WALK INTO A WORLD OF DRESS-UP, MAKE-BELIEVE AND THE BELIEF THAT ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE ENTERTAINMENT
LOCAL SERVICES
KEEP KIDS ON A SUCCESSFUL PATH TO LEARNING
GET YOUR PETS THRIVING AND HEALTHY THROUGH PHYSICAL THERAPY WELLNESS
MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS AESTHETICS IV HYDRATION VITAMIN INJECTIONS
HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY
This issue is one of my absolute favorites. There’s something magical about the immense joy that children and pets bring into our lives and the lives of our families. They don’t just brighten our days; they make a significant impact on our communities.
Children are not merely the hope for a brighter tomorrow—they are the very foundation upon which our society stands. Their innocence, curiosity and boundless potential have the power to shape the world in ways we can only dream of. Kids represent our hardest work and greatest investment, and we are thrilled to highlight the best for Northwest Columbus kids in this issue. With back-to-school season here, let’s remember that our children shape our now and tomorrow.
And let’s not forget our pets! The special kind of companionship they offer can be a transformative experience for both children and adults. Pets provide us with unconditional love and the opportunity to learn, grow and develop essential life skills in a nurturing environment. The bond between kids and their furry, feathery (or even leathery) friends is often deep and meaningful, fostering qualities like empathy, responsibility and companionship.
As I’m writing this, my 6-month-old puppy, Wookie, is upstairs with his favorite toy, squeaking it happily throughout the house. He has brought us so much joy and has turned our house upside down in the best possible way. These days, our weeks are quieter since our kids are grown and have children of their own. But when our kids and grandchildren do get together, we are reminded of the strong family bond that is strengthened by our kids and pets.
Bryan and I often marvel at how fast time flies and try to relish each and every day. We fondly remember previous pets and our kids who are now out of the house and off the payroll. It’s a poignant reminder of just how important it is to celebrate each and every day. Kids and pets are truly only young for such a short time!
We need them as much as they need us. Our care, attention and intention shape how they are raised and who they become. We hope this issue inspires you to pour a little extra love into the children and pets in your life this month.
Enjoy this beautiful summer, as it soon will unfold into a stunning fall
FEDERICO, PUBLISHER
August 2024 Visit our Instagram
PUBLISHER
Lisa Federico | lisa.federico@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Ashley Alt | ashley.alt@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Ashley Labaki, Annette Witherspoon
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Jabari Cole
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Lisa Federico NORTHWEST COLUMBUS CITY LIFESTYLE PUBLISHERS
Blue Boat Counseling
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Branch Beauty Studio
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CoHatch
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CarifaTile
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J.S. Brown & Company
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Jason Harris, Guaranteed Rate WWW.RATE.COM
Life Enriching Communities LEC.ORG
ModeAlise
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Moore Brothers Landscaping and Pools MOOREBROTHERSLANDSCAPING.COM
NME Builders
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Nathan Daugherty, Ameriprise
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Paulette’s Princess Parties PAULETTESPRINCESSPARTIES.COM
Planes Moving and Storage WWW.TEAMPLANES.COM
Residence Design Build WWW.RESIDENCEDESIGNBUILD.COM
Smartlevel Concrete WWW.SMARTLEVELCONCRETE.COM
Surreal Style SURREALSTYLEWITHCOURTNEY.COM
The Timbrook Guesthouse TIMBROOKGUESTHOUSE.COM
Theresa Mesaros CB Full Circle Team THEREALT614.COM
Tristate Exteriors TRISTATEEXTERIORSLLC.COM
We are creating a kinder, more connected world led by our youngest generation.
Seeds of Caring engages kids ages 2-12 in service, social action and community building. Teaming together with local nonprofit organizations, we help kids see and understand the needs in their community, then develop the skills and confidence to make a difference.
Our programming is intentionally designed with ageappropriate education, meaningful service projects and time for empathetic reflection. Projects enable families, schools and other groups to nurture a commitment to kindness and find ways to take action.
Here are just a few of the ways you can get plugged in:
Sign up for a volunteer project with your family, classroom or other group
Partner with us as a nonprofit
Share your skills as a volunteer
Make a donation
Subscribe to our newsletter
“If every child participated with Seeds of Caring more people would do what is right, not what is easy.”
—CHILD PARTICIPANT
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: A colorful artist demonstration shown at the 2024 Worthington Arts Festival 2: Local ladies of the Worthington Chamber's Women’s Business Network Morning Mixer last month at Boxland 3: United Midwest Savings Bank opened their doors in Old Worthington in June. 4: The ribbon cutting and launch party of Northwest Columbus Lifestyle magazine, held at Vibe Venue 5: Worthington residents come together to celebrate the opening of Huey Magoo's 6: Precision Health & Wellness is welcomed with open arms into the Worthington community. 7: Our community celebrating the official launch of Northwest Columbus City Lifestyle magazine on June 20.
Want to be seen in the magazine?
The Worthington Chamber welcomed Precision Health & Wellness to its growing roster of businesses last month. Located at 1000 High Street in Worthington, this medical spa helps clients reach their weight loss goals, achieve their aesthetic desires and improve their overall wellness. Learn more about their services including medical weight loss injections, hormone activation therapy and wrinkle relaxers by visiting their website.
WEBSITE: chooseprecisionhealth.com
United Midwest Savings Bank opened the doors to its fourth Central Ohio office in Old Worthington in June. The new branch is located at 547 High Street near the Worthington United Methodist Church, and provides customers with deposit and mortgage lending services.
WEBSITE: umwsb.com
PetSuites Worthington is offering a 6-week enrichment course for your pup this fall.
Beginning August 1st, trainers will offer six different enrichments to get your pup into good behavioral shape. Their training techniques are scientifically grounded in applied behavior, using positive reinforcement and reward-based methods that are always dog-friendly. Trainers will work with dogs at any skill level to focus on the specific areas they need improvement in—from adhering to commands to building good behavior.
ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ALT
WALK INTO A WORLD OF DRESS-UP, MAKE-BELIEVE AND THE BELIEF THAT ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE
When you were a small child, who were your heroes? Was it the local firefighter or policeman? The second grade teacher who everyone was fond of?
Paulette's Princess Parties, Paulette Thomas, says of the remarkable world she has built for children. "Anyone can be a Princess, a Superhero or even Barbie.”
Longtime acting character for Paulette's Princess Parties, Lizzie Gill, who has played Rapunzel, Sleepy Beauty,
For so many young boys and girls, their heroes are the princesses and superheroes they see in Disney movies. From the original Princess Snow-White to the Frozen Princesses to Descendants to Spider-Man, these characters breathe life into our children, making them believe anything is possible.
Paulette's Princess Parties keeps that magical, make-believe spark going through the incredible, lavish events thrown on behalf of young kids' birthday parties, mother-daughter tea times, Princess dance classes and so much more. From singing and dancing to reading stories and doing crafts, young girls and boys get the royal treatment when they attend a Paulette's Princess Party. Whether that's a Princess pajama party with Tinker Bell tiptoeing around to superhero celebrations with kids spewing silly string out of their hands, the entertainment is endless.
"To watch the parents watch their kids...they are tickled pink," owner of
The Little Mermaid and more, shares that while she "loves to perform," the kids are the ones who make it all worth it.
"It's always so wonderful to see kids come out of their shells and have fun," Lizzie says. Seeing their faces light up and how excited they are to spend time with their favorite princess is incredible. The superheroes and princesses, especially the newer ones being made today, are a great group of role models for children," Lizzie continues. "They reflect diversity, bravery and kindness, setting an excellent example for the 'grown-ups' of tomorrow to follow."
Book your party at your home, other venues or at Paulette’s beautiful Palace at the Shops at Worthington.
All upcoming events and classes are listed at PaulettesPrincessParties.com.
IG: @PaulettesPrincessParties
Healthy and nutritious after-school snacks your kiddos will look forward to
ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ALT
These kid-friendly snack ideas come to us from Jaide Lehnert, a nanny with The Columbus Nanny Agency who acquired an interest for nannying in 2020 when Covid struck and families were looking for safe, in-home care for their children.
Among riding bikes, exploring caverns and "reading a lot of Harry Potter books," Jaide developed a passion for helping children learn and develop, including cooking healthy meals. Here, she shares two snack ideas that have awarded her Gold Star Nanny status.
Ingredients/materials needed:
• Bread of your choice
• Deli meat of your choice (Turkey, Ham, Pepperoni or Salami)
• Sliced cheese of your choice (Provolone, Swiss or Cheddar)
• Blocked cheese of your choice
• Kabob Sticks
Recipe:
1. Build 2-3 full-sized sandwiches with bread, meat and sliced cheese
2. Cut each sandwich into 6 evenly distributed squares
3. Slide 1 mini sandwich onto kabob stick
4. Cut blocked cheese into squares
5. Slide 1 cheese square onto kabob stick under the sandwich
6. Slide another mini sandwich onto the kabob under the cheese square
7. Continue the process until the kabob is full
Ingredients/materials needed:
• 3 cups of cooked, chopped broccoli
• 1 large egg
• 12 ritz crackers (crushed)
• 1 cup of cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• Muffin pan
Recipe:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit
2. In a bowl, mix all ingredients together until evenly mixed
3. Spray muffin pan with a cooking spray (any vegetable oil spray will do)
4. Evenly distribute mixture into muffin pan cups
5. Top with cheese
6. Bake in oven for 14-16 minutes
By Amy Robinson Ford
ARTICLE BY ANNETTE WITHERSPOON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JABARI COLE
Just days before the pandemic hit, Angela (whose name has been changed to protect her identity) was already facing a huge challenge. Angela did not know how to read and was in jeopardy of repeating first grade.
Determined to lead her daughter to a better path, Angela’s mom and grandmother took her to Huntington Learning Center in Lewis Center, where certified instructors thoroughly evaluated her reading skills, including phonics, sight words, fluency and reading readiness. They developed a comprehensive plan that, if followed closely, could change her course. Mom and grandma knew they were facing a challenge that required time and commitment, so they reached out to extended family to help steer Angela toward a new path. Seven family members, including aunts, uncles, cousins and even the boyfriend of Angela’s mother, met Lewis Center Huntington Learning Center’s executive director, Maureen Wagner, on a Saturday afternoon to map out a plan.
Angela’s family brought her in for one-on-one tutoring four times a week. Within months, Angela was reading at grade level and promoted to second grade.
“I was so excited for her," Maureen says.
Angela is just one of many students facing learning challenges. According to the National Recovery Scorecard, a collaboration between researchers from Harvard
and Stanford, students in grades 3-8 lost, on average, a half-year of learning in math and a quarter year of learning in reading since the pandemic hit in 2020.
Maureen, who has spent more than 15 years teaching both math and language arts, calls the drop in learning the “Covid slide," stating many parents call her at their breaking point.
If you think your child might be struggling academically, Maureen offers the following tips to help parents identify whether their child needs additional help in learning:
• Personality changes: The first identifiable sign is a change in personality. Children who are missing skills will start to struggle. As a result, they no longer enjoy learning and don't want to be in school.
• Drop in grades: Next, children’s grades will start to drop.
• Pay attention to the kids in the middle: Wagner says the top-performing students do well on their own while lower-performing students tend to get extra attention in school, but warns that the middle-performing students are often overlooked.
“This is the most worrisome group because they tend to fly under the radar,” Maureen says. “Teachers are rock stars, but they only have 45 minutes to teach students. The students must also learn at home, but parents are busy and don’t have time for extra tutoring.”
At Huntington Learning Centers, professional, certified teachers perform thorough evaluations to first identify what skills a child is lacking and develop a comprehensive plan designed to fill the missing gaps in math, reading, writing and study skills.
“We meet the child where they are and build the foundational skills,” Maureen says. “It’s not a sprint, but a marathon. First we build the skills, which boosts their confidence and then their motivation.”
The plan addresses not only the child's academic needs, but also their social and emotional needs. Through repetition and consistency, students can show an improvement of two or more grade levels in reading and math.
“You can [visibly] see the results,” Maureen says. “It’s like a switch turns on."
Tutors at Huntington Learning Centers also help students prep for the ACT and SAT by offering test-taking strategies, time-management skills and individualized academic instruction.
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HELP YOUR CHILD COPE WITH BACK-TO-SCHOOL ANXIETY
ARTICLE BY ASHLEY LABAKI
“
One easy way to give your child some control and autonomy is by letting them pick out their clothing or school supplies.
The new school year is just around the corner. This time of year can be particularly challenging for families, especially if your child is struggling with going back to school.
While feelings of anxiousness and nervousness are common in kids beginning a new school year—new teacher, new classroom, new faces and a more challenging curriculum—there are a few things you can do to help calm your child’s trepidation and set them up for a successful year.
The first order of business is a healthy sleep schedule. Getting quality sleep is essential to maintaining your child’s mental and emotional functioning throughout the school day, so be sure they are going to bed at a reasonable hour each night, and waking at the same time each day, including weekends.
Blue Boat Counseling Clinical Director Kate Pedro recommends looking at school schedules while creating your daily routine and making adjustments prior to the start of school.
“I would say at least a month in advance, start closing that gap…and then really getting into a regular routine at least one to two weeks before the school year starts,” Kate says. “You are going to see the most balance in mood regulation when there is an appropriate amount of sleep being given to kids.”
Another potential stressor is thinking about new teachers or harder classes that may make your child feel scared or uncertain. One of the most important things parents can do here is talk about expectations.
“Kids want to know what to expect,” Kate says. “We could drive to the physical space if it’s a new school [or] build a plan for who they can sit with [on the bus]. Kids just want to feel prepared.”
Another helpful tidbit: If you’re unable to give your child answers to questions immediately, be transparent about when you will have that information.
One easy way to give your child some control and autonomy is by letting them pick out their clothing or school supplies.
“If kids are able to pick out their color folders or what pencils they would like to use, that makes them feel like they have control of decision-making when, in a sense, they don’t have a lot of control,” Kate says.
Children may initially experience a “honeymoon period” during the first day or two of school, and then may appear to “unravel” at home. Kate stresses this is normal behavior for children who are simply decompressing in their safe space after masking at school.
“I don’t want parents to be fearful if they see that,” Kate says. “That’s a healthy regulating tactic that [both] kids and adults do.”
Kate recommends avoiding minimizing your child’s concerns by helping them build skills to manage feelings of stress and anxiety.
“I think we also need to normalize for our kids that a lot of this anxiety isn’t going to go away, and that’s okay,” Kate says. “We just need to learn how to cope with that feeling versus trying to eliminate that feeling.”
Parents can help their children manage feelings of anxiousness by building self-assurance through role-playing scenarios beforehand, and by giving their children self-regulating tools such as taking deep breaths, using fidgets, taking breaks or getting a drink of water when they experience anxiety at school.
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ARTICLE BY LISA FEDERICO
Unique therapies promote healing and wellness for our fur babies
Just like humans, pets can benefit immensely from physical therapy. The Animal Hospital of Worthington, established in 1976, offers unique rehabilitation services for dogs, ensuring our furry friends lead healthier, happier lives.
Rehabilitation at the hospital improves balance, flexibility, range of motion and muscle strength, enhancing pets' comfort and quality of life. This is crucial for dogs recovering from surgeries, dealing with chronic conditions like osteoarthritis or back pain. The facility provides leading-edge therapies such as an underwater treadmill, therapeutic laser technology, cryotherapy and thermotherapy.
“Obesity is a major problem for our pets and obesity and joint problems go hand-in-hand," says therapist Whitney O’Daffer. Whitney began her career with the hospital in 2010 and earned her canine rehabilitation certification in 2023.
“A Beagle I’m working with on weight loss loves our water treadmill. She’ll do 20 minutes straight—but yet isn’t able to walk outside on a leash for any length of time. Getting our pets down to a normal weight helps prevent future joint and back issues as well as other ailments."
The Animal Hospital of Worthington is dedicated to helping pets live their best lives, providing comprehensive care that mirrors the physical therapy humans receive. Physical therapy can be used to keep dogs conditioned, but also help them recover from injuries faster, as well as maintain a healthy weight to improve overall health.
ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ALT
Boarding, daycare, grooming and training. PetSuites Worthington has it all for your furry friends. Let their experienced caretakers love on your pet while you're away.
Your very own chauffeur? Yes please! Precious Cargo is a children's transportation service safely shuffling kids to and from practice, school and other activities. Contact 833.722.2746 for more info.
If your pet has run away from home or is lost, Airo One drone services come to the rescue. Drones are equipped with thermal imaging capabilities, allowing them to search for your pet in low-light conditions or dense foliage. airoone.com
Goat yoga, a farm market and even animal agriculture internships. This 90-year-old farm is run by female farmer Katherine Harrison, who instills those old school values of hard work and community through various programs. harisonfarms.com
If you're a parent, finding the right care for your child feels next to impossible. With The Columbus Nanny, the stress and guesswork of finding a suitable caretaker is taken off your plate. columbusnannies.com
100% digital. 5 minutes to apply. Money in your pocket in days.
Why wait weeks or months on a bank when you can get your money faster us? Our 100% digital HELOC lets you do it right from your phone. Tap, tap, done! Get the cash you need in as little as five days to consolidate debt and pay for home improvements. All at a fixed rate, without sacrificing your low mortgage rate.
Why Choose our HELOC?
• 100% digital application
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• No upfront costs
• Apply in 5-10 minutes
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O: (614) 545-1781 C: (614) 571-0126 rate.com/jasonharris jason.harris@rate.com Jason Harris SVP of Mortgage Lending/Branch Manager NMLS # 573906 1070 Polaris Pkwy, Ste 210 Columbus, OH 43240
1- Guaranteed Rate home equity line of credit (HELOC) is an open-end product where the full loan amount (minus the origination fee) will be 100% drawn at the time of origination. The initial amount funded at origination will be based on a fixed rate; however, this product contains an additional draw feature. As the borrower repays the balance on the line, the borrower may make additional draws during the draw period. If the borrower elects to make an additional draw, the interest rate for that draw will be set as of the date of the draw and will be based on an Index, which is the Prime Rate published in the Wall Street Journal for the calendar month preceding the date of the additional draw, plus a fixed margin. Accordingly, the fixed rate for any additional draw may be higher than the fixed rate for the initial draw. This product is currently not offered in the states of New York, Kentucky, Texas, West Virginia, Delaware and Maryland. The HELOC requires you to pledge your home as collateral, and you could lose your home if you fail to repay. Borrowers must meet minimum lender requirements in order to be eligible for financing. Available for primary, second homes and investment properties only. Dependent on minimum credit score and debt-toincome requirements. Occupancy status, lien position and credit score are all factors to determine your rate and max available loan amount. Not all applicants will be approved. Applicants subject to credit and underwriting approval. Contact Guaranteed Rate for more information and to discuss your individual circumstances. Restrictions Apply. 2-Approval may be granted in five minutes but may be subject to verification of income and employment. Five business day funding timeline assumes closing the loan with our remote online notary. Funding timelines may be longer for loans secured by properties located in counties that do not permit recording of e-signatures or that otherwise require an in-person closing. In addition, funding timelines may be longer if we cannot readily verify that your property is
Kids aren't the only ones who can enjoy a sweet summer treat. Give your dog the VIP snack treatment with these super easy, super yummy pupsicles.
Prep Time:10 minutes
Freeze Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours and 10 minutes
Makes: 5-10 treats
ingredients:
• 2 ripe bananas
• 2 tablespoons of peanut butter (without artificial sweeteners)
• Silicone baking mold
directions:
Step 1. In a small, microwave-safe bowl, microwave peanut butter for 10 to 20 seconds and stir until pourable
Step 2. To each popsicle mold, add a spoonful of peanut butter and enough mashed banana to fill the mold
Step 3. Swirl with a knife until smooth
Step 4. Freeze until frozen (three hours recommended)
YOGURT AND BERRIES PUPSICLES
ingredients:
• 1/2 cup of blueberries, strawberries, raspberries or blackberries
• 2 5-ounce containers of plain yogurt (we recommend Greek yogurt)
• Ice cube or baking mold
directions:
Step 1. Mix berries and yogurt with a spoon
Step 2. Combine berries and yogurt until molds are filled
Step 3. Freeze until frozen (three hours recommended)
AUGUST 6TH
The McConnell Arts Center | 6:00 PM
Instructor Antonio Gonzalez-Garcia is leading a 5-week session on the basics of watercolor for adults (all skill levels welcome) on Tuesdays in August from 6-9 pm at the McConnell Arts Center. Learn, improve upon and understand the ratios of pigment to water, the effect layering different hues has on a painting and how these elements complement each other. mcconnellarts.org
AUGUST 11TH
Old Worthington: 666 High St. Worthington
Originally started in 2020 as a way to get a fix of fair food when other fairs were canceled, this event is now one of Worthington’s most popular Sunday Fundays—an excellent activity for the whole family before school starts. Expect carnival games, live bands, live entertainment and food specials at local restaurants. Come ready to have a good time!
AUGUST 28TH
Worthington Candle Works: 646 High St. Worthington | 4:00 PM
Join Candles & Corks for a cozy evening of wine tasting and candle making, the perfect way to unwind and get crafty. Grab a friend and come create your own custom scented candle guided by expert candle-makers, then head to House Wine for a delicious wine tasting. Tickets: $45 allevents.in/worthington-oh
Since 1978, J.S. Brown & Co. has transformed homes and improved the quality of our clients’ lives. We can do the same for you.
LAUNDRY
