Resident Profile – Jacqueline Mantey, 26

May 31, 2012 0 Comments

by Mary Martineau

Jacqueline Nicole Mantey came to Columbus by way of Marion, Ohio where she grew up on a small dairy farm that has belonged to her family for generations. She and her three siblings each have names that begin with the letter “J” in honor of her father, Joe. Familiarly known as “Jackie,” her parents were great admirers of first lady Jacqueline (Jackie) Kennedy and bequeathed their daughter with her name and nickname. She is also the great-great-great granddaughter of Edward Huber, whose farm inventions helped to modernize American agriculture. It all started with a “revolving hay rake,” and he was ultimately the first producer of gasoline-powered tractors.

But coming from a famous farming family was not sufficient to keep Jackie in the agricultural business. She left home to attend Kent State University where she majored in women’s studies and magazine journalism. Her degree led to a job as an assistant editor at Columbus Monthly magazine, which also landed her in Columbus. She loves that Columbus is both close enough to her family, who remain in Marion, and yet big-city enough to satisfy her “more open-minded” tendencies; she calls moving here “the best decision I ever made.” Jackie is currently a reporter for Columbus Alive, a weekly arts and entertainment newspaper published by the Dispatch. She writes a lot of feature stories and primarily covers the style and arts beats. According to Jackie, she’s “got the coolest job. I love getting to meet so many creative and interesting people in this town. Columbus rocks. I always feel inspired after interviews, and I know I’m lucky to have a job that makes me feel that way at the end of the day.”

Jackie rents a space in the Sonnenblick Apartments on Thurber Drive West where she has been a resident for two years. When she first moved to Columbus, she lived in the Polaris area because, as she says, she “didn’t know any better,” but she found herself regularly in the Short North for an art exhibit, a performance or a night out with friends. She loved the Short North but loathed the highway trip home from her inspirational adventures. She finds the apartment complexes on Thurber just right for a young professional who needs an affordable spot in the highly-desirable Short North (with its generally commensurate rental rate).

For low-cost entertainment, Jackie loves hanging out with her four-year-old nephew and her two-year-old niece. They are an appreciative audience for the crazy make-believe stories she concocts for them. Jackie is ecstatic that it’s finally summer, and she’s looking forward to attending as many art shows, events and festivals as she can stand. In between major events, she’ll be hitting up performances by local comedians and bands at bars around town. Jackie declares: “There are some hilarious people and amazing musicians in town, and you can see them perform for dirt cheap.”

Jackie is unabashed about her enthusiasm for Harrison West.

All of my friends live around here, so I’ve been spoiled being able to walk everywhere. My favorite part—beyond being close to my friends—is Harrison West’s proximity to everything—Goodale Park for walks and kickball and festivals, the Arena District for Blue Jackets and Clippers’ games, The LC for concerts. I also, of course, adore the neighbors. The majority of the people I’ve met who live in Harrison West have the same values as me, and that’s really important. I love the diversity of ideas and people here, too. The fact that the neighborhood is hip but also gorgeous is icing on the already iced cake.

Given the gorgeous weather, you might find Jackie on the patio at Caffé Apropos for their spectacular happy-hour pizza and a pint. It’s one of her go-to places for interviews, to meet friends for a quick drink and to hang out and talk. She also frequents Zeno’s for the great pizza and beer. . . . Are you catching the theme? Keep an eye out for Jackie at local places with tasty pizza and a good beer selection!