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Short North Community News Archive 2018-2020
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November/December 2019
ComFest 2020 Plans and Deadlines
Planning has officially begun for ComFest 2020. This year is the 50th ComFest event. Although it was first held in 1972, for two years, there were two festivals, and one year there was no festival. This will not be the 50th anniversary per se, but the 50th festival. It’s time to celebrate! If you are interested in helping, planning, or just hanging out, come to any of the General Planning Committee meetings listed on the web site. ComFest is a wonderful way to give a little time back to your community and have fun doing it. A variety of interesting and challenging jobs await you.
Community Grants applications are now online. Submission deadline is January 20. Applications for musicians, performers, speakers and workshops are also online. Submission deadline is February 1.
Vendor applications will be available in February. Deadline is April 20.
Upcoming ComFest meetings will be held in the Shelterhouse in Goodale Park:General Planning Committee Meetings
Sunday November 17 at 1 p.m. • Thursday, December 5 at 7:30 p.m. • Sunday, January 12 at 1 p.m.Spirit and Purpose Committee Meetings
Thurs. December 5 at 6:30 p.m.Watch for more information about ComFest 365 (ComFest year round) in coming months. www.comfest.com
‘Me and My Pal’ Drawing Contest
As the licensor of all dogs in Franklin County, I’m excited to announce the launch of this year’s Me and My Pal drawing contest. The objectives of the contest are to remind dog owners and their families of the license renewal season beginning December 1, 2019, and to foster appreciation among young dog owners of responsible pet ownership. The Me and My Pal drawing contest is open to all K-6 grade students in Franklin County.
Please encourage your students, and any K-6 grade students you know, to participate in the contest. The Me and My Pal award ceremony will take place on Saturday, December 7, 2019. Winners will be notified by Monday, December 2, 2019. The 2019 winner will receive a gift, and the winner and runners-up will be featured in the first-ever Me and My Pal 2020 Calendar. All entries must be submitted by November 22, 2019. Me and My Pal guidelines and application can be found online: www.franklincountyauditor.com
Should you need additional information contact AuditorStinziano@franklincountyohio.gov or call 614-525-HOME.
Museum Director Book Signing in Short North
Join Columbus Museum of Art’s Executive Director Nannette Maciejunes at Prologue Bookshop on Saturday, December 7 from 4 to 5 p.m. for a book signing and discussion of her latest book, Reflections: The American Collection of the Columbus Museum of Art. The book. co-edited with Melissa Wolfe, features selected works from CMA’s art collection accompanied by essays written by a variety of creative people – both scholars and non-scholars – at times offering pairs of contrasting perspectives. Prologue Bookshop is located in the Short North at 841 N. High St. across from Melt Bar & Grilled. Visit prologuebookshop.com or their Facebook page for more author events scheduled at the shop.
Announcing a New Website for Dennison Griffith
Hammond Harkins Galleries and the estate of Dennison Griffith announced the launch of the artist’s new website that includes rediscovered favorite bodies of work and some works previously unseen.
Griffith, former president of the Columbus College of Art & Design, created acoustic, abstract works of art in beautiful colors. He died in 2016 of cancer at the age of 63.
A selection of the artist’s works is always available to view in person at Hammond Harkins Galleries in the Short North at 641 N. High St.
Marlana Hammond Keynes, the gallery owner, met Griffith in 1997 and included his work in her first show at the Bexley gallery that year. “He had such a dynamic personality, and it all translated, of course, into his art,” she said. “He was continually reaching out and trying new avenues. He never was satisfied with developing a concept. He would finish it, but then he was on to the next one. He was always reaching out and exploring new ideas.” Visit the Dennison Griffith website at www.dennisongriffith.com Inquires can be made at (614) 238-3000 or at gallery@hammondharkins.com
Kiwanis Club Continues to Grow After One Year in the Short North
Charlotte Kubat-Vishak and Anthony Lagani, recognized leaders [Facebook] Kiwanis Short North, one of the newest clubs of Kiwanis International, held a President’s Party at Harvey & Ed’s Delicatessen on September 25 after one year in operation. Anthony Lagani, who has served as president of the Short North Kiwanis for the past year, was honored, and Charlotte Kubat-Vishak was installed as the new president.
As the founding president, Lagani’s leadership was critical in establishing the new club. “Working so closely with the community and the people that make the Short North so special really reinforced why I love and support the Short North and its local businesses,” he said. “I can’t thank the club members enough for embracing me as their president and helping me every step of the way to work out the kinks that come with starting a new Kiwanis club.”
The group also welcomed two new club members, Andrew Marvin and Sam White, bringing the club membership to 14. Vice President James McShane, Secretary Jim Cowardin, and Treasurer Betty Kubat we’re installed for the next year as were board members Gregg Goldenbagen, Travis Samson, and Brian Weibel.
Kiwanis is a service organization that empowers members to pursue creative ways to serve the needs of children, such as fighting hunger and improving literacy. Every local club in the Kiwanis organization sets its own goals, based on what is needed in the community.
“We’ve been speaking with the Hubbard School and look forward to serving them in the future,” said Kiwanis member Mary Beth Cowardin. “We would really like to continue to grow membership so we can take on new projects. Our club now meets twice a month, every other Wednesday at 7 p.m. We either meet at the house in Goodale Park or a Short North establishment.”
To learn more about the Kiwanis or attend one of their meetings, email kiwanisshortnorth@gmail.com or follow the club on Facebook for updates.
September/October 2019
Columbus Italian Day Parade & High School Marching Band Competition 2019 Registration
Display your Columbus and Italian groups in the Columbus Italian Day Parade: car clubs, civic associations, block watch groups, garden clubs, local media, health associations, dance clubs, language clubs, the list can go on forever.
Sunday, October 13, 2019 @ 1 p.m. Line-up begins at Dennison and Poplar in the Short North.
To register, visit Facebook Columbus Italian Parade or call 614-228-1868
Fall Tree Tour Wednesday, Oct. 16
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Join Friends of Goodale Park board member and arborist Rick Frantz as he shares interesting facts about some of the park’s trees during an hour-long tour. Historical notes, medicinal uses and peculiarities will be noted, so there’s something for everyone. The only thing you’ll need to know prior to the tour is that you have an appreciation for trees. Frantz has served as a Friends of Goodale Park trustee and volunteer arborist since 2004. He graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in natural resources, majoring in urban forestry and recently worked with Greenlawn Cemetery to catalog and map over 3,000 trees, creating a user-friendly tree inventory for the organization. He has worked in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for the City of Dublin and has served as part-time forester for Powell for the past 10 years.
WHAT: Fall Tree Tour • WHEN: Wed., October 16, 6-7 p• WHERE: Goodale Park Caretaker’s Residence • www.goodalepark.org
Spirit of the ‘60s Coffeehouse At King Avenue United Methodist Church Friday, November 8 at 7:30 pm
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Civil rights sit-ins. Bell-bottoms.Anti-war marches. Student Power. Afros. Miniskirts. Hippies. Riots. Space flights. The generation gap. Those hallmarks of the turbulent 1960s will be rekindled at this year’s annual “Spirit of the ‘60’s Coffeehouse” on Friday, Novermber 8 at 7:30 p.m. King Avenue Methodist Church, 299 W. King at Neil. Bill Cohen will lead a candlelit, musical, year-by-year journey through the era, with live and familiar 1960s folksongs, “news reports” of sixties happenings, displays of anti-war buttons and posters and far-out sixties fashions. Plus, Cohen will also challenge the audience with sixties trivia questions.
Proceeds from the suggested $10 donations (at the door) will go to the Mid-Ohio Food Bank. Refreshments will be available at no extra charge. Free parking is also available in the lots just south and west of the church.The show begins at 7:30 p.m. in the church basement, but get there early for a good seat. The program is suitable for ADULTS and MATURE TEENS. It’s the 33rd year of sixties coffeehouses for Bill. He’s performed the show more than a hundred times now at colleges, churches, synagogues, conferences, high schools, and middle schools across Ohio and beyond. For more information, visit www.billcohensings.org
40th Columbus Italian Festival
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The 40th annual Columbus Italian Festival promises to be every bit as exciting as in previous years, with three days of entertainment, traditional Italian cuisine, a parade, music, dancing, and other enriching activities celebrating Italian heritage and culture. Among this year’s musicians taking the festival stage is Austin Giorgio (from “The Voice”) with the Rick Brunetto Big Band. In addition to singing the type of things he was known for on The Voice, he will be performing some original songs, accompanied by the Rick Brunetto 17 piece orchestra, this is a must see show! Performances are on Friday, October 11 from 7 to 8:30 pm and Saturday, October 12 from 7: to 8:30 p.m.
The festival takes place on the grounds of St. John the Baptist Italian Catholic Church at 720 Hamlet St. at N. 4th and E. Lincoln streets Columbus Day weekend beginning Friday, October 11 at 5 p.m. through Sunday, October 13. Parking is available across 4th Street in the Jeffrey lot for $10. The parking lot entrance will be at 4th and Neruda. Look for signs on 4th Street as you enter the festival for directions to parking. Handicap parking will be available at the Capital City Awning lot on 4th Street across from Smith Bros. Free shuttle parking is available at the Columbus State Community College south lot at Long and Cleveland.
Columbus Italian Festival: October 11, 12 and 13, 2019
$5.00 at the door • Free for children under 12 with adult admission
Special events include the Columbus Italian Parade and High School Marching Bands Competition on Sunday as well as The Taste of Italy magnificent dining preview on Monday evening, October 7. The dining event is $35 in advance, $40 at the door. Austin Giorgio (from “The Voice”) with the Rick Brunetto Big Band performs Friday and Saturday evenings at the festival. columbusitalianfestival.com
Short North Tour of Homes & Gardens
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The 45th Annual Short North Tour of Homes & Gardens
September 14 – 15, 2019
High Victorian to Industrial Conversion
PREVIEW TOUR and party at the new Hubbard Park Place apartments rooftop, 797 N. Wall St., Saturday, Sept. 15, 4:30pm – 9pm $100
GENERAL TOUR on Sunday, Sept. 16, 10am to 4pm $20-$25
Visit ShortNorthCivic.org or Short North Civic Association’s FB page for more information.
Get ready for a day of inspiration that will include historic to hip, fabulous to funky, quaint cottages, secret gems and new-build surprises. Start the tour at 777 Neil Avenue. Free Shuttles. Tickets $20-$25
July/August 2019
Friends of Goodale Park Walks and Talks
The Friends of Goodale Park launched their Walks and Talks series in 2014 offering informative walking tours as well as presentations by experts on trees and wildlife-related topics. The annual series begins this summer with a tree tour on July 10. Talks are held in Goodale Park outside of the Caretakers Residence beginning at 7 p.m., but come at 6:30 to socialize and enjoy refreshments provided by At Home by High, a non-profit focusing on adults ages 50+ (see www.athomebyhigh.org). You’re advised to bring a blanket or folding chair (except for the tree tours).
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium presents on July 24, 2019 Wed., July 10 (6:30-8p)
Summer Tree Tour
Goodale Park is home to over 300 trees and over 200 different varieties. Want to learn more? Join Jim Slyh as he shares interesting facts about some of the park’s trees. The only requirement on your part is an appreciation for trees. This is a walking tour with lots of stops, so wear comfortable shoes. Jim is an arborist/horticulturist with the Ohio Department of Agriculture and chaired the Chillicothe Tree Commission
Wed., July 17 (6:30-8p)
Up-close encounter with birds of prey - the Ohio School of Falconry
Our most popular program last season is here for a repeat performance. Are you mesmerized by the hawks that you see flying in your neighborhood or along the highway? Come and learn more about them. Joe Dorrian, the owner of the Ohio School of Falconry, will bring of hawks, owls, falcons to the park. You will learn about the ancient sport of falconry, training and equipment, raptor ecology and conservation. Some of you will have the chance to handle and fly a trained Harris’s Hawk.
Wed., July 24 (6:30-8p)
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is home to nearly 10,000 animals representing over 600 species from around the globe. This is your opportunity to enjoy an up-close look at a few of the zoo’s animal ambassadors. You will learn about the life of these animals, including where they’re from and what they eat. There will be a chance to ask lots of questions.Wed., July 31 (6:30-8p)
Reptiles and Amphibians of Ohio
More visiting animals! There are 19 Metro parks in Columbus and Franklin County, and every year, more than 8 million visitors enjoy these parks. With 200 miles of trails, picnic areas, and organized recreational or educational events, Metro Parks serve a range of interests and needs in our community. Join a Metro Parks’ naturalist to learn about Ohio’s snakes, turtles, frogs and salamanders. We’ll explore their special characteristics with a visit from live animals.Wed., Oct. October 16 (6-8p)
Fall Tree Tour
Have you heard about the Fall Tree Tour in Goodale Park? Goodale Park Trustee/ Arborist OSU Alum Rick Frantz will walk guests through the park and show off some of our most interesting trees (we have over 300!) at a time of the year when some of the trees are changing color. The tour begins at the Caretaker’s Residence at 6pm.
5th Annual VIVO Music Festival
VIVO Music Festival celebrates its fifth season of bringing our community together through exhilarating chamber music performances. Venues include the Columbus Museum of Art, the Short North Stage, Seventh Son Brewing Co., and Ohio Living Westminster-Thurber. All events are open to the public and pay-what-you-want admission. Founded in 2015, VIVO Music Festival is a Columbus-based classical music festival featuring exceptional young professional musicians from Columbus and all over the world
SEASON 5 EVENTS
Beer & Beethoven: Wed., Aug. 28 | 7pm
Seventh Son Brewing Co. | 1101 N 4th St,
Our perennial festival favorite is back! Experience the music the musicians’ way: kicking back in a festive, relaxed environment with beer. Presented in a new format for the first time at Seventh Son Brewing Co. (upstairs)
VIVO Swan Songs: Thurs., Aug. 29 | 7pm
Columbus Museum of Art, Derby Court | 480 E Broad St
An evening of chamber music at the Derby Court featuring works by master composers written at the end of their lives. Featuring works by Schubert, Debussy, Brahms, Mozart, Beethoven.VIVO Black Angels: Fri., Aug. 30 | 7pm
The Short North Stage | 1187 N High St,
The Calidore String Quartet performs Schubert’s monumental “Death and the Maiden” paired with George Crumb’s apocalyptic “Black Angels” for electric String Quartet. Co-presented with the Johnstone Fund for New Music. Special post-concert event will immediately follow.
VIVO Rhapsody: Sun., Sept. 1 | 1pm
Columbus Museum of Art, Derby Court | 480 E Broad St
Season 5 Finale! An afternoon of uplifting, free-spirited virtuosity featuring Klezmer clarinet, Hungarian folk music, and a masterpiece written by an 18-year old Romanian prodigy. Featured Guest artists include The Calidore String Quartet, Kristin Lee (violin), Anna Polonsky (piano), and Gabriel Campos Zamora (clarinet).Additional events, concerts and outreach performances will be announced through VIVO’s website and Facebook pages.
TICKETS: Free - suggested donation www.vivofestival.org
Notes from the Short North Civic Association
Advertising Kiosks In Residential Areas
SNCA invited Experience Columbus and Orange Barrel Media to its May board meeting to discuss the planned installation in Goodale Park and Neil Avenue of 8-feet-tall IKE advertising kiosks, like those in use on High Street. In addition to the many residents present, representatives of the Short North Alliance and Friends of Goodale Park also attended this standing-room only meeting. Representatives from Orange Barrel Media explained the plan to install the kiosks in the public right of way in Goodale Park at the corner of Buttles and at the corner of Russell. Orange Barrel Media had not selected a precise location of a kiosk for Neil Avenue. Following the presentation, an extensive question-and-answer period identified many concerns on the part of residents. These included the operating noise of the cooling system, the impact of groups congregated around the units, especially late at night, to use their selfie picture capability, the bright moving lights from the rotating advertising panels and many more. Some pointed out that the security and selfie cameras have a fairly wide angle and would intrude on the privacy of nearby residents.
At the conclusion of the discussion, The SNCA Board determined to oppose the installation of advertising kiosk in residential neighborhoods. It unanimously passed a resolution to that effect. Subsequent to the May Board meeting, Experience Columbus and Orange Barrel Media notified SNCA that they have determined not to pursue installation of the Kiosks In Goodale Park and other predominantly residential areas.Neil Avenue Planters and Islands
If you see something in your neighborhood that needs attention, step up and make it happen! Start with your little corner of the world and you can make a difference. Shout out to Lisa Morton and Kevin Smith of Lush Scapes for getting the planters along Neil Avenue looking beautiful again this summer. If you’d like to help support this project, please join and/or contribute at membership.shortnorthcivic.org.
The city has replaced stones on the islands damaged by weather, snowplows and other sources to the extent that their inventory of stone permitted. SNCA and others will help identify resources, hopefully local, for additional stone to complete the work. Another special shout out to Elliot Neufeld, Grayson Atha, and Pete Anderson for the many years of dedicated efforts to keeping the islands beautiful.Short North Block Watch
The committee working to update SNBW social media pages continues to seek feedback on what information residents would like to have. In addition, the committee continues efforts to make more people aware of these resources. While overall crime is down, neighbors have reported an increase in vandalism types of issues, such as bent windshield wipers. Thanks to some very observant witnesses, Columbus Police Department quickly arrested the suspects in the murder, near 5th Avenue and High and the robber of the Chase Bank.Membership
The SNCA welcomes all area homeowners, renters, business owners, and employees to become members. Annual SNCA memberships cost $25 for individuals, $50 per household, and $75 for businesses. Membership dues support SNCA community projects including The Short North Tour of Homes & Gardens, Screen on the Green movie series in Goodale Park, Short North Yard Sale, Goodale Park Music Series, and Short North Block Watch. membership.shortnorthcivic.org.
Temporary Mural Series
The Short North Alliance and 10 partner galleries and art institutions, with the support of Experience Columbus, have launched the sixth rendition of the Short North Temporary Mural Series titled Unconventional. The first series was installed in 2012. The murals are installed on the exterior brick facades of 10 buildings along High Street and consist of high resolution images printed on vinyl and heat-adhered to the buildings so the art appears to be painted. This year’s featured artists include Bill Miller, Edmund Boateng, Yuri Darashkevich, Erika Sanada, Andrea Myers, Annette Poitau, Bernard Palchick, Beverly Whiteside, Kehinde Wiley, and Melissa Ayotte.
Thurber Art Show:
Celebration: ‘A Mile and a Half of Lines’
James Thurber, Dogs in a Blizzard, courtesy the Thurber Estate Celebrating the 125th anniversary of James Thurber’s birth, A Mile and a Half of Lines showcases the drawings of James Thurber, Columbus’ native son and one of America’s best-known 20th century writers. The exhibition will open at the Columbus Museum of Art on August 24, 2019, and run through March 20, 2020.
Thurber’s depictions changed the nature of cartooning as he drew spontaneously with child-like abandon. The drawing often came first and then the caption. The show will include his work for The New Yorker, his illustrations for his own and others’ books, ad campaigns, and children’s illustration.
After a childhood accident in which he lost sight in one eye, the eyesight in his other eye deteriorated as well. The exhibition includes examples of this later work and the magnifying gadget that allowed him to continue working. Sections will feature drawings depicting: Signs of the Times (prohibition, the Great Depression, and the Lost Generation); The Bestiary in Me (the animal kingdom); and Columbustown (including OSU football).
Michael J. Rosen serves as guest curator and has also written a book that accompanies the exhibition. Rosen is a writer, illustrator, and an editor who has collaborated with the Thurber Estate and written about the works of James Thurber for almost forty years. He was the founding literary director of the Thurber House and has edited six volumes of Thurber’s work. Visit www.columbusmuseum.org
MAY/JUNE 2019
Kiwanis Club Celebrates a New Beginning in the Short North
From left to right: Jim Cowardin, treasurer; Dan Litzinger, past president of Ohio District; and Anthony Lagani, president of Kiwanis Short North. Courtesy Photo Kiwanis International hosted a launch party on April 11, 2019, at Serendipity Labs in the Short North to celebrate the formal installation of its Short North club. Over 50 people attended, with a half dozen restaurants donating refreshments, and over 30 Short North businesses providing silent auction and raffle items and supplies to support the event and contribute to the club’s funds.
Kiwanis is a service organization that empowers members to pursue creative ways to serve the needs of children, such as fighting hunger and improving literacy. Every local club in the Kiwanis organization sets its own goals, based on what is needed in the community. The Short North group will set up those tasks in the coming weeks.
The formal installation of officers and members was conducted during the April gathering. Faith Levine, governor of the Ohio District of Kiwanis International, past governors, trustees and officers from other Kiwanis clubs were in attendance. Anthony Lagani will serve as president of the new Short North Kiwanis; Charlotte Kubat-Vishak, vice-president; Jim Cowardin, secretary; Betty Kubat, treasurer. The board of directors includes Gregg Goldenbagen, Jim McShane, and Brian Weibel. The new club is starting out with 12 charter members: Wade Barnett, Kenyah Brown, Phillip Cochran, Mary Beth Cowardin, Dave Gallit, Dee Kates, Travis Samson, Jessica Sommerville, Walt Thieman, Trelene Turner, Dave Weibel, and Jason Williams.
To learn more about the Kiwanis, attend one of their monthly meetings in the Goodale Park Resident House on the second Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Email kiwanisshortnorth@gmail.com or follow the club on Facebook for updates.
Logo Contest Winner
The ComFest Logo Contest winner for 2019 is local artist David Browning for his entry “Local Action; Global Impact.”
The image will grace the Program Guide cover, ComFest beer mugs and volunteer tee shirts. The contest is a Columbus tradition.
All designs are original by local artists and chosen by public voting and by the general planning committee.
Thanks to all who entered this year, and congratulations to Dave!
Advance copies of the ComFest Program Guide will be available in many local businesses in early June. It can also be accessed online in June and in print at the festival, June 28-30. Visit www.comfest.com
Support the Neil Avenue Planters
The Short North Civic Association, a neighborhood non-profit group formerly known as the Victorian Village Society, has overseen the maintenance of the planters on the tree lawns along Neil Avenue from King Avenue to I-670 for decades with mixed results. Relying on volunteers to keep as many as 18 large planters watered, weeded, and trash-free has not been easy.
Thanks to Lisa Craig Morton, owner of the Victorian Village Guest House on Neil Avenue, the Neil Avenue planters are now filled with beautiful, fresh, vibrant plants under the care of Lush Scapes, a local landscaping company.
After witnessing the persistent problem of neglect year after year during her daily walks on Neil Avenue while picking up trash in and around the planters, Morton approached the SNCA in 2016 with a proposal to find a local landscaper to plant, weed, and water the planters. The association agreed to fund the project with the stipulation that she help defray the cost with monetary contributions from Neil Avenue residents.
Anyone can make a donation, even if you don’t live on Neil Avenue but want to help support the project. Visit the SNCA website at www.shortnorthcivic.org or email Lisa Craig Morton at lcmorton@wowway.com to contribute
45th Anniversary Fall Tour of Homes and Gardens
In just four short months, the Short North Tour of Homes and Gardens will once again shine a spotlight on the fabulous, stylish homes of the Short North Neighborhoods (Victorian Village, Italian Village, Harrison West, The Circles, Dennison Place). With the Preview Tour and Cocktail Party on Saturday, September 14, followed by the official Tour of Homes and Gardens on Sunday, September 15, the eyes of the city will once again fall on our premier community. The Tour Committee is hard at work in its efforts to create a memorable event for the 45th Anniversry. No tour is possible, however, without the many homeowners who open their homes and the many volunteers who staff the event. To this end, the Tour Committee is putting out a call for participants:
Volunteers: Any event like the Short North Tour of Homes and Gardens cannot occur without the hundreds of volunteers. From tour guides in homes to selling tickets on the day of the tour to helping obtain sponsorships, volunteers are truly the lifeline of this event. Added Bonus: All volunteers receive free entry to the Tour. Contact administration@shortnorthcivic.org
Homeowners: The Tour Committee would love to hear from you. Committee members will come to your home and talk with you about potentially placing your home on the tour. It’s not a commitment to just contact the committee for more information. Benefits of having your home on the tour: (a) Homeowner’s Brunch on the day of the tour in a neighborhood home, (b) free entry to the tour, (c) a gift basket of goodies donated by Short North businesses, (d) free entry to the Preview Party, and (e) participation at the Volunteer Party after the Tour. Contact Bobby Thaxton at 614-581-6512.
Wheeler Dog Park Opens: A decade of dogs in Harrison West
(Left) Brian Hoyt, communications/marketing manager, Recreation and Parks Dept. and Shawn Stevens, parks maintenance supervisor on opening day.
photo © Joel KneppFor the past four winters, the Wheeler Dog Park in Harrison West has been closed for several months in order to preserve the turf. In the fall, when the grass stops growing, the ground in the 2.4-acre area becomes barren and muddy from all the activity.
On May 1, the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department reopened one section of the park for dogs and their owners to use. The park has two sides that are rotated on a monthly basis until winter. The heavy usage and small space in Wheeler Park make it exceptionally vulnerable. In June the other portion of the park will open while the opposite side will close to give ample time for the lawn to establish.
Located behind the old Giant Eagle at 725 Thurber Dr., the park is the smallest of five city dog parks, and the only one to close during the winter. It was established ten years ago to become the second designated dog park in Columbus, where dog owners are permitted to have their dogs run at will. Picnic tables, benches and a kiosk are on-site. People walk to the dog park or park on the street/curb if a spot can be found. The park contains a drinking fountain where rules are posted.
The city opened its first dog park at Big Walnut Park in October 2006. There are currently five dog parks listed on the Columbus Parks and Recreation website. Visit the City of Columbus website at www.columbus.gov. Click tab on recreation and parks, then dog parks to learn more about the parks and policies. The site includes a page of frequently asked questions. - Margaret Marten
Gardening Gigs
Volunteer to help maintain community green spaces
Friends of Goodale Park Join other volunteers once or twice a month with weeding, pruning, planting, mulching, watering, and trash pickup. You can also adopt-a-bed and be responsible for a specific bed in Goodale Park. CONTACT: FGP Facebook for updates or the website www.goodalepark.org or email volunteercoordinator@goodalepark.org
Harrison West Society Join other volunteers weeding, pruning, planting, mulching, watering, and picking up trash on the last Saturdays, and the Wednesdays before the last Saturdays April through October. You can also adopt-a-bed and be responsible for a specific area – spending an hour a month to weed and deadhead one of the park beds. CONTACT: HWS Parks and Greenspace Committee Chair: Bob Mangia at parks@harrisonwest.org or visit Facebook and www.harrisonwest.org
4th Street Farms in Weinland Park Neighbors working together to create 4th Street Farms, 5th Street Bird Sanctuary, Indianola-Euclid Community Garden, Weinland Park Community Garden and other green spaces that grow Weinland Park CONTACT: Facebook “4thStreetFarms” • Evelyn Van Til • 4thstreetfarms@gmail.com
• 5th Street/Passmore Bird Sanctuary - Contact Jill Gravatt • jillgravatt@gmail.com
• Indianola-Euclid Community Garden. Weekly "Meet-up Mondays" in the garden from 6-7pm May-August. A work site during Earth Week on Saturday, April 20 from 1-4. Contact Elizabeth Kloss elizabethckloss@gmail.com
• Weinland Park Community Garden - Contact Local Matters • 614-294-5476 ext 119
• Weinland Park Berry Patch at 4th & 11th Contact Susann Moeller, ecoscapes@columbus.rr.com
The Big SCORE
Six Poets and Six Composers Join Forces on May 22, 2019
The Johnstone Fund for New Music presents a creative collaboration highlighting six Columbus poets performing with musicians from the Columbus Ohio Discovery Ensemble (CODE) and Sunday at Central, a chamber music recital series. The works of six Columbus composers will be featured. The Big SCORE is scheduled Wednesday, May 22 at 7 p.m. on the Main Stage at the Garden Theater in the Short North.
The Big SCORE program is an effort to merge creative elements of Central Ohio. The Johnstone Fund sponsored four previous SCORE events over the last two years. This one features poets Jeremy Glazier, Dionne Custer Edwards, Barbara Fant, Scott Woods, Louise Robertson and Jennifer Hambrick reading their poetry set to music by Columbus composers Charlie Wilmoth, Michael Rene Torres, Linda Kernohan, Jennifer Jolley, Jennifer Merkowitz and Dr. Mark Lomax, II. The performance is part of the free New Music at Short North Stage concert series. Seating is limited and available on a first-come first-served basis. Cocktails are available for purchase an hour before the performance at Ethel’s Lounge, adjacent to the theater located at 1187 North High Street. Parking is at the lot just south of the theater and at nearby meters. Free street parking is available after 6 p.m. on weekdays on the south side of Fifth Avenue west of High Street. Visit www.johnstonefund.orgWHAT: The Big SCORE • WHERE: The Garden Theater • 1187 N. High St. • WHEN: Wed., May 22, 7 p.m. • TICKETS: Free
Spring in the (Wine) Garden 2019
Back by popular demand! The third annual Spring in the (Wine) Garden returns. Enjoy eight intriguing wines from around the world, each matched with food pairings donated by some of Columbus’s finest restaurants. The ever-popular Wine Pull returns, along with a season tickets raffle, and an evening of mingling and fun. An added bonus is the opportunity to buy any of the eight wines by the bottle or case at 10 percent discount. You can stock up for the year. All proceeds benefit Short North Stage. So sip and sample from a delectable choice of food and beverages and meet new and old friends while supporting another season of productions at Short North Stage. Held at the Short North Stage Green Room, 1187 N. High St. from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, May 18. Tickets are $25. Call 614-725-4042, visit www.shortnorthstage.org
Huge Yard Sale on Saturday, June 1 Short North Yard Sale • JUNE 1
The Short North Civic Association will host this year’s Short North Yard Sale on Sat., JUN 1 from 9 to 3. The daylong treasure hunt takes place in and around the Short North, including Victorian Village, Harrison West, Italian Village, Dennison Place, and The Circles. Residents can participate by registering their sale or join in with several neighbors and have an even bigger event. More than 180 homes participated in last year’s sale, making it the largest neighborhood yard sale in Columbus. REGISTER ONLINE at www.shortnorthcivic.org. Check back often for the up-to-date list of registered sales.
Victorian Village • Harrison West • Italian Village • Dennison Place • The Circles
WHAT: Short North Neighborhood Yard Sale
WHEN: Saturday, June 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
WHERE: Short North neighborhoods
CONTACT: www.shortnorthcivic.org • (614) 228-2912
Hubbard Mastery School Bazaar:
Sign up to be a vendor during the Annual Short North Yard Sale on June 1The Hubbard Mastery School will be hosting a bazaar during the Short North Yard Sale on Saturday, June 1. The school, located at 104 W. Hubbard Ave., will open its doors and playground to vendors and yard-salers who would like a space to sell their wares during the neighborhood sale, which takes place 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine, throughout the Short North. Vendors will be located on the playground.
Booth fees for the event are $25 for the day, paid in advance, with 100 percent of that cost benefiting the Hubbard School PTO. Vendors are expected to bring their own tables, chairs, set up, and display items. A 10’ x 10’ tent is permitted. Neighbors may also sign up for a yard sale space for only $10 (paid in advance). The application deadline is Tuesday, May 28. Parking on site is free but limited. Visit FriendsofHubbard.org to sign up.WHAT: Hubbard Mastery School Bazaar WHEN: Saturday, June 1, 2019, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
WHERE: 104 W. Hubbard Avenue CONTACT: www.friendsofhubbard.org
EMAIL: anne@columbusunderground.com CALL: (614) 365-5564
WANTED: Army of Volunteers :
Pride Festival, ComFest, and Doo Dah Parade need help now
Pride Volunteer
Registration Open: Thank you for your interest in volunteering for Columbus Pride 2019. Volunteering with a friend, or even with your company or organization, is a terrific bonding activity while helping Stonewall Columbus provide many valuable services including free counseling, health services, legal and financial seminars, and a number of support groups for our LGBTQ Veterans, refugees, senior adults and transgender community.
General Volunteers: These volunteers work as the central nervous system of the festival. We are looking for motivated, fast thinkers, who adapt easily to changing demands. Responsibilities include assistance with set-up and tear-down of the festival, transportation of guests and other volunteers, assistance with volunteer check-in/out, and other important tasks that help keep the festival running smoothly. Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old, ability to sit and stand for long periods of time, ability to lift at least 10 lbs (some volunteers will need to be able to lift up to 50 lbs).
Family-Area Volunteers: Volunteers in the family area will assist with the set-up, tear-down and running of the family area where the kids in our community “Grow Up With Pride.” Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old, ability to sit and stand for long periods of time, ability to lift at least 10 lbs, enjoy working with kids.
Pride Beverage Volunteers: Our biggest team of volunteers are the ones on the beverage service team. Responsibilities include cash handling and service of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. All Pride beverage volunteers will need to attend 1of 4 mandatory training sessions. Requirements: Must be at least 21 years old. Previous experience desired but not required.
Group Volunteers: Interested in arranging a group of volunteers for your company or organization? Email Ryan at rscarlata@stonewallcolumbus.org or call (614) 930-2261. Go to columbuspride.org to sign up!
ComFest Wants You
ComFest is just a few weeks away (June 28-30) and volunteers are needed. The festival is and has always been operated tip-to-toe by volunteers from the community rather than by paid staff. Organizers volunteer their time throughout the year to plan the event; musicians and artists volunteer their talent; community leaders and activists volunteer their expertise to lead workshops; and citizens volunteer a few hours of time during the event to make it all run smoothly.
Volunteers are needed to set up and tear down tents and structures, pour beer, sell merchandise, assist stage managers in moving bands on and off stage, work on clean up/recycling teams, and maintain the mellow to keep everyone safe throughout the weekend. ComFest provides volunteers with a tee shirt displaying the current 2019 logo and slogan, and a token for each hour of service good for vendor food and beverages.
Volunteerism is a major part of the ComFest message and experience. Since 1972 the festival has been an ongoing experiment in democracy and consensus building, self-determination and commitment to community, and promoting progressive principles. Money made from the festival is given back in gifts and grants to the city and non-profit community organizations. ComFest truly belongs to the entire community.
Volunteers claim to have more fun at ComFest. Participation at the “work” level makes one part of the Community Festival family and often prompts people to get more involved in festival planning year round. New skill sets are gained and new friends are made. The festival runs better and lasts another year. It is a win-win for everyone!
So, sign up now for your volunteer shift at ComFest. Go to comfest.com to secure the day, time, and job you want.Doo Dah Parade and Party Volunteers Needed
On July 4, 2019, at 1 p.m. on the streets of the Short North, Victorian Village, and Italian Village, the 36th Annual Doo Dah Parade will once again celebrate liberty and lunacy and freedom of speech through humor. InVoluntary help is needed to make things a little more DisOrganized.
Doo Dah needs volunteers for a lot of humane positions such as parade monitoring (InSecurity), distributing posters, setting up barricades, and the most coveted job of all, clean up and trash patrol.
If you have ever wanted a position where you get a whistle and a T-shirt for a volunteer job that feels like you herded wild cats and a greased hog all day, then you need to contact Mz Doo Dah and get signed up. Contact her at doodahparade@gmail.com
Sign up for a inSecurity shift (1-3)
InSecurity Doo-ties: Assist with crowd control • Keep the street clear for parade to pass • Mind the gap between entries • Watch for water issues • Ask people to help keep area clean For this help you will get the admiration and respect of your neighbors and friends. Ohhh and then there are a few goodies including: Front row viewing of parade, Doo Dah T-Shirt and a WhistleEvent Meeting Location:
Short North Tavern, 674 N High St.
Sign-In Time: 11 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Event Volunteer Organizer:
Jackie Gleason • 614-214-5417
Jackiegleason@gmail.com
MARCH/APRIL 2019
Short North Kiwanis Launch Party
Kiwanis International is hosting a Launch Party on April 11 at 6:30 p.m. at Serendipity Labs, 886 N. High St., 4th Floor, to celebrate the formal installation of its Short North Chapter. Everyone is invited. Tickets are $20/person and can be purchased online, or on the evening of the party by cash or check for $25. Monthly meetings are held the second Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Caretaker’s House in Goodale Park. Each community has different needs, and Kiwanis empowers members to pursue creative ways to serve the needs of children, such as fighting hunger and improving literacy. New members are warmly welcome. Email kiwanisshortnorth@gmail.com or follow the club on Facebook. The Launch Party tickets are available at the following link: https://kiwanisshortnorthlaunch.eventbrite.com
Concert for Kids and Families: Chip Richter serves up stories, songs, and smiles
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King Avenue United Methodist Church will present a free afternoon concert with singer-songwriter Chip Richter on Saturday, March 30 at 1:30 p.m. Richter has been traveling and performing full time for more than two decades as a singer-songwriter, family entertainer, conference and workshop speaker. He brings a clear message of love and laughter, encouraging families to be all they were intended to be. His songs range from rollicking, fun, bash-around tunes to those that are clearly spiritual but not at all preachy. His CD The Dream Tree received a Parents Choice award, and his music has found a place on both Christian and secular kids radio programs around the country. In addition to the concert, a workshop for parents and caregivers facilitated by Richter, “Roots and Wings,” is offered that morning from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Registration for the workshop is online, and the cost is $20 per family – with scholarship assistance if needed. Childcare is available. The afternoon concert is free, and there is no obligation to attend the workshop. King Avenue UMC is located at 299 King Avenue. Visit www.kingave.org or email erin@kingave.org for more information.
WHAT: Chip Richter Family Concert • WHERE: King Avenue UMC • 299 King Ave. • WHEN: Sat., March 30, 1:30 pm (Doors open at 1:00 pm) • TICKETS: Free will offering A workshop is offered at 10 a.m. www.kingave.org
Recycle Your Electronics April 17
In honor of Earth Day, Integrated Building Systems will team up with local e-waste recycling firm Community Computer Alliance for their 7th annual Electronics Recycling Drive on Wednesday, April 17 from 8 am to 2 pm at Integrated Building Systems, 950 Michigan Ave. Simply drive up to the curb and volunteers will unload your vehicle.
• RECYCLE: Computers, laptops, cell phones, gaming systems, stereos, VCRs, DVD players, cables, cords, wires, LCD and CRT monitors, keyboards, printers, scanners, and ink and toner cartridges. All electronic data and personal information from computers is professionally erased by a secured three-pass scrub of the hard drives.
• FEES FOR THESE ITEMS: Scanners, fax machines, desktop printers ($2); eachTube-style or projection TVs ($2 per square inch), Flat-screen TVs, any size ($10); CRT monitors ($20); large office copiers 100lb + ($100)
• NOT ACCEPTED: Any item containing freon, alkaline batteries, any item containing hazardous materials, household appliances, light bulbs of any kind, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, VCR tapes, floppy disks, or TVs containing wood.
• PAPER SHREDDING: Limit 5 unsealed banker boxes per person
• TACO TRUCK: After dropping off your electronics and paper, stay for lunch. From 11 am to 2pm, you can buy delicious tacos and burritos from Taquito’s Taco Truck
Questions? Call Integrated Building Systems at 614-240-5999 or visit IBS website.com
World Tai Chi and Qigong Day! 21st Annual celebration at Goodale Park on April 27
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The Last Saturday of April each year (10 a.m. local time) in hundreds of cities, spanning 80 nations, people come together, to breathe, move and nourish their inner vital energy together, sharing their healing arts techniques and providing a healing vision for our world.The 21st annual World Tai Chi and Qigong (Chi Kung) Day is scheduled Saturday, April 27, 2019. There will be a public event held near the gazebo (west of the pond) in Goodale Park. Starting at 10 a.m., various forms and styles of Tai Chi and Qigong (Chi Kung) will be performed together and in groups and taught for free. No experience is necessary to be able to participate and learn some simple healing movements. All Tai Chi and Qigong teachers, students, and practitioners, plus other healing artists and those who are interested, are invited and encouraged to participate. There is no cost for these activities. Many different forms of Tai Chi and Qigong are taught in Columbus by various teachers, many are very easy to learn. The WTCQD event at Goodale Park is a good opportunity to see various forms, and meet practitioners and others who are interested. For more information about the WTCQD celebration at Goodale Park contact Darryl or Ro-z Mendelson at 614-263-9022. To learn about World Tai Chi and Qigong (Chi Kung) Day, visit worldtaichiday.org
WHAT: Tai Chi and Qigong worldwide practice WHERE: Goodale Park WHEN: Sat., April 27, 10 a.m. FREE: Free www.worldtaichiday.org
13th Annual Short North Gala: SNA Fundraiser Celebration on April 28
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Celebrate and support the artistry, diversity, community, and spirit of the Short North Arts District in one deliciously unforgettable evening. Join the Short North community at the Hilton Columbus Downtown for the 13th Annual Short North Gala, presented by Borror. Enjoy one-of-a-kind cocktails, savory and sweet dishes by Short North Arts District chefs and confectioners, along with an inspired three-course served meal prepared by chef Bill Glover with Gallerie Bar & Bistro at the the Hilton Columbus Downtown. The night will be rounded out with a silent auction, surprise performances, and the annual awards ceremony honoring neighborhood leaders, business beacons, community partners, and unsung heroes. Gala-goers can make the most of the evening by attending the exclusive private reception from 5:30 to 6:30 pm, including complimentary drinks, the sounds of Short North entertainers, and the chance to mingle with some of the Short North’s finest personalities.
WHAT: Short North Gala • WHEN: Sunday, April 28, 2019 6 - 10 p.m. • WHERE: Hilton Columbus Downtown 401 N. High St. • TICKETS: $165 – $3,000 • CONTACT: www.shortnorth.org/gala 614-299-8050
Studios on High Gallery Hit the Hop Juried Exhibition: Deadline April 6
Studios on High Gallery presents Hit the Hop an open call, juried exhibition. The show is open to artists over the age of 18 residing in Ohio. 2D and 3D original artwork may be submitted. Accepted artists are featured at gallery hop, in a month-long show, and at a gallery opening. Cash awards will be given for first and second place. The theme for the 2019 show is 'Enduring Earth: For the Love of The Planet'
Deadline to Enter: April 6 - Drop Off: May 2 • Show Dates: May 4 - 30 - Reception: May 5, 3:00-5:00
How to Register: Studios on High Gallery uses ArtCall.org for its submissions process. You will be required to create a user account with ArtCall to register. If you have registered before with ArtCall then all you need to do is login. There is a helpful video tutorial you can watch before you register. If you still have questions about how to register contact us at: HTHstudiosonhigh@gmail.com
Requirements: Work completed within the last two years • 2D maxium size 30x30 • 3D maxium weight 40 lbs. • $35 fee for up to 2 entries. • All work must be for sale. • Studios on High Gallery takes a 25% commission on sales.
ComFest
Art in the Park:
Deadline May 1
ComFest invites local artists to submit ideas for temporary art sculptures/installations in Goodale Park for the festival. Concepts should reflect ComFest Principles and a sense of respect for and harmony with the planet – and Goodale Park. Selected work will be installed on Thursday June 27 and must be removed by Sunday night, June 30. ComFest is a family event. While the most popular installations in recent years have been interactive, safety is an important consideration. So are weather conditions, electrical needs, overnight security, set-up and tear-down time, and impact on the park land. Use of toxic materials or damage to fauna or flora is strictly prohibited. Applications and instructions may be downloaded at comfest.com. ComFest offers a stipend to help pay for materials. Applications and instructions may be downloaded at comfest.com. ComFest offers a stipend to help pay for materials. Deadline for applications is May 1, 2019.
Vendors, Organization & Volunteer Applications
Vendors and Community Organizations applications for Street Fair went live in February. The deadline is always April 20. Volunteer sign-ups begin March 1. Sign up early to get the position you want. In particular, the festival needs First Aid, Safety, and Clean Up/Recycling. These are key areas to the success and continuation of the festival. People with skills in these areas are encouraged to sign up, but experience is not necessary. Volunteers receive the official ComFest T-Shirt sporting the 2019 logo plus tokens good for food and beverages. ComFest operates on Volunteer Power. This is what makes ComFest the favorite festival of the summer in Columbus. Applications are online at comfest.com
New Music at Short North Stage
Tigue: “This New Forest” • March 20, 2019, 7 p.m.
Ohio-born Brooklyn-based percussion trio Tigue (tiguemusic.com) makes its own blend of instrumental minimalism while collaborating with and commissioning experimental work by contemporary composers. Matt Evans, Amy Garapic and Carson Moody exude a fluid musical identity that create energetic and focused performances. For this concert, Tigue returns to Columbus with two world premieres and a new batch of original music. Commissioned works by Paula Matthusen and Elori Kramer will explore the sculptural and mechanical nature of percussive objects, as well as the effects of emerging technology on our understanding of the natural world, the individual and perception. Original music entitled This New Forest (2018) is inspired by ecological speculations fusing nature and machine—translating authentic and imagined biological systems into a musical world that is rhythmic, beautiful, immediate and physical.HUB New Music: “Soul House” • April 24, 2019, 7 p.m.
Hub New Music (hubnewmusic.org) of Boston will deliver an adventurous, diverse palette of works that builds a musical bridge from Massachusetts to Ohio. Featuring Michael Avitabile (flute), David Dziardziel (clarinet), Zenas Hsu (violin), and Jesse Christeson (cello), the ensemble will perform Fun House (2018; commissioned by Hub New Music) by Andrew Rindfleisch; Tocattas, Recits, and Aria (2014) by Clint Needham; Soul House (2017; commissioned by Hub New Music) by Robert Honstein; and a new work by Kati Agocs (commissioned by Hub New Music). Needham and Rindfleisch are from Ohio, while Honstein and Agocs are based in Boston.All performances take place at 7 p.m. at Short North Stage, 1187 North High St. • FREE Visit ?www.johnstonefund.org
2019 Ohioana Book Festival Apr. 27
The Ohioana Library’s 13th Annual Book Festival will take place at the Columbus Metropolitan Public Library Main Branch on Saturday, April 27 from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Held each spring, the festival welcomes roughly 100 authors and more than 3,000 visitors each year. The event is free, open to the public, and requires no registration. The festival features authors of various genres, as well as illustrators – all with an Ohio connection, either their books were about Ohio or the individuals have called Ohio home at some point. Expect a fun-filled day featuring over a hundred Ohio authors, book signings, panel discussions, special activities for children and young adults, a book fair, food, and more.
About Ohioana Library The Ohioana Library and the State Library of Ohio moved to the renovated Jeffrey Mining Corporate Center in Italian Village at 274 E. First Avenue in 2001. The Ohioana Library Association was founded in 1929 by First Lady Martha Kinney Cooper to collect, preserve, and promote the works of state authors, artists, and musicians. By the early 1930s the library had outgrown its space in the Governor’s Mansion and moved into the new State Office Building at 65 S. Front Street, where it remained until 2001. Ohioana’s holdings include more than 45,000 books by or about Ohioans, 10,000 pieces of sheet music, biographical files on notable Ohioans, personal papers of Ohio authors and artists, and numerous scrapbooks created by civic and cultural organizations. The collection does not circulate but is available for in-library use. Hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visit www.ohioana.org or call 614-466-3831 to learn more.
Gardening Gigs: Volunteer to help maintain community green spaces
Friends of Goodale Park
Join other volunteers once or twice a month with weeding, pruning, planting, mulching, watering, and trash pickup. You can also adopt-a-bed and be responsible for a specific bed in Goodale Park. CONTACT: FGP Facebook for updates or the website www.goodalepark.org or email volunteercoordinator@goodalepark.orgHarrison West Society
Join other volunteers weeding, pruning, planting, mulching, watering, and picking up trash on the last Saturdays, and the Wednesdays before the last Saturdays April through October. You can also adopt-a-bed and be responsible for a specific area – spending an hour a month to weed and deadhead one of the park beds. CONTACT: HWS Parks and Greenspace Committee Chair: Bob Mangia at parks@harrisonwest.org or visit Facebook and www.harrisonwest.org4th Street Farms in Weinland Park
Neighbors working together to create 4th Street Farms, 5th Street Bird Sanctuary, Indianola-Euclid Community Garden, Weinland Park Community Garden and other green spaces that grow Weinland Park
CONTACT: Website www.4thstreetfarms.com Facebook “4thStreetFarms” • Evelyn Van Til • 4thstreetfarms@gmail.com• 5th Street/Passmore Bird Sanctuary - Contact Jill Gravatt • jillgravatt@gmail.com
• Indianola-Euclid Community Garden. Weekly "Meet-up Mondays" in the garden from 6-7pm May-August. A work site during Earth Week on Saturday, April 20 from 1-4. Contact Elizabeth Kloss elizabethckloss@gmail.com
• Weinland Park Community Garden - Contact Local Matters • 614-294-5476 ext 119
• Weinland Park Berry Patch at 4th & 11th Contact Susann Moeller, ecoscapes@columbus.rr.comEARTHDAY COLUMBUS SITES: EARTHDAYCOLUMBUS.ORG
‘Collecting Thurber’ Jay Hoster’s upcoming talk on April 11
Jay Hoster, a retired bookseller and author, will give a presentation on “Collecting Thurber” for the Aldus Society on April 11 at the Thurber Center, 91 Jefferson Ave. James Thurber was born in Columbus 125 years ago and went on to achieve international fame as a leading writer of humor and a mainstay at the New Yorker magazine.
Hoster will show Thurber’s earliest piece of published humor, which was written for a student magazine at East High School, and share many books signed by Thurber.
Among the inscriptions is one written by Thurber in a copy of The Owl in the Attic (1931) to a friend from Paris in the period after World War I who had challenged Thurber with the remark “Well, if you can write, why don’t you?” Thurber always remembered that challenge and inscribed the book “With best memories and best wishes.”
Hoster will also show some of Thurber’s work in the Sun Dial, the campus humor magazine during Thurber’s time at Ohio State.
In addition, Hoster will look at the turbulent times in Columbus that affected the Thurber family. Charlie Thurber, James’ father, supported Theodore Roosevelt’s Bull Moose Party in the 1912 presidential election and the 1913 flood devastated the West Side of Columbus, although Thurber managed to find some humor in that event for his story “The Day the Dam Broke.”
A Columbus mystery is the presence of Charlie Thurber’s photograph in Clara Eleanor Wagner’s Cupid in Hell, which was published in 1910. Charlie’s picture is accompanied by the provocative caption “You bewildering and bewitching winner of hearts, what was I led by before I knew you?”
Hoster will also look at Columbus’ other humorist, Donald Ogden Stewart, who was born the same year as Thurber. Stewart knew F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway before they became famous and was part of the group at Pamplona, Spain, that Hemingway chronicled in The Sun Also Rises.
The Aldus Society is a local gathering of people who appreciate the many facets of text and image. Socializing with wine, cheese, and Christine Hayes’ cookies begins at 7 p.m. Hoster’s talk will start at 7:30. Parking is free at the meters on Jefferson Avenue after 6 p.m. and is also available at the State Auto lot behind the building.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019
Pizzuti Collection Changes Hands: Property donated to Museum
Beginning January 1, the Columbus Museum of Art took ownership of the Pizzuti Collection in the Short North. In addition to the non-profit entity, the building and land across from Goodale Park at 632 N. Park St. along with 40 pieces of art became the property of the Columbus Museum of Art. Real estate developer Ronald Pizzuti and his wife Ann, owners of the Pizzuti Collection, announced their philanthropic plan at a five-year anniversary celebration of the gallery in September.
Ron Pizzuti noted on WOSU’s program All Sides with Christopher Purdy that the family’s entire art collection actually numbers between 2000 and 2500 works, currently displayed in their various homes and offices as well as in the gallery. The Pizzuti Collection exhibits have included or been inspired by that collection.
The 40 pieces by seven artists donated to the museum will greatly enhance the reputation of CMA’s existing contemporary art collection. Furthermore, they determined that they share 53 artists, so CMA and the Pizzuti Collection gallery will both benefit through cross-collaboration, by pulling works from one place or the other to complement an exhibit.
The shows at the Pizzuti Collection have already been planned and scheduled for the next two years. That will not change. Nannette Maciejunes, the executive director of CMA – also interviewed by Purdy – recognizes the importance of the Pizzuti’s identity and reputation as contemporary art collectors and intends to maintain that foundation as a source of inspiration for future exhibits. Ron Pizzuti said he will remain active in terms of what is being exhibited as long as the museum wants to borrow work from his collection, and there is no reason to expect otherwise for the foreseeable future.Public Meeting Streetscape Overview
A Streetscape Improvements Project public meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 23, 2019, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in the Eisenman and Trott Rooms located on the second floor near the administration offices. The meeting will focus on 2019 construction activities along High St. between W. Starr Ave. and Ninth Ave. and provide brief updates on the other phases of project work. Visit columbus.gov/highstreet
Winter Closing of Wheeler Dog Park
For the past four winters, the Wheeler Dog Park in Harrison West has been closed for several months in order to preserve the turf, and this year is no exception. Located behind the old Giant Eagle at 725 Thurber Dr., the Wheeler Memorial Park is the smallest of five City of Columbus dog parks, and the only one to close during the winter. Pet owners are permitted to have their dogs run at will in the dog parks. The heavy usage and small space in Wheeler Park make it exceptionally vulnerable. In the fall when the grass stops growing, the ground in the 2.4-acre area becomes barren and muddy from the activity. The Columbus Department of Recreation and Parks Department locked the park gates December 1. When it opens in the spring of 2019 (presumably April or May), the two sections of Wheeler Park will rotate usage month to month until the next winter closure. This allows one side to always be in the recovery stage.Visit the City of Columbus website at www.columbus.gov. Click tab on recreation and parks, then dog parks to learn more about the policy. The site includes a page of frequently asked questions.
Riffe Gallery Director Retiring: Farewell Reception January 24
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One of Columbus’s most dedicated and admired arts administrators will retire on January 25. Mary Gray has served the Ohio Arts Council for more than a quarter century. As director of the Riffe Gallery downtown, she has overseen some 145 exhibits, collaborating with a wide range of artists,
curators, and institutions to present a body of diverse works that would educate, enlighten and ultimately entertain countless Central Ohioans.
Mary’s degree in Theatre and Drama from the University of Michigan helped land her a job with Players Theatre Columbus decades ago but not much more. Well, she plans to change that and is already scheduled to perform in CATCO’s upcoming March production as Babs in Life Sucks. She says she will become more involved in theatre and volunteer work, and even though her heart is heavy about leaving Riffe Gallery, she welcomes the “freedom to explore other avenues in life.” She and her artist husband, Dan, enjoy the outdoors and travel.
The public is invited to a farewell reception during the opening of “Duo Trio: Contemporary Diptychs and Triptychs by 14 Ohio Artists” at the Riffe Gallery, 77 S. High St. on Thursday, January 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. Join in the celebration with Mary during the final hours before she turns her life in a new direction.
Logo Contest March 14
ComFest has announced its 2019 Logo Contest and calls all artists to enter original designs. Each year the selected logo appears on ComFest T-shirts, ComFest beer mugs, and the cover of ComFest Program Guide and thus becomes a part of the festival’s history. A public viewing of entries will be held on Thursday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Goodale Park Shelter House, 120 W. Goodale Street. First round of voting includes the attending public. The three finalists will be reviewed at the following ComFest general planning meeting on March 24 where a final selection will be made.
Guidelines and details are found on the website, comfest.comHubbard Lantern Festival: Sunday, February 10 at Hubbard Mastery School
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The Fourth Annual Hubbard Lantern Festival will be held Sunday, February 10 from 3 to 5 p.m. Join Hubbard Mastery School at 104 W. Hubbard Ave. for an afternoon celebrating Chinese culture. Mandarin Chinese is part of the school’s curriculum, and a majority of the students study the language, so the festival reinforces their understanding of that culture. Enjoy crafts, games, readings, performances, a lion dance, food, and much more. Experience the Columbus City School for the Short North and surrounding neighborhoods – as well as other students across the district – during this fun event that is absolutely free. All are welcome.
WHAT: Hubbard Lantern Festival WHERE: Hubbard Mastery School, 104 W. Hubbard Avenue WHEN: Sun., Feb. 10, 3 to 5 p.m. COST: Free www.friendsofhubbard.org 614-365-5564
Art Studio Clearance Sale: Fairgrounds: Friday & Saturday, FEB 1-2
Find great bargains at the Lausche Building, Ohio Expo Center on February 1 and 2 during the annual Art Studio Clearance Sale sponsored by the Ohio Designer Craftsmen, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting fine crafts for over 50 years. This unique sale features 160 Ohio Designer Craftsmen artists selling discounted designs, overstocks, slightly imperfect inventory, or new test market works at discount prices. The event has a casual ambience which reflects the early, informal craft fairs of years ago. Admission is $6, children 12 and under free. Return admission is free both days. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Call the Ohio Craft Museum at 614-486-7119 for more information.WHAT: Art Studio Clearance Sale WHERE: Ohio Expo Center Lausche Bldg, 717 E. 17th Avenue WHEN: Feb. 1-2, Fri. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. TICKETS: $6 at the door, children 12 and under free www.ohiocraft.org
St. Francis Mardi Gras Pasta Event
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The ever-popular Annual Mardi Gras Pasta Dinner at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Victorian Village is on Saturday, March 2 from noon until 7 p.m. Stop by for a fabulous dinner and great lineup of live entertainment, a raffle, and bake sale by the parishes best bakers. Freshly prepared food includes penne pasta with sauce and meatball, salad, roll, dessert and drink.
The afternoon lineup of entertainment begins at noon. There is plenty of free parking, and the cost is only $8 for adults and $5 for children (10 and under). No reservations are required. Carryout is available for those who want to help out the church but would prefer to enjoy their meal at home.
All proceeds benefit St. Francis of Assisi Parish, located at 386 Buttles Ave. west of Neil at the corner of Harrison Avenue. Call 614-299-5781 for more information or visit www.sfacolumbus.orgWHAT: Mardi Gras Pasta Dinner WHERE: St. Francis of Assisi Church, 386 Buttles Avenue WHEN: Sat., Mar. 2, Noon to 7 p.m. TICKETS: $8 Adults, $5 Children www.sfacolumbus.org
New Music at Short North Stage: UCelli: “Four Women” • January 16, 2019, 7 p.m.
UCelli, The Columbus Cello Quartet (ucelli.weebly.com) will perform four new works by composer, recording artist, drummer, activist and educator Dr. Mark Lomax, II (marklomaxii.com). The quartet features Pei-An Chao, Mary Shelton Davis, Cora Kuyvenhoven and Wendy Morton. Commissioned by UCelli, Four Women is the seventh composition of an ambitious 12-album cycle about Black America that Lomax will release in 2019. This work honors the contributions that women of Afrikan descent have made to the cause of freedom and human rights from the 14th century to the present. Nizinga Mbande (1583-1633), Queen of the Mbundu people (present day Angola), used diplomatic and military tactics to successfully defend her people against Portuguese invasion. Ida B. Wells (1862-1931) used the power of the pen to tell the stories of lynchings in the south and to advocate for women’s rights across the United States. Dr. Angela Davis (b. 1944), is an author, scholar and human rights activist who focuses on women’s rights and abolishment of the prison industrial complex. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (b. 1977) is an award winning author and professor whose characters exemplify the lives and challenges that women of Afrikan descent live while celebrating their strength and grace. These women, their achievements and their “being-ness” represent various characteristics of the Black women who have most shaped and inspired Lomax’s life.
Unheard-of//Ensemble • February 13, 2019, 7 p.m.Unheard-of//Ensemble (unheard-ofproject.com), a contemporary chamber ensemble based in New York City that is dedicated to the development and performance of new music by living composers, will perform the Midwest premiere of a new work by Christopher Stark (2018); the Midwest premiere of Shifting Baseline Syndrome (2018) by Margaret Schedel; Hum Phenomenon (2017) by Tonia Ko-Hum; family picnic 2008 (2017) by Erin Rogers; procession-process: peace (dona nobis pacem) (2017-18) by Reiko Füting; and a world premiere work by Ken Thomson (2019).
All performances take place at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at Short North Stage, 1187 North High St. • FREE
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018
Gearing Up for the Holidays: The UPS Store happy to help
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The Short North UPS Store located in the Yukon Building near the Cap adopted new owners in April after the previous franchisee, Richard Wingo, decided to step down. The store first opened in 2007 under the management of Bobbie and Lanny Jacobowitz who sold it to Wingo in 2014.
Javier and Bridgette Ramos of Dublin purchased the store in April. Their son Marco is the new manager and face of the Short North shop, which is one of four they now operate. Marco said his parents have a corporate background, worked in IT, and that his father decided to become a business owner after retiring a couple years ago, inviting Marco and his mother to join him.
Marco, 31, has two degrees from Franklin University and worked as an accountant for the Wendy’s Corporation before accepting the position. He loves his new job. The days go by quickly, he says, and serving a customer’s needs is gratifying, no matter how mundane. “It probably doesn’t seem like a huge thing to print something off for them or ship to a family member,” he said, “but every time I work with a customer it feels like a small win.”www.theupsstorelocal.com/5914 • (614) 458-1126
Short North Arts District Parking Perks Through Dec. 31
1: Validated Parking Pilot Program
The Validated Parking Pilot Program has been extended to December 31 in the Short North Arts District. You can park at a featured Short North garage between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., shop at the participating Short North Arts District business, grab a validation sticker with purchase, and then pay only a $1 for your first hour of parking. The Castle Parking Garage, the Hub Parking Garage, and the Joseph Parking Garage are part of the program. See shortnorth.org for more details.2: Holiday Trail
A $50 parking meter gift card can be yours (while supplies last) by engaging in the Short North Arts District Holiday Trail presented by Huntington December 1 – 31. It’s simple: Pick up a Holiday Trail Map at one of over 30 participating businesses or in the December edition of (614) Magazine. Receive a sticker every time you make a purchase at a participating business. Collect five stickers to redeem your Holiday Trail Map at Le Meridien, The Joseph Hotel, 620 N. High St., for a $50 parking meter gift card!Holiday Hop Tree lighting and Pop-up Shop
Holiday Hop is a celebrated tradition featuring street performers, decorated retail windows, lights, and of course, holiday cheer. In addition to new art exhibitions in district galleries with small works by your favorite artists, check out these other fun activities on December 1:
• See the District Tree Lighting in Poplar Park at 6 pm with hosts Nina West and NBC4’s Monica Day and a performance by the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus
• Shop from local artisans, crafters, and makers during the Holiday Hop Pop-Up Shop at the Holiday Headquarters (located at 1026 N. High St)
• Get your photo taken with Santa at the Holiday Headquarters
• Vote for your favorite holiday window display to help choose a winner of the annual Holiday Window Display contest! Entrants include:Out of the Closet | Magnolia Thunderpussy | The Lamp Shade | Happy Go Lucky Home & Her | THREAD | The Optical Co. |
Jolie Occasions | Prologue Bookshop | Glean | The Paper Daisy | Tigertree | TORSO |
Cub Shrub | On Paper | Rowe | Ladybird | Sharon Weiss Gallery | Global Gifts | FOUNT | Jacob Neal Salon + Home CollectionCOMFEST 2019: Grant applications and other deadlines to prepare for
ComFest organizers are already busy planning the 2019 festival, June 28-30. Here are some important dates to mark on calendars.
Grant applications are now available on the website comfest.com along with instructions and requirements for non-profit community organizations. Deadline is January 22, 2019.
Performer, speaker and workshop applications are online at comfest.com. Presenting ideas early is a good idea. Deadline for performers is March 1, 2019. Deadline for speakers and workshops is April 1, 2019.
Workshops and speakers center around issues of timely interest to the community. They often represent community organizations but not always. ComFest is especially interested in presentations that inform and offer ideas and opportunities for active community and individual involvement. Panel discussions and collaborative presentations are encouraged.
Vendor and community organization applications for Street Fair will be posted at comfest.com in February with a deadline of April 20, 2019. Artists interested in the annual Logo Contest should note the deadline is March 14. The chosen design will appear on the 2019 ComFest Program Guide, T-shirts, and beer mugs and become part of ComFest history. More information will be forthcoming, including information about theme for 2019 and specific instructions for designs, such as use of Hopewell symbol, date of festival, etc. Check in to comfest.com; details will be posted there.
Interested in getting involved? ComFest General Planning meeting dates are posted on the website. All meetings are open to the public and welcome newcomers. Meetings are held in Goodale Park Shelter House.
Community Festival is a volunteer-based, non-profit organization, producing a three-day celebration of diverse local arts and crafts, music and performing arts, food and drink, and progressive social and political thought. The festival uses profits to help maintain and upgrade Goodale Park, gift local shelters and food banks, and supply small grants to non-profit community organizations. The year 2019 will be ComFest’s 47th year.Mark Lomax Quartet: Swingin’ in Harlem
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Columbus composer, recording artist, drummer, activist and educator Dr. Mark Lomax, II (marklomaxii.com) will perform new works with his quartet at the Garden Theater on Wednesday, November 28. He has created a program celebrating new “contrafact” melodies built on musical forms from the period of the Harlem Renaissance, from artists including Fletcher Henderson, Chick Webb, Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong.
“The Harlem Renaissance is a bit of a misnomer in that attaching the word renaissance to Harlem implies a rebirth or reawakening of a culture that had been thriving prior to the spotlight of white America’s gaze,” says Lomax.
The quartet features Lomax (drums); Edwin Bayard (tenor saxophone); William Menefield (piano); and Dean Hulett (bass).
The concert will begin at 7 p.m. in the Garden Theater located at 1187 N. High St. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. Visitors can enjoy cocktails an hour before the show at Ethel’s Lounge. For more informaiton visit www.shortnorthstage.org or www.johnstonefund.org call 614-725-4042
The Johnstone Fund for New Music was founded by Columbus community leaders Jack and Zoe Johnstone to support the continuing growth and vitality of extraordinary, contemporary concert music.
WHAT: Mark Lomax Quartet • WHERE: The Garden Theater, 1187 N. High Street • WHEN: Wed., November 28, 7 p.m. • TICKETS: Free, donations welcome • www.marklomaxii.com
The Magpie Consort: December 8 All is Calm: Songs for the Christmas Season
The Magpie Consort, a mixed ensemble of 12-18 voices, mostly sung a cappella, will perform at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 386 Buttles Ave. in Victorian Village on Saturday, December 8 at 7:30 p.m. Continuing their mission to offer diverse and unique repertoire, All is Calm will feature classic carols and Renaissance hymns of the holiday season along with 18th and 19th century American shape-note hymns.
WHAT: The Magpie Consort • WHERE: St. Francis of Assisi Church, 386 Buttles Avenue • WHEN: Sat., December 8, 7:30 p.m. • TICKETS: $10 at the door, sliding scale if needed • www.magpieconsort.orgAnnual Holiday Gala on December 5: Friends of Goodale Park Fundraiser
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Mingle with neighbors, meet new friends, and help support your park at the Friends of Goodale Park’s biggest fundraiser of the year held at 661 Dennison Avenue – the amazing, newly renovated home of Rhett and Nicole Ricart – on Wed., December 5 from 6 to 9 p.m. Enjoy delicious appetizers and drinks, and participate in a silent auction featuring donated artwork and goodies from local artists and merchants. FGP will recognize Lifetime Achievement and other volunteer and supporter awards. A $50 donation is requested at the door. Early bird tickets are $40 and can be purchased online. One hundred percent of the tickets price goes for park improvements. If you can’t attend, consider a year-end donation.
Visit www.goodalepark.org or Friends of Goodale Park on Facebook.
WHAT: FGP Annual Gala • WHERE: 661 Dennison Avenue • WHEN: Wed., December 5, 6 p.m. • TICKETS: $50 at the door, $40 online • www.goodalepark.org
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
New Music at Short North Stage
The Johnstone Fund brings concerts of contemporary works to music lovers for freeFounded ten years ago by Short North residents Jack and Zoe Johnstone, The Johnstone Fund for New Music supports the growth and vitality of contemporary classical music. The Short North is fortunate to have concerts presenting dynamic contemporary artists and works each month at the Short North Stage for free.
Columbus composer, recording artist, drummer, activist and educator Dr. Mark Lomax II will perform new contrafact melodies with his quartet on Wednesday, November 28. These melodies are built on musical forms from the period of the Harlem Renaissance – artists including Fletcher Henderson, Chick Webb, Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong.
New Music concerts in September and October include a saxaphone duo exploring the synthesis of sax and voice, and a seven-piece ensemble founded on the rag-tag instrumentation of Igor Stravinsky’s L’Histoire du Soldat dedicated to commissioning emerging composers.Free admission, donations welcome. All concerts are held at the Garden Theate located at 1187 N. High St. Seating is limited and available on a first-come first-served basis. Parking may be available at a lot just south of the theater and at nearby meters. Street parking on the south side of Fifth Avenue west of High Street is available after 6 p.m. on weekdays. Visitors can enjoy cocktails an hour before the show at Ethel’s Lounge. For more information, visit www.shortnorthstage.org or www.johnstonefund.org call 614-725-4042.
September 19 @ 7 p.m. Ogni Suono:
SaxoVoce with saxophonists Noa Even and Phil Pierick performing recent works from contemporary composersOctober 24 @ 7 p.m. Exceptet, a seven-piece ensemble performing recent works from contemporary composers
November 28 @ 7 p.m. Mark Lomax Quartet: “Swingin’ in Harlem,” musical forms adopted from “Harlem Renaissance” composers.
2018 Harrison West Jazz Stage
Sundays from 1 to 2:30 p.m.at that Harrison Park Gazebo at West First Avenue and Harrison Park Place. All performances are free.
Each concert is preceded by musical activities for children, provided by Grandview Heights based music-lesson studio Musicologie.September 9: Birdshack, Food truck: Miggy’s Mobile Kitchen
September 16: Flippo, Food truck: Dos Hermanos; JPOPS
September 23: Shawn “Thunder” Wallace Quartet, Food truck: Ajumama; JPOPS
September 30: New Basics Brass Band, Food truck: Hogback BBQ
October 7: Rain dateVisit www.Facebook.com/HarrisonWestJazzStage
39th Italian Festival: Italians in SportsThe 39th annual Columbus Italian Festival promises to be every bit as exciting as in previous years, with three days of entertainment, traditional Italian cuisine, parade, music, dancing, and other enriching activities celebrating Italian heritage and culture.
This year’s festival theme is “Italians in Sports.” Students from Bishop Watterson High School will highlight the festival theme by offering a presentation in their culture booth on American Italians like Yogi Berra, Joe DiMaggio, Mary Lou Retton, and Italian Olympic medalist Roberto Tomba with 35 other sporty Italians.
Among this year’s musicians taking the festival stage are Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti accompanied by the Rick Brunetto 17-piece orchestra on Friday. The 23-year-old’s singing career took off after performing on “America’s Got Talent” a couple years ago. Award-winning Michael Castaldo, a classical crossover recording artist with a spirited, passionate delivery garnering rave reviews will perform on Saturday with the Brunetto orchestra.The internationally acclaimed trio Aristos from Sicily will delight with Neapolitan classics, Italian Opera, mixed with American Pop Italian style throughout the weekend.
Veteran Columbus bands Urban Transit, the ever-popular Blue Cats, the Eddie Pollina Band, and Chaz Mechenbier and “Hang Time” will be performing. Singer Morgan Maranto is set for Saturday at noon. Over a dozen other talented musicians and dancers will entertain audiences throughout the weekend. You can catch the San Giovanni Dancers performing their magical rustic village dancing on all three days.
Along with great Italian music goes the finest in Italian foods as well as a wide variety of Italian wine, beer, and spirits. Only three days a year to taste the unique flavorful thick-crusted homemade festival pizza. You can learn to make pasta, pizza and other Italian delicacies and traditional foods or learn Italian at the cultural booth. Take a tour of the beautiful St. John The Baptist Italian Catholic Church.
Balloons, rides for the kids, a bocce ball competition and children’s area promise plenty of family fun. Special events include the Columbus Italian Parade and High School Marching Bands Competition on Sunday as well as The Taste of Italy magnificent dining preview on Monday evening, October 1, where diners can select cuisine from at least 17 local Italian eateries while enjoying music and conversation. The dining event is $35 in advance, $40 at the door. For tickets call 614-294-8259 or email: mrpanicoharn@gmail.com
The festival takes place on the grounds of St. John the Baptist Italian Catholic Church at 720 Hamlet St. at N. 4th and E. Lincoln streets Columbus Day weekend beginning Friday, October 5 at 5 p.m. through Sunday, October 7.
Parking is available across 4th Street in the Jeffrey lot for $10. The parking lot entrance will be at 4th and Neruda. Look for signs on 4th Street as you enter the festival for directions to parking. Handicap parking will be available at the Capital City Awning lot on 4th Street across from Smith Bros. Free shuttle parking is available at the Columbus State Community College south lot at Long and Cleveland. The cost for the festival is $5 at the door, free for children under 12 with adult admission.Columbus Italian Festival - 720 Hamlet Street
October 1, Monday: TASTE OF ITALY 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
October 5, Friday: FESTIVAL Day One 5:00 - 11:00 p.m.
October 6, Saturday, FESTIVAL Day Two 12:00 - 11:00 p.m.
October 7, Sunday, FESTIVAL Day Three 12:00 - 7:00 p.m.Columbus Day Italian Parade
Parade lineup starts at 11 a.m. Sun., Oct. 7 • PARADE begins at 1 p.m.
From lineup on Dennison Ave., East on Buttles Ave,
North on High St., East on Warren Ave to end at 4th St. where one final song performance will begin at 2 p.m. at Carfagna Stage (big tent)www.columbusitalianfestival.com • 614-294-8259
Spirit of the ‘60s Coffeehouse
At King Avenue United Methodist Church on Friday, November 2 at 7:30pm
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Folk Music Coffeehouse Recalls 1960’s History: Civil rights sit-ins. Bell-bottoms. Anti-war marches. Student Power. Afros. Mini-skirts. Hippies. Riots. Space flights. The generation gap. Those hallmarks of the turbulent 1960s will be rekindled at this year’s annual “Spirit of the ‘60’s Coffeehouse” scheduled Friday, November 2, 7:30 p.m., at King Avenue Methodist Church, 299 W. King Avenue.
Bill Cohen will lead a candlelit, musical, year-by-year journey through the era, with live and familiar 1960’s folksongs, “news reports” of sixties happenings, displays of anti-war buttons and posters, and far-out sixties fashions. Plus, Bill will also challenge the audience with sixties trivia questions.
Proceeds from the suggested $10 donations (at the door) will go to the Mid-Ohio Food Bank. Refreshments will be available at no extra charge. Free parking is also available in the lots just south and west of the church. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. in the church basement, but get there early for a good seat. The program is suitable for ADULTS and MATURE TEENS. It’s the 32nd year of sixties coffeehouses for Bill. He’s performed the show more than a hundred times now at colleges, churches, synagogues, conferences, high schools, and middle schools across Ohio and beyond. For more information, call Bill at (614) 263-3851 or e-mail BillCohen@columbus.rr.com
JULY/AUGUST 2018
GoodalePark Summer Fun: Walks and Talks, Music, Movies and more
Each year during the summer in Goodale Park, neighborhood organizations present concerts, movies, and educational walks and talks that are free and open to the public. The monthly Screen On The Green, the weekly Goodale Park Music Series, and the Friends of Goodale Park’s Walks and Talks all begin in July.
The Friends program invites specialists to present on a variety of topics about the natural world. The first talk on Wednesday, July 11, “Up-Close Encounters with Birds of Prey,” features Joe Dorrian, owner of the Ohio School of Falconry, who will bring live hawks, owls, and falcons to the meeting. Learn about the birds and the ancient sport of falconry with an opportunity to experience flying a trained hawk to your glove.
Two other talks in July welcome beekeeper couple Jody and Mike Jones on July 18 with facts about apiaries, beekeeping mentorship, swarm rescuers and bee behavior, followed by a tree tour with Rick Frantz on July 25 highlighting hundreds of trees in the park (over 700 exist). In August, “Wildlife Encounter” features animals from the Ohio Wildlife Center for scrutiny and discussion. The final talk in October will host a relaxing walk through the park with another tree tour to highlight the brilliance of autumn leaves.
Talks begin at 7 p.m. in the Caretaker’s Residence and last about an hour. Everyone is welcome to attend, invited as early as 6:30 for refreshments. Visit Friends of Goodale Park on Facebook.
The Music Series is held on Sundays at the park gazebo from 12:30 to 2 p.m. every week beginning July 8 with the band Souther, featuring singer/guitarist Carly Fratianne, kicking off the series. On July 15 enjoy Honey and Blue; Doc Robinson performs on July 22; The Wayfarers on July 29; Mistar Anderson on August 5; and Maza Blaska on August 12. Food carts and family fun accompany the free event.
Screen on the Green offers outdoor movies on a 40-ft inflatable screen at the softball diamond in the park’s southwest corner on the third Friday of July, August, and September. Food trucks, and treats from the Hubbard Mastery School PTO bake sale are ready an hour before showtime, which begins at sunset. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs and flashlights.Visit the Short North Civic Association Facebook to learn more about the upcoming feature films This year’s lineup is Nine To Five (July 13); Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (August 10); and The Princess Bride (September 14).
Goods on Goodale, a monthly pop-up art and retail marketplace launched by the Short North Alliance this year began in June and continues through September. Booths from Short North Arts District retailers and other local artisans and vendors will be set up in Goodale Park on July 22, August 19, and September 16. Expect live music, performance art, and family-friendly art programs curated by Blick Art Materials. Bonus: on July 22 Goods on Goodale will coincide with the Goodale Park Music Series as presented by the Short North Civic Association.Screen On The Green
July 13, August 10, September 14Goodale Park Music Series
July 8, July 15, July 22, July 29,
August 5, August 12Friends of Goodale Park
Walks and Talks
July11, July 18, July 25, August 15, October 17Goods on Goodale
July 22, August 19, September 16Annual Short North
End-of-Summer SALE
AUGUST 11 - 19Annual Short North End-of-Summer Sale August 11-19
Short North businesses will be participating in an End-of-Summer Sale from Saturday, August 11 to Sunday, August 19. The annual event allows merchants to quickly sell the remainder of their summer products. It’s an opportunity that any thrifty shopper would not want to miss. So put on your walking shoes, have lunch, stop for a sweet treat and coffee and get great bargains. Visit the Short North Alliance (SNA) website www.shortnorth.org for updates and to find a list of participating businesses and deals.
PARKING BONUS: Now through October, visitors can park in featured garages and pay only $1 for the first hour. Or show your Lyft rideshare receipt and get 10 percent off a purchase.
Private Development Project Updates
711 NORTH HIGH Build-out is set for completion October 2018. The existing scaffolding structure is expected to remain in place through July.
750 NORTH HIGH (Bollinger Tower) Build-out is set for completion June 2019. Interior demolition activities recently began. Streetscape construction is currently taking place in this area.
800 NORTH HIGH (Moxy Hotel) Build-out is set for completion August 2019. Foot traffic continues to be routed to a temporary walkway on the east side of High St. between Hull Alley and E. Hubbard Ave. The Streetscape construction team has moved in to begin undergrounding work in this area.
875 NORTH HIGH (The Mercantile Development) Build-out is set for completion May 2019. Excavation activities are underway. Vibrations and noise will continue during the team’s work hours of 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays for the next week.
Pedestrians are being re-routed to a temporary walkway in the street. Expect meters in front of the site to be unavailable through construction. Lane and sidewalk restrictions remain in place on W. First Ave. between High and Park streets; this will continue through the beginning of December.
40 W. FIRST AVE. (Improve it! Development) Build-out is set for completion June 2020. Undergrounding activities recently began in the roadway on Price Ave., and demolition is expected to occur soon. Construction activities will begin fall 2018.
900 NORTH HIGH (UDF Development) Build-out is set for completion in July. The Streetscape team is nearly complete with sidewalk work in this area.
944 NORTH HIGH (The Brunner Building) Build-out is set for completion in July. The Streetscape team is nearly complete with sidewalk work in this area.
965 NORTH HIGH (The Castle) Full build-out is set for completion in July. Some areas of this building have become available including a parking garage that’s open to the public.
23 W. SECOND AVE. (IBEW Development) Construction is expected to begin fall 2018.
1160 NORTH HIGH (stonewall columbus) Build-out is set for completion in August.
Art Walks and Landmark Talks: Monday evenings from 7-8 p.m.
The sixth year of Art Walks and Landmark Talks, a collaboration of the Landmarks Foundation and Columbus Public Health, begins in May. Free hour-long tours are led by expert historians and guides exploring the art, history and architecture of Columbus neighborhoods. This year’s line-up includes 14 walks, kicking off on Monday, May 7. Art Walks are offered on scheduled Mondays from 7 to 8 p.m. Rain dates are the following Sundays at 7 p.m.
July 2: University District (King Ave. Methodist) 299 King Avenue.
July 9: Near South (Livingston Elementary) 825 E. Livingston Ave.
July 16: River South (Cultural Arts Center) 139 W. Main St.
July 23: Arena District McFerson Commons (Union Station Arch) 240 W. Nationwide Blvd.
July 30: Merion Village (Merion Village Arch) 1 E. Mithoff St.
August 6: Short North (Poplar Ave. Park) 600 E. Poplar Ave.
August 13: Brewery District (King Gambrinus Statue) 601 S. Front St.
4th Annual VIVO Music Festival: World Premiere of Samuel Adler’s composition
Founded in 2015,VIVO Music Festival is a Columbus-based classical music festival featuring exceptional young professional musicians from Columbus and all over the world. This year, the weeklong annual event will include a concert in August at the Garden Theatre presented in collaboration with the Johnstone fund for New Music.
VIVO musicians will perform the world premiere of a work by Samuel Adler, 90, “tailored for Columbus,” at the Short North Stage on August 29 at 7 pm. Formerly the head of composition at The Juilliard School, the composer now resides in Ohio and recently received the Cross of Merit from the President of Germany for his commitment to trans-Atlantic relations through his art. The concert is free with a suggested donation. Other venues and concerts are listed on the website of VIVO Festival which runs August 28 through September 2.
WHAT: VIVO Music Festival * WHERE: Garden Theatre, 1187 N. High St. • WHEN: Wed., August 29, 7 p.m. • TICKETS: Free - suggested donation • www.vivofestival.orgItalian Village Bar Crawl July 28
Have fun and meet Italian Village residents while visiting six bars in Italian Village. The crawl begins at City Tavern, 697 N. 4th St. at 4 p.m. and will move every hour up the street. Held Saturday, July 28. Anyone is welcome to join. Bring friends from other neighborhoods! The bars include the following: City Tavern (4p); Hoof Hearted (5p); Little Rock (6p); Cosecha Cocina (7p); St. James Tavern (8p); Seventh Son Brewery (9p). Visit Facebook events page for updates.NORTHSIDE LIBRARY, 1423 N. High St. www.columbuslibrary.org
Ready for Kindergarten - Family Story Time: Thurs 11am Ages 3-5 and caregivers. Learn and practice kindergarten readiness skills such as name writing, letter sounds, cutting with scissors, and lining up. Receive homework and tips on practicing kindergarten skills at home.
Reading Buddies: Mon - Thurs 4:30-5:30pm. Grades K-3. Be a better reader with one-on-one reading-15 minutes at a time.
Homework Help Center: Mon-Th 4-7pm, Fri 3-6pm. Grades K-12. Get free help with homework along with computers, school supplies and friendly staff and volunteers to help.
The Lab: Tues 3pm-4pm. Ages 12-17. Explore a topic of the month through fiction, nonfiction and graphic novels at Learning and Books (L.A.B.)Architext, Alphabeasts & Letterheads: Making Letter Art: Thur, July 26, 3 - 4pm: Summer Reading Challenge. Ages 8-11. Letters may be building blocks for language but they can also be used as the building blocks for art! In this art activity we will learn how letters are used as shapes to create art. Take home a drawing of your favorite place, animal or self-portrait, using only the alphabet.
Foxes in Folklore: Wed, July 25, 3 - 4pm. Summer Reading Challenge. Ages 6-11. Vincent, the Ambassador Fox, will introduce kids to basic information on foxes and their appearances in literature and myths and discuss the importance of foxes in different cultures. Presented by Ironwood Wolves. All ages.
Coding for Simple Movement: Tues., July 31, 3- 6 pm Summer Reading Challenge. Ages 12-17 years. It's Alive! Learn how to move a simple robot arm and how to give it a sense of touch. Presented by Jack Brown. There will be three one-hour sessions, 4 teens maximum per hour. Ages 12-17.
MAY/JUNE 2018
Logo Contest Winner
Laura Bova | photo © Michael Gruber The ComFest Logo Contest winner for 2018 is local artist Laura Bova for her entry “UNITY.” The image will grace the Program Guide cover, ComFest beer mugs and volunteer tee shirts. The contest is a Columbus tradition. All designs are original by local artists and chosen by public voting and by the general planning committee. Thanks to all who entered this year, and congratulations to Laura! Advance copies of the ComFest Program Guide will be available in many local businesses in early June. It can also be accessed online in June and in print at the festival, June 22-24. Visit www.comfest.com
Fall Tour of Homes and Gardens
Showcase your home or volunteer: In just four short months, the Short North Tour of Homes and Gardens will once again shine a spotlight on the fabulous, stylish homes of the Short North Neighborhoods (Victorian Village, Italian Village, Harrison West, The Circles, Dennison Place). With the Preview Tour and Cocktail Party on Saturday, September 15, followed by the official Tour of Homes and Gardens on Sunday, September 16, the eyes of the city will once again fall on our premier community. The Tour Committee is hard at work in its efforts to create another memorable event. No tour is possible, however, without the many homeowners who open their homes and the many volunteers who staff the event. To this end, the Tour Committee is putting out a call for participants:
Homeowners: Have you recently remodeled your Victorian home? Did you recently purchase a new home in one of the many new developments in the neighborhood? Did you just move to the area and are ready to showcase your style? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions (or you know someone who could answer “yes” to any of these questions), then the Tour Committee would love to hear from you. Committee members will come to your home (or your friend’s home) and talk with you (or your friends) about potentially placing the home on the tour! It’s not a commitment to just contact the committee for more information! Benefits of having your home on the tour: (a) Homeowner’s Brunch on the day of the tour in a neighborhood home, (b) free entry to the tour, (c) a gift basket of goodies donated by Short North businesses, (d) free entry to the Preview Party, and (e) participation at the Volunteer Party after the Tour!
Volunteers: Any event like the Short North Tour of Homes and Gardens cannot occur without the hundreds of volunteers. From tour guides in homes to selling tickets on the day of the tour to helping obtain sponsorships, volunteers are truly the lifeline of this event. Added Bonus: All volunteers receive free entry to the Tour! Contact administration@shortnorthcivic.org
Support the Neil Avenue Planters
The Short North Civic Association, a neighborhood non-profit group formerly known as the Victorian Village Society, has overseen the maintenance of the planters on the tree lawns along Neil Avenue from King Avenue to I-670 for decades with mixed results. Relying on volunteers to keep as many as 18 large planters watered, weeded, and trash-free has not been easy.
Thanks to Lisa Craig Morton, owner of the Victorian Village Guest House on Neil Avenue, who recognized the need for a more systematic, professional approach to the problem, the Neil Avenue planters are now filled with beautiful, fresh, vibrant plants under the care of Lush Scapes, a local landscaping company.
After witnessing the persistent problem of neglect year after year during her daily walks on Neil Avenue while picking up trash in and around the planters, Morton approached the SNCA in 2016 with a proposal to find a local landscaper to plant, weed, and water the planters. The association agreed to fund the project with the stipulation that she help defray the cost with monetary contributions from Neil Avenue residents.
Anyone can make a donation, even if you don’t live on Neil Avenue but want to lend moral support for the project. Visit the SNCA website at www.shortnorthcivic.org or email Lisa Craig Morton at lcmorton@wowway.com to contribute.
Short North Foundation Accepting
Grant Requests through June 4
Organizations supporting art and architecture projects encouraged to apply
As part of its continuing mission to support advancements in the Short North, the Short North Foundation is now accepting requests for grants between $1,000 and $10,000 from area organizations with projects taking place in or around the neighborhood. Specifically, the foundation seeks capital projects that benefit Short North area residents, unite Short North neighborhoods, and incorporate or preserve public works of art and architecture. The deadline to submit a grant proposal is Monday, June 4, 2018 at 5 p.m. Applicants are able to apply for up to 50 percent of the total project cost, and those requiring multiple-year funding will be considered. Grant guidelines and an application form are available at shortnorthfoundation.org
Since its inception, the Short North Foundation has worked with neighborhood civic organizations to help fund a variety of projects including tree plaques and gate restoration in Goodale Park, flowerbeds in Italian Village Park, neighborhood sign programs, bench restorations, bicycle bollards, the Short North Pocket Parks Campaign, the Community Campaign for Creating Encounters in Urban Art and History, the Short North Parking Initiative, and the Short North District Roundtables.
ComFest Grant Awards Announced
Community Festival, better known as ComFest, is announcing its 2017 grant recipients exclusively in the Short North Gazette prior to the 2018 festival. More than $15,000 will be distributed among the following community organizations for a variety of special projects:
• Hubbard School PTO
• Striving to Achieve Real Success (STARS)
• Emerging Young Musician Outreach Project
• Breaking Chains Ranch
• Community Garden Project
• Sunbury Urban Farm
• Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services
• Radio 614
• LifeCare Alliance
• ROOTT/CHOICE Black Infant Mortality ProjectGrant checks will be presented at the ComFest Annual Meeting on May 10. Look for details of awards and descriptions of projects in the ComFest Program Guide and on the website (comfest.com). Grant recipients will be introduced during the CF Awards Ceremony on Saturday June 23 at the Bozo Stage along with 2018 honorees (volunteers, community organization, artist, and activist). www.comfest.com
WANTED: Army of Volunteers -
Pride Festival, ComFest, and Doo Dah Parade need help now
Pride Volunteer Registration Open
Thank you for your interest in volunteering for Columbus Pride 2018. Volunteering with a friend, or even with your company or organization, is a terrific bonding activity while helping Stonewall Columbus provide many valuable services including free counseling, health services, legal and financial seminars, and a number of support groups for our LGBTQ Veterans, refugees, senior adults and transgender community. General Volunteers: These volunteers work as the central nervous system of the festival. We are looking for motivated, fast thinkers, who adapt easily to changing demands. Responsibilities include assistance with set-up and tear-down of the festival, transportation of guests and other volunteers, assistance with volunteer check-in/out, and other important tasks that help keep the festival running smoothly. Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old, ability to sit and stand for long periods of time, ability to lift at least 10 lbs (some volunteers will need to be able to lift up to 50 lbs). Family-Area Volunteers: Volunteers in the family area will assist with the set-up, tear-down and running of the family area where the kids in our community “Grow Up With Pride.” Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old, ability to sit and stand for long periods of time, ability to lift at least 10 lbs, enjoy working with kids. Pride Serves Volunteers: Our biggest team of volunteers are the ones on the beverage service team! Responsibilities include pouring beer, serving liquor drinks, wine, and Red Bull. All Pride Serves volunteers will need to attend one of four mandatory training session. Requirements: Must be at least 21 years old. Previous experience desired but not required. Beverage Ticketing Volunteers: Be part of the beverage team by selling drink tickets in one of our 4 ticketing booths. Responsibilities include cash handling and point of sale service. Requirements: Must be at least 21 years old, ability to count and make change quickly. Go to columbuspride.org to sign up.
Pride 2018 June 15-17, Bicentennial and Genoa Park columbuspride.org
ComFest Wants You
ComFest is just a few weeks away (June 22-24) and volunteers are needed. The festival is and has always been operated tip-to-toe by volunteers from the community rather than by paid staff. Organizers volunteer their time throughout the year to plan the event; musicians and artists volunteer their talent; community leaders and activists volunteer their expertise to lead workshops; and citizens volunteer a few hours of time during the event to make it all run smoothly. Volunteers are needed to set up and tear down tents and structures, pour beer, sell merchandise, assist stage managers in moving bands on and off stage, work on clean up/recycling teams, and maintain the mellow to keep everyone safe throughout the weekend. ComFest provides volunteers with a tee shirt displaying the current 2018 logo and slogan, and a token for each hour of service good for vendor food and beverages. Volunteerism is a major part of the ComFest message and experience. Since 1972 the festival has been an ongoing experiment in democracy and consensus building, self-determination and commitment to community, and promoting progressive principles. Money made from the festival is given back in gifts and grants to the city and non-profit community organizations. ComFest truly belongs to the entire community. Volunteers claim to have more fun at ComFest. Participation at the “work” level makes one part of the Community Festival family and often prompts people to get more involved in festival planning year round. New skill sets are gained and new friends are made. The festival runs better and lasts another year. It is a win-win for everyone! So, sign up now for your volunteer shift at ComFest. Go to comfest.com to secure the day, time, and job you want.
ComFest 2018 June 22-24• Goodale Park • www.comfest.com
Doo Dah Parade and Party Volunteers Needed
On July 4, 2018, at 1 p.m. on the streets of the Short North, Victorian Village, and Italian Village, the 35th Annual Doo Dah Parade will once again celebrate liberty and lunacy and freedom of speech through humor. InVoluntary help is needed to make things a little more DisOrganized.
Doo Dah needs volunteers for a lot of humane positions such as parade monitoring (InSecurity), distributing posters, setting up barricades, and the most coveted job of all, clean up and trash patrol. If you have ever wanted a position where you get a whistle and a T-shirt for a volunteer job that feels like you herded wild cats and a greased hog all day, then you need to contact Mz Doo Dah and get signed up. Contact her at doodahparade@gmail.com Sign up for a inSecurity shift InSecurity Doo-ties: Assist with crowd control • Keep the street clear for parade to pass • Mind the gap between entries • Watch for water issues • Ask people help keep area clean For this help you will get the admiration and respect of your neighbors and friends. Ohhh and then there are a few goodies including: Front row viewing of parade, Doo Dah T-Shirt and a WhistleEvent Meeting Location: Short North Tavern, 674 N High St. Event Volunteer Organizer: Jackie Gleason • 614-214-5417 Jackiegleason@gmail.com
Doo Dah 2018 July 4 • 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. • www.doodah.com
Art Walks and Landmark Talks May through August • Monday evenings from 7-8 p.m.
The sixth year of Art Walks and Landmark Talks, a collaboration of the Landmarks Foundation and Columbus Public Health, begins in May. Free hour-long tours are led by expert historians and guides exploring the art, history and architecture of Columbus neighborhoods. This year’s line-up includes 14 walks, kicking off on Monday, May 7. Art Walks are offered on scheduled Mondays from 7 to 8 p.m. Rain dates are the following Sundays at 7 p.m.
May 7: Near East (Lincoln Theatre), 796 E. Long St.
May 14: Discovery District (Topiary Park Gatehouse), 480 E. Town St.
May 21: German Village (Schiller Statue), 1069 Jaeger St.
June 4: Franklinton (400 W. Rich), 400 W. Rich St.
June 11: Clintonville (Immaculate Conception), 414 E. Broadway St.
June 18: Highland West (West High School) 179 S. Powell Ave.
June 25: Capitol Square (Ohio Theater) 39 E. State St.
July 2: University District (King Ave. Methodist) 299 King Avenue.
July 9: Near South (Livingston Elementary) 825 E. Livingston Ave.
July 16: River South (Cultural Arts Center) 139 W. Main St.
July 23: Arena District McFerson Commons (Union Station Arch) 240 W. Nationwide Blvd.
July 30: Merion Village (Merion Village Arch) 1 E. Mithoff St.
August 6: Short North (Poplar Ave. Park) 600 E. Poplar Ave.
August 13: Brewery District (King Gambrinus Statue) 601 S. Front St.
Huge Yard Sale on Saturday, June 2 Victorian Village • Harrison West • Italian Village • Dennison Place • The Circles
The Short North Civic Association will host this year’s Short North Yard Sale on Sat., JUN 2 from 9 to 3. The daylong treasure hunt takes place in and around the Short North, including Victorian Village, Harrison West, Italian Village, Dennison Place, and The Circles. Residents can participate by registering their sale or join in with several neighbors and have an even bigger event. More than 180 homes participated in last year’s sale, making it the largest neighborhood yard sale in Columbus. REGISTER ONLINE at www.shortnorthcivic.org. Check back often for the up-to-date list of registered sales.
Spring in the (Wine) Garden 2018
Support Short North Stage and enjoy an evening savoring eight lovely wines along with appetizers. Wine sommelier, Leidra Sunkle, will once again join in to enlighten patrons on each selection. Sat., MAY 19, 7pm, $20. Additionally, there will be a Wine-Pull, Raffle for Season Passes, discounts on all additional wine bottles/cases purchased, and more Surprises! Proceeds support Short North Stage’s new costume shop. Held at the Short North Stage Green Room, 1187 N. High St. Call 614-725-4042, visit www.shortnorthstage.org?
Hubbard Mastery School Bazaar: Sign up to be a vendor during the Annual Short North Yard Sale on June 2
The Hubbard Mastery School will be hosting a bazaar during the Short North Yard Sale on Saturday, June 2. The school, located at 104 W. Hubbard Ave., will open its doors and playground to vendors and yard-salers who would like a space to sell their wares during the neighborhood sale, which takes place 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine, throughout the Short North. Vendors will be located on the playground and inside the school building. Booth fees at the school are $30 for the day, paid in advance, with 100 percent of that cost benefiting the Hubbard School PTO. Vendors are expected to bring their own tables, chairs, set up, and display items. A 10’ x 10’ tent is permitted. Neighbors may also sign up for a yard sale space for only $10 (paid in advance). The application deadline is Tuesday, May 29. Parking on site is free but limited. Visit FriendsofHubbard.org to sign up. Those who have yard sales (or who would like to drop off goods they no longer need or want) are welcome to stop by from noon to 4pm when a staffed Goodwill Columbus donation truck will be stationed in the parking lot.
RENT A BOOTH or ATTEND
WHAT: Hubbard Mastery School Bazaar • WHEN: Saturday, June 2, 2018, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. • WHERE: 104 W. Hubbard Avenue • CONTACT: www.friendsofhubbard.org • EMAIL: anne@columbusunderground.com • CALL: (614) 365-5564
MARCH/APRIL 2018
Recycle Your Electronics April 20
In honor of Earth Day, Integrated Building Systems will team up with local e-waste recycling firm Community Computer Alliance for their 6th annual Electronics Recycling Drive on Friday, April 20 from 8 am to 2 pm at Integrated Building Systems, 950 Michigan Ave. Simply drive up to the curb and volunteers will unload your vehicle for you!
• RECYCLE: Computers, laptops, cell phones, gaming systems, stereos, VCRs, DVD players, cables, cords, wires, LCD and CRT monitors, keyboards, printers, scanners, and ink and toner cartridges. All electronic data and personal information from computers is professionally erased by a secured three-pass scrub of the hard drives.
• FEES FOR THESE ITEMS: Tube-style or projection TVs ($3 per square inch), Flat-screen TVs, any size ($10); CRT monitors ($20); large office copiers 100lb + ($100)
• NOT ACCEPTED: Any item containing freon, alkaline batteries, any item containing hazardous materials, household appliances, light bulbs of any kind, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers.
• PAPER SHREDDING: Limit 5 boxes per person
• TACO TRUCK: After dropping off your electronics and paper, stay for lunch! From 11 am to 2pm, you can buy delicious tacos and burritos from Taquito’s Taco Truck
Questions? Call Integrated Building Systems at 614-240-5999 or visit IBSwebsite.com
World Tai Chi and Qigong Day 20th Annual celebration at Goodale Park on April 28
The Last Saturday of April each year (10 am local time) in hundreds of cities, spanning 80 nations, people come together, to breathe, move and nourish their inner vital energy together, sharing their healing arts techniques and providing a healing vision for our world.
World Tai Chi and Qigong Day! The 20th annual World Tai Chi and Qigong (Chi Kung) Day is scheduled Saturday, April 28, 2018. There will be a public event held near the gazebo (west of the pond) in Goodale Park. Starting at 10 a.m., various forms and styles of Tai Chi and Qigong (Chi Kung) will be performed together and in groups and taught for free. No experience is necessary to be able to participate and learn some simple healing movements.
All Tai Chi and Qigong teachers, students, and practitioners, plus other healing artists and those who are interested, are invited and encouraged to participate. There is no cost for these activities. Many different forms of Tai Chi and Qigong are taught in Columbus by various teachers, many are very easy to learn. The WTCQD event at Goodale Park is a good opportunity to see various forms, and meet practitioners and others who are interested. For more information about the WTCQD celebration at Goodale Park contact Darryl or Ro-z Mendelson at 614-263-9022. To learn about World Tai Chi and Qigong (Chi Kung) Day, visit worldtaichiday.orgGardening Gigs: Volunteer to help maintain community green spaces
Friends of Goodale Park
Join other volunteers once or twice a month with weeding, pruning, planting, mulching, watering, and trash pickup. You can also adopt-a-bed and be responsible for a specific bed in Goodale Park. Volunteer Appreciation Happy Hour on March 15 launches this year’s spring cleanup. CONTACT: FGP Facebook for updates or the website www.goodalepark.org or email volunteercoordinator@goodalepark.orgHarrison West Society
Join other volunteers weeding, pruning, planting, mulching, watering, and picking up trash on the last Saturdays, and the Wednesdays before the last Saturdays April through October. You can also adopt-a-bed and be responsible for a specific area – spending an hour a month to weed and deadhead one of the park beds. CONTACT: HWS Parks and Greenspace Committee Chair: Bob Mangia at parks@harrisonwest.org or visit Facebook and www.harrisonwest.orgCircles Neighborhood of Short North Civic Association
Bounded by Fifth Avenue on the south, Battelle Blvd. on the west, King Avenue on the north and Neil Avenue on the east. Spring and fall cleanups (and a 4th of July Celebration) are organized by Bill Brownson. CONTACT: 614-299-4100.The Italian Village Park Amici
Established in 2005 to care for and maintain the Italian Village park. Regular meetings are held during the growing season to plant, prune, and weed the flowers, shrubs and trees that adorn the perimeter of the park at 55 E Hubbard Ave. CONTACT: Italian Village Park Amici Facebook4th Street Farms in Weinland Park
Neighbors working together to create 4th Street Farms, 5th Street Bird Sanctuary, Indianola-Euclid Community Garden, 5th Street Wildflower Garden, Weinland Park Community Garden and other green spaces that grow Weinland Park CONTACT: Facebook “4thStreetFarms”• 5th Street/Passmore Bird Sanctuary - Contact Cindy Fath cafath@gmail.com
• Indianola-Euclid Community Garden. Weekly "Meet-up Mondays" in the garden from 6-7pm May-August. A work site during Earth Week on Saturday, April 21 from 1-4. Contact Elizabeth Kloss elizabethckloss@gmail.com
• 5th Street Wildflower Garden - Sean Storey sean.parkpropertygroup@gmail.com
• Weinland Park Community Garden - Contact Julie Orban/Godman Guild julia.orban@godmanguild.org
• Weinland Park Berry Patch at 4th & 11th-Contact Jean Pitman Jpitman@wexarts.orgWheeler Dog Park Problems
Someone – presumably a dog owner – broke the lock on this gate that was installed to restrict access to the Wheeler Dog Park. The park is closed until spring in order to preserve the turf, which otherwise, when used continually, breaks down, turning into mud and killing the grass. The Columbus Department of Recreation and Parks Department plans to open the Wheeler Dog Park on April 15, after which the two sections of the park will rotate usage month to month until the next winter closure. This allows one side to always be in the recovery stage.
For the past three winters, the dog park has been closed for several months in order to preserve the turf. Located behind the old Giant Eagle at 725 Thurber Dr. in Harrison West, the Wheeler Memorial Park is the smallest of five City of Columbus dog parks, and the only one to close during the winter.
While open, pet owners are permitted to have their dogs run at will, and the heavy usage and small space in the park make it exceptionally vulnerable. In the fall when the grass stops growing, the ground in the 2.4-acre area becomes barren and muddy from the activity.
Some dog owners have seen fit to ignore the “Closed” park sign, jump the metal fence, carry their dogs over, and use the park, frustrating the city’s efforts to preserve much of the grass and open the park as soon as possible. One dog owner went so far as to break the lock, granting access for other violators who choose to ignore the signs. There were reports of dog waste and plastic bags left all over the area.
Ignoring a restriction like this is not uncommon, but difficult to control.
Visit the City of Columbus website at www.columbus.gov. Click tab on recreation and parks, then dog parks to learn more about the policy. The site includes a page of frequently asked questions.Greater Columbus Sister Cities International hosts Genoese photographer Emanuele Timothy Costa
Greater Columbus Sister Cities International (GCSCI), with the generous support of Columbus City Council, will be hosting Emanuele Timothy Costa from the Columbus sister city of Genoa, Italy, from March 25 to April 9. He is most known for his exhibit called Thousand People of Genoa, a collection of portraits that represents the culture of his hometown of Genoa. Timothy will be re-creating this infamous work with new subjects, the faces of individuals from throughout central Ohio, in a new exhibit, Thousand People of Columbus.
The idea for this project began when Timothy was working as a young photographer. While telling the stories of his community, he grew increasingly passionate about photography and realized his city can be best represented by the grace and humanity of its people, thus inspiring him to create the Thousand People project. His inspiration is simple: he believes that one can learn someone’s story by simply looking into their eyes. That seeing a familiar face creates a sense of connection, belonging and understanding, regardless of how different another may appear. That each wrinkle has its own story and the viewer decides how to embrace the charm, mystery and passion that a person represents.
While in Columbus, Timothy will begin a new chapter of the Thousand People project. In addition to displaying his current collection throughout various venues around Columbus, he will begin the Thousand People of Columbus exhibit. He will be taking photographs of the people in the Greater Columbus region. The photos in this collection will be displayed in an exhibit in Columbus’ sister city of Genoa, Italy, in 2019.
“When I visited Columbus in 2016, I was impressed by the diversity of the city,” said Costa. “Often, we become so consumed by our own lives that we miss the opportunity to meet the eyes of the people we pass, possibly missing a connection that could change our lives. Thousand People of Columbus will allow the community to discover themselves and show their unique personality to the rest of the world.”
What makes Timothy’s photos unique is his self-developed lighting technology. His equipment, Elettra4T, consists of a system of lights built on a structure which was designed to create a unique level of light exposure. This system brings about a new era in photography because it adds an extra dimension of shadows and highlights that capture the subjects most intimate details.
The Thousand People of Genoa photo exhibit will be displayed at the Cultural Arts Center, John Glenn International Airport, the Columbus Museum of Art, the Greater Columbus Convention Center and Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. “As a lover and collector of art, I am excited to see the Thousand People of Genoa exhibit,” said Councilmember Priscilla Tyson, who championed this exchange after leading the GCSCI 2015 Young Professionals Exchange to Genoa. “Having visited our sister City of Genoa, Italy, and met its wonderful citizens, I am sure that visitors to the exhibit in Columbus will be able to get a sense of the Italian Port City residents by viewing these images.”
To participate in this program, visit www.columbussistercities.com, or contact Sameen Dadfar of Greater Columbus Sister Cities International at 614-230-8590.Ohioana Library's 12th Annual Book Festival
Saturday, April 14 at Sheraton Columbus
The Ohioana Library’s 12th Annual Book Festival will take place at the Sheraton Columbus at Capitol Square on Saturday, April 14 from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Held each spring, the festival welcomes roughly 100 authors and more than 3,000 visitors each year. The event is free, open to the public, and requires no registration.
The festival features authors of various genres, as well as illustrators – all with an Ohio connection, either their books were about Ohio or the individuals have called Ohio home at some point. Expect a fun-filled day featuring over a hundred Ohio authors, book signings, panel discussions, special activities for children and young adults, a book fair, food, and more.
About Ohioana Library The Ohioana Library and the State Library of Ohio moved to the renovated Jeffrey Mining Corporate Center in Italian Village at 274 E. First Avenue in 2001. The Ohioana Library Association was founded in 1929 by First Lady Martha Kinney Cooper to collect, preserve, and promote the works of state authors, artists, and musicians. By the early 1930s the library had outgrown its space in the Governor’s Mansion and moved into the new State Office Building at 65 S. Front Street, where it remained until 2001. Ohioana’s holdings include more than 45,000 books by or about Ohioans, 10,000 pieces of sheet music, biographical files on notable Ohioans, personal papers of Ohio authors and artists, and numerous scrapbooks created by civic and cultural organizations. The collection does not circulate but is available for in-library use. Hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visit ohioana.org or call 614-466-3831 to learn more.
WHAT: Ohioana Book Festival • WHERE: Sheraton Columbus, 75 East State St. • WHEN: Sat., April 14, 10:30 a.m. • COST: Free Admission
New Music at Short North Stage: Scott Woods and The New Black Eastside Songbook
Streetlight Guild will present The New Black Eastside Songbook, a six-song suite conceptualized by Columbus writer Scott Woods featuring new music composed by some of Columbus’ brightest talent: The Ogun Meji Duo, Counterfeit Madison, Krate Digga, Paisha Thomas and Jordan Sandidge. The free concert is scheduled Wednesday, March 14 from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Short North Stage, 1187 N. High St. Touching on subjects ranging from local jazz legends and privilege to the police and gentrification, The New Black Eastside Songbook examines black life and culture in Columbus past and present.
Funded by the Johnstone Fund for New Music, this performance is part of the “New Music at Short North Stage” free concert series. Cocktails will be available for purchase an hour before the concert at Ethel’s Lounge, adjacent to the theater. Seating is limited and available on a first-come first-served basis. Recommended for guests age nine and older. Parking is available at a lot just south of the theater and at nearby meters. Free street parking is available after 6 p.m. on weekdays on the south side of Fifth Avenue west of High Street around the corner from the theater.
Scott Woods was the creator of the 2017 award-winning arts series “Holler: 31 Days of Columbus Black Art.” He is the author of “Urban Contemporary History Month,” “We Over Here Now” and “Prince and Little Weird Black Boy Gods.” He has been featured multiple times in national press, including multiple appearances on National Public Radio. He was the president of Poetry Slam, Inc. and is the co-founder of the Writers’ Block Poetry Night. In April of 2006 he became the first poet to ever complete a 24-hour solo poetry reading, a feat he bested seven more times without repeating a single poem.
Monsters of the Unconscious: Jung Association Talk and Workshop April 13-14, 2018
The dark creatures that haunt the imaginations of children, the threatening strangers, terrifying killers, and vicious animals that move through the dreams of adults, the terrors encountered in agedness – we fear and avoid our monsters. These images appear terrifying because they represent a fundamental otherness within us, something tapping at the windows of our consciousness, pressing to be integrated so our psychological development may proceed. Using lecture, film clips, and group discussion, Carolyn Bates will explore how these images and experiences present valuable opportunities for individuation. She will discuss experiences of the “monstrous” in our lives and draw on historical examples of monstrosity to clarify the tasks at hand when encountering it in our personal lives, and in the collective.
Fri., April 13 - Lecture, 7p - 9p
We have met the Apocalypse, and It is US The current discontent in our culture carries ripe opportunities for fantasies of the Apocalypse. The ground of long-known security has cracked beneath us, foundations have shifted, and “monsters” rush towards us, not content to slumber. Jung said we meet “monsters” such as these at key moments of our psychological growth, bringing us vital messages and warnings about the psychological status quo. What messages could the monsters be bringing us?Sat., April 14 - Workshop, 9a - 1:15p
Meeting the Monster Under the Bed: archetypal expressions of the ‘other’ reflected in film, dreams, and culture Jung reminds us that at moments when we cannot believe what is upon us, we have the chance to examine the meaning of a monster’s appearance on the scene. When the monster of the apocalypse appears – in our individual, family, work, and cultural psyche—what messages might it be bringing? Can it be understood in a way that renders it less frightening? If we sit and dialogue with the marauding wolf at the door, can reconciliation come? Is some part of ourselves mirrored in the monster, shedding light on our next step of individuation?Carolyn Bates, PhD is a psychologist and diplomate Jungian analyst practicing in Austin, TX. She is president of the Texas Seminar of the Inter-Regional Society of Jungian Analysts training institute.
The program will be held at Columbus Mennonite Church, 35 Oakland Park Ave. Visit www.jungcentralohio.org or call 614-291-8050 or for more details.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018
Wheeler Dog Park Closed for Winter
For the past three winters, the Wheeler Dog Park in Harrison West has been closed for several months in order to preserve the turf, and this year is no exception. Located behind the old Giant Eagle at 725 Thurber Dr., the Wheeler Memorial Park is the smallest of five City of Columbus dog parks, and the only one to close during the winter.
Pet owners are permitted to have their dogs run at will in the dog parks. The heavy usage and small space in Wheeler Park make it exceptionally vulnerable. In the fall when the grass stops growing, the ground in the 2.4-acre area becomes barren and muddy from the activity.
The Columbus Department of Recreation and Parks Department locked the park gates on December 1. When it opens in the spring of 2018 (presumably April or May), the two sections of Wheeler Park will rotate usage month to month until the next winter closure. This allows one side to always be in the recovery stage.Visit the City of Columbus website at www.columbus.gov. Click tab on recreation and parks, then dog parks to learn more about the policy. The site includes a page of frequently asked questions.
St. Francis Mardi Gras Pasta Event: Saturday, February 10 in Victorian Village
The ever-popular Annual Mardi Gras Pasta Dinner at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Victorian Village is scheduled on Saturday, February 10 from noon until 7 p.m. Stop by for a fabulous dinner and great lineup of live entertainment, raffle, and bake sale by the parishes best bakers. Freshly prepared food includes penne pasta with sauce and meatball, salad, roll, dessert and drink. The afternoon lineup of entertainment begins at noon. There is plenty of free parking, and the cost is only $8 for adults and $5 for children (10 and under). No reservations are required. Carryout is available for those who want to help out the church but would prefer to enjoy their meal at home.
All proceeds benefit St. Francis of Assisi Parish, located at 386 Buttles Ave. west of Neil at the corner of Harrison Avenue. Call 614-299-5781 for more information or visit www.sfacolumbus.orgWHAT: Mardi Gras Pasta Dinner • WHERE: St. Francis of Assisi Church, 386 Buttles Avenue • WHEN: Sat., Feb. 10, Noon to 7 p.m. • TICKETS: $8 Adults, $5 Children •www.sfacolumbus.org
New Music at Short North Stage: Unconventional beats power Mantra Percussion
Mantra Percussion will perform Michael Gordon’s evening-length work Timber (2009) at the Garden Theater in the Short North on Wednesday, February 21 at 7 p.m. Scored for six graduated and amplified wooden simantra’s (2x4’s), it’s a musical tour de force showcasing a range of polyrhythmic layers and textures.
Committed to honoring the past and expanding the future of percussion music, Mantra brings to life new works for percussion by living composers, collaborates with artists from diverse genres and styles, and questions what it means to communicate music with percussion instruments. Performers include Al Cerulo, Mike McCurdy, Joe Bergen, Joe Tucker, Mark Utley and Chris Graham.
Seating is limited and available on a first-come first-served basis. These concerts are recommended for guests age nine and older. Parking is available at a lot just south of the theater and at nearby meters. Free street parking is available after 6 pm on weekdays on the south side of Fifth Avenue west of High Street around the corner from the theater. Cocktails will be available for purchase an hour before the concert at Ethel’s Lounge, adjacent to the theater.
The Johnstone Fund for New Music was founded by Columbus community leaders Jack and Zoe Johnstone in 2008. It supports the continuing growth and vitality of contemporary classical music by funding the creation and performance of new works for a growing audience in Central Ohio. (mantrapercussion.org)WHAT: Mantra Percussion • WHERE: The Garden Theater • 1187 N. High St. •WHEN: Wed., February 21, 7 p.m. •TICKETS: Free • www.johnstonefund.org
Hubbard Lantern Festival: Sunday, February 11 at Hubbard Mastery School
courtesy photo The Third Annual Hubbard Lantern Festival will be held Sunday, February 11 from 3 to 5 p.m. Join Hubbard Mastery School at 104 W. Hubbard Ave. for an afternoon celebrating Chinese culture.
Mandarin Chinese is part of the school’s curriculum, and a majority of the students study the language, so the festival reinforces their understanding of that culture. Enjoy crafts, games, readings, performances, a lion dance, food, and much more. Experience the Columbus city school for the Short North and surrounding neighborhoods – as well as other students across the district – during this fun event that is absolutely free. All are welcome.
WHAT: Hubbard Lantern Festival • WHERE: Hubbard Mastery School, 104 W. Hubbard Avenue • WHEN: Sun., Feb. 11, 3 to 5 p.m. • COST: Free
www.friendsofhubbard.org • 614-365-5564Members of OSU's Pi Delta Psi fraternity's performing a lion dance at the Hubbard Lantern Festival.
Logo Contest March 1, 2018
ComFest has announced its 2018 Logo Contest and calls all artists to enter original designs. Each year the selected logo appears on ComFest tee shirts, ComFest beer mugs, and the cover of ComFest Program Guide and thus becomes a part of the festival’s history. A public viewing of entries will be held on Thursday, March 1, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. at the Goodale Park Shelter House, 120 W. Goodale Street. First round of voting includes the attending public. The three finalists will be reviewed at the following ComFest general planning meeting on March 2, 2018 where a final selection will be made.
Guidelines and details are found on the website comfest.com. Artists should always include the Hopewell Symbol in the design, along with the date of the festival, a reference to ComFest/Community Festival, and promote harmony, tolerance, and peace in its essence. Remember: ComFest is a progressive organization dedicated to an inclusive community.Call for Art in the Park
Artists are encouraged to apply for ComFest Art in the Park. Each year artists create wonderful temporary sculptures and installations to inspire and intrigue festival goers. ComFest pays $200 for art and building supplies, if selected. Celebrating art is at the core of the festival, and provides ambiance and promotes ComFest principles. Often the art highlights progressive environmental and social ideas. Applications and details are posted on comfest.com Deadline is May1.
Workshops, speakers, Vendors, Organization & Volunteer Applications
Musicians, poets, comics, dancers, speakers, and groups with workshop ideas should apply at comfest.com now. Deadline is March 1. ComFest seeks workshops and speakers addressing the most vital issues of the day, the zeitgeist of the community. Organizations applying for booth space in Street Fair should consider offering a workshop.
Vendors and Community Organizations applications for Street Fair go live in February and deadline is always April 20.
Volunteer sign-ups begin March 1. Sign up early to get the position you want. In particular, the festival needs First Aid, Safety, and Clean Up/Recycling. These are key areas to the success and continuation of the festival. People with skills in these areas are encouraged to sign up, but experience is not necessary. Volunteers receive the official ComFest Tee Shirt sporting the 2018 logo plus tokens good for food and beverages. ComFest operates on Volunteer Power. This is what makes ComFest the favorite festival of the summer in Columbus. It is the Community Festival. Applications are online at comfest.com
ComFest Grants
ComFest Grants provide nonprofit community organizations with money for special projects. Each year the festival gives away thousands of dollars to deserving projects. (For a list of some of the past awards, visit comfest.com.) Over the past decade more than $100,000 has been sown back into the Columbus community to help children, people with disabilities, women and families. That money comes from festival goers who purchase ComFest beer and wine, shop the ComFest booth for memorabilia, and support the local vendors and craftspeople who line the famed ComFest Street Fair.
Grants Applications are found on the ComFest website. The deadline is January 16. Nonprofit organizations are eligible. For those who missed this year’s deadline, now is a good time to start thinking and planning for next year. Browsing the application can help organizations know what is required and prepare for it. Applicants can begin submitting at the end of each year’s festival.Return to Homepage www.shortnorth.com
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