Issuu

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

E B R AT I N

Community New Albany’s premier wealth management team is proud to support Healthy New Albany and the New Albany Community

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

Romeo Vuticevski, CRPSTM Financial Advisor Senior Vice President– Wealth Management

Patrick Clark, CFP® Team Administrator

Courtney Freed Registered Client Associate

Kevin Snead, CFA Account Vice President

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

As a firm providing wealth management services to clients, UBS Financial Services Inc. offers investment advisory services in its capacity as an SEC-registered investment adviser and brokerage services in its capacity as an SEC-registered broker-dealer. Investment advisory services and brokerage services are separate and distinct, differ in material ways and are governed by different laws and separate arrangements. It is important that you understand the ways in which we conduct business, and that you carefully read the agreements and disclosures that we provide to you about the products or services we offer. For more information, please review the client relationship summary provided at ubs.com/relationshipsummary, or ask your UBS Financial Advisor for a copy. For designation disclosures, visit ubs.com/us/en/designation-disclosures. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, Certified finanCial Planner®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks. CIMA® is a registered certification mark of Investment Management Consultants Association Inc. doing business as Investments & Wealth Institute® in the United States of America and worldwide. © UBS 2025. All rights reserved. UBS Financial Services Inc. is a subsidiary of UBS Group AG. Member FINRA/SIPC. ED_11102025-4 Exp.: 11/30/2026

PART OF NEW ALBANY FO R 9 Y EARS

Complete skin care, close to home. Trusted skin care, expanded. DOCS Dermatology and Timeless Skin Solutions now offer a complete approach to healthy skin, all in one New Albany location.

TIMELESS SKIN SOLUTIONS

DOC S D ERM ATOLOG Y

Personalized aesthetic care designed to help you look and feel your best.

Board-certified dermatologists delivering medical and surgical skin care for your whole family.

Injectables Facial rejuvenation Lasers & IPL Microneedling Advanced skincare

CALL TO BOOK 614.799.5100

Skin cancer screenings & treatment Mohs surgery Acne & rosacea care Chronic skin conditions Treating patients of all ages

BOOK ONL INE docsdermatology.com

Same-week appointments available for new & existing patients. 5065 Forest Drive, Suites 101 + 103 · New Albany, OH 43054

Inside 18 4 First Glance 6 In & Out What’s happening around New Albany

8 Initiatives • New Abany’s leisure trails • Get to know your City Council

12 Healthy Living Healthy New Albany upcoming programs

14 Personalities Supporting the community

18 On the Path

Community milestones

36 Student Spotlight A passion for musical theater

38 Food Frozen bites

42 Living The BIA Parade of Homes

44 Real Estate Marketplace 45 Top Homes Sold in New Albany 46 On The Shelf

Book recommendations

48 Scene At

Follow Healthy New Albany Magazine on Facebook!

Cover photo courtesy of Healthy New Albany

Share comments/feedback at editor@cityscenemediagroup.com

www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

1335 Dublin Rd. Suite 101C Columbus, OH 43215 614.572.1240 www.cityscenecolumbus.com Gianna Barrett

President

Dave Prosser

Creative Director

Isabella Gaydosh-Bruce

Business/Office Manager

Kathleen K. Gill

Editorial Advisor

Elizabeth Wagner

Sales Manager

Megan Brokamp, Jane Dimel, Rachel Hanz, Ella Jay

Editors

Katie Allen, Garth Bishop

Contributing Writers

Angelina Godfrey, Ellie Keehn, Grey Romohr, Abby Van Voorhis

Editorial Assistants

Sarah Reese

Media & Marketing Advisor

Arts Alive! Be on the scene with Columbus arts, entertainment & style

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

Executive Director Mission Director Development Director

Dylan Telerski

Marketing and Communications Manager

Pamela Conn

Director of Volunteer and Corporate Engagement

The Publisher welcomes contributions in the form of manuscripts, drawings, photographs or story ideas to consider for possible publication. Enclose a SASE with each submission or email rkaras@cityscenemediagroup.com. Publisher does not assume responsibility for loss or damage. The appearance of advertising in Healthy New Albany Magazine does not constitute an endorsement of the advertiser’s product or service by the City of New Albany or Healthy New Albany, Inc. Healthy New Albany Magazine is published in January, March, May, July, September and November. Subscriptions are free for households within New Albany-Plain Local Schools. For advertising information or bulk purchases, contact Gianna Barrett at 614-572-1255 or gbarrett@cityscenemediagroup.com. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers. Healthy New Albany Magazine is a registered trademark of CityScene Media Group. Printed in the U.S.A. ©2026

www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

only

1 YEAR

$24 FOR 2 YEARS TM

magazine cityscenecolumbus.com/subscribe 3

firstglance

Turning of the Page T

his issue represents both a celebration and a moment of gratitude. Fifteen years ago, Phil Heit envisioned a magazine that would educate, inspire and support healthier living throughout the New Albany community. Thanks to his passion and perseverance, as well as the support of many community partners, that vision became a trusted publication celebrating the people, organizations and ideas helping our neighbors live healthier, fuller lives. Every issue has been guided by a belief that local stories, expert insight and meaningful connections can improve individual well-being and strengthen the community as a whole. As we celebrate this milestone, we also recognize Phil’s decision to retire from the magazine he helped bring to life. We appreciate his guiding vision, dedication and leadership, and the lasting foundation he built for Healthy New Albany Magazine. While this chapter comes to a close, the mission and values that have defined Premier Issue the magazine remain unchanged. September 2011 We are grateful to our readers, contributors, advertisers and community partners for being part of the first 15 years, and we look forward to continuing to serve our community for many years to come. Please enjoy this issue as we kick off the 21st year of the Healthy New Albany Walking Classic®, another vision brought to life in New Albany by Phil Heit! Since its founding in 2005, the Classic has inspired thousands of people to get off the couch and walk – for their own health. This year, there’s an added reason to walk. See page 24 to hear about those changes from Executive Director Rachel Haugk. Healthfully, Rachel Hanz Editor

www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

EXPLORE PROJECTS

614.459.4000

clearycompany.com

in&out Photos courtesy of Canine Companions, Hayley Deeter, Sam Fahmi and the City of New Albany, and M3S Sports

Healthful Events happening in and out of central Ohio

DogFest North Central

Fri., Sept. 11 Oktoberfest Meiler Vier 6:15 p.m., Ohio Expo Center, 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus www.m3ssports.com

Sun., Sept. 20 Columbus Clippers 5K 9 a.m., Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Ln., Columbus www.clippers5k.com

Sun., Sept. 13 New Albany Walking Classic 8 a.m., 200 Market St. www.healthynewalbany.org

Sun., Sept. 20 DogFest North Central 1-4 p.m., Canine Companion North Central Training Center, 7480 New Albany Condit Rd. www.canine.org

Fri., Sept. 18 The Challenge Music Festival 5-11 p.m., A&F Co. Global Home Office, 7907 Central College Rd. www.anfchallenge.org Sat., Sept. 19 Artist Opening Reception for Natalya Romanovsky & Kyndall Potts “Brushstrokes of Life” 5-8 p.m., Hayley Gallery, 260 Market St. www.localohioart.com

Mon., Sept. 21 2026 Towne Centre Golf Outing 8 a.m.-6 p.m., The Golf Club at Little Turtle, 5400 Little Turtle Way, Westerville www.eventbrite.com

Oktoberfest Meiler Vier

New Albany Walking Club meets Sundays at 7:30 a.m. inside the Philip Heit Center. www.healthynewalbany.org 6

www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

Sat., Oct. 3 Oktoberfest Noon-10 p.m., Rose Run Park, 200 Market St. www.newalbanyohio.org Sat., Oct. 10 Sensory Friendly Series: Inside the Music 11:30 a.m., Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts, 100 E. Dublin Granville Rd. www.newalbanysymphony.com Sun., Oct. 11 The Singing Rooms 3 p.m., Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts, 100 E. Dublin Granville Rd. www.newalbanysymphony.com Sat., Oct. 17 Artist Opening Reception for Man-Wai Wu & Marianne Miller: Falling In Love With Art 5-8 p.m., Hayley Gallery, 260 Market St. www.localohioart.com

Oktoberfest

Sun., Oct 18 Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon 7:30 a.m., North Bank Park, 311 W. Long St. www.columbusmarathon.com Sat., Oct. 24 Trunk Or Treat 3-6 p.m., Bevelhymer Park, 7860 Bevelhymer Rd. www.naparksohio.org Fri., Oct 29 Trick or Treat 6-8 p.m. www.newalbanyohio.org Sat., Oct. 31 The Monster Dash 5K 9 a.m., Glacier Ridge Metro Park, 9801 Hyland Croy Rd., Dublin www.themonsterdash5k.com

Artist Reception at Hayley Gallery

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

initiatives By Katie Allen Photos courtesy of the City of New Albany

More Than a Walk New Albany’s leisure trails

eisure trails in New Albany are much more than just a way to get from point A to point B. They are the heartbeat of our community, creating daily opportunities to move, unwind and connect. As research continues to show the perks of simple, daily movement, cities across the country are trying to inspire people to get outside. In New Albany, that commitment is built right into the landscape through an ever-growing network of more than 2,000 acres of parks, paths and preserved green spaces. New Albany’s trail system offers changing views with every season, winding through neighborhoods and scenic green spaces. That seamless flow didn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of intentional,

forward-thinking planning that starts long before residents ever set foot on a trail. “When the City reviews a new development proposal, whether it’s a new neighborhood or a commercial site, connectivity and green space aren’t afterthoughts. They’re built into the code,” New Albany Planning Manager Chris Christian says. “Residential developments dedicate parkland, everyone plants street trees, and everyone provides sidewalks or trails that connect to what’s already there,” Christian adds. “That network now spans more than 85 miles, keeping New Albany feeling like one connected community instead of separate development sites.” These trails give residents safe, welcoming and picturesque places to explore

near their own backyards while protecting the community’s natural beauty, including more than 22,000 trees. “As a board, we often look at it like, ‘We have this land, how do we protect it? How can we preserve this for the kids who will inherit it later on,’” New Albany Parks & Trails Advisory Board Member Char Steelman says. The benefits of New Albany’s trail system extend well beyond preserving the natural landscape by encouraging residents to prioritize their health through everyday activities such as walking. Experts agree that walking remains one of the simplest, most accessible forms of exercise on the planet. Beyond boosting heart health, strengthening muscles and improving sleep, a quick walk works wonders for

www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

reducing stress and lifting your mood. More than that, walking brings people together, even when time is limited. “The connectivity ties into my social health. You meet people along the way, a neighbor you haven’t seen in a while,” Parks & Trails Advisory Board Member Tricia Segnini says. “In fact, everyone knows everyone by their dog! When people say, ‘Community Connects Us’ in New Albany, that’s absolutely true. The trail system we’ve invested in really encourages people to be out on them.” Those spontaneous moments of connection are part of everyday life on New Albany’s leisure trails, where children ride bikes, neighbors greet one another on morning walks and families explore parks together.

www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

“We’re trying to pull this entire community together no matter who you are,” Parks & Trails Advisory Board Member George Stribick says. “We want to bring everybody into the fold, and the best way to do that is to create connectors.” Whether it’s a quiet morning stroll, an after-dinner family walk or even training with friends for the annual Healthy New Albany Walking Classic®, New Albany’s trails offer countless ways to enjoy the outdoors and stay active. “Walking is part of my daily routine,” says Lauren Soroka, a New Albany resident and mom of two. “It’s my time to get outside, enjoy the fresh air and invest in my own health and wellness. I love how connected

New Albany’s neighborhoods are,” Soroka says. “You could take a different route every day, and it’s always so beautiful. My favorite place to walk is the trail by the pond near Yantis Drive. It’s peaceful, scenic and reminds me why I love living here.” So next time you lace up your sneakers, try taking a path you haven’t explored yet. You might just find that New Albany’s trails offer far more than miles to walk. They provide endless ways for you to connect with nature, your neighbors and the place you call home. Katie Allen is a Communications & Marketing Specialist at the City of New Albany.

Get to Know Your City Council

John McClelland

ow long have you lived in New Albany? My family has lived in the New Albany-Plain Local School District since 2000, and we have been residents of the City of New Albany since 2015. Favorite New Albany spot and why? Rose Run Park and Taylor Farm are two of my favorite places in New Albany. Both offer a chance to slow down, enjoy nature and appreciate the thoughtful way our community has preserved and created beautiful public spaces. You will often find me there walking my dog. What’s one thing people don’t know about you? I began my career as a sports broadcaster. My first job was at a local radio station in South Carolina, where I also served as the radio voice of the local minor league baseball team. I still get to live that dream from time to time as a guest public address announcer for New Albany High School games at Eagle Stadium. Why did you get involved with serving on council? I have had the privilege of serving this community as a member of the New Albany-Plain Local Board of Education since 2014. During that time, I saw firsthand how the partnership among the schools, the City and other community organizations has helped make New Albany such a special place.

Serving on City Council is an opportunity to continue giving back in a new way. As our community enters its next phase of growth, I want to help ensure that New Albany continues to look to the future while preserving the qualities, relationships and sense of community that have made it such an exceptional place to live. To learn more, visit: newalbanyohio.org/city-council-mayor

NEW ALBANY CITY COUNCIL

10 Sloan Spalding Mayor

Marlene Brisk

Mike Durik

Kasey Kist

President Pro Tempore

Matt Shull

Andrea Wiltrout

What are you most proud of? Professionally, I am most proud of what we accomplished together during my time on the school board. We strengthened academic performance, maintained fiscal discipline and expanded our focus on student well-being and support. I am also proud to have helped lead the development of the district’s campus master plan. It represents a significant investment in the future of our schools and will expand academic, athletic and extracurricular opportunities for generations of students. Personally, I am most proud of my family. I am grateful that my children had the opportunity to grow up in New Albany, and I deeply appreciate the friends, teachers, coaches and community members who helped shape their lives along the way. What is an important project you see the city working on that residents can watch for in the coming months? There are many exciting things happening throughout New Albany, but I am especially looking forward to seeing construction begin on the new school athletic campus and community park at the former Discover property. The project will provide much-needed improvements for our student-athletes while also creating a new public space that residents can enjoy throughout the year. It is another strong example of the City, the school district and community partners working together to create something that will benefit the entire community for years to www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com come.

T H E N E W A L B A N Y C O M M U N I T Y F O U N DAT I O N is pleased to present the 2026-2027 Season of

David Petraeus General, U.S. Army (Ret.) & Former Director of the CIA

Paul Ryan

Marie Yovanovitch

Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine

Moderated by

Bret Stephens

Pulitzer Prize Winner & Op-Ed Columnist for The New York Times

Annette Gordon-Reed

Doris Kearns Goodwin

Presidential American Historian & Historian & Pulitzer Prize-Winning Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author Author

National Security

America at 250

September 15

January 28

Moderated by

Bakari Sellers

Katty Kay

Former Speaker of the Former Member of the U.S. House of South Carolina House Representatives of Representatives, 2015-2019 Bestselling Author & Political Analyst

U.S. Special Correspondent BBC Studios; Award-Winning Journalist & Bestselling Author

Arthur Brooks

NYT #1 Bestselling Author, Harvard Professor & Renowned Social Scientist

Interviewed by

Doug Ulman

Pelotonia Vice Chair & Founder, Orli

Moderated by

Mark Updegrove Historian & Author, Chairman & CEO of the LBJ Foundation

Andrew Ross Sorkin

Interviewed by

Rana

Foroohar Bestselling Author, Co-Anchor of Associate Editor of the Squawk Box & Financial Times, Global Founder of DealBook Economic Analyst and Bestselling Author

Civil Discourse & Debate

Health & Wellbeing

Economy

February 24

March 3

April 20

Visit newalbanyfoundation.org for ticket information. Special Program Underwriter Season Sponsors

The New Albany Lecture Series Endowment Fund Supporters Donna & Nick Akins Fund Karen & Irving Dennis Family Fund Ben W. Hale Jr. Memorial Fund Linda Hondros and John Hondros, In Memoriam and the Hondros Family Foundation Judge Family Fund

newalbanyfoundation.org | #NALectureSeries | Follow us on

Krumm Family Fund Redgrave Family Fund Ryan Family Fund Lynne & Steve Smith Family Fund Leslie H. Wexner New Albany Lecture Series Fund Wolman Family Fund

Fall for Healthy Living Upcoming programs for all ages from Healthy New Albany By Dylan Telerski, Healthy New Albany Communications Director As the back-to-school season brings fresh routines, it’s the perfect time to invest in your own wellbeing. This fall, Healthy New Albany is offering dozens of opportunities at the Philip Heit Center for Healthy New Albany to help you move more, eat well and learn something new.

Move Your Body

Everyday Sourdough: Discard Edition

Tai Chi: From Skill to Mastery

A beginner-friendly workshop on turning sourdough discard into muffins and the viral discard Cheez-Its, with takehome recipes and tips.

Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself or decompress, there’s a class to match your pace. Adults | Wednesdays at 10:30 AM | Sept. 16-Dec. 16

A rigorous class for long-term practitioners with a solid grasp of the standard form, focused on internal development and the meditative depth of Tai Chi. Ballroom Dancing: Step Up Your Style

Adults | Thursdays at 6:00 PM | Sept. 17-Nov. 12

Ages 16+ | Saturday, Sept. 26 at 11:00 AM

Everyday Sourdough: A Beginner Workshop Ages 16+ | Sunday, Oct. 25 at 3:00 PM

A relaxed, hands-on introduction to naturally leavened sourdough, covering starter maintenance through shaping and baking a loaf at home.

A comprehensive series taking dancers from first steps to intermediate figures across smooth and Latin styles, building technique, balance and floorcraft. No partner required.

For Kids & Teens

The Art of Slowing Down

Fuel and Fit Mini-Series

Adults | Saturdays at 2:00 PM | Sept. 19-Oct. 10

A gentle, guided workshop combining stretching, breathwork and gratitude practices to help participants relax, reduce stress and reconnect with the present moment. Pilates Fusion Pop Up

Ages 13+ | Tuesdays at 6:00 PM | Sept. 22 and Oct. 6

A dynamic full-body workout blending Pilates, functional strength and light cardio for a strong, energized session. NIA: Holistic Fitness Practice

Adults | Wednesdays at 6:00 PM | Sept. 23-Nov. 18

Neuromuscular Integrative Action (NIA) blends dance, martial arts and healing arts into an empowering workout for the body, mind and spirit.

Nourish Yourself

Slow down and savor something new through hands-on culinary workshops. The Art of Chai: Sip, Blend, and Connect Ages 10+ | Saturday, Sept. 19 at 3:30 PM

A hands-on workshop exploring the aromas, flavors and traditions behind authentic masala chai, where participants learn to blend and brew their own tea.

Tai Chi

Help young people build confidence through programs that encourage creativity, healthy habits and practical life skills. Grades 4-6 | Tuesdays at 3:30 PM | Sept. 15-Oct. 6

Fuel and Fit pairs hands-on cooking lessons with fun movement activities to build healthy habits, confidence and selfesteem in young girls. Care with Confidence: Babysitter Safety

Ages 10+ | Sunday, Sept. 20 and Oct. 11 at 1:30 PM

A hands-on Babysitter Safety Certification class covering first aid, emergency response and safe caregiving practices, with an American Heart Association Babysitter Safety and CPR Certification awarded on completion. Peace, Purpose & Power

Ages 11-14 on Sunday, Sept. 27 at 2:00 PM Ages 7-10 on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 6:00 PM

Helps middle and high school youth build confidence, emotional awareness and healthy coping skills through guided discussion, mindfulness and journaling. The Play Spot Pop Up

Ages 1-5 | Monday, Oct. 5 at 10:00 AM

A play-based program designed by a pediatric speechlanguage pathologist and occupational therapist to build motor skills, language and social interaction through sensory play and games.

www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

Everyday Sourdough

Fuel and Fit

Little Zen & Me

Step into the Apothecary: Herbal Tinctures

A playful, connection-focused yoga class for toddlers and their adult, using animal-inspired movement, breathing techniques and bonding poses.

A hands-on mini-lab teaching tincture-making basics, from alcohol content and filtration to dosing, with a custom blend to take home.

Women’s Health Series

Support & Wellbeing

Midlife Metabolism Reset

Hands That Heal: CPR Certification

Explains the midlife shifts behind weight gain, low energy and insulin resistance, with realistic strategies to protect muscle and improve metabolic health.

An American Heart Association CPR/AED certification class covering hands-on techniques for cardiac and breathing emergencies in adults, children and infants.

Understanding Your Mammogram: Next Steps

Finding Your Rhythm in Grief

Demystifies the mammogram process, explaining what results and callbacks mean and how to feel prepared to advocate for your health.

A four-week music therapy series using guided musical activities to help participants process and honor loss in a supportive, communal setting.

The Menopause Reset: Real Solutions

Breastfeeding Basics: Preparing for Success

Breaks down what’s really happening during perimenopause and menopause, with practical strategies for sleep, mood and energy.

An interactive class led by an IBCLC covering feeding positions, early cues and troubleshooting to help expectant parents feel confident and prepared to breastfeed.

Ages 3-6 | Wednesdays at 9:30 AM | Oct. 14-Nov. 18

In partnership with Mount Carmel Health System, get trusted guidance on the health topics women ask about most. Monday, Sept. 28 at 6:00 PM

Monday, Oct. 5 at 6:00 PM

Monday, Oct. 19 at 6:00 PM

The Gut–Menopause Connection Monday, Nov. 2 at 6:00 PM

Explores the two-way link between hormones and the gut microbiome during menopause, with practical strategies to support digestion and overall balance.

Adults | Sunday, Nov. 1 at 2:00 PM

Build essential life skills and find support through life’s biggest moments. Ages 10+ | Sunday, Sept. 27 and Oct. 25 at 10:00 AM

Adults | Wednesdays at 11:45 AM | Oct. 7-Nov. 18

Adults | Saturday, Oct. 10 at 9:00 AM

Your Natural Apothecary

Learn hands-on herbal skills rooted in traditional wisdom and everyday use. Herbal Skills Every Home Should Know

Adults | Wednesdays at 6:00 PM | Oct. 28-Nov. 18

A four-part herbalism series teaching practical, budgetfriendly skills for first aid, seasonal illness, a home apothecary and stress support.

www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

personalities By Garth Bishop Photos courtesy of Lauren Davie

From Hoops to Hope One-time NAHS basketball player works to ensure community members have the same support she had

s those who make an effort to get more involved in the New Albany community can attest, there’s an extraordinarily long list of opportunities to do so, and Lauren Creasap Davie may know that list better than anyone. Davie, 41, has been involved with the New Albany Women’s Network, New Albany Moms Association, New Albany Community Foundation and Miracle League. She’s part of a book club. She even recently joined a mahjong group. And almost every time she exercises – whether 14

it’s a trip to the tennis court or just a walk around the neighborhood – she’s reaching out to a friend to come with her. “Giving back and making someone else’s day have always been part of my DNA,” Davie says. So why the commitment to community? Some of it is just her natural inclination, Davie says, but much of her drive to contribute traces back to her experience growing up in New Albany, after her family moved from Gahanna prior to her sixth-grade year.

Athletic inspiration As her multiple inductions into the New Albany Athletic Hall of Fame would suggest, Davie was a standout athlete during her time at New Albany High School, from which she graduated in 2004. Over her four years at NAHS, she competed in cross country, soccer and track, but as an athlete, she might be best known locally for her time on the basketball court. In 2003, the Eagles – with Davie as a starting forward – made it all the way to the state final four. They were the only public-school team to make it that far in 2003 and, to this day, are the only girls’ basketball team from New Albany to reach the state semifinals. “There were a lot of firsts in my time,” Davie says. The 2003 basketball Eagles were inducted into the New Albany Athletic Hall of Fame in 2023, following Davie’s individual induction in 2013. She lettered all four years in basketball, cross country and track, and would receive a full athletic scholarship to play for Mercyhurst University, though she would transfer to Ohio University to finish her education. Outside of her NAHS athletic career, Davie was already looking for ways to get involved in the community. She sang in the choir, served on student council and participated in the school’s leadership program. “I’m still that person today,” Davie says. “I think it goes back to how much I enjoy and love people. When that’s reciprocated, you’re my friend for life.” Throughout her time in high school, Davie was continually amazed by New Albany’s dedication to her, her teammates and her friends. The community was www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

deeply invested in their success, she says, and the team parents worked tirelessly to support them every way they could. It might be an understatement to say that inspired her. Today, anytime someone asks her to get involved in an organization or cause in her community, Davie’s default answer is yes. “I have to push myself to go to these things because it’s what brings me happiness,” she says. “I try not to say no too much. Or at all, really.” The road back to New Albany Davie and her husband, Adam, an architect, live in New Albany with their two elementary school-aged sons. Davie had moved to Washington, D.C. for work after graduating from OU in 2008, but the family moved back to New www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

Albany in 2018. Adam is from Ohio as well, having grown up in Sandusky, and the two decided it made sense to move here to be closer to family. They weren’t planning to land in New Albany, Davie says, but that’s how things worked out – and that suited her just fine. “I have such a deep appreciation for the community and the people that have been pioneers in building the community,” she says. Since 2024, Davie has worked as a real estate agent for Engel & Völkers, selling all throughout central Ohio but primarily here in New Albany. Prior to that, much of her career had been spent in the financial sector, but at every employer, she tended to work cross-functionally, supporting different departments and connecting team members.

She’s found working in real estate to be very fulfilling, not least because it gives her so many more opportunities to interact with people. It’s also given her a new avenue to get involved, including with the Special Olympics, for which Engel & Völkers regularly raises money. “I’ve always wanted to give back… but now I have a bigger platform to be able to do more,” Davie says. Involvement in the community Davie isn’t satisfied just being part of community groups herself. She also makes it her mission to connect as many people as possible from her different circles: work, charity, professional development, wellness, even longtime friends from her high school basketball days, with whom she makes sure to get together at least once a year. 15

THE DAVE FOX DIFFERENCE

One of Davie’s favorite ways to give back is through the Byron Saunders Foundation, the New Albany-based nonprofit that provides Thanksgiving meals – 15,000 of them this past year – to families in need throughout greater Columbus. She spent much of the summer helping to organize the foundation’s annual Dancing with Our Columbus Stars event, a ballroom dancing-centric fundraiser that, this year, took place in August. Davie has also coordinated fundraisers through the women’s empowerment foundation she started, She Rises. It holds an annual fundraiser in support of a designated cause, which, this year, will be The Byron Saunders Foundation. Last year, the fundraiser supported New Albany-based Buddy Up for Life, which offers adaptive athletic programming for people with Down Syndrome. In 2027, Davie hopes to find a beneficiary that works with children battling cancer, possibly in conjunction with Nationwide Children’s Hospital. It’s a cause particularly close to Davie’s heart, as her older son’s best friend, Mateo Garcia, died in 2025 of acute myeloid leukemia at just 7 years old. Now, she is a member of one of the hospital’s TWIGs (Together With Important Goals), groups of women who organize fundraisers in support.

Experience

Staying healthy Of late, tennis has been Davie’s favorite means of wellness, though she still walks and lifts weights as well. Learning the sport has been an ongoing challenge, she says, because much of the movement runs counter to her long-held basketball instincts. But she’s a naturally competitive person, so she’s dedicated to the learning process, she says. In a continuing theme for Davie, one of her instructors suggested she join a team. She wasn’t sure she was ready to do that, but she was asked, so she went ahead with it anyway and has quickly gotten used to it, she says. And her children are already discovering their own athletic interests. They play baseball, basketball and soccer, and the family frequently attends NAHS basketball and baseball games. In addition, both children have gotten into swimming, which was another of Davie’s standout sports until, as a very individual-oriented sport, it ceased to hold her interest. “They have athletic parents, so they’re trying all the things out,” she says.

WWW.DAVEFOX.COM 16

(614) 459-7211

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

onthepath By Rachel Hanz Photos courtesy of New Albany Community Foundation and New Albany-Plain Local Schools

Milestone Marker

Community developments and changes throughout 15 years of publishing

s the magazine kicks off its 16th year, our team reflects on how much the New Albany community has changed since our first issue.

Mariel Hemingway visited New Albany in October of 2015 as the first mental health speaker hosted by the New Albany Community Foundation.

New Albany Community Foundation As a fundamental community organization, the New Albany Community Foundation has been supporting its local community for decades through partnerships, grants and connections. Over the past 31 years, the Foundation has awarded more than $25 million in grants across its four strategic areas of impact, including health and wellness. In recent years, these grants have supported mental health programs such as Wellbeing Connection, health organizations including Lifecare Alliance and Pink Ribbon Good, as well as Buddy Up for Life and Miracle League to help increase accessibility to sports. The Foundation has supported mental health as well through its Lecture Series, hosting its first mental health speaker, Mariel Hemingway, in 2015 after discussions with the schools showed a growing need in the community. “Where we could be helpful was to bring celebrities for the lectures that would break the stigma,” says Foundation President Craig Mohre. “The stigma was, you don’t talk about mental health. It’s nobody’s business. So, by bringing a celebrity who’s willing to talk about their issues and their experience, we invite the community into a community dialogue, and a lot of good things came from that.” Some examples of community outreach the Foundation have done include aiding the Healthy New Albany Food Pantry and some school programs, including the rowww.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

Since 2009, the Healthy New Albany Food Pantry has provided fresh produce, shelf-stable foods and personal care items to those in the community and attending New Albany-Plain Local Schools.

New Albany-Plain Local Schools supports student mental health and well-being through the House System, which was first introduced during the 2011-2012 school year.

botics team so it could create PPE equipment for healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the programs and ways it has supported New Albany have changed over the years, Mohre says the Foundation will always look for ways to give back and help the community prosper. The City of New Albany With a current population of roughly 11,770, with 3,794 homes across 22.3 square miles, the community has grown exponentially. Despite the changes over time, the City of New Albany has remained true to its four pillars: lifelong learning, health and wellness, arts and culture, and environment and sustainability. This can be seen through the more than 84 miles of trails, 22,500 street trees that helped the City earn its Tree City USA Community status, and the 10 parks and nature spaces in the surrounding area. www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

“I think when people around central Ohio think of New Albany… they know that we have a very clear focus on health and wellness,” says Mayor Sloan Spalding. On the horizon is the opening of the long-awaited 185,890 square-foot New Albany Fieldhouse & Community Center. New Albany-Plain Local Schools Much like the City and its residents, the New Albany-Plain Local School District has supported the physical and mental health of its students for years. The district has long-standing programs – such as the nearly 12-year partnership with Concord Counseling Services, and the ROX program, which has been with the schools for roughly six years and centers around empowering young female students – and newer projects such as the House System that encourage student wellness and connection in and beyond the classroom.

Several partnerships, including with the New Albany Food Pantry and Philip Heit Center for Healthy New Albany, allow the district to provide opportunities for its students that encourage unique learning experiences as well as giving back to the community. But the district isn’t the only one doing outreach in New Albany. Over the 14 years that Director of Communications Patrick Gallaway has been with the district, he has seen countless students pour their time and energy into various programs. “I’m really impressed with the opportunities that our kids take on themselves in the greater community,” Gallaway says. “Whether it be a 5K run for charity or getting involved in some other type of activity that might be outside of school, it’s also something that they can pull friends into to get them more engaged in it as well.” 19

Business Backing As the city has continued to grow, so has the New Albany International Business Park. Now stretching over 12,000 acres, the Park is home to more than 60 businesses and counting, many of which fall into the medical, pharmaceutical and life-science categories. From the state-of-the-art medical campuses to production and research spaces, the New Albany Company and the City of New Albany have helped bring organizations such as Hims & Hers, Amgen, American Regent and Pharmavite to New Albany.

Students also keep themselves active with countless health- and wellnessrelated clubs through the school, ranging from Fitness and Pickleball Clubs to the Environmental Club. Healthy New Albany, Inc. What started as an idea by Dr. Phil Heit in 2003, which led to the creation of the Healthy New Albany Walking Classic®, the nonprofit known as Healthy New Albany has offered educational and healthful programming to the New Albany community since 2010. Healthy New Albany has worked to offer opportunities for the community that reflect and connect back to its own four pil-

lars: fostering knowledge through education, connecting neighbors with nature, providing vital nourishment through the food pantry, farmers markets and classes, and inspiring movement in every stage of life. Some of the newest offerings returning or making a debut this fall include: music therapy workshops with licensed music therapist Jennifer Yurkovich; a four-part herbalism class series led by Healthy New Albany Farmers Market vendor Brandon Elijah Scott of Woodland Herbal; and expanded yoga offerings with a new caregiverand-child yoga class for children ages 3-6. While the programs offered over the years have changed, Executive Director Rachel Haugk says the passion and mean-

In the coming years, the Park will also welcome the Ohio Life Science Training Center, a roughly $30 million investment backed by JobsOhio and the City of New Albany, which will help future staffing needs in the biopharma manufacturing sphere. That support isn’t just seen in the workforce, as Spalding says the impact of those businesses and organizations can be seen throughout New Albany. “Bringing those companies to the community, they’re very engaged on all of the activities that we want to also support,” he says. “So, whether it’s a 5K run, the Walking Classic or Pelotonia, all of those health and wellness activities are obviously supported by these companies because it’s who they are.” 20

www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

2025

Jenny R. Maple, DDS, MS Samantha L. Marks, DDS, MS Orthodontic Specialists

ing behind them have and will continue to stay the same. “Healthy living looks different for everyone, and our programming should reflect that. By listening to our community and its evolving needs, we’re continually identifying opportunities to expand the ways people can accessibly connect with wellness,” she says. “That same commitment guides everything we do, from increasing access to nutritious food to creating new opportunities for people to care for their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.” Rachel Hanz is the lead editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at rhanz@cityscenemediagroup.com.

www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

Tips & Trips S P O T L I G H T • Miles for Meals • Training your heart • Post-race recovery tech • Walking yoga • Unique running events 22

www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

Save the Date Healthy New Albany Walking Classic Sept. 13 www.healthynewalbany.org

Miles for Meals The Walking Classic’s next chapter By Rachel Haugk Photos courtesy of Healthy New Albany

or more than two decades, the Healthy New Albany Walking Classic® has been a cherished community tradition. Each September, neighbors, families and friends gather on the streets of New Albany – some chasing PR times, others simply enjoying the chance to move together – all united in support of community wellness. Over the years, this event has become more than a walk through tree-lined neighborhoods. It has become a celebration of connection, generosity and health. As we look ahead to the 2026 Walking Classic, I am excited for a new chapter in this long-standing event. This year, the Healthy New Albany Walking Classic is narrowing its focus to directly support one of our community’s most essential resources: the Healthy New Albany Food Pantry. This evolution reflects both the growing needs we see in our community and the extraordinary generosity of those who continue to step forward to help. Just last year, the Healthy New Albany Food Pantry provided roughly 250,000 meals to neighbors experiencing food insecurity, helping ensure local families and individuals had reliable access to the nutrition they need to thrive. This year’s “Miles for Meals” theme brings that mission to the forefront. Every step taken on Sept. 13 helps ensure that neighbors in our community aren’t facing impossible choices between groceries and medications, or between putting food on the table and keeping the lights on. Held during National Hunger Action Month, a time when communities across the country come together to raise awareness about food insecurity and 24

take action to help neighbors in need, the Walking Classic brings us together around a need that exists closer to home than many might expect. While the focus is evolving, the spirit of the Walking Classic remains unchanged. It will continue to be a welcoming, fun, walking-only event designed for participants of all ages and abilities. Whether you are a long-time competitor or a walker considering joining for the first time, there is a place for you at the starting line. What has been especially inspiring is the enthusiasm from the community. Sponsors, volunteers and participants have embraced the opportunity to connect this beloved tradition more directly to helping local families. That excitement reminds me of what makes New Albany so special: When needs arise, this community responds with compassion, generosity and action. The Walking Classic has always represented healthy movement and community connection. Now, it also represents a shared commitment to ensuring that

when a neighbor hits a difficult season – a job loss, a medical bill, an unexpected setback – healthy food is one less thing they have to worry about. As we celebrate the Walking Classic’s 22nd year, we’re also proud to mark the 15th anniversary of Healthy New Albany Magazine alongside our partners at CityScene Media Group, who have helped share the stories, partnerships and impact of Healthy New Albany over the years. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has shaped the Walking Classic over the past 22 years and to those joining us as we step into this next chapter. I look forward to continuing this tradition alongside all of you and to the even greater impact we’ll make on our community. I look forward to walking Miles for Meals together on Sept. 13th. With gratitude, Rachel Haugk Executive Director, Healthy New Albany www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

Hunger Can Happen in Any Community Hunger doesn’t look the same in every community, but it exists everywhere. During National Hunger Action Month, people across the country come together to raise awareness and take action against food insecurity. By participating in the Healthy New Albany Walking Classic, you’re helping ensure local families and individuals have access to healthy food when they need it most.

www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

In the Zone Training your heart with heart rate zones and perceived exertion By Grey Romohr Photo courtesy of PeopleImages/iStock

ost people are familiar with the sight of the local power-walker speeding down the street. To onlookers, the benefits of walking every day may seem obvious. But what many people don’t realize is that these steady striders are often maximizing their workouts by training according to heart rate zones. What is a heart rate zone? Heart rate zones are used to reflect how hard your body is working during exercise, from a casual walk to intense weightlifting. Zone 1 is considered easy effort with minimal stress on the body. In Zone 2, breathing becomes more normal as intensity increases. By Zone 3, breathing and talking become difficult as you approach high intensity. Activity is hard to maintain in Zone 4 as your body approaches its limit. Finally, Zone 5 represents maximum effort, where breathing is heavy and maintaining activity is nearly impossible. Once you are out of breath, you may have also approached your maximum heart rate.

Zone

Range

Benefits

RPE

Effort

50-60%

Supports warm-ups, recovery and everyday movement 1-2

Easy to speak

60-70%

Builds endurance, improves cardiovascular health

3-4

Speech becomes broken

70-80%

Increases stamina and aerobic fitness

5-6

Talking is difficult and breathing heavy

80-90%

Improves speed and endurance

7-8

Cannot speak, forceful breathing

90-100% Builds maximum intensity and athletic output

9-10

Borderline breathless www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

LEG PAIN?

Call Us Today For Your FREE Leg Screening! Burn, baby, burn Lower heart rate zones are typically used for warming up, improving endurance and recovery. As exercise intensity increases, the body requires more energy and different types of fuel. Low-intensity exercises burn fat, while moderate- to high-intensity exercises burn protein reserves and carbohydrates because they generate energy faster. Training across multiple heart rate zones can help improve cardiovascular health, supporting a range of goals, from weight management to athletic performance.

Leg pain may be caused by a more serious health concern. Here are some symptoms that may indicate you have a vein or artery blockage: • Pain in calf or thigh muscles when walking • Tingling, heaviness, numbness or swelling of your lower extremities • Restless legs at night when trying to sleep • Varicose veins (especially for women who develop varicose veins after pregnancy) • Sores and ulcers of the feet and ankle that don’t heal • Foot and ankle ulcers

Measuring with your heart To get a rough estimate of your maximum heart rate (MHR), subtract your age from 220. To place your heart rate in a zone’s percentage range during an exercise, divide your current heart rate by your maximum heart rate and multiply the result by 100 to get the percentage. Here is a helpful formula: (Heart Rate / MHR) x 100 = Zone Percentage Your maximum heart rate may differ from the calculated amount due to factors including genetics, general fitness, medications and anxiety.

Another measurement is the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) scale. RPE measures the body’s effort to continue an exercise on a scale of one to 10. As you move up the scale, speaking and breathing may become more difficult. Users of the RPE scale often find that it’s more personalized to their bodies. It is especially helpful when their heart rate is impacted by medications or anxiety. Slow and steady While there are plenty of methods to help catch you up to the neighborhood speed-walker, who has already lapped the block thrice over since starting this passage, the most effective way to train is consistency. Start slow and build a habit rather than focusing exclusively on heart rate zones. Before establishing a heavy regimen, speak with your healthcare provider or a personal trainer to determine what’s best for you. Grey Romohr is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com. www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

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

Call 614-426-VEIN (8346) and get a free leg screening and consultation with Ohio Vein and Vascular.

Ohio Vein and Vascular

Dr. Barry J Zadeh

Polaris

1070 Polaris Pkwy #100 Columbus, OH 43240

Dr. Joseph Centah

Downtown

500 East Main Street, Suite 210 Columbus, OH 43215

Reynoldsburg 6100 E Main Street, Suite #105 Reynoldsburg, OH 43213

614-426-VEIN (8346) — LoveYourVeins.com 27

Get Back on Your Feet Technology to speed up your post-race recovery By Abby Van Voorhis Photo courtesy of andreswd/AscentXmedia/iStock

unning and walking are great ways to train both body and mind, but for all their benefits, both can still leave you sore the day after a race. Post-race recovery routines are important to prevent injuries, ease discomfort and get you ready to get back out there. Over the years, different products and new technologies have come out to help athletes do just that. Here are a few new pieces of tech, as well as some budgetfriendly alternatives, to aid in your search for post-race relief.

1Air compression Hyperice’s Normatec 3 Legs use air to compress the muscles in your legs, helping reduce post-race aches and pains by temporarily increasing blood circulation. Working similarly to a blood pressure pump, the Legs help with both warm-ups and recovery for athletes at any level. If you don’t mind paying more for a sleeker and more user-friendly experience, try the new Normatec Elite Legs, which have removed the external motor and hoses. Compression can also be a preventative tool. Compression socks made specially for running can help boost blood flow and reduce swelling both during and after a race.

2Foam rollers Foam rolling is known to reduce muscle soreness. By massaging the muscles and tissues, you can loosen the tension, which can also aid in flexibility. This makes foam rolling not just useful for recovery routines, but also for warm-ups. There are hundreds of foam rollers on the market that vary in firmness, special features and price points to fit needs. The Therabody WaveRoller provides all the benefits of a simple foam roller while add28

ing vibration therapy technologies to help reduce pain and improve recovery times. Its namesake wavy texture adds additional pressure and traction. With five different vibration speeds, the WaveRoller is customizable to your needs. Use on your own routine or follow one on the Therabody app.

3Targeted nerve stimulation The peroneal nerve allows for movement and physical sensation throughout the lower leg and foot. By stimulating the peroneal nerve, you can increase blood flow to the legs, helping your body recover faster. You can stimulate this nerve on your own through specific stretches or the Firefly Recovery Device can do it for you. The thin band can be secured around the leg and provides quick electrical pulses to stimulate the peroneal nerve. Its simple, hands-free design allows for recovery almost anywhere. It is important to note that, due to the use of electrical pulses, Firefly should not be used by those with pacemakers and/or deep vein thrombosis.

4Percussive massage Massage guns aim to loosen tight muscles. Hyperice’s new Hypervolt 3 uses percussion massage therapy, making it ideal for athletes. Percussion massage uses more targeted pulses to provide relief deeper in the muscles. With five different head attachments, the Hypervolt 3 can be customized to your needs. It can also be connected to your phone via Bluetooth, where you can select different guided massage routines in Hyperice’s app – perfect for beginners and pros alike. Abby Van Voorhis is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

2 www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

It’s Experience, Service,

Communication & Evidence-Based care,

...that transforms ordinary, into extraordinary A Tradition of Orthodontic Excellence for 40+ Years

1977 - 2025

Jackie Berkowitz, D.D.S., M.S. Diplomate, American Board of Orthodontics

...and for many more years

Colonial Office Village 955 North Hamilton Road Gahanna, OH 43230 614-475-9800

ColumbusMakesArt.com is a project of:

Find events at ColumbusMakesArt.com/ARTober ArtMakesCbus

www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

Step and Stretch Walking yoga combines cardio with mindfulness to improve both physical and mental health By Ellie Keehn Photo courtesy of andreswd/AscentXmedia/iStock

or those seeking a form of exercise that stimulates the mind as well as the body, without putting undue wear and tear on the latter, walking yoga might be just what the proverbial doctor ordered. Walking yoga practitioners match breathing with their steps, occasionally pausing along the way to hold yoga poses.

Double the benefits Getting in daily steps offers benefits for people of all ages. According to Harvard Health Publishing, walking can help reduce joint pain, strengthen muscles, boost immune function, curb cravings, reduce the risk of certain cancers and even counteract the effects of weightpromoting genes. Yoga, meanwhile, can help with strength, balance and flexibility, as well as back and joint pain and cardiovascular health. In addition, yoga helps manage stress, boost mood and improve sleep. According to an article by registered Master Yoga Trainer Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, benefits of walking yoga include: • Reducing stress: The rhythm of walking and practicing calming yoga poses relaxes not only the body, but also the mind. • Promoting flexibility, strength and mobility: By walking and performing yoga poses at the same time, the practitioner builds muscle and stretches muscles deeper. • Boosting mental clarity: When you are aware of your body and your surroundings, you sharpen your focus. 30

• Improving sleep and emotions: By regulating your nervous system, you reduce anxiety and calm the mind for better sleep. Walking yoga vs. other forms of exercise Healthcare professionals usually recommend incorporating multiple forms of movement into your exercise regimen, but for those who find that difficult, walking yoga’s combined movement can be helpful. It poses less injury risk than strength training, it’s less expensive than gym memberships or Pilates classes, and it’s much easier to work into a schedule than a fitness class with a set start time. Ellie Keehn is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Yoga poses to practice while walking Upward Salute Standing Spinal Twist Shiva Twist

Yoga poses for walking breaks Gate Pose Chair Pose High Lunge www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

L AU R E N DAV I E

M + 1 74 0 . 9 7 5 . 1 8 2 6 L AU R E N DAV I E R E A LTO R . C O M L AU R E N DAV I E _ O H I O R E A LTO R

©2025 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.

www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

Ready, Set, Travel! Unique running events around the world By Abby Van Voorhis Photo courtesy of Albatros Adventure Marathons, Arctic Ice Marathon and SPACEROCK Trail Race

hether you are looking for one more race for the year or already planning ahead, consider making one of these world-class running events an exciting addition or the centerpiece to your next vacation.

Rounding out the year The Run For Your Life 5K/10K Series - The Outbreak Fairborn, OH

This race combines distance running with flag football. Survivors run the course and try to avoid getting bit (having flags pulled) by the zombies. Located approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from New Albany, this race is a great addition to an autumnal day trip to nearby Yellow Springs. Next Race: Sept. 27, 2026 SPACEROCK Trail Race Agua Dulce, CA

Vasquez Rocks Natural Park has a unique landscape and rock formations that have been a popular filming location for shows and movie franchises such as Star Trek. With some parts aligning with the Pacific Crest Trail, the various trail running courses feature significant elevation gain and descent, difficult terrain and otherworldly views. Next Race: Oct. 17, 2026 Athens Marathon - The Authentic Marathon and Athens, Greece

The modern marathon race is named for the ancient Athenian victory against the Persians at the Battle of Marathon – a 32

SPACEROCK Trail Race

declaration that was announced by the dying words of a foot soldier who had run the distance from Marathon to Athens. The route was recreated through the ancient city and mountainous countryside for the first modern Olympics in 1896. Next Race: Nov. 8, 2026

Cue up for next year Patagonia Running Festival Marathon

Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Held within one of Earth’s most dramatic landscapes, this festival celebrates nature as well as running and human endurance. Choose from one of five distance races and prepare to feel the sharp mountain air on your face as you weave below the granite peaks. Next Race: April 24, 2027

Great Wall Marathon Huangyaguan, China

Racers can take on one of the seven world wonders with this marathon. Located two hours northeast of Beijing, this marathon gives participants the chance to race up and down the stairs of the Northern Qi Dynasty battlement first built more than 1,400 years ago. Next Race: May 15, 2027 Midnight Sun Marathon Tromsø, Norway

More than 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle, competitors can race where the summer sun never sets. Deep into the night participants run across the arctic island in the light of the midnight sun surrounded by mountains, fjords and the vibrant Arctic Capital. Next Race: June 19, 2027

www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

Great Wall Marathon

Big Five Marathon

Entabeni, South Africa

Named for the five animals (buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and rhinoceros) that participants will likely see along this game reserve course, nothing separates runners and wildlife in this race held in northern South Africa. Next Race: June 19, 2027 Antarctic Ice Marathon

Union Glacier Camp, Antarctica

Travel to a place few will ever see for the chance to run across the ice fields at the bottom of the world. With a price tag of $22,500, this exclusive Antarctic adventure is often the grand finale to some runners’ goal to race on all seven continents. Next Race: Dec. 13, 2027 Big Five Marathon www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

Past races to keep on your radar Race to the Cave Half Marathon Cathedral Caverns State Park, AL

Race through the valleys and forests of northeastern Alabama before taking a subterranean turn for the last 1.2 miles as participants complete the race inside the caverns. Be sure to take in the geologic wonders as you run by, including a stalagmite forest and a frozen waterfall. Last Race: Feb. 28-March 1, 2026 7 Mile Bridge Run Marathon, FL

Tack on this run to your Florida Keys vacation. Race across the 6.8-mile bridge connecting Knights Key to Little Duck Key. With the open gulf on either side, you’ll feel like you’re running on water. Last Race: April 11, 2026

Antarctic Ice Marathon

Aliens vs. Astronauts 5K Houston, TX

Add a little friendly competition to your trip to NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Held right outside the Space Center, this race asks you to pick your team (aliens or astronauts) and encourages creative costumes. Last Race: May 9, 2026 Australian Outback Marathon Yulara, Australia

Race across the fiery red dirt in the brushlands of Australia’s remote Northern Territory. Appreciate the stunning views of the impressive and culturally significant rock domes Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Last Race: July 25, 2026 Race the Train Tywyn, Wales

Race a steam train across a multi-terrain course in a picturesque town along the coast of central Wales. Since 1985 the race has been organized by the Tywyn Rotary Club and has multiple distance options ranging from 3.5 to 14 miles. Last Race: Aug. 15, 2026 Not Since Moses 5K & 10K

Presenting Partners:

Marquee Season Show Sponsor:

Additional Support:

Education Series Sponsor:

McCoyCenter.org 34

Scan QR code for more details.

Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark, Nova Scotia

If you want to get even closer to running on water why not try running on the sea floor? Known for having the highest tides on the planet, for just a few hours over a few days each year the tides retreat far enough to expose part of the sea floor in the Bay of Fundy. Prepare to get muddy! Last Race: Aug. 16, 2026 Abby Van Voorhis is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

sc ne en e

weekend scene w ww w e e e k e eeeekkeeennddscene kennd scen s d ce e

WATCH, READ, EAT...WIN! A W E E K L Y D I G I TA L N E W S L E T T E R

B E E N T E R TA I N E D W I T H C I T Y S C E N E P I C K S MOVIES * SHOWS * BOOKS PERFORMANCES * MUSIC * EVENTS

THE WEEKLY WIN

SCAN THE CODE AND SIGN UP TODAY!

studentspotlight By Angelina Godfrey Photos courtesy of Ava Baker and James DeCamp Photography

From the Audience to Center Stage

Award-winning NAHS senior turns years of dedication and passion into a future in musical theater

ew Albany High School senior Ava Baker was leaving the theater after a long day of competitions in Texas when she was stopped by a little girl named Lila and her mother. The two praised her performance, and Lila’s mother told Baker how much she inspired Lila. This brief interaction reminded Baker of why she is in musical theater. “Just seeing myself in her eyes… seeing that and being able to be that… role model was just indescribable,” Baker says. From singing with family to winning local and national awards, Baker has grown as a performer over the years and is looking forward to where it may take her next. Following the music Baker is not new to performing. Having grown up with her mom always singing, Baker found herself wanting to sing as well.

She started musical theater in sixth grade, and after her first role in Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr., she fell in love and found herself signing up for professional voice lessons and looking forward to the next show announcement. “I knew at that point my heart was so into musical theater that I just couldn’t pass that up,” Baker says. Outside of her involvement with her schools’ productions over the years, Baker also worked on her skills by attending The Songbook Academy for summer programming and working with the Short North Stage as a performance intern since her freshman year. Under the mentorship of Dionysia Williams Velazco, award-winning director and choreographer at the Short North Stage, Baker says Williams Velazco leads the interns with passion and wisdom,

constantly giving feedback and praise to help her and others in the program grow. Star-studded spotlight After years of working on her craft, Baker has seen all that hard work recognized through awards and acknowledgements she has received in the past two years. In 2025, Baker was named the Most Promising Sophomore by the Schmidt Vocal Competition and a National Finalist in the National Association of Teachers of Singing’s National Student Audition. Most recently, she was awarded an honorable mention in the 2026 New Albany Symphony Orchestra Student Concerto Competition. Among these awards, her first remains close to her heart – when she won the CAPA Marquee Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2025 for her portrayal of Mama Martin in Chicago. The performance was special to Baker for multiple reasons, including giving her the chance to perform a solo on the Ohio Theatre stage, which Baker had seen performances on since she was little. www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

“Being able to look back on that opportunity to perform on that stage that little me wanted to be on was so special,” she says. The show goes on As she begins another season with the team at Short North Stage this fall, Baker is excited to take on the role as president of the leadership board, where she will help incoming interns find their footing. Looking to her future after high school, Baker is taking time away from competing to focus on college audition tapes so she can continue to pursue her passions. “I don’t have a dream school because going to school for theater and making that my life is the dream. That is my happy place,” Baker says. Although she has a few ideas of what she wants to do in school, such as pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theater and a bachelor’s in speech pathology in order to study the voice, Baker isn’t worried about the path ahead as long as it leads to the stage. “I have one plan, this is my plan, and I’m gonna find a way to make it happen,” she says. Angelina Godfrey is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Off-Stage Health Baker takes her vocal health seriously, saying she follows a ritual before and after each show to ensure her voice remains in good shape. She says just like any athlete who has to warm up before they do something, she needs to warm up her voice. She does this with vocal exercises and a nebulizer, which helps hydrate the vocal cords. After her shows, she relaxes her vocal cords with steam. Musical theater also provides Baker a mental release, as it is something that she finds herself coming back to even in the hard times because it gives her life purpose, and she adores it. “Honestly, a lot of times with singing you can connect your personal experiences, and it helps you sing through that. It’s a therapy,” she says. www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

food By Grey Romohr Photos courtesy of bonchan/iStock and Hector/Alamy

Frozen Bites

Defrosting the history of the frozen meal and modern concerns

ince the inception of the American frozen food industry in the 1920s, the act of preserving food via rapid freezing has been a polarizing topic. Despite the decreasing percentage of U.S. adults who have never eaten frozen entrees – 38 percent in 2024, down from 51 percent in 2017 per CivicScience surveys – some consumers still hesitate to shop the frozen aisle. Frozen fruits, vegetables and some proteins can be just as nutritious, and in some cases, even more nutritious than fresh options, particularly after several days of transportation and storage.

refrigerated transportation and the advent of television. Convenience was its biggest selling point. In 1948, in response to consumer complaints about product quality, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service developed principles for freezing meats and produce for public consumption that are still followed today. Why frozen foods are better today During the process of taking meat and produce from field to shelf, producers fol-

low very strict guidelines. In a matter of hours, food items undergo pre-treatment, which may include washing, blanching or cutting, before freezing. Research shows many frozen fruits and vegetables retain nutrients comparable to, and in some cases higher than, fresh produce that has spent several days in transit and storage. When produce is first harvested, it begins to lose nutrients. Freezing in sub-zero temperatures stops this loss of vitamins and minerals while the clock still runs on fresh items transported to grocery shelves.

A birds-eye view The frozen food industry was conceived by Clarence Birdseye, who took direct inspiration from Inuit fishermen in Newfoundland, Canada, where freshly caught fish froze almost instantly in the sub-zero temperatures. While revolutionary for its time, Birdseye and the frozen food market faced challenges. It wouldn’t be until the postWWII era that frozen foods would take off due to advances in refrigeration technology, improved www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

This detail didn’t happen. It was planned. The ornamental woodwork, glass, and surrounding cabinetry had to be proportioned as one composition. What feels effortless in the finished room began with deliberate decisions about scale, placement, and alignment.

˿ See the details behind this Columbus kitchen.

Today’s frozen food aisle also offers far more variety than it did decades ago, giving shoppers options that range from nutritious meal starters to restaurantinspired dishes. For meals marketed as healthy choices that target goals such as low calories or high protein, you can choose options such as a protein bowl or a vegetable-based lasagna, among other popular main entrees. Shoppers who are looking to bring restaurant classics to their homes without ordering out can also find options such as P.F. Chang’s chicken lo mein and Red Lobster’s cheddar bay biscuits. Desires for more diverse options can also be satisfied with frozen Southeast Asian dumplings, potstickers and beef bulgogi, Indian lamb saag, taquitos and more. On the lighter side, grab smoothie blends with in-season and out-of-season ingredients such as dragon fruit, strawberries and mangos. For the snackers, take a bite out of some croissants, pastrybites, Brazilian-style cheese bread and Polish pierogies.

Frozen Meal Recommendations • 20 g of protein • Less than 700 mg of sodium • 350-550 calories • Whole grains, legumes or vegetable-based carbohydrates Data and information from Clean Eatz Kitchen and GoodRx.

Proportion of door dictates the radius of the arch, so that is key when multiple doors are involved.

J S B ROWN CO.CO M | 614 . 324 .709 0 J.S. Brown & Co. is Columbus’ design-build firm for complex, structurally demanding remodels, where expertise and meticulous planning matter most. 40

How to shop smart While sub-zero freezing is a guaranteed lock on quality for individual items, whether it may be bags of mixed fruit or entrees, consumers should still pay attention to the nutrition labels. Many frozen vegetables and fruits contain no added preservatives due to the freezing itself preserving the food. For prepared meals, compare nutrition labels and ingredient lists, choosing products that are lower in sodium, contain fewer highly processed ingredients and provide a balance of protein, fiber and vegetables. For those using one-serving entrees as portion control, calorie count may be on your mind. Marketing on packages is often labeled as healthy but is low on calories. Consider preparing an additional side dish that contains vegetables or protein to make a full, balanced meal. Grey Romohr is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com. www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

living By Ellie Keehn Photos courtesy of Bob Webb Homes

Opening Doors New Albany sees home growth ahead of annual BIA Parade of Homes return

ursuing operations improvements, focusing on sustainability and investing in overall quality of life are goals listed in New Albany’s 2025 Annual Report and just some of the reasons residents agree that it’s an excellent place to live. According to New Albany’s Community Development Department, 40 new homes were built within city limits in 2025, contributing to the 3,882 total homes in New Albany today. The average number of persons per household is three, which is 20 percent higher than the rest of the Columbus metropolitan area, according to Census Reporter. Eighty-nine percent of these homes are owned by married couples. More than 25 percent of New Albany is used for residential land, allowing for the more than 80 miles of leisure trails, 2,000 acres of park land and 900 acres of green space according to the City, making it a must-stop location for this year’s BIA Parade of Homes. Explore builders’ newest projects and designers’ innovative spaces to get inspiration for your next remodel or even to find your dream home in this eight-day event. Two New Albany properties in the Parade, presented by multi-time “Best in Show” winner Bob Webb Homes, are ex-

amples of how you can elevate your home both inside and outside. Woodhaven, located on Steeple Wood Drive, is a 2,193 square foot, ranch-style home with three bedrooms, two-and-ahalf bathrooms and a three-car garage. With preserved mature trees along the neighborhood drive, the home is also only a six-minute walk to Rocky Fork Metro Park. Woodland Preserve is located on Reserve Run Way. This show home is 6,657 square feet with five bedrooms, fiveand-a-half bathrooms and a four-car garage. The inside has many amenities and unique features, including a wellness

room and fully-custom built-ins and trim. It has an outdoor living space featuring a port-cochère, and it is only one mile from Hannah Park and the community garden. The Parade of Homes is Sept. 17-27 from noon-6 p.m., Thursdays through Sundays. This free event spans across central Ohio and showcases homes in different regions and at different price points. For more information, visit www. biahomebuilders.com. Ellie Keehn is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

Ohio vs. National Homeowner Rates 2026 BIA Parade of Homes Thurs.-Sun., Sept. 17-20, 24-27 Noon-6 p.m. 42

According to Ohio’s Housing Finance Agency, in 2024 Ohio’s homeownership rate was almost five percent higher than the national average at approximately 70 percent. This is a sharp increase compared to the state’s previous year. Currently in New Albany, 89 percent of occupied homes are owned, leaving 11 percent as rental properties. Only 5 percent of the total homes are currently vacant, according to the Census Reporter. www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

e m o c l e W Home! R E A L E S TAT E M A R K E T P L A C E LD

The Powell Buehler Group (614) 915-4588

5673 White Goose Rd., Westerville | $315,000 Move-In Ready Asherton Grove Ranch Condo! Enjoy easy one-floor living in this quiet, friendly community minutes from Easton, Westerville, Gahanna and New Albany. Beautiful hardwood floors, vaulted Great Room with gas fireplace, freshly painted kitchen cabinetry and a light-filled sunroom overlooking green space. Two spacious bedrooms include an Owner’s Suite with private bath and walk-in closet. Extra-deep garage offers excellent storage. New 2026 water heater. Community amenities include clubhouse, pool, water, sewer and trash.

6817 Ridge Rock Dr., New Albany | $314,000 Rocky Ridge Ranch Condo! This beautifully maintained, one-owner ranch offers a desirable New Albany address with Columbus taxes. Enjoy an open floor plan with vaulted Great Room, galley kitchen, bright four-season room overlooking the pond, two spacious bedrooms and two full baths. The Owner’s Suite features a walk-in closet and private bath. First-floor laundry, oversized 2-car garage and fenced patio add convenience. Community amenities include clubhouse and low-maintenance living. New HVAC. Minutes to Easton, shopping, dining and highways.

COLDWELL BANKER REALTY ThePowellBuehlerGroup.com

Lauren Davie 740-975-1826 LaurenDavieRealtor.com 4386 Tarrytown Court, New Albany • 6,499 sq. ft., 6 Bed, 6 Bath, $2,100,000

Set within the prestigious Fenway neighborhood, this rare one-acre property offers timeless Georgian architecture, modern updates, and exceptional privacy. Positioned overlooking the Fenway pond, away from the main road and surrounded by mature trees, the home offers beautiful views while remaining connected to the heart of the community. Inside you will find an updated kitchen, five generous bedrooms, five full baths, three fireplaces, a home office, a mother-in-law suite, and two laundry spaces. With an expansive outdoor living area which enhances the home’s appeal, creating a private setting for gathering and relaxation. This home is a truly special property, pairing the serenity of a private one-acre setting with the convenience and lifestyle of one of New Albany’s most coveted neighborhoods.

Lauren.davie@evrealestate.com

Showcase your home listings to every homeowner in the New Albany school district. Your listings will also appear in the digital edition of the magazine, hosted on the Healthy New Albany Magazine home page: www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

Contact Gianna Barrett today for more information: 614-572-1255 • gbarrett@cityscenemediagroup.com

Get a great response from your ads in HEALTHY NEW ALBANY MAGAZINE! 44

www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

Top Homes Sold in New Albany New Albany home prices rose 10.5 percent in June 2026 compared to the previous year. Homes sold for a median price of $944,486 in June 2026. A total of 56 homes sold in June 2026, seven more than in 2025. On average, homes sold after 35 days on the market, compared to the previous year’s 36. All information is collected from Redfin and Franklin County Auditor.

7030 Hanbys Lp. 5 beds, 4.5 baths $2,035,000 Sold 5/29/26

4908 Brooksview Cir. 7 beds, 4.5 baths $1,100,000 Sold 6/1/26

7631 S. Goodrich Sq. 5 beds, 5.5 baths $1,395,000 Sold 6/2/26

7405 Britts Bend W. 4 beds, 3.5 baths $998,500 Sold 5/15/26

7375 Southfield Rd. 4 beds, 4.5 baths $1,395,000 Sold 6/23/26

10 Pickett Pl. 5 beds, 5.5 baths $970,000 Sold 6/3/26

9145 Lee Hall Ct. 7 beds, 6 baths $1,340,000 Sold 6/17/26

9280 Mcclellan Dr. 4 beds, 4.5 baths $950,000 Sold 6/2/26

4712 Millburn Pl. 3 beds, 3.5 baths $1,300,000 Sold 6/9/26

7425 Steeplechase Ln. 4 beds, 4.5 baths $945,000 Sold 6/29/26

2839 Highland Woods Blvd. 5 beds, 6 baths $1,225,000 Sold 6/1/26

7158 Tumblebrook Dr. 5 beds, 4 baths $936,500 Sold 6/17/26

UP TO $500 OFF ANY SERVICE *NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFERS. ONLY AT PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS. MUST BE PRESENTED AT TIME OF ESTIMATE. LIMITED TIME OFFER.

• Interior & Exterior Painting • Color Consultation

614.405.2172

• Deck and Fence Staining • Light Carpentry Work

FiveStarPainting.com

• Cabinet Painting • Wallpaper Removal • Paint now, Pay Later

www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED FRANCHISE.

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

By Ezekiel J. Emanuel, M.D., 2026 What is the secret to a long and healthy lifestyle? Ezekiel Emanuel believes that modern wellness culture has become overly complicated and filled with conflicting advice. In his book, he emphasizes that living well should mean incorporating wellness practices into daily routines, not maximizing lifespan at all costs. He believes that there are six simple, evidence-based behaviors that will

MAGAZINE

The Official Magazine of Healthy New Albany Inc.

help readers achieve this goal. Furthermore, to maintain a healthy lifestyle, readers should focus on sustainable habits and the simple pleasures in life that bring joy.

brain health by helping to regulate inflammation, blood sugar and overall body systems that influence cognitive function. Backed by sciencebased data, this book discusses how the brain has evolved to encourage movement for survivalrelated purposes. It emphasizes that our muscles communicate with the brain by releasing chemical signals that can influence mood, memory and aging. Finally, with a focus on practical expectations, Gary Wenk also challenges common extreme exercise beliefs by noting that exercise benefits depend on balance and context.

Stronger: How to Build Strength: The Secret to a Longer, Healthier Life By David Vaux, 2024 Building muscular strength is one of the best ways to improve long-term health, independence and longevity. Packed with proven scientific data, this book emphasizes that strength training supports muscles, bones, the nervous system and immunity while also helping to prevent frailty, injury and chronic decline as we grow older. It is never too late to start, and by using this book, readers will find a practical, easy-to-follow plan centered on a small number of essential movements. Following these tips can help make strength training a simple, accessible habit that anyone can make a part of their daily routine leading to a longer, healthier and more resilient life.

The Joy Choice: How to Finally Achieve Lasting Changes in Eating and Exercise By Michelle Segar, Ph.D., 2022 Why do rigid plans for diet and exercise often fail? According to this book, it is because traditional approaches to behavior change don’t fit the messy, unpredictable reality of daily life. Michelle Segar’s approach introduces the concept of choice points, moments when competing demands derail our intentions, and shows how 8 5 these are opportunities to make flexible, sustaining decisions. Her science-based strategy encourages readers to choose an option that feels 3 doable and motivating in the moment instead of trying to strive for perfection. Readers can build lasting, positive health habits that fit into real life when they choose small, enjoyable choices over 6 all-or-nothing thinking. 42

Move The Body, Heal the Mind: Overcome Anxiety, Depression, and Dementia and Improve Focus, Creativity, and Sleep

EVERY New Albany homeowner EVERY New Albany business Award-winning editorial!

GET NOTICED

Contact Gianna Barrett today for great rates!

614-572-1255

gbarrett@cityscenemediagroup.com 46

Physical activity affects the brain in complex ways. Moderate, regular exercise can support

HOME RD

M UIRFIEL D V IL L AGE

D UB L IN 270

Body Aware: Rediscover Your Mindbody Connection, Stop Feeling Stuck, and Improve Your Mental Health with Simple Movement Practices HIL L IA RD

SOUT

By Gary L. Wenk, Ph.D., 2021

HYATTS RD

J ERO M E V IL L AGE

Your Brain on Exercise

P OWEL L

By Jennifer Heisz, Ph.D., 2022 Exercise is a powerful medicine for the brain that can help reduce anxiety, depression and the risk of dementia by influencing brain chemistry and inflammation. Neuroscientist, Jennifer Heisz, explains how physical activity of any kind can assist in boosting mood, improving focus, enhancing sleep and supporting memory through biological changes in the brain. She also addresses why people struggle to maintain exercise habits. Readers will learn strategies to overcome mental barriers such as inertia, fear and lack of time. Through a combination of neuroscience research and practical advice, Heisz emphasizes that consistent movement, no matter how simple, can strengthen both mental and physical health across one’s lifespan.

SAWMILL PKWY

Eat Your Ice Cream: Six Simple Rules for a Long and Healthy Life

270

By Erica Hornthal, 2022

270 40

Reconnecting with the body through mindful movement can improve overall mental and emotional well-being. This book emphasizes that movement is more than just exercise. It shows that everyday physical actions influence thoughts, feelings and behavior. Readers will be guided to recognize where emotions are held in the body, how to release blockages and build healthier patterns through simple, accessible practices. Ultimately, movement is presented as a powerful tool to assist with resilience, self-awareness and personal transformation. 40

www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

UP P ER A RL INGTO N

LESNICK REAL ESTATE

More Than A Great Smile!

A Member of Trinity Health

drives new customers to these businesses and more! Call us for more information. 614.572.1240

D ELAWAR E

GALENA LEW I S CEN TE R

3 HAR L EM WESTERVILLE

10 23

C OLU M BU S

161

315

NEW AL BANY

605 MORSE RD

GAHANNA 70

cityscenecolumbus.com

sceneat Photos courtesy of City of New Albany

www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

Upcoming Events 1 1 Y N A B l A 9/10 NEW

1100//33

Okt obe rfe st

VEETTEERRAAN 11/6 6 V NSS D DAAYY B R E A K

F A S T

FOR MORE INFORMATION, SCAN THE QR CODE OR VISIT: NEWALBANYOHIO.ORG/EVENTS

11/7