Healthy New Albany Magazine November/December 2025

Service Meets Software

Brad Griffith connects community and business through tech innovation

Community

Charles Dankworth, CFP® , CIMA®, CPWA® Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

Patrick Clark, CFP® Team Administrator

New Albany Wealth Partners UBS Financial Services Inc. 180 Market Street, Suite 200 New Albany, OH 43054 614-939-2202 newalbanywealthpartners@ubs.com

Romeo Vuticevski, CRPS® Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

Courtney Freed Registered Client Associate

advisors.ubs.com/newalbanywealthpartners

Kevin Snead, CFA Account Vice President

Amy Baker Client Associate

Robin Roberts Co-Anchor of ABC’s ‘Good Morning America’, Best Selling Author & President, Rock’n Robin Productions

Interviewed by Doug Ulman Pelotonia Vice Chair & Founder, Orli

Thank you to all who participated in the October 9 program.

Lt. General (Ret.) H.R. McMaster National Security Advisor, Lieutenant General, U.S. Army, Retired and Bestselling Author

Sec. Mike Pompeo 70th Secretary of State (2018-2021), Former Director of the CIA (2017-2018)

James Carville Political Icon

Reince Priebus White House Chief of Staff (2017) & Republican National Committee Chair (2011-2017)

Moderated by Linsey Davis Host and Radio Correspondent, ‘World News Tonight Sunday’ and ‘ABC News Live Prime’

Moderated by Jim Sciutto CNN Anchor and Chief National Security Analyst

Christian Slater Award Winning Actor & Mental Health Advocate

Interviewed by Neda Ulaby Reporter, NPR’s Arts Desk

www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

Phil Heit Executive Editor 1335 Dublin Rd. Suite 101C

614.572.1240 www.cityscenecolumbus.com

Kathleen K. Gill

Gianna Barrett

Dave Prosser

Gary Hoffman

Isabella Gaydosh-Bruce

Megan Brokamp, Jane Dimel, Ella Jay, Rachel Hanz

Katie Allen, Garth Bishop, Elizabeth Cullinan, Lucy Lawler, Lauren Serge, Dylan Telerski

Luisa Christian, Ali Hartzell, Evan Che Stefanik, Amanda Stevens

Rae Moro, Laura Pappas, Sarah Reese

Darrin Bright, M.D.

Michael Sawyers

Lisa Hinson

Benita Jackson, M.D., M.P.H.

Craig Mohre

CEO

President

Chief Creative Officer

Creative Director

Business/Office Manager

Editors

Contributing Writers

Editorial Assistants

Media & Marketing Advisors

David Sabgir, M.D. OhioHealth

New Albany-Plain Local Schools

Hinson Ltd. Public Relations

Guidewell Source

New Albany Community Foundation

OhioHealth

Do As I Say, Not As I Do

Ioften do know how I might react to the manuscripts I review for each issue of this magazine. When I perused Korrigan Craddock’s article, I sensed inner conflict. My sense of conflict was not related to the content of the article, but rather with my behavior. To be fully transparent, consuming veg etables is not something my palate fully appreciates.

Come across me dining in a restaurant and you will observe my dinner plate is void of anything green, or for that matter red, yellow or any other colors that might represent a rainbow. After all, it is known that one should consume fruits and vegetables composed of the colors of the rainbow.

So why do I avoid vegetables? After all, I consider myself to be health literate. I am acutely aware that vegetables support overall health as part of a nutrient-rich diet. Vegetables contain antioxidants that fight inflam mation and reduce the risk of developing heart disease, stroke and can cer. The fiber that is found in vegetables promotes healthy digestion and a healthy gut. The vitamins contained in vegetables help main tain healthy body organs such as the eyes, bones and skin. The numerous benefits of consuming vegetables cannot be denied.

So why do I have a propensity to avoid vegetables? My rationale might date back to my childhood during which I was not served vegetables regularly and thus I developed a taste for foods that were sweet or salty. My palate was not accepting of vegetables that I found bland when compared to the processed foods I was used to eating. Acquiring a taste for vegetables is learned. Apparently, I flunked out of Vegetables 101. My intro duction to vegetables when I was age 3 or 4 was watching Bugs Bun ny cartoons and admiring his fixation on carrots. Truth be told that the idea that rabbits love carrots is a misconception created by this delight ful cartoon character.  In their natural habitat, rabbits feast on grasses and other leafy greens.

Alas, I have somewhat adapted to behaviors that enable me to eat my veggies. I do enjoy salads. I eat carrots when I can dip them in hum mus. Anyone who knows me is aware that I love pizza. I am comfortable eating pizza made with a cauliflower crust. Cauliflower is a healthful re placement for flour which is standard in most pizzas. I do eat veggie burg ers and I have learned to appreciate stuffed peppers filled with lean meat, rice and beans. And I enjoy lettuce wraps filled with veggies and chicken that I can dip in a pungent sauce. The creative ways one is able to consume vegetables is endless.

Yes, my diet has improved but it continues to be a work in progress. I hope you are not influenced by my unhealthy behavior but rather my focus on the benefits of eating vegetables. Do as I say and not as I do.

Phil Executive Editor

Healthful events happening in and out of central Ohio in & out

Sat., Nov. 1

Women’s Group HollyDay Bazaar

9 a.m.-3 p.m., Church of the Resurrection, 6300 E. Dublin-Granville Rd. www.cotrna.org

Mon., Nov. 3

Mindful Monday

7:30-8:30 p.m., New Albany Library, 200 Market St. www.columbuslibrary.org

Fri., Nov. 7

Veterans Day Breakfast

8 a.m., New Albany Country Club, 1 Club Ln. www.newalbanyohio.org

Fri.-Sun., Nov. 7-9

18th Anniversary Party & Holiday Open House

11 a.m.-4 p.m., Hayley Gallery, 260 Market St., Suite B www.localohioart.com

Sat., Nov 15

Artist Opening Reception for Todd Buschur and Suzanne Robinson “Lost in the Moment”

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

Sun., Nov. 16

Columbus SKECHERS Hot Chocolate Run

7:30 a.m.: 5K start time, 8:30 a.m.: 10K & 15K start time, McFerson Commons Park, 218 W. St. www.hotchocolate15k.com

Sat., Nov. 22

Johnstown, Alexandria & Granville

Turkey Trot

9:15 a.m. (Kids Fun Run at 9 a.m.), Johnstown Trailhead Park, 157 E. Jersey St. www.usaracetiming.com

Sun., Nov. 23

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

3-6 p.m., Market Square, Market Street www.newalbanyoh.org

Thurs., Nov. 27

Thanks for Giving 4 Miler & Kids Run

8:30 a.m. (Kids Run at 8:15 a.m.), Market Square, Market Street www.narun.org

Sat., Nov. 29

Columbus Hungry Turkey Trot

8:45 a.m. (Kids Fun Run at 8:30 a.m.), Genoa Park, 303 W. Broad St. www.usaracetiming.com

Wed., Dec. 3

Remarkable Evening, featuring Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick

The New Albany International Business Park, 17 Third St. www.newalbanyfoundation.org

Sat., Dec. 6

Breakfast with Santa 8-11 a.m., Church of the Resurrection, 6300 E. Dublin-Granville Rd. www.cotrna.org

Sun., Dec. 7

Accessible Movement-Based Wellness Practices

3-5 p.m., Replenish: The Spa Co-Op, 124 S. Washington Ave. www.gcac.org

Sat., Dec. 13

Wreaths Across America

11 a.m., Various locations www.wreathsacrossamerica.org

Sun., Dec. 14

Candy Cane Course

9 a.m., Wolfe Park, 105 Park Dr. www.runsignup.com

Sat., Dec. 20

Hot Chocolate & Eggnog Races

10:15 a.m. (Kids Dash at 10 a.m.), Sharon Woods Metro Park, 6911 Cleveland Ave. www.usaracetiming.com

Sat., Dec. 20

Santa & the Symphony – Sensory Friendly Series

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts, 100 E. Dublin-Granville Rd.

www.newalbanysymphony.com

Sat.-Sun., Dec. 20-21

Holiday Spectacular

3-5 p.m., Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts, 100 E. DublinGranville Rd.

www.newalbanysymphony.com

Do

Send details and photos to rhanz@cityscenemediagroup.com

By Garth Bishop

High App-titude

From community members to national organizations, Brad Griffith works to make technology accessible

In mid-September, a delegation representing the New Albany Chamber of Commerce headed to Washington, D.C. to meet with lawmakers from Ohio, equipped with a PDF containing an agenda and informational packet.

But when they got there, they found that Brad Griffith, a member of their group, had taken it upon himself to put together an easy-to-use app with all of the relevant information.

“He created an app the night before our trip and then sent the link to everyone,” says Cherie Nelson, executive director of the Chamber.

To those who know him, this kind of ingenuity and desire to help is typical

of Griffith, a New Albany resident and president of New Albany-based web and app design company Buckeye Innovation. It’s part of the reason his small company works exclusively with mission-driven organizations.

When he founded the company in 2009, Griffith didn’t want to work with just any organization. He wanted to work with those looking to resolve equality or opportunity gaps – to promote causes that are important to him and people close to him – and use his technological background to further those causes.

“I had to ask (myself), ‘What are the problems I care about solving?’” Griffith says.

Service to the community

Running his own business suits the 43-year-old Griffith well, he says. It gives him the flexibility to be involved in the community – and, more importantly, his children’s lives and interests. He and his wife, Abbey, have two daughters, ages 11 and 15.

“I told my wife before we got married, ‘Just so you know, I want to be a PTO president dad,’” says Griffith.

To that end, Griffith has been a cookie dad for his daughters’ Girl Scout troops, and has served as treasurer for both troops. He’s also been parent association president at the Columbus School for Girls, which his older daughter attends.

Tech-Heavy Background

Griffith has been fascinated with technology for almost as far back as he can remember. He recalls joining his brother in following around the house a technician their father had brought in to work on their computer, learning as much as he could from the experience.

When he was in middle school, Griffith created a website for a book report on Animal Farm, impressing the teachers and inspiring other students to adopt the idea for their own projects.

In high school, while working with a Dublin-based educational planning firm, he built the organization’s first website, then built a custom tool to streamline its paper-based, laborintensive statewide survey.

“It opened my eyes (that) there are all these possibilities,” Griffith says.

As a student studying electrical and computer engineering at The Ohio State University – he would later return to earn his MBA from OSU – Griffith continued the trend, building an app that could search the entire staff directory from a primitive, early-2000s flip phone.

“My brother said, ‘You are wasting so much time building stuff for free,’” he says.

Yes, you can still check out that nearly 30-year-old Animal Farm book report.

Griffith continues to maintain the website he built in 1996, www.bradgriffith.com.

He worked with his younger daughter to develop a polling system for Girl Scout cookie stands, drawing in customers with a video screen that showed customers’ favorite cookies. Griffith also printed each Scout an NFC card with her picture and her favorite cookie, and tapping a phone to the card automatically pulled up a cookie order form.

Outside of New Albany, Griffith serves as the board chairman for City Year Columbus, an Americorps program that unites Columbus City Schools students with recently-graduated peer mentors to help the students build the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.

Griffith helps to recruit new board members and keep them engaged, and was also part of the search team for a new executive director.

“Service is something that he’ll always make time for,” Nelson says.

Business leadership

Griffith is committed to the wellbeing of his employees, he says, starting with the four-day work week and the fully remote working arrangement that allows employees to live their lives and invest in themselves. Griffith has also participated in Healthy New Albany’s Wellness Works program to put on educational workshops on stretching, yoga, nutrition and more for his team.

“I think he sets a good example for how to run a company that people en-

joy working for,” says Neil Collins, onsite leader for Innovate New Albany.

Collins and Griffith have been working together for more than a decade, with their biggest collaboration being the TIGER business education program they started in 2015. Collins can always count on Griffith and his team to bring energy, inspiration and good listening skills to programs, he says.

“When you’re working hard and working long hours to make something good, all those things matter a lot,” Collins says.

One of Buckeye Innovation’s other projects involved collaborating with Smart Columbus, which works to increase access to electronic devices and other digital resources. Buckeye Innovation helped to build a digital skills hub for the organization, making it possible for less tech-savvy people to sign up for digital skills classes without having to fill out complex forms.

Other work Griffith and his team have done includes:

• Developing two new intranet systems, one for police and one for other staff, for the City of New Albany

• Launching a new website for New Albany Parks and Recreation

• Managing the websites for Innovate New Albany, the New Albany Chamber and Healthy New Albany, among others

• Building a new website and a volunteer management system for Buddy Up for Life, a national, New Albany-based organization that offers adaptive athletic opportunities for children with Down syndrome

“We’re building out a suite of tools for nonprofits to use, and the volunteer management component is the first one,” Griffith says.

Personal Health

Griffith focuses on his own health as well, recently adopting a vegetarian diet inspired by his younger daughter, who has been a vegetarian for more than four years. It’s made a big difference for his energy level and overall health, he says.

“I have found, over the last year, I recover faster from strenuous workouts, (and) from the sleep deprivation that comes from having kids and a business,” he says.

He takes full advantage of New Albany’s parks and leisure trail system, often commuting to work on his bicycle, electric scooter or inline skates. He and his family often take bike trips to parks or take advantage of the offerings at the Philip Heit Center for Healthy New Albany, and he meditates through a mindfulness group run by a business coach.

Griffith often integrates his work into his workouts – for example, dictating to his voice-enabled Meta sunglasses instructions for developing a carpool coordination app while on a bike ride in Rocky Fork Metro Park.

Nelson recalls working with Griffith to put on a program at a local assisted living facility in which he and his team talked about device safety, social media use and other topics in ways that were easy for the residents to understand.

“He’s someone that people trust and they know (they can come to) if they have a tech question or need a referral or are encountering (a problem),” she says.

Technology education

Griffith has served in a variety of roles for the New Albany Chamber, as well as the Columbus Chamber of Commerce.

In 2024, the New Albany Chamber hosted a multi-chamber expo in conjunction with its counterparts in Johnstown and Pataskala. For it, Griffith and his team built a sophisticated attendee check-in system. Each exhibitor had a card at its table, and attendees could tap their phone on each card to log their visit, making it possible for all of

them to know which tables they’d been to. On top of that, Buckeye Innovation built a leaderboard showing which attendees visited the most exhibitors and which exhibitors had the most visitors.

Griffith has been a staple of Innovate New Albany’s TIGER Talks program, putting on workshops on databases, quick website building and – most recently – vibe coding. In addition, for years, he’s done an annual tech update after attending the CES tech show in Las Vegas, helping local business leaders understand the latest innovations.

“He comes back and brings hundreds of pictures of things he saw, and talks about things he thinks are significant for the benefit of us who don’t have the privilege of going,” Collins says.

Garth Bishop is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

By Lucy Lawler

Know Better, Do Better

Women’s health care gets a check-up, right here in Columbus

Around the globe, women’s health care is rapidly evolving, often against a backdrop of persistent and frustrating challenges.

Central Ohio is no exception, as meaningful advancements exist alongside deeply-rooted struggles affecting women of all ages. Still, some of the region’s passionate medical professionals say that staying optimistic is just as important as staying informed.

Every step forward – from personalized postpartum treatments to more candid conversations about perimenopause and menopause – is a victory worth recognizing.

Reshaping postpartum care

Located at 7450 Hospital Dr. in Dublin and active since July 2024, OhioHealth’s Fourth Trimester Clinic was created as a dedicated space to provide complex medical care for birthing parents during the postpartum period.

Eleanor Byrum, a certified nurse practitioner and lactation counselor at the clinic, says the idea for the facility emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. With many new parents facing reduced access to comprehensive care and advice, Byrum made a big push to do home video visits to help fill in the gaps.

Through this effort, Byrum met Dr. Jessica Tucker, who also recognized the intricate and diverse needs of postpartum patients. Together, they worked to develop and launch a clinic aimed at addressing core issues such as breastfeeding difficulties, high blood pressure, inadequate rest and more. Just over a year later, the clinic and its patients are thriving.

According to Byrum, one of the clinic’s differentiating features is its intentional approach to treating the mother-child dyad, or the deeply interconnected relationship between a parent and their baby.

“If you go to your (obstetrician), they’re focused on mom; if you go to your pediatrician, they’re focused on baby,” By-

rum says. “We’re doing that care together at the same time.”

With approximately 11 years of experience in family medicine, Byrum says her specialty – lactation medicine – is a relatively new field that many people may not be familiar with.

Though she is trained to help patients breastfeed in a healthy and sustainable way, Byrum also recognizes that breastfeeding may not be the most ideal option for every parent and wants people to know that alternative feeding methods are always available.

“If you decide you want to stop tomorrow, I’ll help you stop tomorrow,”

Byrum says. “I have no skin in the game other than to keep you well, and keep you happy and help you navigate this journey.”

Beyond its day-to-day medical operations, the clinic aims to advance postpartum care by mitigating the guilt and shame new parents can experience due to the highly-curated nature of social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, Byrum says.

“There’s just this perception that people around us maybe have it all together. Most of us don’t, especially in the postpartum period,” Byrum says. “Seek help early. It’s a tough time. We would really encour-

age people to reach out early for support if they feel like they need it, and even if they’re not sure, but they have some inkling that they need it, we’re here to help.”

Notably, OhioHealth is slated to open a new Women’s Center on its Riverside Methodist Hospital campus in 2027. According to OhioHealth’s website, the center will offer an additional fourth trimester clinic, high-risk obstetrics and fetal diagnostics, laboratory testing, mammography services, midlife care and more.

For Byrum, this announcement marks an exciting development for lactation medicine and women’s health care as a whole. Combined with other research efforts across the country and world, she hopes the new center will empower clinicians to make a positive impact on more central Ohioans than ever before.

Overall, Byrum says the clinic’s success thus far has left her feeling both proud and encouraged. The upcoming expansion only augments these emotions.

“I have children myself,” Byrum says. “I say, ‘I hope my kids never know that this wasn’t a standard of care.’”

Breakthroughs in midlife care

Ohio State’s Wexner Medical Center remains a key facet of central Ohio’s health care network, with seven hospitals and thousands of patients it aides each year

Lily Zimmermann, a certified nurse midwife, joined the center in 2016 with the goal of improving health care for women and children. Since then, she has become one of just four Menopause Society Certified Practitioners – or MSCPs – at Ohio State.

Zimmermann says this certification allows her to provide perimenopausal and menopausal care on a deeper, more individualized level. This detail-oriented care is crucial, as many people may struggle to fully understand these pivotal periods in countless women’s lives.

“Unfortunately, our training as midwives, and as practitioners and physicians does not lend itself to a deep focus on the midlife of women,” Zimmermann says. “And that is a disservice because we take care of

• Pain in calf or thigh muscles when walking

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• Restless legs at night when trying to sleep

• Varicose veins (especially for women who develop varicose veins after pregnancy)

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If you have any of these issues, find out if you’re at risk—for free.

many women in midlife, and that has not changed, right? Women have gone through perimenopause and menopause as long as time.”

Considering the myriad symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause, Zimmermann says clinicians who already have heavy workloads may be underprepared to pinpoint the exact problems that may be at hand.

“We have estrogen receptors from our brains to our bones,” Zimmermann says. “And so, when we have concerns like shoulder pain, or hip pain or tinnitus ringing in our ears, a lot of clinicians don’t realize that can be a result of estrogen depletion, and how to support that woman through those concerns.”

As an MSCP, Zimmermann can devote more focus and attention to women’s midlife health. However, she says carving out enough time for in-depth appointments is an obstacle many medical professionals grapple with, and between the underlying pressures and health care providers’ cramped schedules, it can be difficult to ensure patients receive the best care while also not overloading clinicians.

Despite these challenges, Zimmermann says she and her coworkers foster a strong sense of teamwork to relieve the logistical burdens they face.

Besides seeing an MSCP, women experiencing health issues in midlife can find support through Ohio State’s Center for Women’s Health or weight management programs.

Though she believes much research remains to be done on women in midlife, Zimmermann says she and other Wexner Medical Center employees are committed to learning more and providing higherquality medical care.

“We need to validate what women are saying to us, even when it feels like a heavy or an overwhelming situation,” Zimmermann says. “We need to educate ourselves, and we need to challenge our educational institution to have a broader and more robust clinical training around this midlife.”

Lucy Lawler is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group.

Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Get to Know Your City Manager

Joseph (Joe) Stefanov

How long have you worked in New Albany and what is your favorite spot?

I have worked in New Albany for 25.5 years – all as Village Administrator/City Manager. My favorite spot has to be Rose Run Park. For years the Rose Run Park was overgrown with vegetation. It felt like a barrier between Market Square and the school campus. With the improvements we made, the park is now a great amenity and gathering place in the center of the city.

Why did you initially get involved with public service? I entered public service to make a positive impact on people’s lives. Local government is closest to the people and most responsive to their needs, providing essential daily services—roads, parks, police, drinking water, etc.—that directly shape quality of life. My goal has been to build a well-run, responsive, and innovative organization that delivers outstanding service to the community.

How would you describe how the community changed over the years you’ve been here?

When I first began in 2000, our business park was in its infancy. Aetna had just opened, Discover was under construction, and the City had to borrow $16.8 million from the New Albany Community Authority to build the infrastructure. At the time, we only had enough revenue to pay the interest on the debt. Since then, we have achieved a triple-A bond rating, 26,000 business park employees, and tax revenues that fund about 80% of our operating budget. Back then, our population was 3,700, the Village Center as

we know it today barely existed, and City staff worked out of leased, makeshift facilities. Today, we have nearly 12,000 residents, 160 staff, modern facilities, 22 square miles of land, and over 300 miles of roads. We’re not a small village anymore!

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of our City staff. We have an outstanding team dedicated to the community and its well-being. They take great pride in their work and the positive impact it has on the community. Our excellent workplace culture is critical to

attracting and retaining top talent, and our team members shape and strengthen that culture every day.

As one of the longest tenured City employees, why did you choose to stay here for the majority of your career?

New Albany has been an exceptional place to work, led by city councils that have put the community’s well-being above personal agendas. They’ve worked together toward shared goals—a rarity in many places. Our community thrives on strong, collaborative relationships, leveraging them to build a better, more connected New Albany. More than 25 years ago, the village council took a chance on me despite my limited resume, and I’ve carried a deep sense of loyalty to them and their successors ever since. That spirit of trust, cooperation, and shared purpose has defined my entire tenure.

You could’ve retired several years ago, but chose to stay on. Why?

I love what I do. I find real fulfillment in the challenges we’ve overcome and the successes our team has achieved. Before I retire, there are still a few projects I hope to see through to completion. While the accomplishments have been rewarding, it’s the people I work with and the relationships we’ve built that I’ll cherish most.

What is an important project you see the City working on that residents can watch for in the coming months?

The second phase of Rose Run Park will begin in the near future, extending the park to Reynoldsburg-New Albany Road and building on the success of the first phase. Rose Run has already transformed the Village Center, and this expansion will make it an even more compelling community asset. I hope the City’s investment in the park will be a catalyst for future development in the Village Center.

By Katie Allen

Building Community Together

Volunteerism in New Albany through new Volunteer Hub

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

Volunteering brings good not only to those on the receiving end but also to those who choose to give their time and talents. And in New Albany, opportunities to get involved have never been greater.

From vision to reality

Every five years, the City of New Albany updates its Strategic Plan, a community-driven roadmap shaped by residents, businesses and City leaders.

In the 2020 plan, one theme kept surfacing: Residents wanted more ways to connect and volunteer. One resident summed it up well by saying, “There are probably a lot of people who would be willing to volunteer and improve connectivity but are unaware of how to get involved.”

At the same time, some organizations said they had more potential volunteers than available opportunities. The solution? A proposed centralized hub where opportunities and needs meet.

Fast forward to 2025 when the City launched its first Volunteer Hub, a one-stop shop for community opportunities with New Albany. Whether you want to pitch in once a year or every week, it’s now as easy as signing up online: newalbanyohio.org/volunteer.

For a community that just a few years ago had few events requiring help, New Albany in 2026 offers a full calendar for its residents –

Ready to make a difference?

Explore upcoming opportunities, sign up for what excites you and start giving back – one event, one connection, at a time.

and plenty of ways for volunteers to lend a hand.

Community Connectors

Help weave stronger bonds in your neighborhood by becoming a Community Connector. Volunteers organize local events, foster relationships and create a welcoming sense of belonging. Thirty neighborhoods are still seeking connectors – check the program page to see if yours is one of them: communityconnectors-newalbanyohio.hub.arcgis.com

Green Guardians

Love sustainability? Green Guardians ensure recycling, compost and trash are properly sorted at community events. Volunteers get a Green Guardians t-shirt and the satisfaction of helping keep New Albany green! Email Chelsea Nichols at cnichols@newalbanyohio.org to sign up.

SOUPer Supper

This February tradition combines community spirit and culinary creativity. Local soup makers serve dishes inspired by their diverse backgrounds, competing for bragging rights as “best soup maker.” Admission is a $5 suggested donation, with all proceeds benefiting the New Albany Food Pantry. Volunteers – especially soup makers – are always needed.

Free Summer Concerts

Live music under the stars makes summer in New Albany special! Volunteers support these events through the Green Guardians program. Residents can also help shape next year’s concert lineup by taking the online survey.

Juneteenth Celebration

This powerful day honors the end of slavery in the U.S. and celebrates African American culture through food, music, storytelling and performances. Volunteers assist with setup, cleanup and kids’ activities. Learn more: newalbanyohio.org/juneteenth

Independence Day

Nothing says community like a 4th of July celebration! From parade check-in to route monitoring and assisting with the ADA/inclusivity zone, volunteers are vital to pulling off this beloved tradition. Learn more: newalbanyohio.org/independenceday-2025

Diwali Celebration

The Festival of Lights brings music, dancing, food and fireworks to the Charleen & Charles Hinson Amphitheater each fall. Volunteers help with setup, cleanup and kids’ activities. Learn more: newalbanyohio.org/diwali

Oktoberfest

New Albany’s Oktoberfest is a lively one-day celebration featuring food, mu-

sic, competitions and German cheer at Rose Run Park! Volunteers are needed for kids’ activities, drink ticket sales and ID checks. Learn more: newalbanyohio.org/ oktoberfest

Why it matters

What a difference just a few years can make. Today, New Albany is thriving with opportunities to gather, celebrate and serve. Volunteering here is more than filling a shift – it’s about shaping the kind of community we all want to live in.

Whether you’re helping keep events green, cooking up soup or welcoming neighbors at a concert, each effort strengthens connections that make New Albany shine. After all, community connects us – reminding us that we’re stronger, kinder and better together.

As Winston Churchill once put it, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

Katie Allen is a City of New Albany Communications & Marketing Specialist.

By Korrigan Craddock

Healthy Holidays

Wine Workout

$14 www.shopelliottcooper.com

Wine-sized workouts

Although Elliot Cooper specializes in women’s and men’s clothing, the shop has other fun finds such as this wine-sized workout. Everyone deserves a glass of wine guilt-free.

Chiming In

Starting at $59.99 www.oaklandnursery.com

Wind Chimes

Oakland Nurseries offers a wide range of plants and other outdoor accessories. Wind chimes can make the perfect outdoor decoration that creates a unique soothing sound for you to enjoy.

Live Laugh Juice

Starting at $8 each www.peacelovejuice.com

Juice

Peace Love Juice offers fresh, handcrafted smoothies, juices, bowls and more to nourish your body. Gift a set of juices for a refreshing New Year’s cleanse.

Mind Games

$29.99 www.learningexpress.com

Logic game Learning can be fun, and with games and toys offered by Learning Express, anyone can learn something new. Games such as this logic puzzle can be enjoyed by all ages.

Sparkle All the Way

Starting at $90 www.localohioart.com

Necklaces

Since 2007, Hayley Gallery has been dedicated to showcasing local artists and their works including paintings, glasswork, sculptures, ceramics and jewelry, such as this necklace. Sometimes all you need is the right piece of jewelry to feel confident in yourself.

Fresh Face

$176

www.brightgirl.com

Face care collection

Founded by New Albany resident Angela Casey, Bright Girl is dedicated to creating dermatologist formulated products for young skin. This collection has all your basics including mineral sunscreen, facial mask, moisturizer, cleanser and toner.

$135 www.barre3.com

Five class package

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Korrigan Craddock is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

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Dancing More, Aging Less

Physical and mental health benefits of movement

By Luisa Christian

New Albany High School alumna Danielle Thompson danced her way into receiving the most prestigious award that can be earned by a Girl Scout.

The Girl Scout Gold Award was presented to Thompson based on her project “Movement Can Help with Physical and Mental Health.”

Combining her passions of dance and helping others, Thompson earned this award by leading weekly movement classes in assisted living homes to stimulate the mind and body of people who reside there.

For Thompson, the idea that movement could help others wasn’t new – it was something she had seen firsthand within her own family. She was inspired not only by her years in the studio but also by watching how simple movement could dramatically improve quality of life.

Going for the gold

To apply for the Gold Award, a Girl Scout must undertake a minimum 80hour project that focuses on a problem in a community and finds a sustainable impact to help the issue.

Thompson spoke with her grandmother, who had been taking movement classes, and she claimed to be happier, more awake and, overall, feeling better after class.

Thompson had this idea in the back of her mind and decided to pursue it as her Gold Award project. From there, she investigated the connection between movement and health benefits in senior citizens.

Gathering information from health websites, licensed movement professionals such as yoga instructors and knowledge she already possessed from 15 years of dance classes, Thompson designed and taught classes specifically for elderly people.

Get the movement started

Thompson led her class once a week for 45 minutes at Gables of Westerville and StoryPoint Gahanna North assisted living communities. The workouts were low-impact, high repetition moves that would prove useful for residents in everyday tasks, such as pushing a wheelchair or standing up from a low-sitting chair.

Professionals at the assisted living homes suggested the high repetition exercises to build strength in the muscles need ed most, but also to help with memory retention. The repetition of the exercises encouraged those struggling with memory loss to engage more while in class and improve their cognitive skills.

Thompson created pamphlets that modeled an at-home exer cise, then spoke about the muscle group targeted by that movement to pair with her classes.

She also designed memory tracing cards to help residents who had memory loss conditions. Tracing cards strengthen neural pathways and improve cognitive flexibility – resulting in increased memory retention, attention span and visual processing.

The pamphlets and memory cards were passed out at assisted liv ing homes, churches and other local care facilities. There was also a QR code linking the exercises and target muscles to promote more movement within the community.

Beyond the project

Thompson only had to teach for 80 hours to earn her Gold Award, but she enjoyed her classes so much that she continued teaching even after she

earned her award. She got to know the participants individually, and through their personal connection, she measured their strength and improvement in her classes.

She was open to all ideas and always took into consideration how their bodies would feel after classes. The senior citizens reported back that after taking her classes, they felt more agile, had a greater sense of overall happiness and had more peace of mind knowing they could get themselves out of difficult situations because they felt stronger.

Thompson noticed improvements as well, and by the end of classes, the participants started moving chairs and hanging out to talk afterwards.

“They were telling me how they weren’t eating dinners in their room, that they were going out and socializing with other people. That showed me that I was making a difference,” she says.

Thompson credits her mom as a major force in the project, helping her get in touch with the assisted living communities, laminating pamphlets and staying up late to help work on details of the project.

Thompson also credits being a Girl Scout for giving her the desire to help people and dance as the reason she is so disciplined.

Having recently moved to Oxford to attend her first year of college at Miami University, Thompson is studying data science, and she plans on staying involved in the dance world by trying out for the Miami University Dance Club. She’s also thinking about leading more movement classes in that area.

Luisa Christian is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Bigger Fish to Fry

Peeling back the curtain on air fryers and food safety

By Lucy Lawler

In the past few years, the popularity of air fryers has gone from simmering to practically boiling over.

Versatile and easy to operate, these kitchen appliances “fry” foods using the high-speed circulation of hot air as opposed to hot oil, according to the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.

Since traditionally fried foods – such as doughnuts and French fries – tend to be high in calories and trans fats, many American consumers view air fryers as a way to eat healthier without sacrificing the crispy texture of their favorite meals. At the same time, concerns about the device’s relationship with food hygiene continue to circulate on social media, making it important to understand the capabilities and potential risks of air fryers.

A brief history

According to the History Cooperative, the modern air fryer was developed by a Dutch inventor named Fred van der Weij in the early 2000s.

In a July 2024 interview with the BBC podcast Witness History, van der Weij’s daughter, Suus, said his original design consisted of three key elements: wood, aluminum and a chicken-wire basket.

Far from the compact and portable versions buyers encounter today, van der Weij’s first draft was about the same size as an average dog kennel, Suus says.

Through trial and error, van der Weij perfected his invention, streamlining its size and patenting the idea of “rapid air technology.” Instead of using liquid oil as the primary heating mechanism, he employed a fan to circulate fast-moving hot air around uncooked food, successfully mimicking the deep-

frying process and requiring significantly less oil.

Suus says van der Weij sold his invention to the manufacturer Philips Electronics, and the rest is history. Since Philips’ version of the air fryer hit shelves in 2010, the technology has garnered significant appreciation and attention, prompting entire dedicated cookbooks and many viral recipes.

Although they are one of the hottest new appliances right now, air fryers aren’t entirely new or different in the grand scheme of culinary innovation.

There is notable overlap between air fryers and standard convection ovens, which also feature fans that cycle warm air to evenly cook food. However, air fryers usually offer improved efficiency and precision due to their smaller cooking spaces, the History Cooperative states.

Radiation versus radiant heat

One common misconception surrounding air fryers is that they can cause cancer or other health complications.

In March 2023, The Associated Press conducted a fact-check on the claim that “air fryers emit a dangerous electromagnetic field that can harm a person’s DNA and cells.”

The fact-check was published in response to a widely shared social media post at the time, in which a man used his own electromagnetic field meter near an air fryer. When he turned on the machine, “the numbers on the meter quickly (spiked) and its screen (lit) up red,” the AP wrote.

At first glance, the clip looks and feels upsetting. But after speaking with Blaine Chronik, a Canadian professor at Western University who researches medical physics and magnetic resonance imaging, the AP determined “the instrument used in the video measures relatively low-level electromagnetic fields and can be easily set off.”

In addition, Chronik said most household electrical appliances would likely produce a similar, low-intensity result.

As noted by the National Capital Poison Center, “the process of air frying does result in the formation of certain compounds, like acrylamide, that are linked to cancer development.” Crucially, while the presence of acrylamide has been shown to trigger cancer in laboratory animals, it has not been proven to do the same in humans.

If air fryer owners want to exercise caution regarding acrylamide exposure, one way they can do so is by avoiding “burnt or darkly crusted foods,” as they “contain greater amounts of acrylamide than lighter foods,” according to the NCPC.

Forever chemicals and quality control

For some, plastic air fryers are especially daunting. This unease may be attributed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – also known as PFAS or forever chemicals due to their resistance to degradation – which can be found in some non-stick coatings.

Simply put, air fryers that feature plastic components are not inherently hazardous. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has regulated the

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use of PFAS in specific food-contact applications since the 1960s.

If and when PFAS are used in nonstick cookware, they must be “joined together to form large molecules” and then “applied to the surface of the cookware at very high temperatures, which tightly binds the polymer coating to the cookware,” according to the FDA.

This means the risk of PFAS seeping into food from a plastic air fryer – at least one evaluated by the FDA – is considered minimal.

Of course, physical wear and tear should be taken seriously when these chemicals are involved, as the FDA states that “some types of PFAS have been linked to serious health effects.”

Monitoring a plastic air fryer’s nonstick coating to ensure it remains clean and fully intact is key to maintaining food safety in the kitchen.

A mild dish soap and a gentle scrubbing tool can go a long way. Incorporating reusable silicone liners into the cooking process can also help protect the longevity of air fryer chambers and baskets.

Plus, there are plenty of glass-, ceramic- and steel-based air fryer models for potential buyers to peruse if they still don’t feel comfortable purchasing a plastic appliance.

Lucy Lawler is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at  feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

By Jane Dimel

House Pride

New Albany students find belonging in community-building houses

New Albany-Plain Local Schools students are getting a glimpse into the connection and camaraderie that come with being in groups on a large campus, thanks to the new and improved house-sorting system.

The tradition started in the 20112012 school year at the high school level, where students were sorted into eight houses named after the original New Albany schoolhouses.

The program grew and evolved into a beloved student tradition until it ended in 2020. However, knowing the love and history of the program, a group of high school students asked the school administration to bring it back for the 2024-2025 school year.

Now, the program is back with a new structure and opportunities for students of all ages to be involved.

Chosen home

Students at the Early Learning Center start out as Team Eagle, then, when students enter first grade, they join different houses in a beginning-of-the-year housesorting ceremony.

The four culture houses of Akoma, Fortis, Yili and Zonta are presented on a spinning wheel, and first-grade students gather and spin to see which house it will land on. The cultural houses change slightly from the primary to intermediate

school, with the houses adding a companion mascot, but the values of the house stay the same.

“They go out to recess, and they’re like, ‘Hey, I’m in Fortis! You’re in Fortis.’ And that’s been really cute to see kids naturally taking care of each other,” says Susie Norman, a gifted intervention specialist and an Akoma house leader at the intermediate school.

These students then keep this house assignment until seventh grade, when they move up to a new sector: the tree houses.

For the seventh graders, the housesorting ceremony looks a little different. Instead of spinning a wheel, they get to

Hear from some of the New Albany High School seniors and house leaders about what this means to them.

How did you feel when the house system was announced for NAPLS?

Tatiana Bell (Spruce House): “My sister would always tell me about the houses, so learning that it got brought back up, I was really excited, especially since we have all the (murals) on the wall that all the seniors signed that correspond with their house. I’m super excited that we can bring that culture back into high school.”

How do you feel about the Harry Potter connection to the houses?

Sreshta Erravelli (Cypress House): “(We) grew up learning stories like that, so the fact that we’re doing it in our school, it’s pretty fun and cool, and it just makes me feel so grown up and excited.”

What impact do you feel this house system has?

Junior Adusei (Spruce House): “I just want to create a space where everybody can feel included like I did. When I got the email that I was a house leader, I was just so happy because I feel like I could make connections with a whole bunch of different people, not just people in my little clubs, but people around the whole school.”

What is your hope for the future of the house system?

Senior Adusei (Willow House): “I’m really excited to see how it grows, and how we can change a lot of stuff we already have and make it better, build off old stuff and make it more inclusive for a lot of new students and people already here.”

Allie Taylor (Aspen House): “Our (house leaders last year) were super big on school spirit, always pepping people up at the pep rally, having no fear of anyone judging because we’re all in unison and together. It’s great to see the spirit, and as we grow, people won’t be too timid to participate or afraid to speak up on anything, so that’s what I’m really excited for.”

Sreshta Erravelli (Cypress House): “I think that it’s so cool that we could be doing who knows what in 10 years, and coming back to be like, ‘Hey, Cypress, what’s up? ’ I think that’s also cool for kids who are just coming up to high school and the house (will be) going on for so long for them. It creates this idea of legacy.”

pick an egg out of a bucket that has their house assignment inside. This can be one of eight houses, all based on tree species in Swickard Woods – Aspen, Cedar, Cypress, Mulberry, Poplar, Spruce, Tupelo and Willow. The students keep this house through high school graduation.

The house connections between schools, with students moving from the primary to intermediate school and middle to high school under the same house,

give students the opportunity to have established connections with older students and the staff and teachers they meet.

“With us being split up into houses, we’re more connected and less divided because there’s people from different grades talking to each other, making connections,” Junior Adusei, a NAHS senior and a student leader of the Willow House, says.

New students are also integrated into the process. At the middle and high

schools, new students draw their houses in the office, while the younger grades often have larger groups of new students and gather them all to spin the wheel for their house.

Beyond the threshold

Being a part of a house means more than being a member of Akoma or Spruce House – it’s about being part of a larger community and being accountable for each other, especially during the House Cup competition.

Throughout the year, students can earn points for their house by getting involved in different ways. This includes good academic performance and attendance at school and extracurricular events, doing kind gestures for others and wearing their house shirt on spirit days.

For example, during school pep rallies, students can get points for wearing their house shirt.

The different grade levels also have philanthropy initiatives they participate in with their houses. The district hosts

several drives throughout the school year where students collect items for the Healthy New Albany Food Pantry or other community initiatives such as worn denim for the New Albany Community Foundation’s Jeans for Green initiative.

NAPLS Director of Communications

Patrick Galloway says that belonging to a house not only encourages students to get involved, but it promotes a sense of student belonging and excitement to come to school.

As the Kids Mental Health Foundation explains, students who have a sense of school belonging are often more likely to engage in schoolwork and have better academic performance, as well as feel happy and self-confident. This encourages students to interact and collaborate, helping decrease feelings of isolation, anxiety and depression.

As the program continues to evolve, the students are getting more involved, with the intermediate school adding student house leaders and students making their houses their own with secret handshakes and more.

“It has so much more room to grow, because everybody’s always coming up with different ideas, and even when we leave the cabinet, the juniors are going to become seniors next year, become lead-

History of houses

Earning a place in a house has become a long-sought-after honor, with popular fantasy series Harry Potter being a prominent choice for individuals to take a personality test to see which house they fit in.

ers,” says Adusei. “(We all are) also going to have great ideas, (and are) going to build on and make this house system something great.”

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

Although the NAPL’s houses follow a system established by the Ron Clark Academy, a nationally and internationally recognized middle school, that is designed to foster a positive and dynamic learning environment for students.

The idea to follow this new system came after NAPLS teachers visited the imaginative academy in Georgia and brought back various ideas to get the house program started in New Albany.

“You’d walk into the school and look up and there’s (digital) dragons flying on the ceiling, and you’re just like, ‘Wow, this school is so different from our school setting, but what can I learn here to take over to New Albany-Plain Local Schools?’” says Trish Russell, a primary school teacher, who attended the Ron Clark workshops in Georgia.

From that workshop on, the program started at the intermediate school and expanded to include different houses, structures and activities to fit each grade level.

By Korrigan Craddock

Festive Flavors for All

Preparing holiday dishes for different dietary needs

For those with dietary restrictions and allergies, the holidays can be a challenging time to enjoy meals without stress.

Whether you’re following a strict diet for the gym or managing food allergies, there are ways to adjust your favorite holiday dishes so everyone can enjoy festive flavors.

Main dishes

Many holiday main dishes can be dietary restriction-friendly while still giving you that warm holiday feeling.

For a main dish on the sweeter side, try glazed ham, salmon or, for a veganfriendly option, try glazed tofu.

Herb roasted chicken or turkey are also great options for a savory and flavorful main dish.

If you are looking for a hearty option, try stuffed squash for a flavorful meat-free main dish, which can be filled with a variety of ingredients such as crispy quinoa and cheese.

Vegetable dishes

Vegetable-based dishes can be very versatile side dishes and customizable to suit various restrictions.

Roasted vegetables such as green beans, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, carrots and brussels sprouts can be a delicious way to enjoy your favorite vegeta-

Tips and tricks

When preparing food for guests with allergies or other specific dietary needs, a few simple steps can help ease your mind and theirs.

Saving the ingredient package for guests to review can be a simple touch that allows them to double-check the ingredients for any allergens. Don’t forget to check packaged sauces and gravies for ingredients that don’t fit your guest’s dietary restrictions.

Be mindful of cross-contamination by using separate utensils and cleaning cooking areas thoroughly. When possible, prepare the allergyfriendly dishes first to help avoid the dishes being exposed to possible allergens.

Although everyone loves a home cooked meal, sometimes premade dishes with clear ingredient labels can be the easiest for those with strict dietary restrictions.

bles. Be mindful of cooking oils to keep it a dietary-friendly dish.

Steamed vegetables are another simple dish with few ingredients to worry about.

For some extra flavor, add a glaze or lightly caramelize vegetables.

More complex vegetable dishes, such as mashed potatoes, can also be adapted for restrictions using vegan butter or plant-based milk.

Substituting broth for dairy products is another great alternative. Vegetable broth can keep the dish dairy-free and vegan, while bone broth can add a boost of protein.

Breads

Bread may pair well with your holiday meals, and there are a variety of types to choose from.

Many gluten-free bread recipes can be achieved by substituting all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour options. If you want to try something new, try a naturally gluten-free recipe such as Brazilian cheese rolls, which are gluten-free due to the tapioca flour used.

There are also keto and vegan roll recipes that use non-dairy milk and yeast to achieve rich, fluffy rolls.

Easily digestible breads, such as sourdough and grain bread, can also be great choices to serve with your meal.

On the side

Appetizers and side dishes can be a great way to ensure there is a dish on the table for everyone.

Greek yogurt or cottage cheese can be used as a high-protein substitute for sour cream, cream cheese or other creamy ingredients.

For example, replacing sour cream with plain Greek yogurt in dips, such as in a sour cream and onion dip, can offer a creamy dip with added health benefits. Serve with homemade keto-friendly chips or vegetables and you’ve got a great appetizer to hold over guests.

Mac and cheese can also be adapted to suit most restrictions by using cottage cheese for extra protein or dairy-free cheese for a plant-based version.

Cheesy potatoes or a cauliflower casserole can also make delicious sides.

Desserts

One way to finish off a meal on a high note is with something sweet, and with so many holiday desserts to choose from, there are options to serve different paletes.

Applesauce or cooked apples make a simple and naturally sweet dessert or side dish with just a few basic ingredients.

For a dessert filled with holiday flavors, try a dairy-free cranberry apple pie that combines tart cranberries and sweet apples.

Adjusting your recipes

Whether you are navigating a new or old dietary restriction, you don’t have to get rid of your favorite holiday foods. With a few simple swaps, you can adapt many of your favorite recipes without losing the flavors you love.

Dairy: Replace cow’s milk with non-dairy alternatives such as almond, soy or oat. There are also a variety of lactose- and dairy-free cheeses that can be used as substitutes.

Nuts: In many recipes, nuts can simply not be used. If you still want the texture that nuts provide, try sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds or even dried fruit. Almond butter or sunflower butter can also be great substitutes for peanut butter.

Gluten-free: Use a premade gluten-free flour blend, rice flour, almond flour, coconut flour or oat flour in place of all-purpose flour.

Keto: Swap high-carb ingredients with some lower carb alternatives such as almond flour, coconut flour, cauliflower or zucchini.

Low sugar: Sugar-free options or natural sweeteners such as stevia, monk fruit or dates can help make your dishes sweet with a lower sugar intake.

Protein: Many proteins can be swapped for each other. Try swapping ground beef with ground turkey, pork with chicken or pork/beef sausage with turkey sausage. Plantbased options such as tofu, chickpeas or lentils can also be substituted in many recipes.

Holiday cookies are a common fan favorite with many recipes that can be customized to meet dietary needs such as flourless cookies or meringues.

Greek yogurt barks, such as a peppermint chocolate Greek yogurt bark, can also be a great high-protein and low-sugar holiday treat.

Korrigan Craddock is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Bladder Cancer Breakthrough

Clinical study provides new opportunity for bladder cancer patients

Bladder cancer, overall, is the sixth most common type of cancer. Seventy percent of new bladder cancer cases are classified as non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), meaning the cancer cells are in the inner lining of the bladder and have not invaded the muscle wall.

Ohio patients with NMIBC may be eligible to participate in a nationwide study (QUILT-2.005) examining the effectiveness of Anktiva, a new immunotherapy drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration intended to enhance the body’s immune response to fight cancer.

Understanding NMIBC

While NMIBC is not directly lifethreatening, it has an estimated recurrence rate of 50-70 percent with up to 30 percent of cases invading the bladder muscle or even other parts of the body.

“(Bladder cancer) often can be just a minor thing on the surface, so if you treat it early, it’s fine. But you need to be checked because the cancer has a bad

habit of coming back.” says Dr. Benjamin Martin, a urologist at the Central Ohio Urology Group (COUG) in Gahanna. “We’re not as worried about the cancer coming back, but we are worried about the cancer coming back worse.”

For more invasive bladder cancer, or aggressive NMIBC that does not respond to traditional treatment, a radical cystectomy (removal of the entire bladder) may be recommended.

“(A cystectomy) has been our fallback. That’s a big step, obviously, and people don’t generally want to do that,” Martin says.

Although Martin says people who’ve had a cystectomy can still live a normal life, he emphasizes that the invasiveness of a cystectomy creates the need for alternative treatments that spare the bladder, especially when traditional treatment fails.

Traditional treatment

Treatment of NMIBC typically involves a minimally invasive procedure to remove the tumor. Patients may also receive intravesical therapy, which involves medicine administered directly into the bladder via a catheter.

A standard medication that is typically used is Bacillus Calmette-Guérin

(BCG), a weakened form of tuberculosis that triggers the immune system to attack the abnormal cells. This immunotherapy method is typically administered once a week for six weeks.

Unfortunately, BCG fails in 40 percent of patients, and a shortage since 2019 has prompted physicians to make difficult decisions.

“We’ve had some stretches where we’ve had to tell patients, ‘Hey, we’ve only got 10 doses and we’ve got three patients. We have to treat the worst patient first.’ If you’re not bad enough, we have to wait,” Martin says.

Although the FDA authorized recombinant BCG in February of 2025

to address the shortage, it doesn’t fix BCG’s efficacy issues. However, in light of the shortage, a handful of alternative therapies have emerged for bladder cancer treatment.

Offering hope

Among these new therapies is Anktiva, an immunotherapy developed by ImmunityBio. The FDA approved Anktiva for the treatment of BCG-unresponsive NMIBC in April of 2024.

Early studies suggest Anktiva paired with BCG may help reduce recurrence and improve survival rates, compared to BCG alone.

Martin explains that BCG causes a general immune response, but Anktiva can help modify that immune response to be more specific toward fighting cancer.

“Anktiva has been tested in people who have failed BCG, and it’s been shown that it can, not 100 percent, but it can rescue those patients and provide a durable, cancer-free response. It can fight the cancer for an extended period of time,” Martin says.

Opportunity for patients

A current, nationwide clinical study sponsored by ImmunityBio is looking to compare the effectiveness of Anktiva paired with BCG to BCG alone in NMIBC patients who have not had prior BCG treatment.

The study includes three locations in Ohio, one of which is the Central Ohio Urology Group in Gahanna.

As the principal investigator at COUG, Martin acknowledges that research isn’t for everyone, but he is optimistic about the benefits of participation, especially since participants are guaranteed treatment.

“If you enter the research trial, it’s all covered by research. You don’t have to pay for it with insurance,” Martin says. “(Patients) get the treatment they would’ve gotten anyway, or they get the treatment with the new Anktiva drug, so I think it is kind of a win-win for everybody.”

Although some patients may not qualify for the Anktiva study, COUG participates in other clinical studies. Martin emphasizes that participation is voluntary and that the medicine has been tested.

“These medications have been thoroughly evaluated, and we’re just trying to confirm what we have found from earlier studies.” Martin says. “It’s not right for everybody, but I think, in the right situation, we like to be able to offer these research trials and give patients a choice when sometimes they have no choice.”

To learn more about the local clinical studies for Anktiva, visit www.centralohiourology.com.

Amanda Stevens is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Energy-Efficient Living

Homeowners embrace practical ways to cut energy costs and reduce environmental footprint

Over the years, more Americans have been seeking homes that are energy efficient, prompting an increase in more eco-friendly homes being built and significant upgrades to their current homes.

According to a study by the National Association of Homebuilders, nine out of 10 people buying a home would prefer a home with energy-efficient features, over a cheaper, less efficient home.

The environmental impacts and the energy bill reductions have prompted Americans to take the plunge and make impactful changes in their own homes, opting to upgrade to energy-efficient options of household appliances and features. Outside of solar panels and lightbulb changes, there are several options to make a home more sustainable.

Insulation and sealing

One of the most effective upgrades that can make your home more energy efficient is upgrading insulation and ensuring your home is professionally sealed.

Most homes, even those that may have been previously insulated, suffer from air leaks, causing energy waste. According to an insulation study, individuals

Go Green, Get Green

In 2024, a tax credit became available for homeowners who made these upgrades, awarding them up to $3,200. These credits are available through Dec. 31 of this year.

could save up to 45 percent of their energy waste by investing in proper sealing and insulation.

Choosing to get your home professionally sealed significantly reduces the risk for air leaks and keeps the temperature of your home regulated and comfortable.

Heat pumps

Opting for electric air-source heat pumps as opposed to a furnace is an efficient upgrade to heating and cooling your home.

These systems have a dual purpose of heating and cooling, as well as cleaning and dehumidifying properties, enabling homeowners to use a third of the energy they would have used with a traditional HVAC system.

Flooring

Flooring options can vary in their energy efficiency, with different materials affecting thermal resistance. The type of flooring you select may be more beneficial for a particular room in your home over another.

While some homeowners may not prefer carpet for aesthetic purposes, it is a great option for its heat retention. But, if you would prefer not to go the carpet route, there are numerous flooring options that are energy saving and ecofriendly.

Natural options such as cork, tile, stone and wood can align with a homeowner’s preferred look while also being renewable, eco-friendly options.

Windows

Energy-inefficient windows are responsible for 25-30 percent of energy usage in the average home.

Several factors are at play when considering making changes to your windows, including frame type. Preferred materials for frames include wood, vinyl and fiberglass, each of which have optimal opportunities for insulation. Glazing and spacing should also be considered when updating your window units.

Paint

Selecting specific colors and properties of paints can be an easy, yet impactful solution to energy use in your home.

When selecting colors, remember that dark colors absorb 70-90 percent of radiant energy, causing your home to be warmer and use more energy to cool it down. Lighter colors, however, are reflective, which reduces heat absorption.

Many paints have a light reflectance value listed. Paints with higher reflectance

Tip: Internal and external window coverings can also add to energy savings.Explore shades, shutters and awnings to increase energy performance.

Painting done by a Perfectionist

Easy Home Habits

Here are a few things to incorporate into your routine that can help make your home more energy efficient on a daily basis.

• Use cold or warm water when doing laundry instead of hot. This small change can cut a laundry load’s energy in half.

• Air dry clothing when possible and avoid over-drying when using a dryer.

• Cover your pans and pots while cooking and match the size of your pot or pan to the heating element you are using to cook.

• Keep your refrigerator and freezer to the recommended temperatures: 35-38 degrees for refrigerators, zero degrees for freezers.

• Avoid rinsing dishes before placing them in the dishwasher – scraping will suffice. Additionally, use the air-dry option instead of heat-dry.

values are more desirable for energy efficiency. These paint upgrades can be applied to inside walls that receive direct sunlight during the day, as well as exterior walls and roof coatings.

Updating appliances

Updating refrigerators and freezers, stoves, washers and dryers and dishwashers are significant investments as they will likely last you a decade or more and can save you on your electricity bill.

When shopping for new appliances, seek ones with the ENERGY STAR label, which indicates that they exceed federal standards for efficiency. Additionally, smart appliances utilize electric management systems which are a great option to help reduce energy use.

Smart appliances are designed to adjust energy usage according to each individual product, while also switching certain ones off when they are not in use.

Lauren Serge is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Holiday Magic, Delivered with Community Care

Local organizations come together to provide meals, coats and comfort through the Healthy New Albany Food Pantry

As the holidays approach, many of us look forward to tables full of food, warm coats by the door and time spent with loved ones. But for some families in New Albany, these simple comforts are not guaranteed.

Each November and December, the Healthy New Albany Food Pantry ramps up its seasonal support, providing essential resources such as winter coats, Thanksgiving dinners and Winter Break Boxes to local families in need.

One parent shared how much that effort meant: “Special boxes are really nice for longer breaks. Thank you for that coverage.”

For many families, these services go beyond meals – they provide peace of mind, especially when school is out and grocery budgets are stretched thin.

A total of 358 winter coats were distributed in 2024, in partnership with Neighborhood Bridges.

More than 160 families received full Thanksgiving dinners, including a cooked turkey and shelf-stable sides, through collaboration with Fry Out Cancer, the Byron Saunders Foundation and Rose Run Church.

Winter Break Boxes will once again provide breakfast, lunch and snacks to students during the long winter recess, bridging the gap for children who rely on school meals.

The Healthy New Albany Food Pantry serves as a reminder that even in seemingly prosperous areas, food insecurity is a persistent issue.

In 2024, the Pantry provided more than 275,000 meals to 1,520 individuals, including 37 percent children and nine percent older adults – a 30 percent increase in households served year over year.

According to data reported by the New Albany-Plain Local School District to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, this year more than 14 percent of students enrolled in the 2025-2026

school year qualify for the National Free and Reduced Lunch Program.

The Pantry is located in the NAPLS annex building at 79 N. High St., and cli-

staples, fresh produce, meat, dairy, personal care items and more. Every visit is grounded in hospitality and dignity, with volunteers walking alongside neighbors as

It takes a community to make this work possible. In 2024, 450 volunteers gave more than 5,400 hours of their time to support Pantry operations and events. Their efforts – alongside food drives, corporate partnerships and generous donations – ensure the Pantry can continue meeting growing demand even as food costs rise and resources tighten.

This season, you can help a neighbor have a brighter holiday. Learn how to volunteer, organize a food drive or make a donation at newalbanyfoodpantry.org. Together, we can ensure that no one in our community goes without.

Photos by Sarah Higgiston

Strength, Confidence and Connection

How a strength program is helping girls discover what they’re capable of

What started as a driveway workout during the COVID-19 pandemic has become one of Healthy New Albany’s most empowering youth programs. Lift Like a Girl, led by strength coach Beth Morrison, introduces girls to the fundamentals of lifting in an inclusive, supportive environment.

“I found lifting maybe 10 to 12 years ago, and it was something that was really motivating for me,” Morrison says. “When everything shut down during COVID, we started doing workouts in my driveway. My daughter was in seventh grade at the time, and her friends started coming … it became this really positive interaction between moms and daughters.”

The program officially took root after a conversation with a former HNA team member.

“One night we were talking about the driveway workouts, and she said, ‘Why don’t you come in and talk about starting something here?’ We just tried it to see if it would take off, and it did, in a big way,” Morrison says.

Lift Like a Girl for grades 6-9 is a multiweek program that blends strength and conditioning with practical guidance on

injury prevention, goal setting and proper technique. Workouts use bodyweight, free weights and other fitness equipment to help girls grow stronger and more confident.

“I love helping girls develop their confidence and inner strength while teaching them what they’re capable of,” says Morrison. “We create an environment where they can thrive.”

A younger group of girls in grades 4-6 can join Starting Strength, a Lift Like a Girl program designed to introduce fitness foundations in a fun and age-appropriate way. Each session incorporates games, group activities and personalized instruction focused on mastering form, building strength and having fun.

Each session centers on helping girls discover their own strength, both physically and mentally.

“It’s a confidence thing,” Morrison says. “The confidence that comes from being able to move a lot of weight, you’re like, ‘I’m not bad. I can do anything.’ And that mindset … it just bleeds into all these other areas of their life.”

The approach is as intentional as it is inclusive.

“Most of the girls who join are brand new to lifting. Some have done zero physical activity before,” she says. “Everyone works at their own pace … they each track their own progress … so it’s not about comparing. It’s about looking at what you did last week and building on that.”

Morrison’s coaching style is rooted in patience and trust.

“I don’t push them when they’re not ready,” she says. “One girl took class with me for three years … when she started, she’d sit out half the time and just watch … By the end, she was coming in early to lift more.”

That sense of individual growth is reinforced with personal perspective.

“Today they were doing planks, and I told them, ‘I have a friend who can lift twice as much as me, but I can hold a plank longer,’” she says. “Everyone has different strengths.”

The sessions include a mix of structured lifting and high-energy games.

“We’ll do a block game with four stations, where each exercise involves a block … once they finish, they pass it to the next person. Or we’ll do musical chairs while lunging, or hopscotch, or TikTok challenges,” she says.

And don’t be fooled into thinking games are just for the younger girls.

“The older ones are super competitive … They’re actually more fun to do it with,” Morrison says, laughing. “They’re intense about it.”

One of the most impactful parts of the program is the sense of connection it builds.

“They do a lot of partner work. We talk about spotting each other, checking form, and making sure your partner has your back,” she says. “And that transfers to life too. Girls can have each other’s backs.”

When parents ask if the program is right for their daughter, Morrison is clear.

“We know physical activity is important. The earlier they start and the more success they have with it, the more likely it becomes a lifelong habit,” she says. “And in today’s world, where so much of youth sports is about specialization, I think we lose sight of just becoming a good athlete first.

“We do mobility, endurance, strength. We’re working the whole body,” she adds. “Before you go take on all the machines at the gym, let’s make sure you’ve got the shoulder strength and core stability to do it safely.”

Whether a girl is new to movement or already active in competitive sports, Lift Like a Girl offers something deeper.

“It’s not just about getting stronger,” Morrison says. “It’s about learning what you’re capable of.”

Dylan Telerski is the Healthy New Albany Marketing and Communications Manager.

Inspiring + Cultivating Healthy Living Through Four Core Pillars: Nourish, Movement, Nature, and Knowledge.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

NOURISH

Fall Cast Iron Cooking

Sunday, November 9 | 2:00 - 4:00 PM

MOVEMENT

ADULTS

Chair Yoga: Holiday Series

Mondays | 10:00 - 11:00 AM December 1-15 (3-week series)

MOVEMENT

Chair Barre: Holiday Series

Fridays | 10:00 - 11:00 AM December 5-19 (3-week series)

NOURISH

Gingerbread House Decorating (Adults only!)

Thursday, December 11 | 6:00 - 8:00 PM

NOURISH JR. Mug Makers

Monday, November 17 | 3:30 - 4500 PM

MOVEMENTxKNOWLEDGE

Music Together: Holiday Mini-Series

Tuesdays | 9:30, 10:30, 11:30 December 2-16 (3-week series)

YOUTH

NOURISH JR.

Gingerbread House Decorating (Grades: K-12)

Friday, December 12 | 4:15 - 5:45 PM (Pre-school)

Saturday, December 13 | 10:00 - 11:00 AM

MOVEMENTxKNOWLEDGE

Music Together: Holiday Mini-Series

Monday, December 22 | 9:30 - 10:00 AM

Register for our programs by scanning the QR code or visiting: healthynewalbany.org/programs Follow us on social media @HealthyNewAlbany

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

Healthy New Albany Bookshelf Reviews

The Yellow Envelope: One Gift, Three Rules, and a LifeChanging Journey Around the World

By Kim Dinan, 2017

Before Kim Dinan and her husband quit their jobs, sold their home and left everything behind to travel the world, they were given a yellow envelope with a check inside and instructions to give the money away to people they meet. From Ecuador to India, what transpires is a global journey about the power of giving and purpose. The yellow envelope becomes a symbol of how giving to others transforms our outlook on our own lives and happiness. Readers will be inspired to reevaluate the things they value and find a renewed sense of intentional living.

The

Giving

Way to

Happiness:

Stories and Science Behind the Life-Changing Power of Giving

By Jenny Santi, 2015

The outcomes of the act of giving usually focus on how giving benefits those in need. However, giving to others, whether through time, money or expertise, may be the key to personal fulfillment as well. Drawing from inspiring real-life stories to new scientific research on how the selfless care of others activates the brain’s pleasure centers, readers will learn that the answer to their own happiness, healing and purpose for a thriving life lies in doing more for others.

Bright Shining: How Grace Changes Everything

By Julia Baird, 2024

According to this book, the concept of grace can be hard to define, but it can often be found when we create a connection with one another. This means being kinder, bigger and better for those around us. The author uses stories from around the world, personal anecdotes and literary references to highlight how being our best selves by allowing for mistakes and forgiving those who need forgiveness is the way to a happier world.

Good People: Stories from the Best of Humanity

By Gabriel Reilich & Lucia Knell, 2024

From the popular Instagram community, Upworthy, comes a collection of 101 stories filled with heart and compassion. Each story speaks to the best of humanity by showcasing acts of kindness, the resilience of the human spirit and human decency. After reading this book, even the most skeptical reader will be reminded that goodness is everywhere in the world if you just take the time to notice.

The Simple Difference: How Every Small Kindness Makes a Big Impact

By Becky Keife, 2021

The world can feel full of large problems with no easy solutions, so how can one person make a difference? This book seeks a simple answer: kindness. Rather than doing more, it asks readers to slow down and see more by embracing the power of small acts of kindness every day. Through stories of personal experience and guiding prompts, this book shows that the smallest, simplest gestures are what can make the most meaningful impact on the world around us.

The Paradox of Generosity: Giving We Receive, Grasping We Lose

By

Christian Smith & Hilary Davidson, 2014

This book is the result of an extensive, first-of-its-kind, five-year study called the “Science of Generosity Initiative”. Pulling from surveys, interviews and analysis of visual materials, the evidence of the study suggests that giving to others actually enhances our well-being. By consistently practicing generosity, not just random acts of kindness, people will experience positive health benefits like fewer illnesses and injuries as well as fewer depressive episodes. Making the effort to be more generous is the way to a happier, more purpose-driven life.

Top homes sold in New Albany

New Albany home prices increased by 12.9 percent in August 2025 compared to the previous year. Homes sold at a median price of $836,000 after 51 days on the market, compared to 35 days the previous year. There were 24 homes sold in August 2025 with that same amount sold last year. (Data from Redfin)

All information is collected from the Franklin County Auditor’s Office.

7347 Lambton Park Rd.

6 beds, 6 baths

$3,000,000

Sold 8/11/25

7100 Armscote End

5 beds, 6.5 baths

$2,825,000

Sold 8/1/25

4791 Yantis Dr.

5 beds, 5 baths

$2,600,000

Sold 8/4/25

6 S. Ealy Crossing Dr.

5 beds, 4.5 baths

$2,300,000

Sold 8/29/25

4991 Yantis Dr.

5 beds, 5.5 baths

$2,250,000

Sold 8/15/25

7896 Peter Hoover Rd.

3 beds, 3.5 baths

$1,650,000

Sold 8/25/25

4249 Vaux Link

5 beds, 4.5 baths

$1,530,000

Sold 8/21/25

4159 Belmont Pl.

5 beds, 4.5 baths

$1,510,000

Sold 8/1/25

7817 Jonell Sq.

4 beds, 5.5 baths

$1,300,000

Sold 8/11/25

7335 Southfield Rd.

4 beds, 4.5 baths

$1,235,000

Sold 8/29/25

3552 S. Drayton Hall

4 beds, 3.5 baths

$1,225,000

Sold 8/11/25

4033 Sedgwick Dr.

4 beds, 3.5 baths

$1,145,000

Sold 9/10/25

weekendscene

REAL ESTATE MARKETPLACE

Lauren Davie 740-975-1826 LaurenDavieRealtor.com

7495 Bridlespur Lane, Delaware, OH 43015 | 10,615 Sqft, 6 Bedrooms , 9 Bathrooms, $3,399,000.00

Timeless Georgian architecture on nearly three acres offering both privacy and community on a private cul-de-sac. Located in one of Delaware’s most desirable neighborhoods, this estate combines classic design, modern updates, and resort-style amenities in a premier setting. Lauren.davie@evrealestate.com

915-4588

this property is ideally suited for residential, commercial or mixed use development(Subject to zoning)Don’t miss your chance to invest in one of Central Ohio’s hottest growth corridors! COLDWELL BANKER REALTY ThePowellBuehlerGroup.com

Jean M. Lesnick (614) 537-5376

jeanl@newalbanyrealty.com

Beautifully maintained seven-bedroom home with five full baths facing the NACC golf course. Walking distance to the club and golf pavilion. Full lower level with extensive family room/rec room, bar area, bedroom, full bath, and storage. Featuring a generator, 2-zoned HVAC system, newer roof, upgraded light fixtures, a Wolf range, a Sub Zero refrigerator, and more. $1,380,000. NEW ALBANY REALTY www.WelcometoNewAlbany.com

scene at

New Albany Walking Classic® draws

more than 1,000 walkers

On Sep. 7, walkers from 177 zip codes nationwide lined up to participate in the 2025 New Albany Walking Classic® The event is the largest walking-only race in the U.S., featuring both 5K and 10K races. All of the proceeds from the race went to support Healthy New Albany and its mission to promote healthy living in the community through the food pantry, farmers market, community garden and other programming.

START HERE. STAY HERE. BELONG HERE.

No matter where you are in life, there’s a place for you here. New Albany offers award-winning schools, scenic parks, and a vibrant civic life— all grounded in the pillars that shape our identity: lifelong learning, health and wellness, arts and culture, and environmental sustainability. It’s not just a place to live. It’s a place to grow, connect, and truly belong. Here in New Albany, you’re always welcome.

clear emergency care plan—and knowing where to go—is essential. Mount Carmel New Albany Emergency Room is ready with short wait times, compassionate care, and expert treatment. Whether it’s a sudden injury or a serious illness, you’ll get the care you need – quickly and close to home.

Plan ahead. Be prepared. We’re ready when you need us.

7333 Smith’s Mill Road, New Albany, OH 43054

To learn more about our services and let us know you’re on the way, vist: mountcarmelhealth.com/location/mount-carmel -new-albany-emergency-department by scanning the QR code.