Discover Gahanna Ohio

It goes without saying that music is an integral part of our culture, community and offers great benefits for developing minds. Learning an instrument teaches self-discipline, confidence, creativity and much more. As producers of the Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival--and HUGE advocates for year-round live music in Gahanna--Team Visit Gahanna is excited to welcome School of Rock to Gahanna! We had the opportunity to chat with Michael King, owner of School of Rock Gahanna to talk more about what they have to offer.  

What programs does School of Rock offer?
There are different programs for kids that are categorized by age: 

• For kids under the age of 7, our goal is to establish a musical foundation using games & activities around Rock songs, expose the kids to guitar, bass, drums, keys, vocals then ultimately pick an instrument and join Rock 101. We have our Little Wing group, for kids 4 - 5 years old, and Rookies for kids ages 6 - 7 years old. 

• For complete beginners ages 8 - 17, we  offer a Rock 101 program that teaches foundational concepts and easy songs. There’s a weekly lesson, plus weekly rehearsal and an end-of-semester show. 

• For intermediate and advanced students ages 8 - 17, we have three programs. Our Performance Program features harder concepts and songs, a weekly lesson and weekly rehearsal and an end-of-semester show.  The next program is our House Band which represents the best-of-the-best in the school, which includes gigs around town--like any other band. Lastly, our All Star Program represent the best-of-the-best across all School of Rock locations (Approximately, 33k students across 240+ locations).  This group will tour across the US over the summer.

• For anyone 18 and older, we have our Adult Band Program. The Adult Program uses a performance-based music education approach. This means the curriculum focuses on learning music concepts and applying them in a live performance setting. This program includes one weekly private lesson and a weekly group rehearsal. Every student is placed in a band of fellow adults and then assigned specific songs as a way of learning key music concepts and skills. Adult students then take the stage to perform at a live show.

What audience is School of Rock for?
School of Rock welcomes everyone of all ages and skill set. Our youngest student is 3 years old and our oldest is an 82-year-old female drummer! 

 What are the benefits of learning a musical instrument? We know there are many!

• Self-discipline

• Teamwork and collaboration (to come to rehearsals prepared and not be the weak link)

• Improved social skills (with fellow students)

• Self-confidence (to perform on a real stage)

Other than one-on-one lessons, can you talk about the camps or workshops offered?
Over the holidays, spring break and summer, we offer one week versions of our semester programs where students will learn and perform songs in front of family. We also have camps such as Rock 101 British Invasion, Performance - 80's Metal, and Songwriting. In addition, we have workshops that include recording and sound production. 

Is there anything else you'd like us to know about School of Rock?
Our goal is to disrupt traditional music education by focusing on song first and group-based performance. Our staff are gigging musicians who have a desire to teach and shape the next generation of local musicians. School of Rock is a growing, passionate community dedicated to enriching lives through performance-based music education. We encourage visitors to swing by for a tour and a free lesson/class to see our facility and meet our staff!

To learn more about School of Rock Gahanna, check our their website here! And don’t forget to post pictures using the hashtag #UniquelyGahanna on social media for a chance to be featured on Visit Gahanna’s social media channels and website!

This event might steal a little pizza your heart. This Sunday, October 6, from 12 - 4 pm, visit Pies in the Park (presented by Champion Windows). Stroll around Friendship Park in Gahanna (150 Oklahoma Ave.), sampling pizza from some of your favorite pizza places--including Coaches, The Goat, Gatsby's, Jet's Pizza, Marco's Pizza and Mr. T's Pizza. Vote on your favorite pizza and enjoy activities, games and (drum roll, please...) a Pie Eating Contest! The contest begins at 1:30 pm and the champion (aka: the Pie-Eating Legend of Gahanna) will win a $25 Easton Town Center gift card. 

There’s one twist… Pie Eating Contest competitors will have to eat with their hands behind their backs! (We couldn’t make it THAT easy for you!) Registration fee for the contest is $5 (register here!).

“We look for ways to give back to the community and help generate awareness of our partner organizations,” said Laurie Jadwin, Executive Director of Visit Gahanna. “Our Pie Eating Contest will appeal to dessert lovers, while generating donations for GRIN (Gahanna Residents in Need). Registration is just $5 per person to participate.” 

Pizza and pie are not the only delectable delights offered at this event! Pies in the Park will also feature goodies from Buckeye Candy Company and SmallCakes Cupcakery & Creamery, new fall whisky and cello flavors from Noble Cut Distillery, Craft Beer, wine, soda and water for sale, and kettle corn, hot dogs and brats from Teen Challenge Columbus (in case there is someone who doesn’t want pizza!)

Tickets will be available for pizza purchases from different vendors ($1.50 per ticket). Pizza vendors determine how many tickets are required per slice. (Average 1-2 tickets.) Noble Cut Distillery, Teen Challenge Columbus and SmallCakes will all accept tickets, as well. 

Our media sponsor, Rewind 103.5/104.3, will be emceeing this event which will include a performance by the Reelin' in the Years Band. Other entertainment includes Rocky by Misty, inflatables and sno-cones provided by New Life Church Gahanna, face painting by the Gahanna Lincoln High School Cheerleaders and a demonstration on how to make DIY herb-infused dipping oils for pizza crusts by The Ohio Herb Center. The Gahanna Historical Society will also hold an Open House during all hours of Pies in the Park and offer homemade apple butter.

Parking will be available at Friendship Park, the Creekside parking garage and Mifflin Presbyterian Church. Special thanks to ALL of our event sponsors: Champion Windows, Rob Matney/Berkshire Hathaway, PNC Bank, Universal Windows Direct, Gahanna Parks & Recreation Foundation, Rewind 103.5/104.3 and Pepsi. 

To learn more about this event, go to PiesinthePark.com. 

 

One of Gahanna, Ohio's gems for visitors and residents alike, is the Ohio Herb Center. More than just a resource for all-things-herbal, the Center offers beautiful gardens, a gift shop AND outstanding hands-on workshops that inspire and educate attendees about the health, culinary and wellness powers of herbs.  Amanda Ferguson, local herbalist and Ohio Herb Center specialist, launches the autumn session of her popular Botanical Beauty Bar workshop series next week. Not only will attendees take away DIY products from the workshops, but they'll discover what's NOT in these DIY products--and how that makes for a much healthier beauty care routine. We caught up with Amanda to chat about the series. 



What inspired your upcoming Botanical Beauty Bar workshop series?
I was inspired to share ways for people to “green” up the contents of their cabinets and reduce the amount of chemicals they use.  As someone who has been making healthier versions of these products for quite some time, I wanted to share how easy, cost effective, and good for your health these practices can be. 

We’ve heard that most store-bought beauty products contain some bad, or even toxic ingredients.  Can you give us some more information about this? 
Most beauty products contain parabens.  These are to prolong shelf life in products.  Should your bottle of lotion or makeup last for a year or more?  Probably not.  It might be cost effective, but it also has another cost. The skin is the largest organ of the human body, protecting us from the elements, helping to regulate body temperature and more. Consider what you're putting on your skin. We delve a little deeper into this in class.

What will this season’s Botanical Beauty Bar classes focus on? 
This series, we will be focusing on the body and our skin--from head-to-toe. Healthier versions of scrubs for the body, herbal baths & soaks, and moisturizers will be covered. 

Does your personal skin/beauty care routine include DIY products?
Yes, it does.  I am a firm believer in using oils to for cleansing.

For those of us looking to begin making some positive changes in our skin/beauty care routines, what are some simple ways we can start at home? 
Start looking at your personal products. If you can’t pronounce a majority of the ingredients, start looking them up.  You will be shocked at what you find. 

What will participants take away from these classes? 
They will take away knowledge to be better informed consumers of products they purchase.  They will know how to research something before they buy it.  They will be able to create their own products at home and take back control of what they put on their and their families skin

When (and how much) are the classes? 
The classes are offered from 7-8 pm on the first Thursday of the months October-December. The cost is $25 per class or all 3 for $60.  Participants will leave with printed information and a sample product.

Where can I register for the classes?
You can register online by going to our website ohioherbcenter.org or our Facebook page event. Or you can call the Ohio Herb Center at 614/642-HERB.  

                                                                 *****

~Post by Mary Szymkowiak, Communications & Tourism Manager for Visit Gahanna

Do you love to shop but hate paying up for big price tags? Same. As a self-proclaimed thrifty shopper, I’m always on the lookout for good deals. Recently, I learned about three different places in Gahanna that I had to check out for myself. At first, I thought they sounded too good to be true. But discovering Clothes Mentor, Style Encore and Discount Fashion Warehouse (DFW) in Gahanna has forever changed the way I shop. My only regret is not knowing about these retail-therapy gems sooner! Here is my review of each retailer: 

Clothes Mentor Gahanna
Clothes Mentor is a womens upscale resale store that sells gently used name-brand and designer clothing, shoes and accessories for up to 70% off original retail prices. Unlike shopping at a thrift store, Clothes Mentor only stocks pieces that are in great condition and are on-trend, or classic and timeless. When you walk in the door, you’ll see an aesthetically pleasing store, with clean and organized merchandise.  Shelves and racks are organized by color and size, making shopping easy and enjoyable. Their selection is amazing! On the flip side, Clothes Mentor pays cash or store credit to customers selling name-brand and designer pieces in their closets that they no longer wear (or have never worn). Check with store management or online for guidelines. 

Discount Fashion Warehouse (DFW)
DFW is a true hidden gem, tucked away from the main roads.  The first time I went to DFW, I lost track of time and spent two hours in this store (oops!). There is so much to see. DFW’s  inventory includes many of the same mall label items at discounts up to 90% off. Why pay regular prices for men’s and women’s clothing again? DFW carries sportswear, accessories and apparel. It’s important to note that DFW is not a reseller, and its inventory is not used. 

Style Encore
Similar to Clothes Mentor, Style Encore offers clothes up to 90% off regular retail prices and the chance to earn cash on the spot when you sell gently used clothes. This store is full of like-new gently used, women's clothes, shoes, and accessories at bargain prices. As an added bonus, Style Encore also offers personal stylists that will show you the colors, textures, trends and silhouettes that suit you best!

Looking for more shopping in Gahanna? Check out Visit Gahanna’s  Shop & Discover page on our site! Don’t forget to post pictures using the hashtag #UniquelyGahanna on social media for a chance to be featured on Visit Gahanna’s social media channels and website!

The Ohio Herb Center offers a variety of classes that range from concocting DIY herbal beauty products to wreath making. Most recently, the Herb Center has added a Seedlings series, specifically created for kids to inspire them to find off-screen entertainment, step out into nature and take home lifelong lessons of the great outdoors. We had the opportunity to chat with Amanda from the Ohio Herb Center about the Seedlings Series and what attendees can expect!

What inspired the idea of the Seedlings series?
It was initially inspired when we (Ohio Herb Center) were part of the COSI Science Festival. Personally, I have a passion for teaching kids and I wanted to do some fun workshops at the Herb Center, to help kids learn about plants and nature. 

What kinds of classes are offered in the series?
On one Saturday per month, attendees will learn about a plant through hands-on experiences. The first class (offered September 21) is about plant dyes and the following one (October 12) is Halloween themed. Then we’ll be doing fun holiday themed activities like making a bird feeder and making cookies using sugar infused with white pine needles! 

What is the ideal age for class participants?
Kids who are 5 - 10 years old will enjoy these classes. Parents are required to accompany their child during class.  

Where can people learn more about Herb Center classes?
We have a class page on our website and we also spread the word through Facebook! Additionally, you can come into the Ohio Herb Center gift shop and sign up for our newsletter. 

 Is there anything else you’d like people to know about the Seedling series?
This series is a great way to entertain kids, engaging them in something nature-based that doesn’t involve a screen. The best part is that attendees will learn something they can carry with them throughout their lives. 

Check out the Seedling Series description and classes below! 

In this series of classes kids will explore a plant, take part in an activity, and make something to take home.  Students will take home plant information, fun facts, and recipes/instructions for making projects at home. 1 hour class, Cost: $10 per child (per class) or $25 per family (3+ registrations). 

10-11 am on Saturdays once a month. 

9/21- Plant Dyes
In this class, kids will explore how plants have been used to color fabric. We will use hands on techniques on paper and fabric. Each participant should bring a t-shirt to dye, and take home. Wear clothes you won't mind getting stained. Everyone will take home their custom dyed t-shirt and a bookmark.

10/12- Troll/Fairy Houses
Bring your creativity as we make a fairy or troll house out of miniature pumpkins or gourds. We will create a dwelling suitable for the fanciest fairy and trashiest troll. Take home your creation to proudly display in your garden. Who knows, you may have some new members of the family? 

11/2- Cinnamon Ornaments/Tree Fairy
Craft a cinnamon ornament to make your house fragrant for the upcoming holidays.  Decorate your cinnamon ornament with a variety of spices. Make a tree fairy to decorate the outside of our homes, using what we find.

 12/21 Winter Solstice Bird Feeder
On this longest day of the year, celebrate nature in its purest form.  Craft a feeder that can be placed in the yard to feed animal friends, providing them with much needed nutrition as the days get colder.  Learn about the Winter Solstice and ways you can celebrate this special winter holiday. 

For more classes offered at the Ohio Herb Center, check out this website. And don’t forget to post pictures using the hashtag #UniquelyGahanna on social media for a chance to be featured on Visit Gahanna’s social media channels and website!

~Blog written by Brae Chicase, Social Media and Web Content Assistant