A Legacy of Leadership Janet Tressler-Davis’ lasting impact on Westerville
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6 Community Calendar 8 Faces Janet Tressler-Davis 12 In Focus Compassion through art 16 Running in Westerville 20 Student Spotlight Otterbein thrift store 24 Living Accessible bathrooms 26 Luxury Living Real Estate Guide 27 Top Homes Sold in Westerville 28 On the Table Winter sips 30 Bookmarks
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Community Calendar Events on the horizon in Westerville
JanuaryFebruary Sat., Jan. 31 Plant & Seed Swap
3-5 p.m. Westerville Public Library 126 S. State St. www.westervillelibrary.org
Feb. 1-28 Periodic Table of Black History and Straw Rockets: Black History in Space Westerville Public Library 126 S. State St. www.westervillelibrary.org
Mon., Feb. 2 Film Screening: Camp Delaware 7-8:30 p.m. Westerville Public Library 126 S. State St. www.westervillelibrary.org
Fri., Jan. 2 and Feb. 13 American Red Cross: Blood Drive 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Westerville Public Library 126 S. State St. www.westervillelibrary.org
Thurs., Jan. 8 and Feb. 12 Cookbook Club: Comfort Food 6-7 p.m. Westerville Public Library 126 S. State St. www.westervillelibrary.org
Tues., Jan. 13, 20, 27 and Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24 Draw Together - Still Life Drawing 6:30-8:30 p.m. Daylight Artist Collective 9 E. College Ave. www.visitwesterville.org
Thurs, Jan. 15 and Feb. 19 Stained Glass Workshop with Kara Chapin 6-9 p.m. Daylight Artist Collective 9 E. College Ave. www.daylightartistcollective.com
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Sat., Jan. 17 Kitten Yoga
3-4 p.m. Westerville Public Library 126 S. State St. www.westervillelibrary.org
Mon., Jan. 19 No School – Westerville City Schools Martin Luther King, Jr. Day www.westerville.k12.oh.us
Mon., Jan. 19 MLK Breakfast Celebration
8:30-10:30 a.m. Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris Hotel 409 Altair Pkwy. www.leadershipwesterville.com
Fri., Jan. 23 Dry Capital of the World: The Prohibition Archive in Westerville 7-8:30 p.m. Westerville Public Library 126 S. State St. www.westervillelibrary.org
Feb. 5-8 Dead Man Walking presented by Westerville South High School Theatre 7-9 p.m. Westerville South High School 303 S. Otterbein Ave. wshs.westerville.k12.oh.us
Thurs., Feb. 5 Getting Older: Author talk with Robert Bailor 6:30-8 p.m. Westerville Public Library 126 S. State St. www.westervillelibrary.org
Sat., Feb. 7 Urban Strings Columbus: Youth Orchestra 2-3 p.m. Westerville Public Library 126 S. State St. www.urbanstringscolumbus.org
Sat., Feb. 7 Margarita (in the) ‘Ville
7-10 p.m. Otterbein University, The Point 60 Collegeview Rd. www.westervillerotary.org
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Photos courtesy of Westerville Public Library, Westerville City Schools, Otterbein University Theatre, MahLeah Cochran and Kara Chapin
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7:30 p.m. Feb. 15: 2 p.m. only Fritsche Theatre at Cowan Hall 30 S. Grove St. www.otterbein.edu
Emily Malik Bartko, DDS Dr. Malik’s daughter 2024 graduate of The Ohio State University College of Dentistry
Mon., Feb. 16 No School – Westerville City Schools Presidents’ Day www.westerville.k12.oh.us
Stephen R Malik, DDS –General Dentistry– Dr. Malik has more than 30 years of experience.
Mon., Feb. 16 Library Gets LOUD!
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Parent Teacher Conferences/Comp Day www.westerville.k12.oh.us
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Sun., Feb. 22 Leaping Lizards: Reptile Show
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• faces By Ella Jay Photos by Todd Yarrington and Ian Crumpler
Purpose in Practice Janet Tressler-Davis reflects on life and leadership in Westerville 8 January/February 2026
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h e n J a n e t Tre s s l e r- D a v i s stepped into the role of president and CEO of the Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce in 1992, she wasn’t just accepting a job; she was fulfilling her purpose. A lifelong Westerville resident with an innate calling to civic service, she brought an unmatched sense of compassion, commitment and vision to her position – shaping the trajectory of not just her own life, but also of the chamber and community itself. Following her retirement last October, Tressler-Davis reflects on the impact of her 33-year tenure. Westerville woman Long before Tressler-Davis became one of the most recognized leaders in Westerville, she was simply a young girl growing up in the community she’d one day help shape. She was raised in a house built by her parents on Walnut Street; attending kindergarten at the Masonic Lodge, grades 1-6 at St. Paul Catholic School, junior high at Blendon Middle School and high school at Westerville South High School.
Fun Fact Tressler-Davis first met her husband, Jim, in kindergarten – then, just a family friend. She and Jim have two children, Jordan and Jason, and are proud grandparents of two granddaughters. From the time she was a student, Tressler-Davis stayed busy with school and community activities. She danced, cheered, was on the synchronized swimming and diving team, practiced gymnastics and worked summers at the pool across from Blendon. Her involvement stemmed from her parents’ passion for service – her mother, she says, always volunteering somewhere, and her father, a Westerville City Council member for many years and mayor of the city for 11. “(My parents) were always doing something in the community,” she says. “It was very natural in our growing up. You just kept busy.” That outlook followed Tressler-Davis to Otterbein University – a family tradition – where she served as a resident
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Tressler-Davis with team members at her retirement celebration, October 2025.
assistant, cheered and worked part-time at the Northland Mall while majoring in speech communications and minoring in business. Her first job out of college was at JC Penney Casualty Insurance, where she was introduced to volunteering at the Westerville Music & Arts Festival – an opportunity that would unknowingly influence the rest of her life. She fell in love with volunteering at the festival, leading her to chair volunteer recruitment – a role she would hold for years – eventually taking on the benefits and logistics committees for the event as well. When JC Penney was bought by Metropolitan Life Insurance several years later, Tressler-Davis was given the option to move to Texas – but in her heart, she knew she wanted to stay in Westerville. So, she took an HR position at Columbus Children’s Hospital, where she worked for two-and-a-half years. Then, the president and CEO position at the Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce became available. “I jumped at it immediately,” she says. “I applied, interviewed at Otterbein University Campus Center, and I got the job there. And it’s been history ever since.” Creating a collaborative culture For Tressler-Davis, landing the position wasn’t just a match for her abilities – though she always enjoyed planning, organizing and leading – it felt like a role she was destined for. “It was a happy day,” she recalls fondly. “It was just a job I was meant for, and I just loved it.”
From the Chamber, With Love “Janet’s impact reaches far beyond Westerville. She didn’t just lead a chamber – she helped shape the industry across Ohio and beyond. The strength of our chamber and the vibrancy of our business community stand on the foundation she built. It’s a privilege to call her a mentor and a friend.” – Matt Lofy, President & CEO “Janet was the face of the Westerville Chamber… Her drive, energy and enthusiasm were endless and contagious. Janet loves the Westerville area to the nth degree, and this was crystal clear in all her efforts.” – Darlene Slater, Membership Engagement Coordinator “She is a steady, unwavering force of nature in a community that adores her. I am unbelievably lucky… to have been mentored and genuinely cared for by someone as wise, polished and fiercely kind as she is. At her retirement celebration, while our team stood behind Janet watching as Westerville honored her work and legacy, I felt a sense of pride and gratitude deep in my bones.” – Jessica Schwarz, Event Development Manager “She truly embodied Westerville and led with heart and passion every single day.” – Sophia Kisgeropoulos, Membership Development Director
It has never felt like a job. It felt like a purpose.
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When Tressler-Davis entered her role, the chamber had about 250 members, and the City itself was on the verge of expansion, looking to annex the 941-acre plot that is now Westar. With Westerville already a heavily-residential community, she immediately recognized an opportunity to strengthen the city’s business foundation. “The business aspect of our community was just ripe to grow,” she says. “Then, the 941 (made me) even more passionate about business benefits.” Tressler-Davis championed the evolution of how the chamber supports local businesses by taking already-established events – such as the Music & Arts Festival and Evening of Elegance – and expanding them in size, scope and sponsorship. She also launched several new initiatives. The Taste of Westerville spotlights local restaurants, Business Specials of the Week give members more visibility and chamber recognition has expanded to include not only Business Person of the Year, but also Young Professional and Veteran Champion awards. One of Tressler-Davis’ proudest initiatives is the Election Academy, a program designed to encourage business-minded individuals to pursue public office. Since its inception, several graduates have stepped into civic leadership roles.
Internally, Tressler-Davis transitioned the chamber from a heavily volunteerdriven model to one supported by professional staff, reflecting the same standards as the businesses it represents. “Ultimately, the financial stability of the chamber was important for me,” she says. “They always say, ‘Leave something better than how you found it.’”
Off the Clock Even in retirement, Tressler-Davis is looking to stay busy by continuing to support her community, starting with chairing a Westerville Rotary Club committee. In the meantime, she will continue to teach group fitness classes and looks forward to traveling and spending more time with family. That mindset led to one of the chamber’s biggest milestones: the establishment of its own, permanent building on Commerce Park Drive in 2002. Special interest groups also flourished under Tressler-Davis’ guidance. Women in Business, Young Leaders, SOHOs (small office/home office businesses) – and, at one time, the Bar Association and the CPA
Network – all provide tailored support across industries. Over the years, her commitment helped the chamber grow by 60 percent – now boasting more than 800 members – and earn widespread recognition and awards. Some of these awards include the Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award for Ethics and the Chamber Professionals of Ohio’s 2024 Chamber of the Year award. Beyond business Aside from business development, Tressler-Davis’ lasting impact is rooted in the community connections she’s helped build, especially those in collaboration with Westerville’s educators. Through initiatives such as Westerville Way and externship programs – now, WorkWISE – she strengthened the link between education and employment, preparing students for real-world opportunities and creating a pipeline of future talent for local businesses. “Number one from all of us (was always), ‘How can we be working together? Where do we need help from each other?’” she says. Thanks to her leadership style, the chamber has not only become a community hub where local businesses find support, but one where all kinds of partnerships form, ideas take shape and members invest in each other’s successes. Even in retirement, Tressler-Davis sees opportunity ahead. “There’s (still) more potential in the workforce space,” she says. “We’ve built a nice foundation… and I think they’ll be able to take it to the next level.” She also hopes to see the chamber bring back its nonprofit scholarship foundation – not just for students, but for local business owners as well. Make it a great day After three decades at the helm, Tressler-Davis hasn’t just left a record of achievements, she’s left a culture of purpose, progress and people-first leadership – ensuring Westerville thrives for generations to come. And, for her, stepping away doesn’t mean stepping out: Westerville will always be home, and the chamber will always be a part of her story. “I’ve loved every day of this work,” she says. “It has never felt like a job. It felt like a purpose.” Ella Jay is an assistant editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at ejay@cityscenemediagroup.com.
10 January/February 2026
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• infocus
By Amanda Stevens Photos by Cheyn Roux
Creative Compassion
Nonprofit bridges mental health awareness and accessible care through art and community cultivation Creative Collaboration Scatter Joy consists of a team of people who help with everything from designing apparel to running the storefront and producing content for social media. Scatter Joy also works with a collection of more than 35 creative advocates – artists and professionals from all over the world who embody Scatter Joy’s mission, supporting it by coming to events and performing, wearing apparel or sharing the mission on their platforms. Additionally, Scatter Joy has worked with different businesses, organizations, athletic teams and schools to lead mental health-related talks and workshops such as “More Than a Word,” which focuses on the relationship between mental health and personal values.
M
ental health has become an increasingly discussed topic in recent years with various groups working to raise awareness. However, The Scatter Joy Project, a nonprofit founded in 2021 by Westerville resident Zach Thompson, takes discussions about mental health a step further. Dubbed as “the creative mental health company,” Scatter Joy seeks to build community, spark conversations and make obtaining mental health care more approachable, affordable and accessible through its events and free resources. A time of need During the COVID-19 pandemic, having just welcomed his first child with his wife, Molly, Thompson was reading Ralph Waldo Emerson when the inspiration for Scatter Joy jumped off the page: “There is no beautifier of complexion, or form, or behavior, like the wish to scatter joy and not pain around us,” Emerson wrote in The Conduct of Life (1860). Having experienced his own mental health battles and recognizing the struggles other people were facing, he felt compelled to create something that went beyond raising awareness. “Awareness is at an all-time high, but so are statistics,” Thompson says. “So, we wanted to create something that not only created awareness but actually pulled people from awareness to action.” Scatter Joy’s initial launch was centered on an apparel line, and its first collection sold out within two days. Apparel and donations are Scatter Joy’s main sources
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“There is no beautifier of complexion, or form, or behavior, like the wish to scatter joy and not pain around us.”—Emerson
Connection through art Another way in which Scatter Joy reaches people is through events, such as Studio Stories, during which artists perform and then sit down to share their journey with mental health. After starting to host events in 2022, filming them and posting on social media, Thompson says Scatter Joy’s following has increased, attracting people who are both interested in its work and need its resources. Thompson believes there’s a natural intersection between art and mental health, and Studio Stories provide the opportunity for meaningful conversations and connections between artists and audience members. “Artists tell stories from a place of joy, or hope, or sorrow and struggle, and then they just communicate the human experience in between those two,” Thompson says. “Because we can see ourselves within someone else’s story, it’s an incubator for empathy as well.”
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of funding for resources such as the Crisis Text Line, the Find Help Network and the Therapy Fund, which covers three to six therapy sessions if affordability is a barrier. Apparel also contributes to spreading brand awareness, with some people learning about the company by seeing others wear Scatter Joy T-shirts or hoodies. “It creates this opportunity for activism and storytelling and sharing about personal mental health journeys, struggles and successes,” Thompson says.
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Community initiatives Scatter Joy additionally encourages conversation and fosters community by engaging in various initiatives. “When we think about mental health, we think about community care as part of that solution,” Thompson says. “And so how do we feel like we can empower and engage the community to care for and feel confident in showing up in other people’s lives, especially in the really fast-paced, busy culture that we live in?” Initiatives include random acts of joy during Mental Health Awareness Month in May, where people are encouraged to make a list of acts of joy and then go do them for others. Scatter Joy has also done a community service scavenger hunt, where people search for ways to be of help.
A safe space Central to event hosting is Scatter Joy’s storefront, which opened in June 2025. Located at 986 N. High St., it includes retail for Scatter Joy apparel, a bookstore and a donation-based coffee bar, but Thompson emphasizes that it’s ultimately a community hub where people can hang out without having to buy anything. He says it would be a dream to be able to replicate the storefront in other areas in Columbus or even different parts of the nation. In addition to being a space outside of work and home, the storefront is a venue for events such as Morning Set, which takes place on the first Saturday of every month and features a DJ playing soulful or experimental music while guests enjoy coffee or socialize. Scatter Joy also started Album Club in November, which allows members to meet and discuss a different album each month, much like a book club.
During Suicide Prevention Month in September, Scatter Joy passes out roses to raise awareness and remind people of their worth. In terms of public reception, Thompson says Scatter Joy has only been met with gratitude and admiration. “I think that speaks to the urgency of it being needed, of the uniqueness of our project and how we show up in certain spaces,” he says. “I think it just further lights a fire beneath us to go do really good and impactful work.” Thompson says he’s seen more people in his own community become open to sharing their stories. Further, he says the support Westerville gives to people who need it influences his own work. “(Scatter Joy) is inspired by what exists here in Westerville, and that is a heart for compassion and empathy,” Thompson says. “That heart drives us every single day, every single decision that we have to make.” A personal journey Thompson says Scatter Joy is an ever-evolving experiment, something he has reconciled with as a recovering perfectionist. Seeing Scatter Joy as an experiment rather than a finality is a mentality he applies to his personal life. “I don’t need to be perfect. I’m an experiment. I’m continuing to grow,” Thompson says. “That saved me a lot in the sense of pressure and shame and guilt for it not being the thing that I wanted it to be.” Thompson was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder in seventh grade and struggled silently for years. He says it took a health scare
14 January/February 2026
in college to finally get himself the help he needed and wishes he had grown up with something like Scatter Joy. “I wish I had a community that really painted the picture that it was okay to feel how I was feeling, that I didn’t need to wrap myself in shame to feel motivated to move and exist and pretend to be fine every single day,” Thompson says. Central to Scatter Joy’s tagline, “There is strength in your story,” he wants people to feel empowered by their experiences. “Whatever you feel shame in and whatever you’ve gone through that’s really hard in your life actually uniquely qualifies you to help someone go through something similar in their life,” Thompson says. Amanda Stevens is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.
Community members can consistently support Scatter Joy through its membership program, The Society, which launched this past year. The program helps fund mental health resources such as the Therapy Fund and also includes personal perks such as a newsletter and free T-shirt. Learn more at www.thescatterjoyproject.com.
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Runner’s High Inside Westerville’s thriving, multi-generational running scene By Megan Brokamp Photos courtesy of Columbus Running Company
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en years ago, run clubs were designated for marathon trainers or 5K enthusiasts. Group runs were large-scale, centered around upcoming races and primarily void of younger generations. Now, it’s difficult to take a walk on a trail after 5 p.m. without seeing a run club whiz by, packed with runners of all ages. “Right now, the running scene is booming, and that’s true across the entire country,” Eric Fruth, co-owner of Columbus Running Company, says. “But when we look locally, Westerville is very much a hub of what’s happening in Ohio, and it’s been really fun to watch.” The swell of the running wave Fruth explains that prior to COVID-19, most run clubs were training-focused. However, when these large groups couldn’t meet in 2020, small groups began popping up in communities that had more of a social focus. These clubs were a way for people to get outside and socialize with neighbors in a small-scale setting. In a time of isolation, what was once deemed a solitary sport transformed into a vehicle for connecting with others. As the world came back to life, these micro-groups stayed. As time has progressed, social run clubs steadily grew, but the age group remained around 30 years and above. “In 2021 and 2022, there was a lot of panic in this industry (surrounding) 20-year-olds finding their way For those who enjoy solo runs, route options in Westerville are endless. However, the cominto running,” Fruth says. “And then, munity’s organized group runs are also a huge draw for residents. when it became part of the Instagram Columbus Running Company hosts group runs on Saturday mornings at each of its eight algorithm, they suddenly all started locations, including its Westerville shop located at 50 N. State St. Each Saturday at 8 a.m. sharp, showing up to all these runs, and now runners can pick a route length of their choice to complete with community members. Mileage can it’s cross-generational.” range from two miles to 20, and all paces are welcome. Runs are held all year long, rain or shine. Social media became a catalyst for the In many cities, bars and pubs have become a popular meeting place for group runs – offering sport, and Gen Z newcomers flocked to a refreshing reward at the end of the miles. Campfire Brewing hosts group runs on Wednesdays run clubs and races. However, it’s not just at 6:15 p.m. at 6300 Frost Rd. The runs take participants on an easy route on the bike path, Gen Z following the trend. Running is followed by brews and socialization at Westerville’s newest brewery. seeing unprecedented multi-generational participation worldwide.
Running with (the) company
16 January/February 2026
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According to Strava, a global fitness tracking platform with more than 120 million users, participation in run clubs increased 59 percent globally in 2024. RunSignup, one of the largest online platforms for race registration and timing, reported an eight percent increase in per-event participation in 2024. Why Westerville? Although many communities across Columbus have embraced the running wave, Westerville has seen a notable spike. “We think, in part, it’s the accessibility. There’s a fantastic trail system in Westerville, well-maintained with multiple jumping off points, whether they’re starting from the Westerville Rec Center, at Otterbein University or coming here to one of our group runs,” Fruth says. Westerville’s 51-mile Bike & Walk (B&W) path system travels through parks, neighborhoods and green spaces, providing miles of paved paths and plenty of route options. Since the trails connect so much of the city and link into the larger Ohio-to-Erie Trail, they’re easily accessible from just about anywhere and ideal for everything from short jogs to long-distance training. Beyond the B&W, Sharon Woods Metro Park, Inniswood Metro Gardens and Heritage Park Loop are great running destinations. Fruth has also noticed that many runners who joined larger run clubs in the city when they were younger – such as Short North Running Club, one of Columbus’ largest run clubs – have continued that habit after moving to Westerville. “People who were younger Short North runners with us a decade ago, as they’re making the move to the suburbs and starting families, they’re coming to Westerville,” Fruth says. “Westerville, more than our other suburban shops and run locations, is where we see people that we’ve known from the Short North.”
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Preview of races taking place in Westerville in 2026 Hustle for Habitat 5K – April 18 @ Hoff Woods Park Mom Day 5K, 10K + Kiddo Dash – May 10 @ Westerville Sports Complex The Sunset Mile – June 19 @ Otterbein University Stadium (preliminary) Diabetes Dash 5K – July 19 @ Westerville Sports Complex The Arch City XC Festival – July 25 @ Westerville North High School Strength in Colors 5K – July 26 @ Westerville Sports Complex Night of Hope 5K, 1 Mile, and Family Fun Run – Aug. 22 @ Westerville North High School Westerville Donut Run or Walk – Sept. 5 @ Alum Creek Park WARM’s Shopping Cart Shuffle – Sept. 5 @ Westerville Sports Complex Steps of Faith 5K – Sept. 20 @ Westerville Sports Complex Race For Hope Derriere Dash – Oct. 25 @ Westerville Sports Complex The Dash for Camp – Nov. 14 @ Westerville Sports Complex Westerville Lions Rudolph 5K Run – Dec. 6 @ Westerville Sports Complex The Winter Sunset Mile – Dec. 11 @ Otterbein’s Clements Center (preliminary)
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Mark your calendars Another reason why Westerville is such a popular running destination is due to its stacked race calendar. Many of these races take place at the Westerville Sports Complex, allowing for consistent events with minimal road closures. “The Westerville Sports Complex has been a fantastic partner, and so almost any given weekend you’re going to find a 5K, a 10K, something that’s happening centered right there on Cleveland Avenue,” Fruth says. “They have a really unique course that doesn’t block anything, so you can run that entire race without disrupting a neighborhood.” Taking the first stride As the running community in Westerville continues to grow, one truth stands out: you don’t have to be an expert to belong. “Everyone shows up assuming, ‘I’m going to be the slowest, I’m not going to fit in.’ What people find when they actually get to a running group is that it’s one of the most inclusive groups you can find,” Fruth says. “No one cares about your pace… It’s about going out, moving together and just having fun.” Megan Brokamp is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at mbrokamp@cityscenemediagroup.com.
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• studentspotlight By Amanda Stevens
Photos by Amanda Stevens and Kendyl Householder
From Sales to Scholarships Otterbein thrift store encourages sustainability while giving back to students
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very year, the Otterbein Thrift Shop donates its proceeds to scholarships for Westerville City School students, service scholarships and The Diamond Jubilee Grant, a fund for students experiencing financial emergency. The Westerville Otterbein Women’s Club (WOWC), founded in 1921 to support Otterbein University and its students, operates the shop. Having surpassed $1 million in scholarship donations in 2017, the shop is now aiming for $2 million as it continues WOWC’s mission.
Kendyl Householder
The Thrift Shop is located at 177 W. Park St. It’s open Wednesdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. It only takes cash and checks.
20 January/February 2026
A community effort Every day, the Thrift Shop relies on a team of volunteers consisting of Otterbein alums or community members. Volunteers sort through donations left on the back porch of the shop and determine what can and cannot be sold. The shop boasts everything from clothing, shoes and jewelry to home goods, kitchen gadgets, DVDs and more, attracting students and community members alike.
WOWC membership includes perks such as a newsletter and bi-annual meetings. Students can join WOWC, even if they are moving away after graduation. Email alumniinfo@otterbein.edu for more information. Before the pandemic, annual revenue averaged around $32,000. This past school year, the shop raised $78,000, enabling WOWC to expand its Service Scholarship from four to six individuals. “The volume of students using our store this year has increased 100-fold,” says Harriet Merriman, a longtime volunteer who runs the shop. “We used to get students, but now they are thrifters and they want to come in and get things, so we’re selling a lot.” Kathy Butler, WOWC’s president and a ’72 graduate of Otterbein, notes that the shop doesn’t take items such as pillows, big furniture, televisions and chemicals. However, the shop tries to find a place for all its donations, working with organizations such as the Salvation Army, Wester-
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ville Area Resource Ministry, the Lions Club, the YMCA Family Center and others. “This is the best kept secret in Westerville,” Merriman says. “People are discovering this and they spread the word, and our prices are excellent, and that’s why they come.” Students who serve The Thrift Shop receives help from a handful of students, particularly those involved in Cardinal Corps, an organization dedicated to running volunteer programs for student engagement. Cardinal Corps Leader Kendyl Householder, a senior creative writing and sociology major, first volunteered at the Thrift Shop during the spring 2025 semester to fill volunteer hours for a community engagement course. “I just found myself enjoying it so much that I went ahead and continued that,” Householder says. One of her favorite aspects of volunteering at the shop is seeing the diverse items that people donate. “It’s been that variety and really great pricing that’s kept me coming back, because I just want to make sure that it’s fully
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January/February 2026 21
stocked so that everybody gets the fullest out of the shop,” Householder says. While she wasn’t familiar with the shop prior to volunteering, she has come to enjoy the other volunteers’ company and being involved in an initiative that supports students. “It makes it all the more worthwhile for me because I really enjoy seeing students be able to get something out of the store, even if it’s not that they’re shopping there,” Householder says.
WOWC President Kathy Butler (second from the right) with Thrift Shop volunteers Ann (left), Anne (second from left) and Rosemary (right).
A worthy cause Besides scholarships, the Thrift Shop has contributed to campus building renovations, Memorial Stadium renovations and even a paddock at the equine center. Having started in 1952, the shop is the oldest sustainability initiative at Otterbein, and its popularity has only grown in recent years. “Back then we were a social club. Now we’re just here because we love Otterbein and we want to help the students,” Butler says. Amanda Stevens is an editorial assistant for CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.
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• living
By Evan Che Stefanik Photos courtesy of Zach Gibson/Upright Creative Co
Inclusive by Design
Accessible bathrooms offer homes security and creativity
A
s people’s lives change over time, there comes a need for safety everywhere – even in seemingly mundane places such as bathrooms. A homeowner, however, might worry that making their bathroom more accessible could compromise their desired design. But an accessible bathroom project in Westerville defies those odds and earned homeowner Wendy Heiligmann’s aesthetic approval along the way. Without it, her 99-year-old mother, Phyllis Young, would’ve had to leave her home behind. Home is where the heart is Nicholson Builders, a Columbus-based remodeling company, completed the bathroom remodel for Heiligmann and Young. The renovation enabled her to continue living with and receiving care from her daughter. Young lives on the first floor of the home, where the hallway provided too little functionality as she aged. It included a recess in the wall for a washer and dryer unit and already featured a powder room. For the project, design consultant Doug Lugar and interior designer Gina Compora reconfigured the space to maximize its utility. They added a full bathtub and relocated the laundry machines to the floor above. By combining the powder room with the existing bathroom, the bathroom now sits only a few feet away from Young’s bedroom. “We’re increasing the value of the home… and didn’t compromise the space in a negative way,” Lugar says. “It looks like it’s always been there,” Compora adds. Blueprints for the bathroom The process began with an initial consultation. At this step, Compora went through a checklist with Heiligmann, asking for her selections on details such as colors and finishes. Compora also pitched ideas such as retractable grab bars, floating vanities and toilet seats adjusted for height in order to both maximize and blend in accessibility features. 24 January/February 2026
“What a lot of people talk about is that they don’t want their bathroom to look like a hospital,” Compora says. “They still want the design along with the function.” Some of the most common decisions revolve around shower drains. Lugar says his favorite is the linear option, which Heiligmann chose. In this installment, the floor slopes downward to drain water at the front of the shower. It also allows more freedom to choose the size and arrangement of the shower floor’s tiles. Other changes included widening entrance doors to accommodate mobility equipment, laying non-slip flooring and removing the elevated curb at the shower’s entrance.
“It’s possible to kind of eliminate that caregiver role and provide a more private setting,” Lugar says. For the bathroom’s color palette, Heiligmann went with stainless steel fixtures, neutral tiling and brightly-colored surfaces to keep the look timeless. Compora says this reflects a broader shift as homeowners move away from bold trends and add accents in smaller ways, such as colorful hand towels. www.westervillemagazine.com
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A universal necessity Most of all, Lugar believes accessible bathrooms should matter to every homeowner. More people benefit from them than just older clients, such as those with injuries, disabilities and other guests. “Everybody needs an accessible bathroom, even if only for a few weeks,” Lugar says. “I always bring up, ‘Is there a chance that a friend or an aging parent might use this bathroom when they’re visiting?’” Lugar views his work as a means to conserve a homeowner’s lifestyle throughout any arising challenges. By treating bathroom accessibility as an investment, homeowners can enjoy their home to its fullest potential. “They are not interested in going into a care facility,” Lugar says. “We’re building an accessible bathroom for them because they want to stay in the house as long as t.hey can.” Evan Che Stefanik is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback is welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.
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January/February 2026 25
what’s your style?
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The Powell Buehler Group (614) 915-4588 671 College Crest Rd, Westerville – Charming brick ranch in a prime Central Westerville location near the Rec Center, Uptown, parks, and schools. Features include hardwood floors, a cozy hearth room with wood-burning fireplace, spacious kitchen with stainless appliances, and a family room with a wall of windows overlooking the private fenced yard. Enjoy two patios, a storage shed, a large owner’s suite with ensuite bath, two additional bedrooms, and a huge basement with great potential. $435,000
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7513 Africa Road, Westerville – Charming 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home on over a half-acre with modern updates. Features include a granite kitchen, stainless appliances, and a double-sided stone fireplace. Rare dual main-floor owner’s suites with remodeled baths—ideal for multigenerational living. The walkout lower level offers a second family room and bonus space. Enjoy expansive decks, mature trees, a unique shed, hardwood floors, and a brand-new roof and gutters. Minutes to Polaris and Hoover Reservoir. $495,000
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Call today for more information: 614-572-1240 26 January/February 2026
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Westerville home prices increased by 1 percent in October 2025 compared to the previous year. Homes sold for a median price of $437,000 in October 2025. There were 50 homes sold in October 2025, up from 39 homes in October 2024. On average, homes sold after 39 days on the market compared to 43 days the previous year.
Top Homes Sold in Westerville
5235 Hoovergate Ln. 5 beds, 5 baths $2,200,000 Sold 11/14/25
5132 E. Walnut St. 4 beds, 2.5 baths $865,000 Sold 11/4/25
5560 Wild Pine Dr. 5 beds, 4.5 baths $1,316,250 Sold 10/16/25
5444 Quail Hollow Way 4 beds, 4.5 baths $865,000 Sold 10/23/25
5840 Heron Ct. 6 beds, 4.5 baths $1,300,000 Sold 11/12/25
4485 Smothers Rd. 4 beds, 3.5 baths $815,000 Sold 11/12/25
7996 Thornbush Dr. 5 beds, 4.5 baths $1,200,000 Sold 11/17/25
6460 Bromfield Dr. 4 beds, 4.5 baths $759,000 Sold 10/31/25
6319 Heritage Pl. 6 beds, 4.5 baths $1,067,000 Sold 10/24/25
5279 Slater Rdg. 3 beds, 3 baths $745,000 Sold 10/14/25
7923 Big Walnut Rd. 4 beds, 4 baths $995,000 Sold 10/24/25
5739 Mist Flower Ln. 4 beds, 3.5 baths $705,000 Sold 11/7/25
All information is collected from Redfin.
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January/February 2026 27
• onthetable By Ali Hartzell
Photos courtesy of Fox in the Snow and Tim Landers
Combat the Cold Where to find coffee and other warm drinks this winter
T
here is no greater bliss than a steaming mug of coffee on a cold winter day. Luckily, Westerville has endless coffee options and cozy atmospheres – recently welcoming several new cafes – to help you survive the year’s coldest months. Begin Cafe With a delicious drink menu and a modern interior to match, Begin Cafe creates a warm escape from chilly temperatures. Its simplistic yet diverse menu offers classic drinks such as espresso, cortado and mocha. The menu also includes unique drinks such as the Midwest, a latte with dulce de leche and Citra Hops, and the Canadian, a latte with maple, butter and cinnamon. Pair a hot drink with a fresh food item from Begin Cafe’s kitchen, such as an açai bowl topped with house-made granola or a classic egg and sausage sandwich.
Espresso Air Coffee Terminal For a uniquely-themed coffee experience, try Espresso Air Coffee Terminal. Its cozy interior sticks to the aviation theme with a vintage atmosphere. Its plentiful options are sure to help customers take flight. The cafe makes its own in-house milk alternatives to accompany its creativelynamed drinks such as the Smooth Ride and Blue Sky. Soar to new heights with delicious Turkish delicacies such as börek and baklava. 28 January/February 2026
Marib Coffee Recently established, Marib Coffee is a Yemeniinspired cafe that blends tradition with modernism. Its new store offers a sleek interior, contrasting its traditional and cozy coffee. For a culturally immersive dining experience, try ordering Yemeni coffees such as Sanani coffee, medium roast coffee flavored with cardamom, or Mofawar coffee, sweet and creamy with sweetened condensed milk and spices such as cinnamon and ginger. Qargo Coffee New to Westerville, Qargo Coffee features classic Italian pastries and coffee. Originally established in 2020, Qargo Coffee now boasts more than 90 locations across the U.S. The popular coffee shop features classic coffee drinks along with Italian eats such as tiramisu, caprese and Italian cheesecake. For cozy flavors, Qargo Coffee has seasonal offerings such as the Gingerbread Caramel latte. The interior is warm and spacious, but if leaving the car sounds too cold to bear, Qargo Coffee is equipped with a drive-thru.
Ditch the Coffee For those who don’t like coffee, there are many other seasonally apt and delightfully delicious drinks to warm the soul. • • • •
Tea mixes from Blue Turtle Tea Adeni tea from Marib Coffee Hot chocolate from Begin Cafe Chai tea latte from Fox in the Snow Cafe www.westervillemagazine.com
Fox in the Snow Cafe Westerville is finally home to the popular, Columbus-based coffee shop, Fox in the Snow. The drinks, food and atmosphere are praised for their reliability and cozy vibes. Stocked with many warm beverages, Fox in the Snow is a gathering place to hide from the harsh winter elements. Popular menu items include the classic latte and pour-over coffee, while the souffléd egg sandwich is widely regarded as its most famous food item. Family Room Coffee & Bake Shop For a coffee experience with little waiting in line, the Family Room Coffee & Bake Shop has you covered. With its useful online ordering and delivery service, accessing warm coffee and pastries has never been easier. For families, the shop offers a plethora of kid-friendly drink options such as the Chilly Turtle or the Unicorn. The Family Room Coffee provides more than just a quick coffee stop, with games and books on the shelves and entertainment for everyone. Ali Hartzell is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com. www.westervillemagazine.com
January/February 2026 29
Winter Reading Challenge
• bookmarks From the Westerville Public Library
For online library resources such as ebooks, digital magazines, kids activities and more, visit www.westervillelibrary.org
Recommended Youth Reads from Katie Ross, Youth Services Librarian Animal Exercises by Brian Fitzgerald Toddlers and preschoolers will love imitating animals while getting a healthy dose of exercise. Some animal exercises include walking like a crab, stretching like a seal and stomping like an elephant. Perfect for use at home and school.
Tap and Rap, Move and Groove by Connie Bergstein Dow Discover the power of dance. In this book, dance moves are introduced in rhythmic lines that children are sure to enjoy. Suggestions for teaching dance moves and modifications are also included.
Wonderful Me: A First Guide to Taking Care of Yourself by Nancy Shapiro There are many ways that children can take care of themselves. Getting enough sleep, setting boundaries, getting exercise and choosing healthy foods are some examples given in this book. Short explanations of self-help practices help children understand why it’s important to engage in self-help activities.
How to Be a Doctor and Other Life-Saving Jobs by Dr. Punam Krishan
Challenge yourself to a winter of reading.
While this book focuses on training and career options for doctors, a variety of health care jobs are discussed. Learn about other interesting jobs in health care, such as an expedition doctor, microbiologist, occupational therapist, pharmacist or visiting nurse.
westervillelibrary.org/read
Recommended Adult Reads from Mindy Bilyeu, Adult Services Librarian From Self-Care to We-Care: The New Science of Mindful Boundaries and Caring from an Undivided Heart by Jordan Quaglia In a world where time feels increasingly scarce, we find ourselves in a dilemma: should we prioritize ourselves or others? Psychologist and compassion scientist Jordan Quaglia challenges the notion that caring for ourselves and caring for others are opposing forces. Blending neuroscience, personal stories and practical exercises, Quaglia offers a framework for cultivating compassion that strengthens both individuals and their communities.
The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Service, and Belonging by Julia Hotz Journalist Julia Hotz explores the emerging field of “social prescribing,” where doctors treat illness by connecting patients to community activities and resources rather than just medications. In a combination of science, patient stories and personal insight, Hotz reveals how movement, creativity and connection can help heal many of today’s most common mental and physical ailments.
Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health by Dr. Casey Means In this book, Dr. Casey Means reveals how many chronic illnesses – from anxiety to heart disease – stem from the same underlying issue: poor metabolic function. Drawing on cutting-edge science, she explains how optimizing the way our cells create and use energy can unlock lasting health, vitality and disease prevention.
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Mon.-Thurs. 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 1-6 p.m. 126 S. State St. • 614-882-7277 • www.westervillelibrary.org 30 January/February 2026
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