FEED CHILDREN BY VOLUNTEERING IN THE KITCHEN. A BONUS IS MEETING GENEROUS AND FRIENDLY FOLKS!”

Barbara M. Mid-Ohio Kitchen Volunteer

“I LEARNED HOW TO GROW AND HARVEST LETTUCE. WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY AND EXPERIENCE!”

Deana L. Mid-Ohio Farm Volunteer

GET INVOLVED

CHANGE LIVES, STARTING TODAY.

Learn how you can help feed families and strengthen our community—scan below.

JODI BURROUGHS

Grove City Council Member and brewery co-owner Jodi Burroughs partners with MOFC to ensure Central Ohio has access to fresh, healthy meals—one pint at a time

By Sav McKee | Photos courtesy of Jodi Burroughs

Food insecurity is never far from Jodi Burroughs’ mind.

The City Council Member and co-partner of Plum Run Winery and Grove City Brewing Company has always been deeply rooted in her community. The more involved she became, the more clearly she saw where change was needed, specifically when it came to ensuring every neighbor has access to fresh, healthy meals.

“I want to serve the underserved,” she reflected. “I feel strongly that everybody deserves access to good food on a daily basis.”

After more than 30 years living in Grove City, Jodi began volunteering with Mid-Ohio Food Collective. “My connection to MOFC goes back a long time,” she said. Before the pandemic, she was there every Friday for five years. “I loved meeting the people who came in,” she recalled. “You’d be surprised of all the different backgrounds and cultures we have here in Central Ohio who utilize MOFC.”

Though she no longer volunteers weekly, Jodi remains a driving force in the Grove City community. As a Council Member, she’s more immersed than ever in the city’s operations and civic engagement, while still hosting events and fundraisers at Plum Run Winery and Grove City Brewing Company.

“When MOFC had a ‘happy hour’ for other food bank workers around the nation, Plum Run Winery and our brewery poured wine and beer for everyone,” she mentioned.

“FOOD IS A BASIC NECESSITY, AND EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE IT.”

This September, in honor of Hunger Action Month, Grove City Brewing Company is stepping up for the second year in a row. All month long, guests can round up their tab, with the brewery matching the amount and donating it directly to MOFC. “Money donations make a bigger impact,” Jodi emphasized. “MOFC has more buying power than what we do. That $5 goes a lot further when they purchase food than when we shop at the grocery store for donations.” But for those who prefer to give physical goods, Grove City Brewing is offering a 10% discount coupon for customers who bring in nonperishable food items.

Jodi could have chosen any cause to support. But for her, food access is fundamental, and MOFC directly benefits the

community. “Food is a basic necessity, and everyone should have it,” she said. And not just any food, but fresh, nourishing meals.

“I feel that a lot of the people experiencing food insecurity also have limited access to healthy food options. It’s a terrible imbalance—processed food leads to health issues and obesity. But nutritious meals make a world of difference,” she said.

Together, WeCan EndHunger

Round up during your next trip to Kroger to feed neighbors in need and strengthen our communities.

By Jack McLaughlin Section Design by Andrew Thomas

Glory is forever, but careers in collegiate and professional football are not. Whether it’s due to injury, age or something else entirely, even the best of the best only thrive on the gridiron for a decade or so, and most for far less.

If you’re a Buckeyes fan in any capacity, you already know Jim Tressel as a coach. You already know Cardale Jones and Braxton Miller as players. But how about them as people? Who are they as human beings, and what are they, now that their glory days on the field are behind them?

We sat down with eight former Buckeye greats, each of whom experienced their own separate journeys after the lights went out at Ohio Stadium. Some of them went pro. Others didn’t. Some started businesses, while others still have a hand in the sport they love through media, coaching or kids. Others— more than one, in fact—landed in local politics.

These are their stories. This is life after football. →

From media to business and even giving back, the first-ever College Football Playoff champion quarterback is still full speed-ahead

By Ellyn Briggs

Cardale Jones is busy—and he’s been that way for a while.

Since leading The Ohio State Buckeyes to their eighth national championship—and the first of the College Football playoff era—during the 2014-15 season, the now 32-year-old hasn’t stopped moving.

For his first several post-OSU years, these moves were still happening on a football field; between 2016 and 2022, Jones played professionally for a number of teams, including the Buffalo Bills, the Los Angeles Chargers and the DC Defenders of the XFL. But recently, Jones’ moves have been more metaphorical in nature— and he’s been making them both here in Columbus and elsewhere around the country.

“I’m very lucky to be able to explore a lot of the things I’m interested in, from media and entrepreneurship to philanthropy,” Jones said of his current slate of gigs. All told, he has four of them—at least formally, anyway.

Two of these gigs involve raising money on behalf of Ohio State in some capacity. He hosts an annual charity softball game supporting The Buckeye Cruise for Cancer and is the co-founder and general manager of THE Foundation, a nonprofit that, under the NCAA’s updated name, image and likeness (NIL) guidelines, raises money and secures sponsorship opportunities for OSU student-athletes, while also connecting them to local charitable causes. Jones is particularly proud of THE Foundation’s status as a pioneer in the NIL space: “The operating structure that we came up with ended up being used as a blueprint by tons of other schools,” he said.

During the few hours when Jones isn’t working to strengthen Ohio State’s existing empire, he’s out building his own—namely through television and podcasting. In addition to serving as an in-studio analyst on Inside College Football, CBS Sports’ flagship college football program, Jones hosts an Ohio State-focused podcast called The Script alongside fellow former Buckeye standouts Beanie Wells and Dave Holmes. →

ONLY QB IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL HISTORY TO WIN A CHAMPIONSHIP IN HIS FIRST THREE CAREER STARTS

“THE

COLUMBUS COMMUNITY HAS DONE SO MUCH FOR ME. THE GROWTH OF THE CITY OVERALL HAS BEEN TREMENDOUS THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS, AND I LOVE BEING HERE TO WITNESS IT.”

His playing experience, 6'5" frame and fun-loving personality make him a natural on-air talent, but the media education Jones received by way of being an Ohio State quarterback has proven quite helpful.

“There’s a lot on your shoulders when you’re in the position I was in,” he explained. “I learned very quickly that you have to handle yourself well, and I think a lot of the opportunities I’ve gotten have come because I internalized that so early.”

Jones says the grueling nature of football prepared him for life in the spotlight in other ways, too—like being able to endure 12-14 hour studio days with lots of moving parts and last-minute changes.

While his ultimate goal is to “ride the TV train until the wheels fall off” and eventually make appearances on the sideline and in the broadcast booth, Jones also isn’t shy about his unique love for podcast hosting.

“Because [podcasting] is longer-form, it really lets you decompress, gather your thoughts and give your opinion in a different way,” he said. Plus, he appreciates that the format offers him the ability to “control [his] own narrative.” The fact that many ex-athletes have found podcasting to be extremely lucrative doesn’t hurt, either. Still, Jones isn’t looking to go full Hollywood just yet.

“The Columbus community has done so much for me,” he said. “The growth of the city overall has been tremendous the last couple of years, and I love being here to witness it.”

After lighting up college football as both quarterback and receiver, one of OSU’s most electrifying talents finds new meaning in business, giving back, and burgers

By Amy Campbell

The case could be made that Braxton Miller’s “life after football” hasn’t really begun, considering all the teaching and coaching, but planning for it started while he was still on the field.

“When I was playing, I was also working on my future,” he said. “Most importantly, I was working on investments that could pay me back 10x by the time I was done playing.”

That forward-looking approach has allowed Miller, 32, to create multiple ways to give back to his hometown of Springfield and his home base, Columbus. In 2023, he opened the Springfield Sports Academy (SSA), a charter school for students in grades K-7. The school’s building, formerly J. Warren Keifer Junior High, is owned by ACCEL School Network, which operates 92 schools in 16 states, according to its website.

The academy offers an Ohio standards-based curriculum, providing English/language arts, math, social studies and science, and assesses student progress every two weeks. An afternoon PE program for all students is followed by playing sports, or unleashing their creative side in art classes. And, in the interest of protecting evenings as family time, team practices and most games are also held in the afternoon.

Recently, Miller also connected with the Sexton brothers of Sexton’s Pizza, hoping to collaborate in the restaurant space. The result is a share of Sexton’s Burger Bar, which opened in Gahanna in 2024, offering smash burgers and buttermilk fried chicken sandwiches, along with beer and signature cocktails.

Another of his initiatives is Charg1ing, a brand under the umbrella of his Braxton Miller Foundation, offering AAU youth sports opportunities in football and basketball to kids in grades 1-12. The foundation also partners with Xtreme STEM and US Drone Soccer to offer co-ed robotics and drone soccer teams for grades 7-12 in Springfield and Columbus.

AAU programs like Charg1ing offer promising athletes the chance to be seen by coaches and scouts well before high school, Miller said. →

HOLDS THE BIG TEN CONFERENCE RECORD FOR MOST INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

“WHEN I WAS PLAYING, I WAS ALSO WORKING ON MY FUTURE. MOST IMPORTANTLY, I WAS WORKING ON INVESTMENTS THAT COULD PAY ME BACK 10X BY THE TIME I WAS DONE PLAYING.”

“If you can get some eyeballs on kids, the earlier the better. My parents saw something in me at a young age, and I can see that in these kids right now.”

Miller’s son proves the point: Landon Miller, 13, received a scholarship offer from Florida Atlantic University last year, a sixth-grade prospect for the recruiting class of 2031.

Knowing how to conduct oneself as a highly-touted football prospect is something Braxton knows a thing or two about himself. A five-star recruit from Huber Heights (where Miller relocated to from Springfield just before high school), Miller committed to OSU, where he earned a litany of accolades, including Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2011, two-time Big Ten Quarterback of the Year honors, two-time Big Ten Most Valuable Player recognition and National Champion.

With a collegiate journey as unique as his skillset, the electrifyingly athletic Miller netted the majority of awards playing quarterback during the first four years of his time at Ohio State, before switching to wide receiver and showing enough promise to be selected in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans. He lasted only a handful of years in the league, but his OSU legacy endures.

“It kind of took the love of the game away from me for a little bit,” he recalled. “I didn’t feel the joy of strapping on my cleats and my helmet anymore. So, I was like, ‘I think it's time.’”

While Miller left the NFL, he never left football behind. Not really. And whether it’s teaching kids through AAU or watching his own son hit the field, it’s possible, likely, even, he never will.

A peregrine professional career took the speedy Buckeyes star across the US and Canada; Community brought him home to Columbus

By Jack McLaughlin

Eight different cities. A torn Achilles. A Spartan diet and regimented daily wellness routine to maximize performance and reduce injury risk.

When I asked DeVier Posey—the speedy former Ohio State receiver—what he had given football across his professional career, he summed it up in simpler terms:

“I gave that sport my life,” he said.

And while his story might sound to some like a man looking back with disdain, it’s the opposite for Posey, who recalls fondly a football career that afforded him critical life experience, business acumen, and eventually a place to call home.

Born in Redwood City, California and raised in Cincinnati, Posey came to Columbus as a five-star recruit in 2008, after then head coach Jim Tressel converted him (whose family at the time was mostly Michigan fans) to the Scarlet and Gray.

“Man, you can’t say ‘no’ to the vest,” he recalled with a laugh. “But just the stuff he brought out of guys, both on the football field and with life in general. I’m so happy to have played under him.”

A productive collegiate career—highlighted by a game-winning touchdown catch in the 2010 Rose Bowl against Oregon—helped him land with the Houston Texans as a third-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. His NFL career took him to New York and then Denver before he went to the CFL. In Canada, Posey played for the Toronto Argonauts for a single season, where he earned Grey Cup MVP honors in 2017, before rejoining the NFL (with the Ravens) the following year.

“That’s what I’m most proud of professionally,” said Posey, who even served as his own agent for a portion of his career. “Plus, not many guys have done that: Go to Canada and come back.”

While he no longer plays professionally, football still has a place in Posey’s life—as he co-hosts The Buckeye Show on 97.1 The Fan and contributes to multiple other radio shows at the station–but service plays just as big of a role in his life. →

CAUGHT THE GAMEWINNING TD IN THE 2010 ROSE BOWL

2X CONFERENCE CHAMPION ('12-13) 1,955 RECEIVING YARDS 19 CAREER TDS

↑ While he no longer plays professionally, football and community are still an integral part of Posey’s life. He hosts The

and his non-profit helps Central Ohio youth understand the importance of nutrition

“I'VE LIVED IN A LOT OF PLACES

AND

THINK COLUMBUS HAS SOME OF THE BEST COMMUNITIES IN AMERICA.”

His non-profit, Pocket Full of Poseys, continues to help Central Ohio youth understand the importance of nutrition, as it has since 2013. Another community-oriented project he launched with former OSU standout Braxton Miller, called Empower, serves as an afterschool program that helps school-aged kids with mental health, confidence and essential life skills.

“When I was in Canada, my wife was pregnant and my older son was in school. They had a program that was so advanced, I could pick yoga, karate or pottery for my son to do after class,” He said. “I remember watching him grow so much, so we thought, ‘Why can’t we bring that here?’”

Ultimately, football came full circle, and his journey ended where it, in many respects, started. In Columbus, where Posey and his wife, Kierra, raise their three children.

“I played for eight teams in eight cities, and the hardest thing to find in a city was community. A place for your kids to play, living where you have great schools, places to eat, grocery stores, things to do,” he said. “I’ve lived in a lot of places and think Columbus has some of the best communities in America. Westerville, Dublin, Pickerington, Hilliard. My kids are growing here and thriving here because of the people that Columbus has.”

From high school coach to national champion, university president and now Lieutenant Governor, Jim Tressel’s journey has always been grounded in educating

J

im Tressel has gone from head coach to university president to Lieutenant Governor of Ohio— perhaps raising a few eyebrows— but definitely revealing a career trajectory that, for all intents and purposes, chose him.

Life after football—or, really, after coaching—has been “spectacular,” Tressel said.

In his world, football has been just one of the things that fuels his lifelong passion for education. Whether he's a position coach, a head coach, a university president, or the Lieutenant Governor, his leadership is always grounded in teaching.

Tressel’s ambitions in his early career were modest. “I really wanted to coach high school and teach in a high school,” he explained. “I was an education major, and that's what I wanted to do. I thought I would go to a community, and become entrenched in the community, and live happily ever after.”

“And, you know, that didn't happen,” he reflected.

After graduate school, Tressel really had no interest in leaving any of his several assistant coaching positions, but “all of a sudden

By Melinda Green | Photos by Cheyn Roux

someone would call,” and he would find himself elsewhere. “After about 9 or 10 years as an assistant coach, I thought, ‘Well, I'm going to be a head coach in a small college like my dad was.’ I saw the impact he had on his students … so I thought, ‘That's what I want to do.’ Well, that never happened.”

Leading where you’re called to lead has become a core tenet of Tressel’s life. “One thing we talked about with our teams all the time was, you need to focus on the moment, and do the best you can and learn all you can in the moment you are [in],” he said. “Life will take you where life will take you— sometimes maybe not exactly where you planned, or wanted, even. But it was fairly early, I realized that we're not always in control of everything.”

During his 38-year football career, he viewed himself more as an educator than a “sports person.” And asked to pick a standout moment in his OSU career, he declined, saying, “It wouldn’t be fair to all the standout moments we had.” These mindsets helped him pivot to being President of Youngstown State University from 2014-2023.

“You don't realize the little

('91, ‘93, ‘94, ‘97)

cocoon you're in until you go out and find out that there is something else going on in the world,” he admitted. “I felt as if a lot of the things that I had learned transferred, but it was just so much bigger and so much more of a variety of interests. And that's what was kind of fun about it. It makes you realize the world's big. That was always something that we talked constantly about [in football] because we were building teams. It’s not about you. It had to be, ‘Where do you fit in for the good of the team and the university and the community?’”

And now, Tressel’s the Lieutenant Governor of Ohio, working on— what else—education and workforce initiatives, and a new youth fitness challenge.

“It's funny, people say, ‘Oh, well, you know, now you're a politician.’ And I say, ‘Well, I don't know what that means exactly, but I still view myself as an educator,’” Tressel said. Most of what the governor has been working on is education and workforce and helping people get where they want to go, which is what we did with our young [football players]: help them prepare themselves to live a great life.”

So, in a way, the more things change, the more they stay the same.

And he’s not done learning, either. “I think life after football, maybe the greatest lesson is that you realize that everyone's passion is very similar to what yours was about your sport. Whether it's a passion to ride horses or sell things or serve people, you realize that passion is passion. And that’s been very educational for me.”

And no matter where he finds himself next in the post-coaching world, he’ll still be carrying his own passion for teaching, leading, and learning.

The standout tight end under legendary coach Woody Hayes has gone from curl routes to Columbus mayor to farmer and more

By Melinda Green

G

reg Lashutka wasn’t too surprised when recruiters began reaching out to him in 1962. He had been a standout high school football player in Cleveland, and he was certain he was ready for the next level. Michigan wanted him and so did others. It was the day Woody Hayes came to visit when he realized his life might never be the same.

“The Old Man,” as Lashutka lovingly refers to the legendary Ohio State coach, “sat down in our living room and began talking about his plans for me on the football field.” But there was more. “He also wanted to make sure his players graduated and that we were going to be the best people we could be.” The pitch was meant primarily for Lashutka’s mother. “She was hooked,” he said.

Freshmen didn’t play in those days. As a sophomore, the 6'5" 230-pound Lashutka began at wide receiver, then moved to tight end. He started all three seasons and was team co-captain his senior year. “You just knew you were going to play some classic rivalries,” he recalled. “We played against Dick Butkus at Illinois. They were Number One. We shut them out. We shut out USC. Every week was a different challenge.”

Following his senior year, Lashutka was drafted by the Buffalo Bills. But he left after just one year and returned to OSU to finish his history degree. “I was good,” he said. “But I wasn’t that good. And I knew there would be life after football.” Life for the next four years was spent in service to the U.S. Navy—during the height of the Vietnam War.

When he returned to Ohio, he attended law school. Then he ran for City Attorney, won the election and served two four-year terms, and then moved to private practice. But the idea of serving the public was never far from his mind, and in 1991 he decided to seek the city’s highest office.

Republican Greg Lashutka defeated Democrat Ben Espy in the fall of 1991 and prepared to serve what would be two four-year terms as Columbus Mayor. During his time in office, the city saw economic growth and low unemployment. He added 350 officers to Columbus’ police department and oversaw many city improvement projects.

But two years into his second term, on his 53rd birthday, Lashutka’s life was shaken by a heart attack, and he began to rethink any ideas about a third run. “I reached the conclusion,” he said, “that just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Catherine had been the primary breadwinner. We had two children and two others by a prior marriage who needed a little time with their dad.”

Having retired from politics, Lashutka took a senior vice president’s position with Nationwide Insurance. Six years after that, he decided to leave full-time employment for good. Volunteer work with various boards has kept him involved, as has mentoring young people—much as Woody Hayes did for him.

Today, the long-time German Village resident enjoys spending time with his wife at their small farm in Holmes County. There are grandchildren to visit, vacations to take and friends to spend time with. At 81, his philosophy on life is simple: “It’s not a dress rehearsal; so you’d better live life to its fullest.” There is little doubt that Greg Lashutka continues to do just that.

From first round NFL Draft pick to business owner and radio show host, Bobby Carpenter moves just as fast off the field as he did on it

By Jordan Abbruzzese

Every year, 250 or so college football players are selected in the NFL Draft over seven rounds. Only the best 32 players in the country have the distinction of being a first round pick. In 2006, Bobby Carpenter was one of those players.

And while it would be easy enough to rest on those laurels for, well, the rest of his life, the Lancaster, Ohio-born Carpenter moved from solid NFL career to MBA graduate to features on The Big Ten Network, ESPN, and Fox News, to a local radio show with The Fan and even his own HVAC and plumbing company, Carpenter Heating & Cooling.

He was selected 18th overall in the 2006 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. Carpenter would go on to play for seven seasons in the NFL, also suiting up for the Rams, Dolphins, and Patriots. He concluded his NFL career in 2012, and Carpenter went on to receive his MBA in Finance & Strategy from OSU’s Fisher College of Business shortly after.

Although his college days as a football player are behind him, Carpenter is still involved with the university through multiple avenues, like teaching finance courses in the spring. When reflecting on his time as a Buckeye, Carpenter fondly remembers winning the National Championship in 2002.

“I would have to say the most memorable moment from an emotional level—and I tell the young guys this now when they get here, and I try to reiterate to guys leaving—you’re only going to play so many games in The Horseshoe. Maybe seven a year. Freshman year, we actually played eight, and beat Texas Tech in the National Championship, and that is the first moment I will always remember,” recalled Carpenter.

Additionally, he remembers his Senior Day.

“We had Senior Day, and it’s all blurry, and you see your parents, and it’s the one time they actually call your name at Ohio State and you get to run out individually,” Carpenter continued.

“But later in the game—we were playing Northwestern and we were up by a lot—and they’re starting to sub a bit. And they did a curtain call for us at the end of the game. It felt special to get subbed out, and a standing ovation as we left the field.”

Carpenter is still a part of the football program today, feeling connected to both the players and the coaching staff.

“I go over there on a daily basis to work out and see practices. Ryan Day has been great to me, and having Hartline and Laurinaitis back there too. They have been very welcoming and warm,” said Carpenter. “I still feel like I am as connected as ever, and it’s great to give back and be a positive influence to those guys.”

To learn more about Carpenter’s

Zach and Jacoby Boren beat Michigan seven times throughout their collective OSU careers, and they’re still taking out the trash today

By Ellyn Briggs

Zach and Jacoby Boren currently serve as CEO and Partner, respectively, of Boren Brothers Waste Services. And while their professional journeys in the Central Ohio waste removal business each started roughly a decade ago, they’ve been “taking out the trash” in other ways for much longer than that.

During the Boren brothers’ collective eight years (2009-2016) as regular starters on the Ohio State football team—Zach at fullback (and later linebacker) and Jacoby at center—the Buckeyes beat Michigan seven times. They also won four Big Ten combined championships and Jacoby played for the team that captured the first National Championship of the College Football Playoff era.

Sitting across from me in a boardroom at the Boren Brothers’ bustling headquarters in Driving Park, Zach and Jacoby—who look like they could still suit up in Scarlet and Gray at a moment’s notice—are adamant that their experience as Buckeyes, and as athletes more broadly, has proved instrumental in turning what was once a small-time lawn care and snow removal operation started by their father into an omnipresent local business.

“Service-based businesses operate in a way that’s really similar to a football team,” said Jacoby. “Every day, our guys and girls have to come in and perform for the community, no matter how they’re feeling. That’s why we’ve tried to instill so much of what we learned at Ohio State—grit, teamwork, resilience—into our motto and culture here.”

But Ohio State’s influence on how the Boren brothers run their business isn’t just felt; it’s seen, too.

Adorning the more than 50 Boren Brothers trucks that can be spotted patrolling the city to deliver or pick up dumpsters at nearly all hours of the day is a now-iconic Ohio State football image. In it, Zach towers triumphantly over Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner after sacking him with six minutes left during the 2012 rivalry game. The play was a pivotal one in the Buckeyes’ eventual 26-20 victory, which capped off an undefeated season.

The elder of the two Boren brothers (although they have another brother, Justin, who played college football before them, first at Michigan and then Ohio State after transferring) described the moment as “one of his all-time favorites” at Ohio State and explains how the photo came into the family’s possession: “[Our] dad was super quick to get his hands on that picture as soon as it came out. We have an annual licensing agreement with the school that lets us use it for the trucks and dumpsters and everything else. It’s a great partnership.”

While the branding has been more than effective in making Boren Brothers Waste Services a household name around Central Ohio, the boys admit it could need some tweaking in order to fit their long-term expansion plans, which include a presence in nearby states. “I think we’re safe using that photo almost anywhere in Ohio, but we might need to look a little different in different states, especially Michigan,” Zach said with a smile.

The trash business is a notoriously tough and capitalintensive one—there’s only a handful of regional and national waste services companies—but the brothers are confident in their chances for success, owing to, once again, their football experience. “Just like in football, we know that if you want to win, you need to have the best team and gameplan in place,” said Jacoby. “So we’re focusing a lot of time on staffing and perfecting our processes to be able to eventually move into new markets without any friction.”

For now, though, the brothers are just happy to be learning and growing their business within the Columbus community, which they both praise for maintaining its “Midwestern charm” despite its rapid growth in recent years.

BOTH BROTHERS SERVED AS CAPTAINS DURING A PORTION OF THEIR OSU TENURE

DEEP ROOTS A

nyone in Central Ohio has likely seen signs for DiMichaelangelo Family Dentistry throughout the capital city of Columbus and beyond. But did you know its story begins in a restaurant?

Laury DiMichaelangelo began his career working in his family’s eatery in Youngstown. And it was here he learned the importance of service.

Of course the food had to be delicious. The surroundings had to be inviting. But the service was a big part of what people remembered. It’s what gave them a good evening or a bad one. Service impacted how they felt.

In 1986, Laury took those lessons and applied them to his new dental office, having graduated only one year earlier.

Laury’s son Gianni, the second of four children, remembers his father's dedication. He now serves as the practice’s Chief Dental Officer.

“Everyone is their own individual person, not a number. This is not a turnand-burn kind of experience that we have. It's very personable.”

DiMichelangelo Family Dentistry’s origins and professional ethos both begin with family

By Chris Alexis | Photos by Polly Sellers

Story Design by Tori Smith

”Seeing my dad help people and affect the community... that's one of the reasons why I became a dentist in the very beginning,” he said.

The family grew up in Westerville, where the original practice was located. Over time, the single office grew to three, each with a different name.

But a pivotal moment came as Gianni was about to graduate from dental school.

”We kind of had to ask ourselves, 'What are we about?'” Gianni said. ”We are a family practice.”

Dr. Gianni DiMichaelangelo, Chief Dental Officer of DiMichaelangelo Family Dentistry

Despite the challenge of a 15-letter surname, they made a bold decision. They rebranded.

”We decided to embrace it,” he said, a decision that gave a face and a legacy to their expanding practice.

Today, DiMichaelangelo Family Dentistry has 10 locations, from Fredericktown to Lancaster, with a focus on their newest office in Columbus' Short North neighborhood.

What makes a patient experience at DiMichaelangelo Family Dentistry different?

According to Gianni, it's a set of core values they call ”The Novelty Nine.”

Do they approach patients with this list, offering them some kind of glossy handout?

No. It’s just something they quietly live by. While ”The Novelty Nine” are very important to the practice, there’s more to their brand identity than that.

The Italian heritage may not be visible in tricolored flags, but it's present in the lively atmosphere.

”It's more so my dad's roots from living in Youngstown,” Gianni said.

That spirit is channeled through the office sound system.

”The music that we play is Motown,” he said. ”It's upbeat; there’s a liveliness kind of vibe to it... It's not elevator music.”

Gianni is particularly passionate about growing the Short North office, a newer location that serves a different clientele than the suburban practices.

”What I want the people in the Short North to know is that we're there,” he said, highlighting the fact that this location caters to the young professionals who live there, offering services from cosmetic dentistry to routine care.

”Everyone is their own individual person, not a number,” Gianni said. ”This is not a turn-and-burn kind of experience that we have. It's very personable.”

Book your appointment at this family owned dentistry by visiting healthysmiles.com.

The Novelty Nine

DiMichelangelo Family Dentistry’s Nine Guiding Principles:

A positive and uplifting attitude in all interactions.

Encouraging staff to act with genuine kindness and compassion.

Treating every person with courtesy and respect.

Maintaining a high standard of cleanliness throughout facilities.

Understanding that dental visits can be intimidating.

Commitment to operating with integrity and ensuring that all their actions and services comply with legal standards.

Focus on doing the right thing to earn your trust, not just because it’s expected.

Uphold strong moral principles in all decisions and actions.

The Oldest Baby in the World

How science, faith and family came together to allow a Central Ohio couple to give birth to the world’s “oldest” newborn via IVF

By Laura Jones

Photos by Jen Brown

Story Design by Andrew Thomas

Thaddeus Pierce was already 31 years old the day he was born. That is, if you believe that life begins at conception. And parents Timothy and Lindsey Pierce do.

They adopted Thaddeus when he was still frozen from an IVF procedure that took place in 1994 when a woman named Linda Archerd, now 62, underwent the process to conceive her daughter.

Like most IVF patients, Archerd ended up with a surplus of fertilized eggs that she chose to freeze rather than discard. Enter the Pierces, who are themselves in their mid-thirties, not much older technically, than their newborn son.

Their road to Thaddeus wasn’t an easy one. After meeting in church and spending a few years as friends, they began dating and, soon after, married. Today, the couple lives in London, Ohio, a city that sits about 25 miles west of Downtown Columbus. They always talked about adopting, but assumed they would conceive their own children first. But after five years of trying, a baby still eluded them. “We’d been through all the medication and doctor visits,” Timothy Pierce said, sharing a difficult journey many couples will understand. “We came out the other side and said, 'You know what? Let's just look into adoption.’”

The Pierce’s identify as “non-denominational Christian” and searched for adoption agencies aligned with their beliefs. Nightlight Christian Adoptions, founded in 1959 by the National Association of Evangelicals, popped up first. While Nightlife offers the more traditionally known routes of domestic and international adoption, in 1997, they also created the Snowflakes Embryo Adoption program. Since then, they’ve seen 1,300 babies born this way. While there is no guarantee of a live birth for “prenatal adoption,” the Pierces opted to give it a try.

Embryo adoption turns out to be not only less expensive than other forms of adoption but also faster. After matching the Pierces with Archerd’s embryos, they conceived Thaddeus within one year, lightyears faster than the up to six year waiting period for international adoption, for instance. When asked why Archerd had kept— and paid for the embryos—to be stored over three decades, Lindsey Pierce answered, “She just felt like they had something special. She called them her three hopes.”

The Pierces' reproductive endocrinologist, Dr. John David Gordon, of Tennessee’s Rejoice Fertility Clinic, believes so strongly in embryo adoption that he has made it the focus of his practice.

“There are a couple hundred thousand IVF procedures every year, and maybe only 2,500 cases of embryo donation or adoption,” he explained. “The vast majority of embryos are just sitting there in tanks year after year after year. I felt very strongly that those patients who were adopting embryos were doing a good thing.” He also saw how his own patients wrestled with what to do with their extra embryos. “When somebody starts the fertility journey, the idea that you would have more embryos than you would ever use just doesn't really occur to you.” →

Now the Guinness Book of World Records is calling because Thaddeus is officially the oldest embryo transferred to birth. But were there concerns that his age would affect viability or health outcomes? “Whether you're frozen for a day or a week or two decades, it's like a blink of the eye because all biological processes have stopped at that temperature,” Dr. Gordon said. “But the techniques by which you're going to thaw, like the ways they were frozen, have been lost to the sands of time. We probably have embryos that are older than the embryologists who are thawing them.”

Dr. Gordon credits his own embryologist and lab supervisor Sarah Atkinson for her “outstanding” work. “You cannot have a good IVF program if you don't have outstanding embryologists,” he said.

Turns out, the Pierces had no reason for concern. Thaddeus was born almost to term—39 weeks—and a healthy size at nine pounds thirteen ounces, just under two feet long.

While the Pierces' priority is adapting to all the life changes a new baby brings, they do plan to have more children. In fact, they already adopted two other embryos, which are in storage until they are ready to thaw. For now, the press is calling for Thaddeus’ story, for which Lindsey sees a purpose. “I hope he takes the uniqueness of his birth and uses that to inspire other families. That’s why we share the story, because we want other families to know there is hope.” Timothy added, “There is a reason he was ‘on pause.’ That reason is yet to be known. Maybe more families will come to a realization about embryo adoption.” ♦

THE COLUMBUS SEGWAY KING

0n any given day in Columbus, you can find Ron Smith at his office. But for Ron, the owner of SegAway Tours of Columbus, ”the office” is the city of Columbus.

The scenic riverfronts. The architecture. The history behind the buildings. All of it.

He’s been doing this for nearly 13 years now, starting in 2013 as a tour guide for the original owner, David Weller, who founded the company in 2009.

And if you hop on a SegAway tour and travel throughout the urban landscape with Ron, you might recognize his voice. He started his radio career at Jazz 104 WBBY and has also worked at 610 WTVN and 104.9 The River

He is currently part of the Delaware Radio Group, where he calls the high school game of the week on Friday nights for 98.5 WINF. He’s also a volunteer news anchor at Voice Corps on Thursday mornings, a radio station reading service for the blind and those with low vision.

The tours are a chance to share the amazing story of Columbus with a diverse audience. They run from March 1 through New Year's Eve, are incredibly popular, with a 50/50 split between locals and out-of-towners.

“I'm excited to share with people the AMAZING THINGS ABOUT COLUMBUS, whether they live here or not.”

In fact, according to TripAdvisor, SegAway Tours of Columbus is the number three thing to do in the city, with a whopping 901 five-star reviews.

The furthest a visitor has come? Brisbane, Australia. He's even had six people from Japan who spoke zero English, and he used Google Translate on his phone to tell them about Columbus.

The youngest person to ever take a tour was 14, while the oldest was 91, who has now done the tour…twice.

Last October, the company got its moment in the international spotlight when it was featured on Race Around the World, the Danish version of the popular show, The Amazing Race

It all started when Ron's phone rang one Sunday afternoon, and it was a producer who said they were coming from Quebec, Canada, to make two stops in the United States, with Columbus being one of them.

They had heard about the tours on TripAdvisor and wanted to feature them. Filming would utilize a chase car and camera crews on the tour itself.

”I can now say, ‘As seen on TV,’” Ron joked.

Ron Smith and his company SegAway Tours shows Columbus residents and tourists alike the quirks and history of the Capital City, all on two wheels

By Chris Alexis | Photos by Jen Brown Story Design by Tori Smith

A lot of people see SegAways and ask the same thing: ”Are those things hard to ride?” Nope.

He loves telling the story of a man who worked at Nationwide Insurance and had two prosthetic legs above his knees. The man thought he couldn't do it because he believed he had to use an accelerator and a brake pedal.

Ron told him there were neither, and within 10 minutes, he had the man riding around in a parking garage. The man then brought his family of six on the tour, completely blowing their minds. →

A CULTURAL CELEBRATION

The Indian Trunk offers gorgeous wedding gowns and wedding rental services

By Ashley Alt

Monika Singh couldn’t find anything she liked for her brother-in-law’s wedding, so she took things into her own hands and launched her very own boutique, The Indian Trunk. It offers vibrant Indian wedding gowns, guest gowns, men’s guestwear and statement jewelry, bringing the South Asian community together through cultural celebrations.

“I wanted to create a happy experience for the store where people didn’t feel overwhelmed,” Singh said.

In addition to housing stunning off-the-rack items and customwear, customers also have the option to rent apparel.

“Indian weddings are four days long,” Singh explained. “It’s a mix of rituals and events that you need casualwear and cocktail dresses for. I had Americans coming in saying how ridiculous and expensive it was to buy four outfits…I felt their pain and decided to offer a rental service.”

Because many Indian weddings in Columbus are interracial, The Indian Trunk will soon be offering American bridalwear, letting customers mix and match Indian wear with modern Western culture.

“We view anyone wearing our clothing as cultural appreciation. It’s meaningful. That effort really honors us,” said the store’s stylist Tonya Mathew.

”If you can lean forward and you can lean back, you can ride a SegAway,” Ron said. ”They are so easy to do, and they are very intuitive. It will only do what you tell it to do. If you're willing to give it 15 minutes, you'll be booking around Columbus and having a good time.”

The tours offer three different routes:

The first is a city route that focuses on architectural features; the second focuses on a river and bridges tour that is more scenic, and then there’s a holiday lights tour that's extremely popular and sells out every year. During the holidays, the SegAways are lit up with festive lights, and holiday music plays.

The tours, which last two hours, are also interactive. Everyone gets an earpiece so they can hear Ron's commentary, which includes a trivia game about Columbus. It's a way to learn fascinating facts about the city that people who live there, like Ron, often don't know themselves.

”My favorite example is I drive by the statues next to North Bank Park every day, but I never knew what they were about,” Ron said. ”Or I've driven by North Bank Park, but I don't know why there's a concrete wall there.”

“If you can LEAN FORWARD and you can LEAN BACK, you can RIDE A SEGAWAY... If you're willing to GIVE IT 15 MINUTES, you'll be BOOKING AROUND COLUMBUS and HAVING A GOOD TIME.”

”That concrete wall was a part of the prison when it stood where the arena district is,” he continued.

”How come there aren't any windows on the side of the American Electric Power Building? Because they refused to have their employees look down into the jail when they were at work.”

Ron, a certified tourism ambassador and Experience Columbus Insider, loves sharing these insights.

”Only 17 percent of people living here were born and raised in the Columbus region,” Ron said.

”I'm excited to share with people the amazing things about Columbus, whether they live here or not.

People don't realize that we're the 14th largest city

in the United States, and living here in Columbus, you are within a six-hour drive of 60 percent of the population of the United States.”

The tours begin at the Columbus Convention Center, where Ron provides thorough training to ensure everyone feels safe and confident on their SegAway. The tour routes stick to sidewalks and crosswalks, with the SegAways operating at the slow speed of eight miles per hour for safety. This allows riders to take in all the sights without the stress of navigating traffic. ♦

You can book a tour anytime at their wesbite, SegAwayToursofColumbus.com.

AVATAR THE LAST AIRBENDER

20TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

Palace Theatre Tuesday | 7:30 pm THE WITCHER IN CONCERT

Palace Theatre Thursday | 7:30 pm AN EVENING WITH TOMMY EMMANUEL, CGP

McCoy Center Thursday | 7:30 pm

THE

RESET: AN IMMERSIVE SOUND HEALING EXPERIENCE WITH DAVIN YOUNGS

Davidson Theatre, Riffe Center Sunday | 5 pm

MARIACHI HERENCIA DE MÉXICO

Davidson Theatre, Riffe Center Sunday | 6 pm AILEY II

THE NEXT GENERATION OF DANCE

Southern Theatre Saturday | 8 pm

COSTELLO & THE IMPOSTERS WITH CHARLIE SEXTON

Palace Theatre Friday | 8 pm

Davidson Theatre, Riffe Center Tuesday | 7:30 pm SH!T-FACED SHAKESPEARE®: HAMLET

SAMANTHA BEE: HOW TO SURVIVE MENOPAUSE

Lincoln Theatre Saturday | 7:30 pm SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR: PEACE

Southern Theatre Wednesday | 7:30 pm

By

What to see, hear, and experience this season

As the autumn leaves sweep in, so do a wide range of possibilities for exploring Columbus’ diverse and bustling arts scene. The options are nearly endless, whether you’re in the mood for a Broadway stage show, some hilarious live comedy, or a thundering symphonic performance. We’ve rounded up some of the best ways to enjoy the sights and sounds of the city this fall, so clear your calendar and get ready for a magical few months.

Rappaccini’s Daughter

Presented by

Marc Cohn & Shawn Colvin: Together Onstage

McCoy Center for the Arts

Spend an unforgettable evening with platinum-selling singer-songwriter Marc Cohn and Grammy-winning musician Shawn Colvin, performing together onstage with backing musicians and sharing their songs and stories.

Adam Sandler

Nationwide Arena

Oct 15 Oct 18

The multi-talented actor, producer, musician, and writer is bringing his shenanigans back to Columbus with a stop on his You’re My Best Friend tour.

Oct 12 -Nov 1

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Ohio Theatre

Join the next adventure and experience the wizarding world like never before with this spellbinding hit and winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Play.

Oct 10-12

Rhapsody in Blue

Southern Theatre

George Gershwin’s kaleidoscope of American music will be performed by Bobby Floyd and the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, alongside more hits of the Tin Pan Alley era.

Some Like it Hot

Ohio Theatre

Nov 18-23

The Wiz

Grab tickets to Some Like it Hot, the super-sized, non-stop song and dance Broadway hit set in Chicago when Prohibition has everyone thirsty for a little excitement.

Nov 20 - Dec 28

Garden Theater Main Stage

Get ready to groove down the Yellow Brick Road with The Wiz, Short North Stage’s funky, fresh, and fearless take on the classic tale of what happens when Dorothy lands in Oz.

Affirmative Distraction

Ohio Theatre

Handel’s Messiah

McConnell Arts Center

Experience the grandeur and tradition of The Messiah, Handel’s exultant masterpiece, featuring the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and Chorus.

Hilarity ensues when Columbus-based improv comedy group Affirmative Distraction lands at the MAC in Worthington and relies on the audience to help create different scenes and games. Oct 17 Nov 28-30 Nov 14-16

A Christmas Carol

Ohio Theatre

Get ready for the holidays with a production of the beloved Dickens classic, a tale that blends familiar elements with fresh theatrical touches.

NOT IN KANSAS ANYMORE

In the Land of Oz is the immersive, haunted theatre experience you didn’t know you were waiting for

Photos by Kyle Long Photography

Somewhere between memory and nightmare, the yellow brick road has crumbled.

This October, Columbus Children’s Theatre is breaking its own rules—and probably rewriting yours, too. In the Land of Oz, opening September 26 through November 2, isn’t a play. Think haunted world meets living movie, where you don’t sit in a seat and watch from a distance. You walk through the story. You breathe it in. It whispers back.

Housed inside a transformed office building at 1165 Dublin Road, this oneof-a-kind, walk-through production drops small groups of guests into a fully designed world: a strange, dark, and viscerally cinematic retelling of the Oz mythos, built with the immersive ambition Columbus audiences rarely get to see and may never see again.

MORE THAN A HAUNTED HOUSE. MORE THAN A PLAY.

After nearly selling out their 2023 hit The Sleepwalker of Holstenwall, CCT’s latest Professional Series entry levels up their signature mix of immersive performance, environmental design, and audience agency. But In the Land of Oz is bigger. Bolder. And built to blur the line

between horror and high art.

The journey begins at Hank Gale’s Wonderful Museum of Oz, a fictional roadside attraction of dust, nostalgia, and dubious memorabilia. But that’s only the prelude. A hidden passage pulls you deeper into the true Oz: haunted, unraveling, and inhabited by characters who seem pulled straight from a dream you shouldn’t be having.

There are no aisles. No stage. No distance between you and what waits around the corner. Each guest navigates the experience freely, choosing their own path through elaborately detailed rooms crafted by CCT Scenic, the theatre’s professional in-house scene shop. One corridor might lead you into Mombi’s cursed farm; another into the throne room of a crumbling Emerald Palace. The further you go, the stranger things become.

WELCOME TO THE OZ YOU’VE NEVER SEEN

Playwright Evan Joslyn draws inspiration from the original L. Frank Baum novels, not the saccharine versions we grew up with. Tip, Boq, Scarecrow are here, but changed. Some want to help you. Others want you lost. And beneath it all, the Munchkins murmur chants in a twister-shaped cult that just might hold the key to this crumbling world.

Actors don’t just perform near you, they perform with you. A look, a whisper, a dare and suddenly you’re part of a plot you didn’t know existed. The story morphs around your choices. One night’s experience will be unlike the next. There are jump scares, yes, but the real terror is psychological steeped in shifting rules, fragmented memories, and the creeping sense that you may never make it back to Kansas.

This isn’t just immersive. It’s alive.

WHY IT MATTERS AND WHY YOU SHOULDN’T MISS IT

Columbus is no stranger to spooky season staples. But this? This is something rare: an ambitious, artist-led immersive production designed specifically for adult and teen audiences (recommended 10+).

It’s also a major moment for CCT:

•The first show of their 2025-26 Professional Series

•A fully paid opportunity for youth and adult performers

•And one of the largest immersive theatre builds in Ohio

The production is part of CCT’s larger mission to break boundaries in what theatre can be for performers and audiences alike. By merging top-tier production design with audience interactivity and genre storytelling, In the Land of Oz aims to create a special Halloween experience with teeth.

Not just a scare. Not just a spectacle. A fully embodied story that lingers long after you leave.

Oz pulls you inside, dares you to keep walking, and refuses to let you look away.

DON’T

JUST WATCH THE STORM. WALK

INTO IT.

In the Land of Oz runs September 26–November 2, 2025

1165 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH Tickets & info at: inthelandofoz.com

SCAN FOR TICKETS

In the Land of Oz is an ambitious, artist-led production designed specifically for adult and teen audiences (recommended 10+) →

The production is part of CCT’s larger mission to break boundaries in what theatre can be for performers and audiences alike →

Since 1967, Columbus has been home to the world’s largest horse show, the American Quarter Horse Congress, which returns to the Arch City in late September

WILD, WILD MIDWEST

Imagine the largest horse show in the world. In your mind’s eye, where does this event take place? In the hill country of South Texas? Or maybe the wind-swept prairies of Oklahoma?

Both good guesses, but both wrong, because the world’s largest horse show is held right here in Columbus.

Originating in 1967, the All American Quarter Horse Congress (AAQHC) will take place Sept. 27-Oct. 26 at the Ohio Expo Center. The event will span over 300 acres and will likely see more than half a million visitors in 2025. It will also include hundreds of different equinerelated vendors on public display, and will feature 30 days of equestrian competition boasting $4.5 million in prize money.

And while Quarter Horses and riders are the stars of the show for the nearly month-long event, any and all are welcome to attend, regardless of your level of equine knowledge. The Congress is free to attend for visitors, aside from a $15-25 parking fee (which is waived on Wednesdays, making the event totally free to attend).

Described as the ”Super Bowl of Quarter Horse competition,” the Congress includes a wide array of competitive events, such as reining, jumping, barrel racing and more. Horses and riders have traveled from every state in America and all but two continents to compete.

This year will also see a number of the horses and riders from the hit show Yellowstone, as well as the show’s creator

Taylor Sheridan, compete in AAQHC events. The stakes won’t be high just because of the star power present, either, as the winner of the Congress reining Futurity—which will be held on Oct. 4—will leave the event a staggering $100,000 richer.

And while there’s plenty of horse-drive competition to take in, the Congress offers an equally-huge amount of shopping at the event. This year’s Congress will be home to over 200 different artisans and vendors across a wide variety of fields.

”You can show up in basketball gear and leave as a cowboy, with a horse, a truck, a trailer, a cowboy hat, jeans and a new buckle and boots,” said Justin Billings, AAQHC CEO.

Learn more about this year’s All American Quarter Horse Congress, or plan your own visit to the event, at www.quarterhorsecongress.com.

WHAT'S A Quarter Horse, ANYWAY?

With all this talk about American Quarter Horses, you may be asking yourself: What exactly is a Quarter Horse? The term originated with the breed being the fastest of any horse in a quarter mile race, where they’ve been clocked up to 44 mph. Today, American Quarter Horses are used in working livestock, showing, racing, and recreational riding. The American Quarter Horse is considered the most popular horse breed in the world, with more than six million registered worldwide.

How Columbus resident Shirley Brooks-Jones’ harrowing 9/11 experience led to a years-long philanthropic mission that continues to grow

The thought of an emergency landing on a return flight from Europe didn’t bother Shirley Brooks-Jones so much. The 65-year-old Clintonville resident was a seasoned traveler and one who didn’t worry easily.

Besides, the captain’s voice was so reassuring: “Ladies and gentlemen, we have a little problem here. One of our instruments appears to have failed. Nothing to worry about. But out of an abundance of caution, we will not be landing in Atlanta, but rather in Gander, Newfoundland. We’ll keep you updated from the cockpit.”

Shirley thought, “Well, I’ve never been to Newfoundland. This might be kind of interesting.” She made herself as comfortable as possible and waited…and waited.

Hours later, as their plane began descending, passengers caught glimpse of an incredible sight—about 20 commercial jets from airlines around the world huddled together at this tiny Canadian airport. This was September 11th, 2001, and the travelers were soon to hear about the horrors of that day.

“Folks,” the captain said, “That part about the broken instrument was a ruse, and I do apologize. I didn’t want to alarm anyone at the time. But there has been a terrorist attack in the United States, and the military there has closed the country’s entire air space. Looks like we’ll be here for a little while.” →

“I DIDN’T WANT TO ALARM ANYONE AT THE TIME. BUT THERE HAS BEEN A TERRORIST ATTACK IN THE UNITED STATES, AND THE MILITARY THERE HAS CLOSED THE COUNTRY’S ENTIRE AIR SPACE. LOOKS LIKE WE’LL BE HERE FOR A LITTLE WHILE.”

Shock spread throughout the passenger cabin. Some crying, too. Of course, Shirley was concerned about her husband, Ron, back in Ohio. But she also knew things would work out. They had to. They always did.

Sitting in an airplane seat for 28 hours, mostly on the ground at the Gander, Newfoundland, airport, was a lot to bear— even for the pilot, who eventually made his way to the passenger cabin to take a nap among them.

Finally, on Wednesday, September 12th, the passengers—along with those from 37 other planes began stepping outside and making their way through immigration. Next, school buses shuttled the 7,000 or so “plane people” to temporary shelters set up in Gander and the dozen or more tiny communities surrounding it. And everywhere they went, the Canadians couldn’t have been nicer.

One of Shirley’s journal entries reads, “People are so wonderful and warm and friendly. And they are incredibly organized. They gave us anything we wanted to eat and drink. No charge at all.”

The Newfoundlanders also found passengers places to stay until they were

allowed to continue their journeys. Shirley and the others from Delta Flight 15 were assigned to the Lions Club building in the tiny nearby town of Lewisporte. When four year-old Shirley first moved to Columbus in 1939, her family was poor, and she ended up receiving a new pair of glasses–that she desperately needed–from a local Lions Club chapter. As soon as she saw the sign on the Lewisporte building, she began to cry for joy.

She wrote, “Here are the Lions, taking care of me again! So, all my life, I’ve been grateful to the Lions for helping me.”

At the Lions building, “plane people” found cots with blankets and pillows, plenty of food and drink, toiletries and more. They were also given access to showers at a nearby school and laundry facilities. The friendships and the bonds that were made between the passengers and their hosts would never be broken.

When Friday finally came and the “plane people” were in the air again, Shirley wanted to express her appreciation for their hosts. She organized collections from passengers for a scholarship fund to help high school students in the Lewisporte area. Pledges of more than $15,000

were collected before the plane landed in Atlanta. And the donations continue coming, to this day.

Just a few weeks ago, she received a call from the Columbus Foundation, saying a sizable donation had been received from the estate of a woman who recently died in Arizona. Shirley has no idea who the woman was.

For Shirley’s dedication and work, she was made an Honorary Member of the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador, met Prince Charles and has returned to Gander at least 30 times since 2001. Further recognition came when her role in organizing the scholarship fund was written into the award-winning Broadway musical, Come from Away, in 2017.

Today, at 89, Shirley continues raising money for the students of Newfoundland and is planning to be at Gander for the 25th anniversary of 9/11, next year. “I will be 90 years old,” she said. “Wish me luck!” ♦

If you would like to donate to the Lewisporte Area Flight 15 Scholarship Fund, you are invited to contact The Columbus Foundation at 614-251-4000.