Strongwater located in East Franklinton as part of the 400 W. Rich St. renaissances transforming the industrial historical into the artisanal hip. Among their progressive innovations, they include some exciting vegan and gluten-free options for those promoting peace, seeking optimal health and supporting sustainable practices with their food purchases. If you have not adventured into the palatal pleasure that is jackfruit, Strongwater is a brave mainstream restaurant pioneer in Columbus whose menu offers this remarkable whole food plant that mimics “pulled pork”! Try the jackfruit tacos or buns; not only will your gut thank you, the animals and the environment will too since no one will have to die and since plants (compared to animals) use not a fraction of the precious water, nor pollute what is left of it with “effluence” (Hello again, contagion recalls and recurring toxic algae blooms).

Amid the smell of donated bread inside the Clintonville-Beechwold Community Resource Center, I sought advice from fellow canvassers, working on the Columbus Community Bill of Rights, which aims to bring democracy to the decision of whether toxic fracking waste is allowed to be put into areas where it can negatively affect the health of Columbus residents.

This year’s crop of Columbus School Board candidates may be the most distinguished in the city’s history. Those running include Eric Brown – former Chief Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court and 15-year school board member at Mayfield City Schools; Mary Jo Hudson – former Columbus City Council member and former Director of the Ohio Department of Insurance; Jim Hunter – a Harvard graduate; Bernadine Kent, former Columbus City Schools vice principal, teacher and the key whistleblower on two of the school district’s recent scandals; Tina Pierce – former college professor and administrator, and current educational consultant; Ben Tyson – Senior Manager of Community Relations at Easton Town Center; Robert Sharrah – internal auditor and fraud investigator; and the two incumbents Gary Baker and Shawna Gibbs.

 (updated 12-05-2022)
“The basic principle of parole is that while people must be punished for their wrongdoing, most are capable of growing, changing and rejoining society before the end of their sentence…. The difficult job of determining when someone is ready is entrusted to parole boards, which should weigh, among other things, a person’s behavior behind bars and the likelihood that he or she will not commit another offense if released.” ~ New York Times editorial, February 16, 2014.