Healthy New Albany July/August 2026

Finding Balance

New Albany native Emily Farshchi’s passion for sustainability and the environment

Community

614-939-2202 newalbanywealthpartners@ubs.com

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1335 Dublin Rd. Suite 101C Columbus, OH 43215

614.572.1240 www.cityscenecolumbus.com

Gianna Barrett

Dave Prosser

Isabella Gaydosh-Bruce

Kathleen K. Gill

Elizabeth Wagner

Megan Brokamp, Jane Dimel, Rachel Hanz, Ella Jay

Katie Allen, Melissa Braithwaite, Amanda Stevens

Angelina Godfrey, Sandhya Kannan, Abby Van Voorhis, Rose Whaley

Sarah Reese

President

Chief Creative Officer

Business/Office Manager

Editorial Advisor

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Editors

Contributing Writers

Editorial Assistants

Media & Marketing Advisor

Healthy New Albany Magazine is the Official Publication of Healthy New Albany, Inc., convened by The New Albany Community Foundation.

Rachel Haugk

KJ Coit

Denise Dahl

Dylan Telerski

Pamela Conn

Executive Director

Mission Director

Development Director

Marketing and Communications Manager

Director of Volunteer and Corporate Engagement

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KNOWLEDGE

FREE: Community is Stronger than Cancer

Monday, July 13 | 6:00 PM

FREE: Play More, Hurt Less

Monday, July 20 | 4:00 PM

Hands the Heal: CPR Certification

Tuesday, August 11 | 10:00 AM

Care with Confidence: Babysitter Safety

Thursday, August 13 | 12:30 PM

FREE: Heart Health is Women’s Health

Monday, August 24 | 6:00 PM

NATURE

Natural Solutions for a Toxic World

Tuesdays | July 14-August 18 | 6:00 PM

Register for individual classes or entire series!

July 14: Foundations of Herbalism

July 21: Herbal First Aid, Safety, and Limitations

July 28: Teas, Tinctures, and Extractions

August 4: Topicals and Acute Care

August 11: Medicine Making & Holistic Wellness

August 18: Intro to Formulation

Support the Nervous System: Herbal Tools for Stress and Anxiety

Sunday, July 19 | 2:00 PM

REGISTER for these programs and more by scanning the QR code

Summer Prog rams at the Heit Center

MOVEMENT

Be Strong Boys Grades 4-7

Mondays | July 6-August 10 | 12:30 PM

Somatic Exercise for Mind-Body Wellness

Wednesdays | July 15-August 5 | 6:00 PM

The Play Spot Ages 15 mon.-5 years

Wednesdays | August 5-August 26 | 10:00 AM

NOURISH

The Roaming Teacup: Tea Lights + Delights

Saturday, July 11 | 4:00 PM

Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Made Simple Sunday, July 12 | 2:00 PM

Sunday Supper Reimagined

Part of Plant-Based Coastal Cuisine Series Tuesday, July 14 | 6:00 PM

The Art of the Perfect Steep Saturday, July 18 | 2:00 PM

Bayou Comfort Bowl

Part of Plant-Based Coastal Cuisine Series Tuesday, July 28 | 6:00 PM

The Roaming Teacup: The Grand Entrance Saturday, August 1 | 2:00 PM

Caribbean Flavor Celebration

Tuesdays | August 11-25 | 6:00 PM

Register for individual classes or entire series!

August 11: Island Vibes: Mastering Jackfruit

August 25: Creamy Dreamy Pasta

Bad and Bougie Brunch: Baking + Bubbles

Sunday, August 29 | 11:00 AM

or visiting: healthynewalbany.org/programs

Photo by Ray LaVoie

Think Drink

It was 55 years ago when I ran my first marathon. I was a young runner with the expectation to become a competitive marathoner. I was motivated to enter my first 26.2 miler, an event whose title is no longer embedded in my memory, and for good reason. By today’s standards, this is a race that should never have occurred.

It was held in NYC’s Central Park during August and accompanied by near 90-degree heat. And, might I add, there was only one water stop that I encountered at each 6-mile lap around the park. It’s easy to conclude that this would be a one-and-done marathon. There were only 13 runners competing and I sprinted to beat Fred Lebow to the finish line.  I remember crossing the finish line when Lebow beckoned a volunteer to wrap a wet, cold towel around my neck as I was about ready to collapse. Of course, Lebow went on to become the Father of the NYC Marathon and a colleague at future New York Road Runner events.

Jane Dimel’s article, The Pulse of Energy, sparked a thought that continues to haunt me. In the early days of the marathon movement, little knowledge existed about marathon safety. Staging a marathon during the heart of summer is unthinkable today.

Dimel’s article sheds light on how my early runs were void of the importance of hydration, electrolytes and safety during endurance training. Up until about 30 years ago, I failed to heed the research about the importance of keeping hydrated even though the literature was replete with study after study emphasizing the dangers of not hydrating during long runs.

I remember running 10 miles most mornings and not drinking until I returned to my home base. And I paid for it the hard way. After one of my workouts, I experienced blood in my urine that I determined was caused by not hydrating. However, I had some sense of rational thinking knowing that drinking a large amount of water would cause my condition to return to normalcy.

You might have thought I had learned something from my first marathon. The repercussions of my stupidity had ongoing implications. My lack of attention to keeping hydrated facilitated the development of kidney stones that resulted in multiple visits over the years to the emergency room. The excruciating pain from kidney stones finally sunk in and hydrating finally became my pre-workout routine.

Today, you will not see me on a long workout through our beautiful paths without an electrolyte drink in my hand.  In addition, I drink 16 ounces of water an hour  before my workouts. My failure to heed the importance of hydrating before, during and after a workout was learned the hard way. “Think drink” is my mantra prior to every workout. It should be yours too.

Healthfuly,

Phil Heit Emeritus Executive Director Healthy New Albany, Inc.

Healthful Events happening

Fri., July 3

Pre-Declaration Party

7-10 p.m., Rose Run Park www.newalbanyohio.org

Fri., July 3

New Albany Symphony

Orchestra: American SaluteA 250th Celebration

8 p.m., Charleen & Charles Hinson Amphitheater, 170 E. Dublin Granville Rd. www.newalbanysymphony.com

Sat., July 4

New Albany Independence Day 5K

7:45-8:45 a.m. races start, Market Square, 180 Market St. www.na5krace.com

Sat., July 4

New Albany Independence Day Parade

11 a.m. www.newalbanyohio.org

Sat., July 4

New Albany Independence Day Fireworks

9:45-10:15 p.m., Rose Run Park www.newalbanychamber.com

Thurs., July 9

2026 Free Summer Concert Series presents the Catalina Wine Mixer Band

7-8:30 p.m., Charleen & Charles Hinson Amphitheater, 170 E. Dublin Granville Rd. www.newalbanyohio.org

Fri., July 10

New Albany Parks and Recreation Summer Movie Series: Lilo & Stitch

6 p.m. gates open, 8 p.m. movie starts, Green space along Butterworth Green Dr. www.naparksohio.org

Sat., July 11

Lifeline of Ohio: Dash for Donation

8 a.m. Kids & Mascot Dash starts, 8:15 a.m. 5K Run/Walk starts, Genoa Park, 303 W. Broad St., Columbus www.lifelineofohio.org

Sun., July 12

Run Wild 5K presented by OhioHealth

8 a.m., Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 W. Powell Rd., Columbus www.m3ssports.com

Tues., July 14

Free Family Flick Nights: Ratatouille

6:30-10 p.m., Charleen & Charles Hinson Amphitheater, 170 E. Dublin Granville Rd. www.newalbanyfoundation.org

Sat., July 18

Artist Opening Reception for Priya Rama & Evangelia Philippidis - In my Head, In My Heart

5-8 p.m., Hayley Gallery, 260 Market St. www.localohioart.com

Sun., July 19

Heatwave Half MarathonColumbus

6:55 a.m. Kids Dash starts, 7 a.m. race starts, Highbanks Metro Park, 9466 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center www.runsignup.com

Thurs., July 23

2026 Free Summer Concert Series presents Big Bad Stache

7-8:30 p.m., Charleen & Charles Hinson Amphitheater, 170 E. Dublin Granville Rd. www.newalbanyohio.org

Sun., July 26

Strength In Colors 5K & KIDS DASH

8:50 a.m. Kids Dash starts, 9 a.m. 5K starts, Westerville Sports Complex, 325 N. Cleveland Ave., Westerville www.runsignup.com

Sun., July 26

Taste of New Albany

5-10 p.m., Rose Run Park www.newalbanychamber.com

July 31-Aug. 2

Pelotonia Ride Weekend

Various start times, Various start locations www.pelotonia.org

Thurs., Aug. 6

2026 Free Summer Concert Series

Mystery Concert

7-8:30 p.m., Charleen & Charles Hinson Amphitheater, 170 E. Dublin Granville Rd. www.newalbanyohio.org

Sat., Aug. 8

New Albany Parks and Recreation

Summer Movie Series: Zootopia 2

6 p.m. gates open, 8 p.m. movie starts, Bevelhymer Park, 7860 Bevelhymer Rd. www.naparksohio.org

Sun., Aug. 9

Hector Garcia Santana

Piano Concert

3 p.m.

Rose Run Presbyterian Church, 5220 Johnstown Rd. www.roserunpresbyterian.org

Tues., Aug. 11

Free Family Flick Nights: The Lion King

6:30-10 p.m., Charleen & Charles Hinson Amphitheater, 170 E. Dublin Granville Rd. www.newalbanyfoundation.org

Sat., Aug. 15

Artist Opening Reception for Adam Kolp & Laura Jacob –Beneath the Surface

5-8 p.m., Hayley Gallery, 260 Market St. www.localohioart.com

Thurs., Aug. 27

Racquets for RMHC

6-9 p.m., The Country Club at Muirfield Village, 8715 Muirfield Dr., Dublin www.rmhc-centralohio.org

Submit Your Event

Do you have an event you would like to submit to our calendar?

Send details and photos to rhanz@cityscenemediagroup.com

www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

By Melissa Braithwaite

Your Favorite Thursday Night

Fresh food, live music and community built for everyone

It begins, as the best New Albany evenings often do, at the Healthy New Albany Farmers Market.

The summer breeze smells of fresh herbs and freshly baked bread as you wander through Market Square. On Thursdays, from 4-7 p.m., the Healthy New Albany Farmers Market transforms 240 Market St. into a community hub filled with local produce, artisan goods, food trucks, live music and neighbors catching up. You load your bag with sweet corn, a jar of honey, maybe a bouquet.

At 5 p.m., the Village Center Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) allows 21-and-older guests to purchase a drink from any participating establishment, including BrewDog, Hudson29, Mellow Mushroom, Rusty Bucket and Bendi Wok N’ Bar and carry it with them in an official DORA cup as they stroll through the heart of the Village Center.

The DORA operates Thursdays through Saturdays from 5-10 p.m., and on concert nights, it’s the perfect bridge between the Market and the main event.

From there, follow the crowd to the Charleen & Charles Hinson Amphitheater, where, for the fourth consecutive summer, the City of New Albany is offering a world-class outdoor concert experience, completely free.

An amphitheater for everyone

There’s a moment, right around 7:15 p.m. at the Hinson Amphitheater, when the lawn fills in, and the music starts. Strangers become neighbors, kids kick off their shoes and friends share their Healthy New Albany Farmers Market finds. This summer, the City of New Albany is making sure that feeling of belonging extends to everyone who walks through those gates.

This year, the City of New Albany’s Community Programs team earned KultureCity Sensory Inclusive® Certification, a credential reflecting a community-wide commitment to accessibility.

KultureCity is a non-profit organization focused on sensory accessibility. Its research shows that one in four Americans has an invisible disability, including autism, PTSD, ADHD, anxiety, early-onset dementia and other conditions that can make busy or noisy environments overwhelming. For many individuals and families navigating those challenges, the sensory cost of attending was too high.

This summer, the New Albany Community Programs team is trying to change that.

“This certification process has inspired our team,” says Alonna Skinner, community programs specialist for the City of New Albany. “We want every single person in this community, regardless of ability or sensory need, to feel like these concerts are for them. Earning this certification means we’re not just saying that, we’re backing it up with real tools, real training and a real commitment to inclusion. We can’t wait to see everyone out there this summer.”

Through the certification, Community Programs staff have been trained by medical and neurodivergent professionals to recognize and support guests who may experience events differently.

Look for the KultureCity table/ Accommodation Station near the amphitheater entrance. There, guests can check out sensory bags for free. The bags are stocked with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, weighted lap pads and emotion cue cards for non-verbal communication. Quiet areas will also be available for anyone who needs a moment to decompress before heading back to the show.

Guests can download the free KultureCity All-Inclusive App, which includes a social story – a visual and written preview of the concert experience – so you or your loved one can feel prepared and at ease before you even leave the house.

Spread a blanket. Pull out your farmers market picnic. Everyone is welcome here.

Need a reasonable accommodation? Contact Community Programs at communityevents@newalbanyohio.org or 614.855.6226.

The Lineup

Concerts run select Thursdays from 7-8:30 p.m., giving you just enough time to finish that DORA cup and find your spot on the lawn.

July 9

Catalina Wine Mixer Band

Kick back with smooth yacht rock favorites and feel-good ’70s vibes all evening long.

July 23

Big Bad Stache

Big Bad Stache brings nonstop hits from the past three decades, plus a special opening performance from School of Rock students.

August 6

The Mystery Concert

A surprise act! Follow along all summer for clues and your chance to win front-row seats.

Build Your Perfect Summer Thursday

4-7 p.m. | Healthy New Albany Farmers Market | 240 Market St. | SNAP accepted

5 p.m. | Village Center DORA opens | BrewDog, Hudson29, Mellow Mushroom, Rusty Bucket, Bendi Wok N’ Bar

7-8:30 p.m. | Free Summer Concert Series | Charleen & Charles Hinson Amphitheater

Bring your own seating and refillable water bottles. No pets, please. Full details: newalbanyohio.org/ programs-and-events/freesummer-concert-series/

Melissa Braithwaite is a Communications & Marketing Specialist for the City of New Albany.

By Rachel Hanz

Leaving An Eco-Footprint

New Albany native gives back to the environment and community

Emily Farshchi never thought she would move back to the community she grew up in or return to retail work. Now, almost 10 years later, with a husband and two kids, Farshchi is back in New Albany – and here to stay.

Always having a spot in her heart for nature, Farshchi pursues that passion every day through her work in sustainability and environmental education to help reduce corporate climate impact and teach the next generation about the environment.

Planting the seed

Farshchi was born and raised in New Albany as the city itself was taking shape. Her parents applied for and won one of the first neighborhood plots in the area and became very involved in the growth of the community.

“My mom was super active in shaping what New Albany is now,” Farshchi says. “At the time, there was a lot of big stuff that had to happen, and there was a group of moms that were kind of galvanized and making that happen, and she was a part of that whole force.”

Throughout her school years, she stayed active with lacrosse, cheer and dance while working with various retail businesses as a fit model and by participating in focus

groups. It was during those years that she also discovered her love for the environment, thanks to the district’s humanities and environmental science programs and the teacher in charge of them.

“Bill Somerlot was the head of the environmental science program at the time, and he just drummed up so much authentic excitement from the kids in our class. Everyone was really into it,” Farshchi says. “We’d put on waders and go out in the wetlands that were walkable from the school, and I think the seed was planted there.”

She met her husband and fellow New Albany native, Nate, during their sophomore and senior years at New Albany High School respectively. After graduation, the two moved on to Ohio University, where she studied management information systems; following college, they began their journey out west.

Environmental passion blooms

Soon after college, Farshchi landed a job at KPMG in Orange County, California. While she loved her work in the tech field, she started feeling a pull back to the retail industry and wanted to see if there was a way to combine her passions into a career.

“That was my dream. To be able to do something in retail, because I really enjoyed retail, but something that oriented more toward a social cause or an environmental cause,” Farshchi says.

That steered her toward Pacsun, where she worked in the e-commerce department, and years later, the intimates brand Pepper®, where she climbed her way up to become the director of merchandising. Eventually, that led her to her current position with Victoria’s Secret & Co. as a member of its environmental and social sustainability strategy team.

One project Farshchi has enjoyed supporting is the company’s direct-sourced cotton partnership with female farmers in Alabama, whose cotton is in Victoria’s Se-

PINK products.

“It’s amazing work. (Victoria’s Secret is) a global leading intimate apparel brand, and so the impact of anything we do is big,” Farshchi says. “Being able to be a part of the team that’s being really strategic and thoughtful about what that impact is and how we make the best choices there is really, really gratifying work.”

Nurturing future generations

As she and Nate were getting ready to welcome their second child, Farshchi says they found themselves wanting to be closer to family, leading to their move back to New Albany in 2023. After the move she reconnected with fellow New Albany graduate, Sophia Mershad Costantino, and a new

When she isn’t working on environmental initiatives or educating others about it, Farshchi has pursued a variety of interests over the years.

For some time, she was a prenatal yoga instructor, earning her Yoga Alliance RPYT Prenatal Yoga Certification in 2018.

Recently, she has enjoyed gardening and sewing clothes for her family, including some outfits she made for her daughters for Easter.

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friend, Danielle Joseph, and discussions surrounding creating a nature school began.

“(We thought), ‘How wonderful would it be to create this hub for the community and give back to the community, a gathering space that connects people to the seasons and the land, and slowly builds more appreciation for agriculture?’… that’s been the vision for the space,” Farshchi says.

And thus, Roots Eco School was born.

Through this nature-based early learning and community space, Farshchi says the school has hosted seasonal gatherings, such as spring equinox and summer solstice events, as well as enrichment school programming for young children.

“The goal is for them to have experiences where they are outside, able to get messy, able to explore and be really curious, use their hands and feel this pride and independence,” Farshchi says.

Although their initial focus has been on younger kids, due in part to the ages of their own children, Farshchi says they hope to expand the programming and events so Roots’ 16-acre campus can welcome more people from the community.

“The goal is for it to be truly a community space, so all ages,” Farshchi says. “We want to have elders in the community feel welcome as much as young families or high school kids.”

Rachel Hanz is the lead editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at rhanz@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Health Tips

With a full house – including her husband, their two daughters, Clover and Quincy, and their dog Rambo – Farshchi has found a few daily health priorities.

When possible, they try to minimize the amount of plastic that interacts with their foods. Farshchi says this has included transitioning many of their food storage containers to stainless steel or glass.

Another is the food itself, which Farshchi says they focus on by keeping a well-balanced diet, eating whole foods and being aware of what they are putting in their bodies and where it comes from.

“If it can be local, great. We also love Costco, but just trying to be really intentional about our nutrition as the foundation for things,” Farshchi says.

By Amanda Stevens

Uniquely Sustainable

Innovative initiatives help community members reduce waste and embrace greener habits

While some people associate sustainability with recycling paper, plastic and glass, initiatives from The New Albany Community Foundation and the City of New Albany offer community members unique opportunities to help the environment.

Reduce. Reuse. Refashion.

Last fall, The New Albany Community Foundation (NACF) kicked off its denim recycling initiative, Jeans for Green New Albany. Inspired by retailers such as Abercrombie & Fitch, which participate in denim recycling, NACF wanted to bring it to the community level.

The first collection, which ran from Sept. 22 through Oct. 10, allowed community members to drop off denim of any size, color or condition at a handful of locations.

Nanette Nardi Triplett, a board member who chairs the Foundation’s sustainability committee, leads the initiative and says the community dropped off more than 1,000 items this past fall. During the spring drive, from April 8-22, 791 items were collected.

“I was just amazed by how much we gathered, and we had people donating jeans

with tags still on them, never been worn, which was amazing to me,” Nardi Triplett

says. “The generosity of the community is probably the most amazing thing.”

Giving denim a do-over

Working with a handful of community volunteers, Nardi Triplett sorted through the donations, cleaned them and determined whether they were in good condition.

She says about 75 percent of the items from both drives were in good condition and able to be donated to families in need at the New Albany Food Pantry, while the remaining unwearable denim was reclaimed primarily for home insulation.

NACF President Craig Mohre says he was excited to see the community’s

response to the initiative. With one of the Foundation’s goals being sustainability, he’s looking forward to the program’s future.

“I think it’s a win all the way around, right? (The denim) doesn’t go into the landfill, families that need help get clothing, or we reuse it and repurpose it,” Mohre says.

Community connections

To arrange the collection, the NACF coordinated with partners across the community, with drop-off locations including

Fighting Food Waste

Franklin County sends roughly one million pounds of food waste to the landfill every day. Food waste in landfills creates methane, which is more than 28 times as potent as carbon dioxide at trapping atmospheric heat, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Since April 2022, the City of New Albany has provided public food waste dropoff locations, but thanks to the success of a pilot program for curbside food waste collection, the City is now looking to expand food waste collection city-wide.

Curbside compost

As of September 2025, households in the Windsor neighborhood are eligible to participate in the City’s Pilot Curbside Food Waste Pick-Up Program.

The program is offered through the City’s partnership with the Compost Exchange, a Columbus-based company providing weekly food scrap collection.

Registered households receive a fivegallon bucket and compostable liners from the company. On the same day as trash and recycling collection, the bucket is placed at the curb and collected by the Compost Exchange. The registered households can also request up to two free two-gallon compost portions a year.

David Celebrezze, the City’s sustainability program coordinator, says 48 of the 275 Windsor households have registered for the program, with 66 percent participating, which he says is fairly high for industry standards.

“I think most people want to do the right thing, but you need to make it easy for them,” Celebrezze says. “I think what this has shown is that if you make it easy, people will do it because they want to do it.”

Between September and May, Celebrezze says the program has collected 7,672 pounds of food waste and avoided 14,125 pounds of carbon dioxide.

Village Hall, the Plain Township Fire Station and the five New Albany-Plain Local School District buildings.

By partnering with the City and the Township, the Foundation was able to spread the word about the initiative with newsletters and social media. Nardi Triplett says the students held school-wide competitions to encourage participation.

She also notes that businesses such as Bechtel and Bob Evans had their own internal competitions, providing collective donations for the initiative.

In addition to denim recycling, she says the Foundation is looking forward to other potential initiatives, such as tree planting.

“I think there is room for more community involvement, and I’m hopeful that (Jeans for Green New Albany) is the beginning of many different sustainability efforts that we have for the Foundation,” Nardi Triplett says. “I think the response from the community is there, and so (I’m) hopeful that, whatever we include in the next sustainability initiative will also be well received by the community.”

“The program has been great for raising awareness. It’s been great (for) educating people about compost,” Celebrezze says. “I would say it’s been a success.”

City-wide sustainability

The pilot program is slated to run at least through September 2026, and thanks its success, the City is now considering a city-wide curbside food waste collection in partnership with the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio.

Celebrezze says that with city-wide collection, the City likely would still maintain its food waste drop-off locations, especially for community members living in apartments, who don’t receive curbside collection.

Presently in Franklin County, municipal curbside food waste programs are offered in Upper Arlington and Bexley, with each community following a different model. Celebrezze says the City is still considering its options.

“We’re excited about it and the fact that there’s only two other communities in Franklin County that are doing it, it’s pretty cool that we might be the third,” he says.

Amanda Stevens is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at astevens@cityscenemediagroup.com

Save the Date

The City will host its next e-waste, hazardous household waste (HHW) and paper shredding collection event on Oct. 10 from 8 a.m.-noon in the parking lots at 7815 Walton Pkwy. Its spring event on April 18 collected 14,594 pounds of HHW, 9,593 pounds of e-waste and 7,380 pounds of paper for secure shredding.

onthehorizon

By Sandhya Kannan

Evolving Diabetes Technology

Dexcom releases its latest glucose monitoring system

Dexcom, one of the world’s leading diabetes management companies, recently released its updated version of the Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (CGM) Generation Seven (G7) in 2025. The technology was created to make diabetes more manageable for the 40 million individuals in the U.S. who live with the disease.

Dexcom’s CGM has been around since 2006, and its generations have only advanced since the device’s arrival. The company’s latest device, the G7, has two variations. A 10-day version came out in 2023, and two years later, the U.S. Food

and Drug Administration approved a 15day version.

How CGM G7 works

The CGM G7 has a sensor and transmitter included in one device, allowing users to track glucose levels and other alerts on their phones, smart watches and integrated insulin pumps. The device is typically placed on the back of the arm, and is 60 percent smaller – about 0.94 inches in length and 1.07 in width – than the G6 device.

The G7 system is meant to treat adults 18 and over with both Type 1 and 2 diabetes in a more user-friendly manner with

alerts, such as urgent low glucose messages and quiet mode silencing notifications. Designed for efficiency, the device does not require a finger stick, and only needs changed two to three times a month.

As the CGM devices have evolved, the Mean Absolute Relative Difference (MARD) accuracy ratings have decreased, making the percentage difference between the laboratory reference values and sensor readings closer to one another. This rings true as the G7 device has an 8.1 percent MARD in comparison to the 9 percent MARD of the G6.

Additionally, the CGM G7 now has a Smart Food Logging feature backed by Artificial Intelligence (AI), allowing people using the G7 device to take pictures of their meals in the Stelo or Dexcom app. Users receive insights on nutrients, metabolic impacts and other meal descriptions to learn how their food benefits their body. Dexcom plans to continue incorporating AI into its app and device to make its upcoming generations more efficient for users.

In the newest generation, the 10-day version has what Dexcom calls a 30-minute warm-up time, giving the sensor time to read and become accustomed to a user’s body signals and glucose levels. The 15-

day version has a 60-minute warm up time, which is longer to accommodate the device’s longer wear time.

With insurance, a 30-day supply can cost up to $30 per month, or may range anywhere between $160 to $545 without insurance.

Though the sensor is waterproof, it is not recommended that users rely on the device working underwater, as the re ceiver’s Bluetooth won’t work. The G7 also has a 12-hour grace period for sensor changes, allowing users to track their glu cose levels with higher efficiency.

Trial and error

Though the CGM G7 comes with many advanced features, Dexcom is actively working out errors users have reported while using the device.

Because of the 10-day and 15-day wear times, many users have reported the ad hesive peeling off, sensor failures and sig nal loss. Several users have also recorded inaccurate readings within in the first 24 hours of installing the device.

These technical issues have not been a problem for all G7 users. However, Dexcom is urging users who face issues to troubleshoot their devices by ensuring Bluetooth connectivity or reaching out to Dexcom Technical Support for replacement devices.

Plans for growth

By incorporating customer feedback, Dexcom is working to fix reported problems within the G7, so upgrades such as longer wear times remain an option for users. Dexcom plans to expand on its Stelo integration, allowing the G7 device to be compatible with more devices, including Oura rings.

Looking to future generations, Dexcom hopes to decrease the size of the eventual G8 device by 50 percent, improve the MARD accuracy and eventually phase out the G6 device.

The G8 device is in trial stages, but Dexcom hopes to release the new device within the next two years. The device could potentially be worn for more than 15 days, reducing waste and increasing device usability.

Sandhya Kannan is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Balancing electrolytes to maintain overall health

By Jane Dimel

courtesy of bit245/Mizina/iStock

lectrolytes and supplement options are a prominent conversation around active and sedentary lifestyles alike, as users look to boost their sodium levels post-workout or increase magnesium to improve sleep quality.

However, there are many factors to consider when assessing whether there is a need to monitor electrolytes more closely.

Balanced minerals

As essential minerals, electrolytes fuel many body functions, with their ionic charges helping regulate chemical reactions and impulses between organs, and balance fluids in and around your cells, as the Cleveland Clinic explains.

Hydration is a key function that electrolytes help maintain. Nerve and muscle function, nutrient and waste transport, heart rate and rhythm, bone and teeth health, and blood pressure and blood glucose also correlate with different electrolyte levels.

There is no question that electrolytes are important to functionality and homeostasis in the body; however, moderation is key to reaping these benefits. Both excessive and insufficient levels of these electrolytes can have serious consequences.

Sodium, the most prevalent electrolyte in the body, aids cellular osmosis to maintain a balance in fluids. When sodium overconcentrates in the body, fluids are moved out of the cells to equalize the concentration, which Nursing Fundamentals shares can lead to cell shrinkage and symptoms of dehydration and headaches. In scarcity or excess, it can also lead to symptoms of confusion, behavior changes, unusually weak or strong reflexes, loss of muscle control, seizures and coma.

Other types of electrolytes, such as magnesium, calcium and potassium, can cause changes to heart rate and muscle function when they are out of equilibrium. The electrolyte bicarbonate, derived from recycled carbon dioxide, is used to balance the body’s pH levels by reducing acid. Problems such as nausea and fatigue can result from acidity being too high or too low, requiring electrolytes to act as a stabilizing force.

Dizziness and trouble breathing, digestive problems, bone and joint pain, and kidney stones and failure are also possible symptoms of imbalanced electrolytes.

Considering the range of impact, finding electrolytes in needed quantities remains a priority to maintain good health.

Natural remedies

Electrolytes are lost through the transfer of bodily fluids, such as sweat and urine, leading to a constant need to replenish. Professional dieticians, nutritionists and other medical professionals commonly agree that with a proper diet, individuals can regularly get the correct amount of electrolytes they need to sustain their body’s functions.

Mayo Clinic shares that individuals get their electrolytes with a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and adequate fluids.

In case of any discrepancies, tests such as metabolic panels and various kinds of blood tests, urine tests and osmolality

tests can identify the levels of different electrolytes in the body.

For those who find they are lacking electrolytes, they can focus on consuming foods such as beans, dark chocolate, fatty fish, olives, pickle juice, seaweed and beverages such as milk, orange juice and coconut water. They can also look into foods that are rich in a particular electrolyte.

Broths, such as bone broth, provide a highsodium option for post-workout recovery.

Potassium and magnesium can be found in fruits such as bananas, oranges, strawberries and watermelon, as well as vegetables including avocados, spinach and sweet potatoes, to strengthen bones, regulate muscle function and improve overall sleep.

Milk, yogurt and other dairy products also contain potassium, along with calcium, while almonds, peanuts and pumpkin supply magnesium.

The supplement discussion

Electrolyte supplements, such as sports drinks, powders and tablets, also exist to mitigate the depletion of electrolytes, though it is recommended they are used in moderation.

For example, while some electrolytes can be more challenging to get without the proper diet, the American Heart Association (AHA) shares that is not the case for sodium, as Americans, on average, overconsume sodium through salt – often consuming 3,400 mg. per day compared to the ideal daily limit of 1,500 mg. Many popular sports drinks are often high in sodium and simple sugars for quick energy boosts, and when overconsumed, can lead to a variety of health problems. Electrolyte powders function similarly, often packed with sugar and sodium as well as potassium to a lesser extent.

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Specific kinds of sports drinks, such as those targeting rehydration over enhancing athletic performance, may contain less additives, but likewise have fewer minerals.

As the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s The Nutrition Source ex -

plains, sports drinks claiming to supply electrolytes typically use trace amounts of the minerals while also having high amounts of calories, carbohydrates and caffeine. These additional ingredients can be helpful to people recovering from prolonged illness or extensive, high-intensity exercise, or who have conditions such as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) that deplete electrolytes more quickly, but less so for other individuals whose health and hydration levels would most benefit from plain water.

Other individuals who may benefit from electrolyte supplements include people who work outside or spend time outside in high temperatures and may sweat out more electrolytes, as well as those who are on diuretics or experiencing gastrointestinal issues.

Individuals who are pregnant, have kidney disease or take specialized medications such as blood pressure medication should speak with a medical professional before taking any supplements.

Jane Dimel is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at jdimel@cityscenemediagroup.com

Shutterbugs!

Our annual look at New Albany through the lenses of its residents

Shutterbugs!

Shutterbugs!

From the City of New Albany

student

By Ella Jay

Allen

The Fighting Hunger Club

New

Albany

Middle School student combats food insecurity and supports peers

An avid student, outgoing New Albany Middle School eighth grader Sophia Allen keeps her schedule full – serving as a member of student council, Chess Club, Gifted Girls Group and as president of her school’s National Junior Honor Society. But upon identifying an important need in her community, she knew she needed to add another initiative to her plate.

After learning some of her peers struggle silently with food insecurity outside of school, Allen founded the Fighting Hunger Club, a student-led organization focused on providing weekend meals for students, raising awareness about food insecurity and reducing surrounding stigma.

“When most people think of New Albany, they think of the wealthy golf course areas… but there is a true need,” Allen says. “If you were to take all our food in-

“Your age doesn’t matter. Anyone who wants to make a difference can.”

secure students to the McCoy Center for the Arts, about two-thirds of those seats could be filled up.”

Turning awareness into action

Allen was first inspired to create the Fighting Hunger Club (FHC) in seventh grade, when one of her teachers introduced the Turkey Challenge – a fundraising competition for the New Albany Food Pantry that helps purchase Thanksgiving meals for families in need. In 2024, Allen and her sister raised $800 for the challenge, then increased that amount to $5,000 the following year, motivating her to expand the effort in her own way.

“I was really grateful to have that opportunity and make a difference in the community,” she says. “It really showed that small actions like going around, knocking on doors and presenting information can make a big difference.”

From there, she worked to get the idea for the club approved by the school, thoughtfully choosing advisors and mapping out logistics such as meeting times and agendas. She proposed a partnership with an already-established weekend program run through Rose Run Presbyterian Church, extending its reach beyond the kindergarten and intermediate levels and into the middle school. By the start of her eighth-grade year, the club was up and running.

So far, the FHC has held two food drives and worked with Rose Run Presbyterian Church several times to pack food bags. Each bag contains two breakfasts, two lunches, two snacks and three dinners each – enough for an entire weekend. They then get transported from the church to the school each Friday and placed in a private area for students to grab as needed.

“Everyone leaves the room and only the kids know where the room is, so they

can go pick it up and put it in their backpack,” explains Allen. “Our biggest word is confidentiality, so it can keep the stigma of being food insecure to a minimum… I want to make sure kids aren’t ashamed to get help.”

The club meets bi-weekly to curate informative posters and schoolwide announcements to spread awareness, as well as offers service hour opportunities to students. Fostering a deeper understanding of the club’s mission from within, Allen says she’s also organized a field trip for FHC members to visit the New Albany Food Pantry.

Inspiring change

While inspired by other programs, Allen says FHC is unique in its dedication to helping anyone in need – not just those eligible for support at the food pantry.

“People deserve help regardless of income. When people apply for this program, we don’t ask them anything,” Allen says. “The only thing that matters to us is their current situation.”

As she enters high school this August, Allen hopes to continue making an impact in the community, bringing FHC and the Turkey Drive along with her in collaboration with the high school’s Feed the Need Club, making food drives more interactive and passing the middle school club onto a passionate and responsible successor.

Though she’s just getting started, Allen says FHC has already taught her valuable lessons – ones she wants to relay to other young people seeking to make a difference.

“Kids can be really creative and observant, they’ve got less things on their mind, can see issues adults might miss and have more time to make an impact,” she says. “Your age doesn’t matter. Anyone who wants to make a difference can. Find a problem and take the initiative, because saying, ‘Yes’ can change people’s lives.”

Ella Jay is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at ejay@cityscenemediagroup.com

Outside of FHC and her academics, Allen is also an avid sailor. Last year, her team won the Thistle Junior Nationals, and during the summer, she is an instructor for Hoover Sailing Club in Westerville.

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A pocket door only feels simple when the work behind it is done right. From the framing to the hardware to the final fit, every detail is planned so the door opens cleanly, closes smoothly, and fits seamlessly into the room. Explore the details of this remodel →

By Rose Whaley

courtesy of Lisovskaya/pixura/iStock

In Venison Veritas

Lean, iron-rich and full of flavor – a red meat alternative worth a second look

Contrary to common misconceptions, venison has a similar flavor profile to other red meats, but its biggest surprise isn’t the taste but what shows up on the nutrition label: a red meat that tends to be naturally lean, protein-forward and packed with minerals.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and FoodNet survey data from 2006-2007, roughly six in ten Americans have eaten venison.

A ScienceDirect review notes rising global demand for venison, driven by its lean profile, steady supply from deer farming and growing consumer interest in sustainable, welfare-minded meat production.

A smart swap

What makes venison stand out nutritionally is simple: it’s a true red meat – one that provides iron and vitamin B12 – but it typically comes with less total fat.

Compared to other red meats with cuts high in saturated fat, venison is significantly leaner than many beef options because deer don’t develop the same marbling as cattle.

The result is a high protein-per-calorie payoff, plus micronutri ents that support energy, immunity and muscle maintenance. Its leanness means getting a filling, protein-dense meat with fewer calories and less saturated fat, even though venison contains slightly more cholesterol than most other meats – differences that remain minimal overall.

According to the American Heart Association, the recommended dietary allowance for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. This translates to about 46 grams per day for women and 56 grams per day for men.

Like beef, venison delivers heme iron – the form of iron the body absorbs more eas ily than plant-based iron and that makes up 95 percent of the body’s functional iron – which supports oxygen transport in the blood.

The vitamin B12 and other B vitamins it contains help turn food into usable energy and support healthy nerve function. Venison also contains zinc, a trace mineral the body needs for immune defense, wound healing and maintaining the senses of taste and smell.

Venison Vendors

While wild venison cannot be sold due to federal and state laws such as the Lacey Act, farm-raised venison – treated as livestock – can be purchased legally through specialty butchers, online retailers and inspected processors.

In Ohio, several reputable sources offer high-quality venison and wild-game services worth the drive.

Whitefeather Meats in Creston provides premium wild-game cuts sourced from their own animals and trusted farms.

Farmerstown Meats, an Ohiobased online vendor in Sugarcreek, sells a wide range of venison and elk products, from tomahawk ribeye steaks to snack sticks.

Tank’s Meats in Elmore, a fourthgeneration butcher, offers wildgame processing, custom cuts and specialty sausages, supplying primarily restaurants.

Additional processors, such as Custom Deer Meats in Middlefield, handle venison seasonally and contribute to Ohio’s network of wildgame services.

Myths De-Buck-ed

Myth #1: Venison tastes naturally gamey.

Strong flavors usually come from poor handling – improper trimming, lack of aging or stress during the hunt. Well-processed venison is mild, clean and pleasantly earthy.

Myth #2: Venison is always tough and dry.

Due to its leanness, venison is more likely to dry out only when overcooked. Most cuts stay tender at medium-rare to medium; cooking to welldone forces out moisture.

Myth #3: You need heavy marinades to hide the taste. Strong marinades can overwhelm the meat. Light acids and aromatics enhance flavor, while added fats or slow-cooking methods help maintain tenderness.

Myth #4: All venison comes from wild deer.

Most venison available at restaurants is farm-raised red deer or elk, which tends to be milder and more tender.

Myth #5: Venison is unsafe because of Chronic Wasting Disease.

The disease is a rare, fatal neurological disease that affects deer, elk and moose. It’s caused by misfolded proteins called prions, which damage the brain and lead to severe weight loss and behavioral changes. After decades of monitoring, there have been no documented cases of Chronic Wasting Disease reported in humans.

Alongside zinc, venison also provides selenium – a trace mineral only needed in small amounts (recommend 55 micrograms), but one that plays an essential role in metabolism and antioxidant defense.

Pairings to boost nutrition

To get the most out of venison’s iron and protein, pairing it with vitamin Crich foods, such as citrus, bell peppers, tomatoes, berries or even a squeeze of lemon over the finished dish, helps enhance iron absorption.

There are several sides that naturally complement venison’s lean profile while adding meaningful nutrients. These sides include roasted sweet potatoes, white beans, lentils and whole grains.

Fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, sage and juniper echo venison’s earthy notes, while fruit-forward accents –cherries, blackberries, pomegranate, or a citrus-herb relish – add brightness and antioxidants.

Pairing venison with leafy greens including spinach, kale, arugula or crucifer-

Beyond farm raising, venison also enters the food system through large-scale hunter donations, with humanitarian groups in the U.S. and Canada receiving more than 1,000 metric tons of donated deer meat each year to support foodinsecure families while helping manage deer overpopulation.

Programs such as Farmers and Hunters for the Hungry partner with licensed processors to turn legally harvested deer into inspected, packaged meat for food banks.

ous vegetables such as Brussels sprouts or broccoli, add in vitamins A, C and K, plus additional fiber, creating a balanced, nutrient-dense meal that supports energy and satiety.

Rose Whaley is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com

By Angelina Godfrey

Wellness On and Off Leash

New Albany’s dog-friendly spaces support the physical and mental health of pets and their owners

With dogs being household companions and friendly faces on walks, it’s important to keep their tails wagging.

Research has long shown the positive effects of physical exercise in a dog’s life, and spaces for dogs to get active and socialize have become more popular. New Albany offers several of these spaces for dogs and humans to improve their health.

Multitude of benefits

For dogs, there are physical, mental and social benefits from spending time at a dog park. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 59 percent of dogs fall into the categories of overweight or obese. Similar to humans, when dogs exercise, it can reduce the risk of arthritis by keeping joints flexible and help control blood sugar levels.

Dogs have different exercise needs; while some need a walk, others may need agility training to engage both

their body and brain. Animal Emergency Referral Association connects agility training to an increase in attention, flexibility, coordination, confidence and body awareness.

An active dog is a healthier dog with better cardiovascular health and, according to an article published by GeroScience, a mitigated chance of canine cognitive decline. According to ElleVet Sciences, proper socialization with other dogs teaches your dog about new experiences and how to handle them.

Although parks can be a great space for dogs to socialize with other pets, they can also be a very overwhelming and stimulating space that can lead to lashing out. Signs of overstimulation can include shivering, dilated eyes and ears that look pinned back or rigidly forward. To help your pup relax, remove them from the space and go to a quiet area.

Companion perks

Research published by the American Journal of Public Health found dog owners hit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation of 150 minutes of activity per week, roughly 57 to 77 percent more than non-dog owners.

Having a dog can also help owners connect with others. A study published by PLOS ONE found that 40 percent of dog owners make new friends because of their furry companion. Socialization has a multitude of benefits, with a research article published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine finding that socialization can be helpful in maintaining a healthy body mass index, decreasing cardiovascular mortality, improving overall mental health and more.

Angelina Godfrey is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com

Where to Play

For dog owners looking for places to get their pets active, New Albany and surrounding areas boast several trails, open spaces and offleash areas.

Rocky Fork Metro Park features four pet-friendly trails, including a 0.3-mile dog trail where pets can go off-leash around the two loops through a wetland and wooded area. The park also includes a 1.8acre dog park with separate areas for large and small dogs.

Blendon Woods Metro Park offers a change of pace with shorter trails through unpaved meadows filled with wildflowers. Visitors can choose between a 0.9-mile trail and a 0.2-mile trail.

About a 25-minute drive from Blendon Woods, Friends of Alum Creek Dog Park provides four acres of space for dogs to run and explore. The park includes separate areas for large and small dogs, with designated swimming areas.

Keeping Your Dog Safe and Healthy

Dog parks have rules designed to keep both pets and owners safe.

At Rocky Fork, owners may bring a maximum of three dogs, all of which are required to remain under the owner’s supervision at all times.

Many dog parks, including Alum Creek Dog Park, prohibit food and treats to prevent conflicts between dogs. Owners should also clean up after their pets, provide access to clean drinking water and keep vaccinations current to help prevent the spread of disease.

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Top

Homes Sold in New Albany

From March through May 2026, New Albany home prices were up 16.2 percent compared to the same three months last year.

During that time, homes sold for a median price of $1,000,000. Homes in New Albany sell after 32 days on the market on average, compared to 44 days last year. A total of 49 homes sold in May this year, which is eight more than May of last year.

All information is collected from Redfin and Franklin County Auditor.

7253 Biddick Ct.

6 beds, 7 baths

$3,200,000

Sold 5/22/26

7726 Brandon Rd.

5 beds, 5.5 baths

$2,750,000

Sold 5/7/26

7705 Ogden Woods Blvd.

4 beds, 4.5 baths

$2,432,000

Sold 5/14/26

7762 Fenway Rd.

5 beds, 6.5 baths

$2,100,000

Sold 5/14/26

4680 Goodheart Ct.

5 beds, 7 baths

$1,525,000

Sold 5/6/26

7612 N. Goodrich Sq.

4 beds, 4.5 baths

$1,500,000

Sold 4/28/26

4050 Holkham

5 beds, 5.5 baths

$1,420,000

Sold 5/19/26

11 Pickett Pl.

4 beds, 5.5 baths

$1,402,400

Sold 5/14/26

42 Keswick Woods

3 beds, 3.5 baths

$1,250,000

Sold 4/30/26

27 Pickett Pl.

3 beds, 4.5 baths

$1,075,000

Sold 5/8/26

7405 Britts Bend W. 4 beds, 3.5 baths

$998,500

Sold 5/15/26

5216 Sugar Run Dr.

4 beds, 3.5 baths

$875,000

Sold 5/13/26

ontheshelf

By Elizabeth Cullinan, Librarian at the New Albany branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library

My House Plant Changed My Life: Green Well-being for the Great Indoors

By David Domoney, 2021

Houseplants can have a positive effect on mental wellbeing, air quality and daily life by reconnecting people with nature indoors. Particularly for those without access to outdoor gardens, research shows that specific plants can reduce stress, boost moods and create healthier living environ-

ments. This book highlights 50 houseplants and presents each in an approachable, beginner friendly manner. Practical advice on choosing, placing and caring for each plant also makes this a great guide for readers just starting out with a new plant.

Growing Joy: The Plant Lover’s Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants)

By Maria Failla, 2022

Blending plant care with self-care, this book seeks to explore how spending energy nurturing houseplants can offer greater mindfulness and emotional well-being. The author uses personal stories and practical exercises to explain how plants can teach life lessons such as patience, resilience and self-compassion. From the most experienced to beginners, this book presents plant care in a simple, accessible way, that will help readers build a happier, more intentional daily life along with growing healthy, beautiful houseplants.

Rewild Your Home: Bring the Outside in and Live Well Through Nature

By Victoria Harrison, 2022

Finding ways to bring the outdoors indoors is at the core of this great design book. It focuses on biophilic design ideas which encourage readers to use natural light, plants, materials and organic shapes to cultivate healthier, more calming interiors. These design aspects highlight how mental well-being can be improved by echoing the experience of nature inside the home. Readers will find practical, accessible projects and decorating tips that are perfect for any space, size and budget.

Plant Therapy: How An Indoor Green Oasis Can Improve your Mental and Emotional Wellbeing

By Dr. Katie Cooper, 2020

There is a strong connection between humans and plants, which explains why being around nature supports mental, emotional and physical well-being. However, this book argues modern urban life has weakened this relationship, leading to higher amounts of stress and an imbalance in

everyday life. Readers will find inspiration to make plants a part of their living spaces, leading to reduced anxiety, boosted productivity and overall enhanced wellness.

The Healing Garden: Herbs for Health and Wellness

By Deb Soule, 2021

Like many other plants, medicinal herbs can support physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. In this book, the author places emphasis on the respectful, reciprocal relationship that should be built with the natural world. Readers are encouraged to grow, harvest and prepare herbal remedies with mindfulness, gratitude and awareness as a focal point in their gardening practices. Ultimately, this book presents the act of gardening as both a practical skill and a holistic path to wellness and balance.

Creating Sanctuary: Sacred Garden Spaces, Plant-based Medicine, and Daily Practices to Achieve Happiness and Well-being

By Jessi Bloom, 2018

To encourage a deeper connection with nature, this book combines gardening techniques with practices such as meditation, herbalism and nature-based rituals. The author provides guidance on designing healing landscapes and using what they share are sacred plants to transform ordinary outdoor spaces into personal havens. It presents gardening as a holistic, sensory experience that promotes mindfulness, self-care and a balanced, nature-centered life.

Photos by James DeCamp Photography

A Candid Conversation

New Albany Lecture Series concludes with discussion on mental health awareness

On May 11, The New Albany Community Foundation welcomed award-winning actor and mental health advocate Christian Slater to the Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts for a conversation about mental health and wellness, as part of The New Albany Lecture Series. Slater was interviewed by NPR’s Arts Desk reporter Neda Ulaby and discussed his experiences growing up as a child actor, struggles with fame and high expectations, and his journey with addiction and recovery. Slater also shared his life journey with 500 students from eight local high schools as part of the Foundation’s Student Lecture Series. While the program concludes the 13th season of The New Albany Lecture Series, The New Albany Community Foundation has unveiled its lineup for the 2026-27 season, which includes retired U.S. Army General and former Director of the CIA David Petraeus, historians and Pulitzer Prizewinning authors Annette Gordon-Reed and Doris Kearns Goodwin, former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Paul Ryan and more.