Talkin’ Trash: A History of Garbage Collection in Upper Arlington 7-8 p.m.
Amelita Mirolo Barn 4395 Carriage Hill Ln. www.uahistory.org
Sat., Sept. 20
Cycle UA
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Northam Park 1880 Northam Rd. www.upperarlingtonoh.gov
Sun., Sept. 21
Kids in Capes 5K and Fun Run
8-11:30 a.m.
Thompson Park 4250 Woodbridge Rd. www.thecmhfoundation.org
Sat., Sept. 27
The Grandview Hop
5-9 p.m. Grandview Avenue www.grandviewhop.com
Kids in Capes 5K and Fun Run Cycle UA
Photo Courtesy of CMH Foundation
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Thurs., Oct. 2
Fall Fest
4-7 p.m.
Wyman Woods Park 1520 Goodale Blvd. www.grandviewheights.gov
Thurs., Oct. 9
Murder Mystery Dinner
6-9 p.m.
Parks and Recreation Facility at McKinley Field 1661 Goodale Blvd. www.grandviewheights.gov
Sun., Oct. 5
Grandview Heights and Marble Cliff Tour of Homes
1-5 p.m.
Grandview Heights Public Library 1685 W. 1st Ave. www.ghmchs.org
Tues., Oct. 7
Upper Arlington High School Choir Concert
7-9 p.m.
Upper Arlington High School Performing Arts Center 1625 Zollinger Rd. www.uaschools.org
Fri., Oct. 10
No School – Grandview Heights Schools Trade Day/Professional Development www.ghschools.org
Fri.-Mon., Oct. 17-20
No School – Upper Arlington Schools Professional Development www.uaschools.org
Sat., Oct. 25
The Great Pumpkin Run 5K 7:45-10:30 a.m.
1587 W. 3rd Ave. Starts on Oakland Ave. www.grandviewheights.gov
Sun., Oct. 26
Upper Arlington High School Orchestra Spooktacular
2-4 p.m.
Upper Arlington High School Performing Arts Center 1625 Zollinger Rd. www.uaschools.org
Mon.-Wed., Oct. 27-29
Golden Bear Scare
6-9 p.m.
Smith Park 1270 Fishinger Rd. www.uaca.org
Pint-Size Pumpkin Decorating
Tues., Oct. 28
Pint-Size Pumpkin Decorating 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Upper Arlington Public Library: Miller Park Branch 1901 Arlington Ave. www.ualibrary.org
Wed., Oct. 29
Ohio v. Michigan – A History of the Rivalry 7-8:15 p.m.
Bob Crane Community Center, 5th Floor 3200 Tremont Rd. www.uahistory.org
Fri., Oct. 31
Trick-or-Treat for Upper Arlington, Grandview Heights and Marble Cliff 6-8 p.m.
www.upperarlingtonoh.gov www.grandviewheights.gov
To submit your event for next issue’s calendar, contact mbrokamp@cityscenemediagroup.com.
Photo
Courtesy of Upper Arlington Public Library
Photo Courtesy of UA Parks and Recreation
Faces By Korrigan Craddock
Heart for Education
Tremont Elementary principal’s passion for leadership and family connections
If you have attended a Tremont Elementary School event or spotted a friendly face at the Fourth of July parade, chances are you have seen Tremont Elementary’s newest principal, Jacki Prati. Prati has a devotion for both education and the community. Whether she is helping families get resources they need or organizing community events, Prati uses her leadership to help others and build strong community connections.
From teacher to leader
After graduating with her bachelor’s degree in education from Wheeling College in 2000, Prati was a teacher for 11 years. She began at South Western City Schools, where she taught for five years before moving to Hilliard City Schools. Over the course of her teaching career, she taught kindergarten, second grade and sixth grade and went on to get her master’s degree in teaching.
During her time at both districts, she was also an instructional coach. As an instructional coach, she provided aid to teachers, analyzed data, facilitated professional development and assisted with classroom management. That role sparked her passion for leadership.
“It is really where I learned how to be a leader and the importance of serving others, and how one person could be the leader and can just lift everyone else up and make a place so much better,” says Prati.
Prati received her administrative licensure in 2011, and became principal of J.W. Reason Elementary School at Hilliard City Schools in 2012, where she went on to win multiple grants and awards that greatly benefited the school.
During that time, she was awarded the 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant from the Ohio Department of Education, which funded before-and after-school intervention and enrichment programs.
Photo courtesy of HilliardSchools.org
Prati on the UACA parade float
She was also awarded the Teachers of Critical Languages Program Grant from the U.S. Department of State, which brought a teacher from Egypt to the U.S. for a year to teach Arabic at the school. Prati was invited to travel to Egypt with the Department of State to interview potential teachers to be selected for the program.
She was also awarded the 2023 Principal of the Year award from the Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators.
At the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year, Prati became Tremont Elementary’s principal.
Since starting at Tremont Elementary, Prati has worked hard to set a strong foundation with her students.
“My goal as the principal isn’t to be the bad guy that gets kids in trouble, but instead somebody who’s the safety net, who’s there to help you learn lessons and grow,” says Prati.
Throughout her career as a teacher and a principal, Prati has become appreciative of being a part of early education for students.
“Elementary schools are the center of families’ worlds for a really long time. You
are there for six years. That’s where you make your first friends. That’s where parents meet each other,” Prati says. “I want the school to be a welcoming place and somewhere kids can become independent, and parents can feel safe sending them.”
Connections that matter
As Prati continues to grow into her role as Tremont’s newest principal, another priority for her is building strong relationships with families. She believes by forming meaningful connections, she can create an environment where everyone feels supported and connected.
Fun Fact
When Prati isn’t busy working with students and teachers or volunteering with UACA, you might find her running, working out, reading a book or visiting her favorite spot, Swim & Racquet.
“It’s really important that I get to know the kids and the families on a personal level,” says Prati. “I really try to be a part of the community, to be at events in the community and just get to know families on an outside-of-school level.”
She also strengthens her connections with the students by upholding traditions such as the Tremont Marathon.
These connections allow her to better understand students’ needs and identify where some may need additional resources.
All photos are courtesy of Jacki Prati unless otherwise specified
Prati with students for the Mrs. Prati Selfie Challenge
Photo by Colleen Wright
“What I see myself as in the role of a principal is being able to connect families to things outside of schools so that they can gain access to resources or things that they might need,” Prati says.
Family Ties
Prati and her husband, Justin, are both educators. They moved to Columbus from Wheeling, West Virginia after college and settled in Upper Arlington to raise their four kids: Rocco, Gino and twins Rosa and Balla.
Through these strong relationships, Prati has helped families connect to resources such as dental care, medical care and support with food and job opportunities. Prati works closely with Vicki Zust at Saint Marks Church to help them receive those resources.
“You can’t learn if you don’t have your basic needs met,” says Prati. “So, being
able to notice that, recognize it and then gracefully, humbly and respectfully reach out to parents in a way that they know we’re there if they need us (is important).”
Beyond the classroom
Prati has also been highly involved in Upper Arlington through the Upper Arlington Civic Association (UACA) for the past three years, helping organize community events such as Party in the Park and Neighbors Night Out.
“I think that it’s really exciting to get to be a part of something with a legacy and something that is a part of the memories that people have of growing up in Upper Arlington,” says Prati.
She was previously the director of the Junior Director Program at UACA for two years. She loved being able to connect with the high school students, which was a change of pace since she primarily interacts with her elementary students.
Currently, she is the vice president of the UACA and is set to take on the role of president next year.
Summer Connections
Not only does Prati interact with students during the school year, she also encourages connections over the summer. Last summer, Prati started a fun challenge called the Mrs. Prati Selfie Challenge. The goal was for students and their families to find her around town during the summer and take a selfie with her. At the beginning of the school year, the selfies were compiled and showcased on the school’s morning news, Good Morning Tremont. One picture was randomly selected, and the winning student’s class won an ice cream party.
“I really just think at the end of the day, it’s about giving back. Not being in a leadership position for yourself, but to support others and to help make the community a better place,” says Prati.
Korrigan Craddock is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.
Prati with the winning classroom of the Mrs. Prati Selfie Challenge
By Rachel Karas and Jane Dimel
Education Support
Tri-Village education foundations bring learning opportunities to students and community members
The education foundations founded in the Tri-Village area have committed to providing boundless opportunities for students and community members to engage with and pursue lifelong learning for decades.
Over the years, both groups have completed countless projects and funded various trips and opportunities that have helped past, present and future students.
Upper Arlington Education Foundation
Established in 1985 by then-superintendent Dr. Homer Mincy, the Upper Arlington Education Foundation (UA+Ed) is celebrating 40 years of helping teachers and students of Upper Arlington City Schools.
Around the time the foundation was created, there were some uncertainties surrounding changes that were coming for school funding. No matter what was coming down the road, Mincy wanted to ensure the opportunities available for students and staff weren’t interrupted.
“Right from the start, (the goal) was definitely to build a foundation that would help kids in the moment, but also build into perpetuity and become something that would continue to grow permanently,” says UA+Ed Executive Director Alice Finley.
Over the decades, the organization has worked with teachers, staff and students as well as the Parent Teacher Organizations at each school to provide as much programming and assistance as possible.
The grants offered through UA+Ed support a variety of projects across the district, including everything from au-
thor visits at elementary schools to be hind-the-scenes programs, such as the Beartique, that help students in need.
And these grants are not just avail able to teachers. Students, coaches, coun selors and others have applied for grants that have led to countless new opportuni ties over the years.
Author Aaron Reynolds visits UA elementary schools
In 2021, Upper Arlington High School welcomed Ferris, the facility dog, and he has become quite the celebrity not only at the school but in the community, with an Instagram following of more than 2,000.
When preparing for the move to a new building, the UA+Ed worked with the Upper Arlington Historical Society to install kiosks to house pictures and documents of everything from old team pictures to artwork.
The Grandview Heights-Marble Cliff Education Foundation was founded by 10 community members brought together by a desire to make an impact on education in the community.
• Roger Alban
• Beth Klitch
• Barbara Radebaugh
• H. Randolph Bobbitt, Jr.
• Curtis Gantz
• Sally Kosnik
• William Arthur
• James C. Britt, Jr.
• Paul Panzera
• Rick Ross (Ex Officio Legal Advisor)
• Ted Knapke (Ex Officio Former Superintendent)
However, not just any project gets approved. Finley says there is an extensive review process involving both the foundation’s board and the administration at the schools to review the impact and sustainability of each project.
“We don’t fund anything until the principals and administrators take a look at it and make sure that it fits into the bigger picture,” Finley says. “If we fund something that is wildly successful, is it something the district can pick up and continue, or is it a one-time deal? If we fund something in one elementary school, what does that mean for the other
elementary schools? How does it fit with the curriculum and the things that they already have?”
To continue to grow its impact, the organization itself has grown over the years to now include several full-time teammates as well as a part-time staff member. This expansion has allowed Finley and her team to specialize in different areas and help more people.
Looking to the future, Finley is looking forward to celebrating the past four decades with a gathering of current and previous foundation members. She is also excited to continue expanding the UA+Ed reach for years to come.
Grandview HeightsMarble Cliff Education Foundation
Since its inception in 1991, the Grandview HeightsMarble Cliff Education Foundation (GHMCEF) has been set on planting seeds of impact in education and lifelong learning for the Grandview Heights and Marble Cliff students and communities. Its group of founders may have started with low funds, but they worked to make smart, strategic investments and grow the starting funds into the million-dollar endowment it holds today.
As president of the Sponsorship and Events Committee and mother of two students in the Grandview Heights Schools, Alicia Gaston has been involved with GHMCEF for the past eight years.
Throughout her time as a volunteer and board member, Gaston has seen the foundation’s impact grow significantly, especially after it added senior scholarships around 2017-2018.
Since the beginning of this program, the foundation has awarded more than $350,000 in senior scholarships
Grandview Heights Back-to-School ice cream social sponsored by GHMCEF
Make an Impact
As GHMCEF continues to grow, it looks to expand its committees to include more community members in the process of reading and selecting event, sponsorship, grant and scholarship applications and volunteering at events hosted by the foundation.
Endowment funds and recurring gifts are a great way to help the UA+Ed, says Finley. The foundation hopes to give more directly to students through funds for projects and events.Community members are also encouraged to run for board positions to help lead the changes.
to students based on academic achievement, community service and financial need. It awarded $44,000 to 14 graduating seniors this past school year, se -
lected out of the largest group of applicants the foundation has seen thus far.
Recently, the foundation received an anonymus donation that created a scholarship for non-traditional or alternative pathway students pursuing apprenticeships, certification programs, specialized training and technical schools.
“What gets us excited as community members is really being able to align those impact efforts with the dynamic needs of our ever-evolving workforce,” Gaston says.
One event that Gaston remembers fondly from her volunteer days is the first-ever district-wide Hands of Gratitude project where students helped build prosthetic hands for kids around the world.
“It is one of the best memories I have, especially seeing my kids’ classmates and everyone build hands for a child in need,” Gaston says. “At my daughter’s eighth-grade promotion ceremony, one of her photos was her holding that prosthetic hand. It’s just such a great message for our students.”
Hands of Gratitude
The foundation focuses on supporting the schools and supplementing their initiatives to make an impact on the students. This includes the initial investment towards new technology for the district and creating classroom environments that promote learning – wiggle chairs for Stevenson Elementary School, the outdoor
discovery place at Larson Middle School, an ACT prep course for Grandview Heights High School juniors and more.
GHMCEF hosts The Grand Event gala each year to celebrate the community’s impact by showing how donations, gala ticket sales and event sponsorship help students and community members
across Grandview Heights and Marble Cliff. The event features a silent auction, including coveted art from students. The Grand Event will return early next year.
Rachel Karas is the lead editor and Jane Dimel is an assistant editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.
Senior Scholarships
An Architectural Adventure
Tour of Homes returns in 2025
By Avery Gillis
When picturing a 100-year-old home, it can be difficult to imagine something that would fit into the modern-day housing market. Nevertheless, the Grandview Heights/ Marble Cliff Tour of Homes seeks to emphasize the modern usefulness of homes built to house the great-great grandparents of today’s Tri-Village residents.
The Tour of Homes returns Oct. 5, featuring the most stunning historical restorations the community has to offer. Presented only once every three years, the triennial event adds exclusivity and anticipation to the tour for longtime residents and first-time attendees alike.
Homes with history
The event has deep roots in the community. Its origins date back to shortly after the founding of the Grandview Heights/Marble Cliff Historical Society in 1974. The first tour took place in 1977 and has since become the Society’s signature public event. This year, the tour celebrates its 16th anniversary, following the 50th anniversary of the Historical Society last year.
“We’ve been able to increase and expand the tour. The last couple of tours in ‘19 and ‘22 we had between 700 to 800 attendees. We’ve been able to increase the number of homes from four to seven,” Historical Society Vice President Karen Riggs says. “I think that the interest in the communities and them being desirable places to live has allowed us to do more within the Society and expand the tour as we have.”
The main goal of the tour is to highlight the importance of preservation and the upkeep of historical buildings.
“One of the things our tour does is it shows that homes that are possibly over 100 years old can be usable and practical for families today,” Riggs says.
Merging the past and present, many home designs feature historical restorations on the outside with modern renovation within. Other homes keep the historical aesthetic running throughout the entire space as they endeavor to restore the interior to its original glory.
Riggs says the tour not only highlights the beauty of the featured homes, but also the value of the area.
“It’s a community event that highlights the sense of community and friendliness that you find in Grandview Heights and Marble Cliff, and I think that that increases the desirability of living in these two communities,” Riggs says.
Each home is chosen for its achievement in architectural preservation of the home’s exterior. Grandview Heights and Marble Cliff residents can volunteer their home to be assessed and potentially added to the tour. In some cases, the prominence of past homeowners plays a part. For example, one featured residence was the home of the first police chief in Grandview Heights, and another belonged to a professional ping-pong player. While the focus of the tour cen-
ters on architecture, acknowledging the history of previous homeowners adds significance and charm to the details of each featured home.
Historical House Markers
Beyond the tour, the Historical Society runs a 100+ Year Old House Marker program to highlight historical homes. Homes that are confirmed as more than 100 years old with historically preserved exteriors can apply for a marker to display during the months of September and October.
Visit www.ghmchs.org for more information about the Grandview Heights/Marble Cliff Tour of Homes and to purchase tickets.
Whether you are a general history buff or an architecture admirer, the 2025 Tour of Homes is the perfect opportunity for the community to come together to appreciate historic beauty.
What you can see on the tour
• Mid-century modern multi-residential building where U.S. astronaut John Glenn once lived
• Renovated carriage house designed by renowned architect Frank Packard that served the wealthy owner of Marble Cliff Quarries
• Pergolas, gazebo, 5-story tower, fireplaces, laundry chutes, claw-foot bathtub, leaded glass windows, original wood floors and detailing
• Charming residence of a former Grandview Heights police chief
• Grandview Height’s newest event venue – the Heritage Room at McKinley Field
• Stunning home of a nationally recognized ping-pong champion
• Birds-eye view of downtown Columbus
• Mid-century modern commercial building designed and built for one of the largest trade unions in the United States
• A diverse range of architectural styles
“We’ve got quite a mix this year that I think represents the housing stock in Grandview Heights and Marble Cliff from the late 1800s up to homes still being built today,” Riggs says.
New to 2025
The 2025 tour, while offering the same historical appeal tourgoers have come to love, is also implementing some fresh new features. For instance, this year’s tour will feature a VIP House, exclusive to ticketed VIP attendees. The mid-century high rise is located in Summit Chase and offers a unique experience alongside the general tour homes. In addition to an exclusive look at the VIP House, VIP tourgoers will also enjoy brunch featuring a signature cocktail preceding the tour.
Also new this year, the Historical Society is partnering with the Ohio Craft Museum to host an art scavenger hunt throughout the tour. Each home will feature an art piece from the museum hidden somewhere in the home. Guests are invited to search for each artwork and log where they’re found to be entered into a drawing for a gift certificate to the museum.
“It’s combining art and architecture. The Ohio Craft Museum is largely localarea artists and they’ve got some beautiful things there. Our homeowners are thrilled to be able to place them somewhere in their home,” Riggs says.
Avery Gillis is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com
• 2006 Michael
• 7,159 Square Feet
• 5 Bedrooms/5 1/2 Bathrooms
• 1st Floor Primary Suite
• White Gourmet Kitchen Open to Great Room
• Fabulous Outdoor Living ~ 9 x 14 Spool (Spa + Pool), Tiered Patios, Firepit
Ella Jay
Learning to Lead Grandview
Heights students build leadership skills through summer workshops
This past summer, a group of Grandview Heights students did more than just enjoy their break from school – they utilized their free time to grow as leaders.
As part of a pilot program at Grandview Heights Schools, rising eighth and ninth graders participated in handson Leadership Excellence workshops throughout the summer, designed to build confidence and career-ready skills.
Through the district’s partnership with The PAST Foundation, participating students also had the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials, giving them a head start on their high school journey and beyond.
Inside the workshops
The idea for the program first came about when 21st Century Learning Coach Jessica Fields and middle school teacher
Industry-Recognized Credentials
Industry-recognized credentials are certifications that demonstrate a student has mastered specific, career-ready skills valued by employers. In Ohio, students must earn 12 points worth of credentials in one field to earn an IndustryRecognized Credential Seal on their diploma. Students must earn at least two seals to graduate, one of which must be state-defined.
Evan Shook began attending The PAST Foundation teacher training sessions on leadership curriculum and industryrecognized credentials.
The sessions focused on developing five key skillsets: interpersonal, character, competence, vision and boldness. Fields and Shook then modified that curriculum to work for younger students, emphasizing four principles tied to earning a Leadership Excellence credential: communication, collaboration, decision making and self-awareness.
“(The Leadership Excellence credential), if you look at a bunch of different fields, is a credential that’s in all of them,” Fields says. “It’s very versatile for any student who’s interested in anything.”
To build those career-ready skills, the workshops included small group discussions, guest speakers and hands-on activities. For example, one such activity
Photos courtesy of Jessica Fields
included using LEGO pieces to practice communicating clearly while working with a team.
According to Shook, students were given a tub of LEGOs and told to build whatever they’d like. Then, in a certain amount of time afterward, they were tasked with writing or drawing directions as clearly as possible so that any random person could rebuild their creation from the ground up.
In addition to interactive activities, students also completed self-reflection journals after each workshop, helping them process how they perceive both others and themselves as leaders.
“A lot of our students believe that leadership is sometimes the loudest voice or the student who is involved with the most, but we focused a lot on (communication and collaboration instead), seeking to understand before being understood, how they can be better listeners,” Fields says. “We even focused on body language and how you present yourself.”
Beyond the classroom
While the workshops focus on leadership fundamentals, their true impact goes beyond learning how to lead others – they also help students better understand themselves.
“The biggest thing is getting kids more self-aware, just at an earlier age, of like, ‘Hey, what am I passionate about? What motivates me?’” Shook says. “(We want to) make sure we’re helping them to develop their identities a little earlier and setting them up for success.”
Long term, both Fields and Shook hope the program leaves a lasting impression.
“My biggest long-term goal would be that this gains momentum and we have the opportunity to reach all students,” Fields says. “(We want to) be able to create a structure in which every student has the opportunity to do this type of training.”
As part of that plan, the team hopes to integrate elements of the Leadership Excellence curriculum into classrooms throughout this school year.
“(We want students) to look back and be like, ‘Oh, I’m really glad I did that and got a head start,’” Shook says.
Ella Jay is an assistant editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at ejay@cityscenemediagroup.com.
From Making Special Memories to Hosting Business Meetings, We Have You Covered!
BOB CRANE COMMUNITY CENTER–
Nestled in the heart of UA, the Community Center features several exciting rental facilities for special events, weddings, parties, meetings, conferences & more, including an outdoor balcony & breathtaking views over the region.
AMELITA MIROLO BARN–UA’s premier indoor park facility blends historic barn beams with an airy, modern space, perfect for weddings, family reunions, business retreats, and all manner of celebrations.
Q&A with a Student
Participating student, Emily Warren, shares her reflections on the program.
Q: What encouraged you to participate in the workshops?
A: I originally signed up for the class because I was intrigued by the idea of a new credential for my resume, but as the classes went on, I was more excited to spend time with my friends while also learning new things. I liked the mix of doing fun group activities and challenges, and having new conversations about collaboration and leadership.
Q: What’s one major thing you took away from this experience?
A: One major thing I took away from this experience was being okay with being a beginner. I was learning about something completely new, and I had to be okay with that, without having much prior knowledge.
Q: Was there a particular moment or activity that stood out to you?
A: I found one of the challenges really interesting, because we were trying to accomplish a task as a group, but we weren’t allowed to talk. The activity made me realize that even though it seems so obvious, communication and talking to people is so important to being a better leader and collaborator.
Q: How do you think those workshops will continue to help you in the future?
A: I can apply these skills when I have to work in group projects and problem-solve with people around me.
Q: Would you encourage other students to participate – if so, why?
A: I would encourage other people to participate in this class because I liked the balance of learning about interesting topics and also doing fun and exciting activities.
By Elise Conrad
From Harvest to Home
Where to find locally-grown fall foods
As fall falls upon us, so begins the search for ripe pumpkins, juicy apples and sweet potatoes to satisfy all baking and cooking needs.
From weekend farmers’ markets to hidden roadside stands, there’s no shortage of places to fill your basket with local, seasonal staples. Whether you’re after crisp apples for pie, squash for soup or the perfect pumpkins for carving, here’s where to go – and what to look for –when shopping locally this fall.
Local sources for fresh food
Ohio’s farming environment is suitable for various fall foods, thanks to its rich soil, moderate climate and extended growing season. In the Tri-Village area, there’s a variety of farmers’ markets offering fresh, locally-grown produce perfect for fall cooking and baking. Don’t forget to chat with the farmers, as they can offer tips on how to best store, prep or cook their produce.
Grandview Heights Farmers’ Market Sundays, 9 a.m.-noon until Oct. 12
Larson Middle School Parking Lot 1600 W. 1st Ave.
(No market September 28th)
Upper Arlington Farmers Market Wednesdays, 3-6:30 p.m. until Oct. 22
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church 2151 Dorset Rd.
The Little Grand Farmer’s Market Saturdays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. until December
The Little Grand Courtyard 710 Grandview Crossing Way
Fresh food for cozy bakes
Although there are well-known classics such as apple crisp and pumpkin pie, don’t look past unique recipes. Try a new taste with sweet potato cream cheese bars, maple-glazed acorn squash or spiced apple butter grilled cheese. Exploring lesserknown recipes is a great way to add fresh flavor to the seasonal table while using local, in-season produce.
Fresh, local food to look for:
• Apples: Think apple crisp, apple pie and apple spice waffles.
• Carrots: A fun twist on carrot cake, a carrot cake coffee cake with a sweet glaze is sure to treat those taste buds.
• Pumpkin: Pumpkin pie and pumpkin rolls are classic fall staples. Try pumpkin whoopie pies with maple marshmallow cream filling if you’re looking for something different.
• Squash: While squash may not be as popular as some other fall foods, it can be used in cakes or baked with a simple maple glaze for a delicious treat.
Tips for gardening at home and local community gardens
Whether you have a plot at a community garden or are a home gardener, here are some tips and tricks for helping your plants flourish:
• Prepare the soil: Healthy plants start with healthy, loosened soil so roots can run deep.
• Water well: Water at the base of the plant to ensure they receive adequate hydration and to prevent leaf rot.
• Remove the weeds: They can steal your plants’ nutrients and attract pests.
• Choose native plants: Ohio’s environment is suitable for many different plants. Growing ones that can survive the local weather is key to a plentiful harvest.
Cooking it up
There is a wide variety of locally-grown fall food perfect for cooking or enjoying plain and a limitless number of recipes. If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with new creations such as a beet and roasted garlic hummus or a pumpkin and sage quiche.
• Beets: A nutrient-dense add-on to salads or grain bowls, beets are tolerant and can be planted both in spring and fall, making them a great option for farmers in Ohio.
• Cauliflower: Roast it in a savory garlic-parmesan sauce and get ready to wow dinner guests.
• Corn: High in fiber, corn is the perfect addition to any game day spread, whether it’s boiled, baked into cornbread or grilled with a dash of chili-lime butter.
• Kale: From kale chips to nutritious salads, you can roast, cook or sauté this leafy green into a variety of comforting fall dishes.
• Tomatoes: Add juicy cherry tomatoes to a salad or blend into a pasta sauce.
Elise Conrad is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@ cityscenemediagroup.com.
Finding Forever Homes
The BIA Parade of Homes returns to central Ohio
Searching for a dream home doesn’t have to be an arduous process. Sometimes, it’s as simple as taking a stroll through your community.
For more than 70 years, the Building Industry Association of Central Ohio (BIA) has transformed the homebuying journey with its signature home tour showcasing properties throughout central Ohio. This year, the Parade of Homes returns to highlight the best in modern home design. From Sept. 18-28, guests are invited to see more than 40 of central Ohio’s most eye-catching homes.
In 2021, the Parade adopted a scattered-site format, giving homebuyers from Upper Arlington to Lancaster the opportunity to explore and find their ideal home within their preferred area. This year, the Parade showcases homes scattered just a drive away, with locations including Hilliard and Franklinton.
When searching for the perfect place to call home, the surrounding community is just as important as the roof over your head. Parade homes are highlighted not only for architectural accomplishments, but also the prime locations in flourishing communities. These communities boast amenities such as local schools and grocery stores while offering recreational spaces such as parks and libraries.
By partnering with several area builders and developers, the Parade allows local craftsmen to showcase the best of their work.
The Parade ranges from traditional two and three-bedroom homes to condominiums and apartments. No matter what individuals or families are looking for, the Parade of Homes is a great starting point to making your dream home a reality.
Avery Gillis is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.
By Avery Gillis
Top homes sold in the Tri-Village area
In June 2025, home prices in Upper Arlington increased by 1.1 percent from the previous year. Homes sold for a median price of $618,000 after an average of 31 days on the market which is down from an average of 38 days last year. A total of 59 homes sold in June this year compared to 43 the previous year.
In Grandview Heights, homes sold for a median price of $595,000 and prices were down 15.4 percent from last June. Homes sold after an average of 27 days on the market, which is down from 41 days last year. There were 13 homes sold in Grandview Heights this June compared to 15 last year. (Data from Redfin)
2006 Kentwell Road, Upper Arlington, OH 43221| Charming Cape Cod just two blocks from Kingsdale Shopping Center and the new UA Community Center. This 3-bed, 3-bath home offers 2,219 sq ft with updated kitchen, light oak hardwoods, sunroom, and first-floor bedroom with en-suite. Upstairs includes two bedrooms—one with a secret cubbie—and new carpet over original hardwoods. Finished basement with flex space, full bath, and laundry. Updated mechanicals, roof, and oversized 2-car garage.
SORRELL & COMPANY, INC. 1200 Grandview Avenue, Columbus, OH, 4321
Cheryl Godard cherylgodard@kw.com 614-353-8711
4155 Clairmont Road, Upper Arlington, OH 43220
5 Bedrooms/ 5 Baths • 4,763 sq.’ + Lower Level
Updated Open Floor Plan with Flexible Spaces 1 1/3 Acre Lot Private Ravine Lot Sparkling Heated Pool Large Outdoor Patio with Pergola and Fire Pit cherylgodard.com
1734 W 1st Avenue, Grandview, OH 43212 | This Charming Grandview bungalow, built in 1908, offers 2596 sq. ft of living space. The meticulously maintained 4-bedroom, 2 bath home blends historic charm with modern comfort. Centrally located on an extra deep lot, one-third-acre corner lot with a 2 car garage. A quick walk to excellent schools, Grandview library, and Grandview Avenue shops and restaurants. Unbeatable access to biking trails, everyday amenities, The Ohio State University, and downtown Columbus. SORRELL & COMPANY, INC. 1200 Grandview Avenue, Columbus, OH, 4321
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A Fever in the Heartland
by Timothy Egan
This historical work tells the story of the rise of the Ku Klux Klan in the 1920s, the man who drove that rise, and, ultimately, the story of the woman who brought them to their knees. The shocking aspect of the story is that their domain at that time was not the South, but the American Heartland and West, with major incidents happening in Columbus.
Say Everything: A Memoir
by Ione Skye
You may know Ione Skye as the dream girl that inspired John Cusack’s unforgettable boombox serenade in the movie, Say Anything. However, this memoir reveals so much more about this very interesting person who has led such an
unconventional life. From her troubled relationship with her famous father, the folk singer legend Donovan, to her relationships and marriages to famous rock stars, to frank revelations of her bisexuality, this book will captivate you.
Sipsworth
by Simon Van Booy
At 83 years old, Helen Cartwright finds herself alone after losing both her husband and son. Her days have become monotonous, devoid of meaningful connections and hope for the future. However, a chance encounter with an abandoned
pet mouse changes everything. The tiny creature’s life depends on Helen, and through caring for it, her world begins to expand. This charming, uplifting and humorous story explores themes of friendship, community and unexpected second chances.
Suddenly by Isabelle Autissier
A couple’s dream journey to sail around Cape Horn swiftly turns into a nightmare as the pair is stranded on a desolate island in the Antarctic Ocean. The couple navigates the harsh terrain and each other as they figure out whether they’d rather save their lives or their relationship. Autissier, the first woman to sail around the world solo in competition, explores who people become when faced with the uncertainty of their own survival even at the expense of another.
Everything You Know about Bugs and Other Tiny Creatures Is Wrong by Dr. Nick Crumpton
Everyone knows that centipedes have 100 legs and all spiders spin webs, right? Well, zoologist Dr. Nick Crumpton is here to tell everyone they are WRONG! Filled with surprising facts and amazingly detailed artwork, this book will quickly become a favorite with insect fans of all ages.
