Chuck Lynd

Local hardware stores with employees who know their stuff and help you solve problems are wonderful. When I lived in Delaware I bought everything we needed from the Hardware Exchange, and if they didn't have something I could go to Columbus and find it at the Beechwold hardware store, affiliated with ACE, the national co-op that serves traditional hardware stores by purchasing in bulk to help the local stores compete with the chains like Lowes and Home Depot. With this background, I was delighted to discover the Gahanna hardware store when we moved just north of Gahanna.  Sure enough, the staff is super knowledgeable and helps this handicapped handy man find what I need to solve a plumbing problem, select the right paint for a particular job, the correct flourescent lighting tube, and the right screws to mount the flat screen tv.  These classic hardware stores are a prime reason to shop local!

Forgot to add an image for Lettuce Work.

I discovered a great source of local greens, which I purchase now from the Bexley Natural Market. The company is called Lettuce Work, and employs adults with autism to produce the greens using aquaponics at a facility in New Albany, OH. The greens are delicious, my favorite over any other local greens or the Earthbound Farm greens.  Do try them! You won't be disappointed. And the price? Right in line with other pre-washed lettuce.

I shopped today at locally owned Clintonville Natural Foods, a vegan grocery.  It was extra fun after watching a film last night called At The Fork, which was a clear-eyed, non-judgmental look at how we raise food in America. It did not take a stand, per se, but the effect on me was to try to go much closer to 100% vegan 

I discovered an excellent locally owned restaurant and bar in Gahanna - Somedays at 101 Mill St in the Creekside development downtown. Its proud owner is Mike Schaefe.  Lots of craft beer options too - we indulged in a porter from Dayton Ohio.  The food was excellent and I highly recommend it for anyone out east.