Westerville Magazine May/June 2026

250 events highlight local stories

Westerville magazine

CityScene Media Group

1335 Dublin Rd., Suite 101C

Columbus, Ohio 43215 614-572-1240 • Fax 614-572-1241 www.cityscenecolumbus.com

Gianna Barrett President

Dave Prosser Chief Creative Officer

Isabella Gaydosh-Bruce Business/Office Manager

Kathleen K. Gill Editorial Advisor

Jeannie Whitton-Smith Creative Director

Megan Brokamp Editors

Jane Dimel

Rachel Hanz

Ella Jay

Katarina Guy Editorial Assistants

Sandhya Kannan

Maggie Valentine

Rose Whaley

Amanda Stevens Contributing Writer

Rae Moro Media & Marketing

Nick Pearson Advisors

Sarah Reese Circulation 614-572-1240

@westervillemagazine

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Community Calendar

MayJune

Sat., May 2

The Heart of Concord Art Market 1-4 p.m.

Concord Counseling Services 700 Brooksedge Blvd. www.artsinohio.com

Sat.-Sun., May 2-3

Annual Inniswood Volunteers Plant Sale

Sat.: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Sun.: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Inniswood Metro Gardens 940 S. Hempstead Rd. www.inniswood.org

Wed., May 6

Pancake Breakfast

7:30-10 a.m.

Westerville Community Center 350 N. Cleveland Ave. www.westerville.org

Thurs., May 7

WARM Annual Community Prayer Breakfast

7-8:30 a.m.

Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris Hotel

409 Altair Pkwy. www.warmwesterville.org

Uptown Friday Nights

May-Sept., every Friday except Fourth Fridays

6:30-8:30 p.m.

Uptown Westerville Main Street www.shopuptownwesterville.com

Thurs., May 7

Taste of Westerville 6-9 p.m.

Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris Hotel

409 Altair Pkwy. www.westervillechamber.com

Sat., May 9

Westerville Garden Club Plant Sale

8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Blendon Masonic Lodge 130 S. State St. www.uptownwestervilleinc.com

Sun., May 10

Mom Day 5K, 10K, & Kiddo Dash

9 a.m.

Westerville Sports Complex

325 N. Cleveland Ave. www.runsignup.com

Westerville Fourth Fridays

May-Oct.: Fri., May 22 and June 26 6-9 p.m.

Uptown Westerville State Street www.uptownwestervilleinc.com

Sat., May 16

Blooms & Bubble Bouquet Pop-Up Bar Noon-5 p.m.

Blend Candle Co. 16 E. Main St. www.vistwesterville.org

Sun., May 17

Spring Kids Maker Market 1-3 p.m.

Westerville Community Center 350 N. Cleveland Ave. www.westerville.org

May 22-25

Field of Heroes

Westerville Sports Complex

325 N. Cleveland Ave. www.fieldofheroes.org

Sun., May 24

Field of Heroes 5K Run/Walk 8 a.m.

Westerville Sports Complex

325 N. Cleveland Ave. www.fieldofheroes.org

Wed., May 27

Westerville Area Chamber Women in Business Luncheon: Support Yourself (Registration required) 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The Lakes Golf & Country Club 6740 Worthington Rd. www.westervillechamber.com

Fri., May 29

Westerville Parks and Recreation Civic Theatre presents Dare to Dream 7 p.m.

Alum Creek Amphitheater 221 W. Main St. www.westerville.org

Sat., June 6

Westerville Pride Festival 5-8 p.m.

Uptown Westerville Main Street www.visitwesterville.org

Sun., June 7

Good Medicine Productions’ 10th Anniversary Show

5-7 p.m.

American Legion Post 171 393 E. College Ave. www.visitwesterville.org

Mon., June 8

Pause & Paint

7-8:30 p.m.

Daylight Artist Collective 30 E. College Ave. www.uptownwestervilleinc.com

Tues., June 9

Westerville Area Chamber Quarterly

Member Luncheon: Advocacy in an Election Year

(Registration required)

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

The Golf Club at Little Turtle 5400 Little Turtle Way www.westervillechamber.com

Thurs., June 11

Story Time at Birdie Books

10:30-11 a.m.

Birdie Books 74 N. State St. www.visitwesterville.org

Sat., June 13

Sips & Sounds: Live Music Saturdays

5-8 p.m.

Good Vibes Winery

2 S. State St. www.visitwesterville.org

Sun., June 14

Columbus Cars and Coffee

8-11 a.m.

Starbucks Westerville 691 N. Cleveland Ave. www.visitwesterville.org

Tues., June 16

Poetry Discussion & Open Mic

7-8:30 p.m.

Westerville Public Library 126 S. State St. www.westervillelibrary.org

Sat., June 20

Westerville Saturday Farmers Market 9 a.m.-noon

COHatch/North High Brewing 240 S. State St. www.uptownwestervilleinc.com

Fri., June 26

America250 Westerville Mural Project: Kickoff 6-9 p.m.

Hanby Elementary 56 S. State St. www.westervillelibrary.org

By Jane Dimel

A Healing Hand

Westerville South head athletic trainer leads with passion and mentorship

Six hours before the clock ticks down to game time, the gears are already in motion in the Westerville South High School Athletics Department.

For Lauren Orth and the athletic training team, it’s clockwork on overdrive –with an ever-changing cycle of prepping equipment and tables, checking in with athletes, taping up any injuries and coordinating coverage across games – ensuring everyone’s equipped for any scenario that may arise.

More than 20 years into her career, with 10 at Westerville South, Orth loves the quick pace of the job, and has been recognized as a top athletic trainer and mentor as she looks to continue growing in the field and mentoring the next generation.

Finding her path

The second oldest of four kids, Orth and her siblings grew up running around the local high school and fields in their hometown of Fort Wayne, Indiana – first in their youth, when her mom conducted theater rehearsals and her dad coached multiple sports, and later, as they bounced between sports of their own.

When Orth was 10 years old, they moved to Delaware, Ohio, where she grew up competing in softball, volleyball and cheer. She also explored musical interests through clarinet in middle school and as part of the symphonic choir through high school.

Orth showed a particular interest in softball, leading her to a college visit at Bowling Green State University to explore her options post-high school. Though college softball was ultimately not in the cards, the visit introduced her to something greater: the field of athletic training.

“I knew I wanted to do something in healthcare, but I didn’t know if it was nursing or what exactly it was (I wanted to do), and they said, ‘Well, have you heard of athletic training?’” Orth says. “I had never really been injured, I didn’t know too much about the profession, but I was like, ‘I want to be in medicine and I love sports, so, sure, let’s try it,’ so that’s how I got into it, and then I just fell in love with it.”

Bowling Green became her next stop –where she was drawn to athletic training immediately.

From falcon to wildcat

As an undergraduate, Orth’s weeks consisted primarily of clinicals, with 50 to 60 hours a week spent in the training room and traveling with the BGSU Falcons football team to apply her classroom learning in real-time.

Following graduation, Orth moved on to Defiance College to pursue her master’s in education with plans to teach and become an athletic trainer at the collegiate level. But, as a graduate assistant working with multiple collegiate teams and the prehabilitation clinic, she also worked for Ayersville High School Pirates – where she discovered the joy of covering practices and Friday night football home games with the students.

Save the Date!

Mon., June 29

Westerville South Athletic Department Golf Scramble

The Medallion Club 5000 Club Dr.

10:30 a.m. Registration and range balls

Noon Shotgun start and box lunch on cart

4:30 p.m. Hors d’ouevres, postround awards and raffle pickup

“That was really my first experience working with the younger (athletes). I really enjoyed my time… so that’s kind of where I fell in love with the secondary school setting,” she says.

Orth’s goal from then on was working at the high school level. Taking a position at a family practice in Westerville for a year post-graduation and moving to the community, Orth then pursued her first position at the high school level at Olentangy Liberty High School.

For the next 10 years, Orth worked at Olentangy Liberty, where she became an athletic trainer for OhioHealth Sports Medicine as the

school district shifted to contracting through OhioHealth. As the district later changed healthcare providers, an opportunity opened for Orth to make a change and work closer to home as the head trainer for the Westerville South Wildcats.

“This job opened up, and I just had my daughter, and I wanted to work in the city where I lived,” Orth says. “So I asked if I could move over here, (and) I’ve been here ever since.”

Life at Westerville South

Following in the footsteps of Bill Kulju after his 30-plus-year career, Orth inherited an athletic training department built on the support of the community – a support she’s set on growing.

“He did all the groundwork for just educating the community on what an athletic trainer is, how we can help, how imperative it is really to have onsite healthcare for our student-athletes,” Orth says. “Bill Kulju was a mentor of mine when I was at Liberty… (He’s) someone to look up to, someone to strive to be, and now being here at South in his footsteps is humbling.”

Expanding on Kulju’s work, Orth established the Westerville South Athletic Department Golf Scramble, the department’s annual fundraiser. Now in its sixth year, the fundraiser helps raise money for expenses such as team uniforms, equipment for the sports and training room, pay-to-play fees and giving back to studentathletes. The Golf Scramble brings in alumni and community members alike, including former athletics staff such as Kulju and their former student-athletes, to get them involved.

Mentorship is another pillar Orth focuses on, sharing her knowledge as a clinical instructor – called a preceptor – with athletic training students, teaching them how to apply classroom knowledge in a clinical setting.

Her passion for mentoring started back at Defiance College during her days as a graduate assistant, later

“I’m not an office, behind-the-desk person. I like putting out fires. I like that you never know what’s going to come at you. I like that everything is changing every day. I mean, medicine changes every day. It’s not monotonous. Every day, you don’t know what you’re going to walk into or have to handle.”

– Lauren Orth “ ”

Work-life Balance

A work-life balance is especially important to Orth, having experienced the busyness of collegiate sports and enjoying the close-to-home nature of high school sports. Outside of the training room, Orth spends time with her husband, Kort, and their 10-yearold daughter, Colette, and watching Colette compete in gymnastics and cheerleading. She also enjoys daily workouts with lifting weights and long walks, as well as a good game of golf.

Community Recognition

In 2023, Orth was named the winner of the Ohio Athletic Trainers’ Association’s Linda Webber Daniel award, an award commemorating an OSU athletic trainer who paved the way for women in the athletic training industry – a person many of Orth’s OhioHealth colleagues who nominated her worked underneath and looked up to. The next year, she also won the OATA Athletic Trainer of the Year award, nominated by her colleagues at the Westerville South Athletics Department.

“I got to experience all that again, which was a huge honor. We don’t get in this profession for recognition at all, we’re behind-the-scenes people, so to be nominated is an honor, but to win the award was definitely a highlight of my career,” Orth says.

evolving into a love of teaching students about new types of cases and challenges. Now, she works with students from The Ohio State University and Antioch College, as well as residents through Ohio University’s residency program, showing them how to problem-solve in live time.

“It’s not just evaluating, coming up with a diagnosis and treating it. There’s more to it, especially at this setting,” Orth says. “It’s talking to the parents, it’s talking to many different coaches… From 14 to 18, it’s (also) such a huge age gap, and there’s a lot of growth that happens… so it’s just learning that working with adolescents (means) their musculature and their bodies are different and going through different phases in their life, so some injuries, we handle them differently.”

Beyond mentoring and picking up new tips and tricks from her clinical students, Orth works hard on coordinating communication for the other trainers, nurses and coaches; managing teams in and out of pre- and post-practice treatment; charting and setting up MRI and specialist appointments for athletes; and enjoying the hustle of working with student-athletes.

“I love working with the kids. They’re fun, they’re funny. I feel at this setting, in this profession in general, you really, truly feel like you make a difference,” she says. “You’re here because you want to do what you feel is best for the kids, for their health and safety, keeping them doing what they love.”

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

By Amanda Stevens

Photos courtesy of Westerville Public Library and Field of Heroes

Celebration of Stories

Westerville America 250 events highlight local history

This summer, Westerville is offering various opportunities for the community to learn about and reflect upon its history as people all across the nation celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary.

Local legacies

On June 26 at Fourth Friday, the City will celebrate its signature program for America 250: the installation of 12 vinyl murals sharing Westerville’s under-told stories.

The murals, designed by nine different artists, tie in the America 250-Ohio Commission’s monthly themes, such as transportation, natural resources, and veterans and first responders, through a Westerville lens.

Derrick McPeak, special events and project manager for the City and cochair on the America-250 Westerville Committee, says planning started in late 2023.

“We got together and decided that we wanted to really center Westerville in this discussion,” McPeak says. “So, over the last 250 years, what does history look like for this area?”

While Westerville is well-known for its role in Prohibition and the Underground Railroad, the committee – comprising of the City, Visit Westerville, the Westerville Historical Society, the Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce, Otterbein University and the Westerville Public

On June 27, community members can learn more about Westerville’s under-told stories at the Westerville Historical Society’s presentation on the murals at the Hanby House at 1:30, 2:15 and 3 p.m. The Historical Society is also presenting on pioneers of Westerville on July 11 in celebration of America 250. Admission is free.

Read All About It

Learning about Westerville’s history doesn’t stop with the murals.

From May 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027, the Westerville History Museum’s Public Opinion exhibit at the Westerville Public Library will allow visitors to become investigative journalists as they uncover various stories from past to present. Some of these topics include the Underground Railroad and the Fugitive Slave Act, Prohibition and speakeasies, school district boundaries as well as protests and rallies.

The exhibit, named for one of Westerville’s longest running papers, is open to all ages.

“We have junior journalist moments for all of the sections,” says Westerville History Museum Manager Jackie Barton. “Some of those are prompts where family groups can ask a question for younger folks to engage in the content, and

some of them are activities or actions that they can undertake that are special for them.”

While this interactive learning experience celebrates the First Amendment, it also allows visitors to learn about Westerville’s journalism history.

“Public Opinion, beyond the headlines and the article or the exhibit, is really about looking at Westerville’s long tradition of local press and citizen engagement on this 250th anniversary of the founding of America’s democracy,” Barton says.

The 3,000 American flags used for the Field of Heroes fill a semi truck. The multi-day event relies on around 300 volunteers from across the community every year.

Honoring History and Heroes

For America’s milestone anniversary, the Westerville Sunrise Rotary Club is hosting its 18th annual Field of Heroes from May 22-25 with the theme “We the People.”

Over the years, the event has created opportunities for education and commemoration with tribute field displays for the Vietnam War, World War II, the Tuskegee Airmen, women in the military, the Korean War, first responders, 9/11 and more.

This year, founder Larry Jenkins says the theme reflects times in the nation’s history when people have come together, starting with the Revolutionary War and the Declaration of Independence and also including epochs such as the Civil War, the suffrage movement and the Civil Rights movement.

“We think the history wasn’t just the one time that the people came and decided, ‘We’re going to be a government by the people, for the people,’ but how it’s been augmented through the history,” Jenkins says. “So, we’re going to try to show a historic look of what has been encompassed in that 250 years as best as you can on a field display.”

The multi-day event also includes various performances and activities, such as an old-fashioned baseball game against the Ohio Village Muffins, a performance by the Westerville Community Band, a Sunday morning 5K run and walk, a Taps performances and a Memorial Day Ceremony.

Although the event isn’t exclusively a fundraiser, it has supported local nonprofits, such as

Honor Flight Columbus, which people can donate to through the 5K sign-up.

At its core, the Field of Heroes – which features 3,000 American flags – honors veterans, fallen service members, first responders and personal heroes. Jenkins says he wants to fill Memorial Day weekend with gratitude.

“Anyone who buys (a flag dedication) can honor whoever they want, whoever their personal hero (is). And that was always important to me because I don’t think anyone’s truly a self-made person,” Jenkins says. “I think (Field of Heroes) is a great backdrop and a great event for people to come out and just spend a little bit of time being proud of our country but also being grateful for the people that have helped get them where they are.”

Library – decided to hone in on the city’s lesser-known legacies.

Some of the mural themes include highlighting Westerville as an agricultural hub, its wetlands, festivals and fairgrounds, Muscogee Nation at Central College, Black veterans and State Street/Route 3.

The art of remembrance

To create the themes, representatives from the Historical Society and the History Museum reviewed different Westerville stories and sorted them per the state’s monthly themes.

A digital survey also gave community members an opportunity to share stories about people, places and events that haven’t been the primary focus of the city’s history.

“We want the public to understand that there’s so much more to Westerville’s history. And there’s some really, really fascinating and engaging people who have lived here and have done really great things for this community,” McPeak says.

While the murals will be printed and installed by The Point at Otterbein throughout May and June, the Chamber of Commerce and Visit Westerville have used their connections to partner with businesses to select diverse locations for the murals, which will be displayed for three to five years.

“The goal is to get folks out and about to different parts of the community but also to see the under-told stories because each location has a connection, for the most part, to the mural,” says Stacey Rusterholz, Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce communications and community outreach director.

Through Visit Westerville, an interactive digital tour will help visitors navigate from mural to mural.

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

Miles with Meaning

Westerville 5K honors first responders and military members

By Ella Jay

The Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk in Westerville didn’t begin as just another race – it was a way to give back.

After the Tunnel to Towers Foundation stepped in to support local families following the deaths of Westerville Police Officers Anthony “Tony” Morelli and Eric Joering, Linda Morelli, Tony’s wife, was inspired to continue the mission.

“Jami (Joering) and I wanted to pay it forward, help others,” says Morelli.

Last year, the race raised $45,000 for the T2T Foundation. Now in its third year, Morelli hopes to see the event continue to grow, not only in size, but in its purpose: honoring and remembering the sacrifices of first responders and military members, past and present.

The bigger picture

The Westerville 5K is part of a much larger mission championed by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, an organization founded in December of 2001 in the wake of 9/11 to honor the legacy of New York City firefighter Stephen Siller.

After hearing news of the attacks on the towers, Siller returned to his squad and ran through the closed Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers, where he made the ultimate sacrifice while saving others.

In 2002, T2T held its first 5K in New York City, retracing Siller’s final footsteps. Today, that single race has grown into a National Run, Walk & Climb Series, transforming Siller’s act of heroism into a countrywide effort that supports fallen first responders and their families, injured service members and veterans in need.

Save the Date

This year’s race takes place on: Sun., May 17 @ 9 a.m.

Westerville Sports Complex 325 N. Cleveland Ave.

Sign up to run, donate or volunteer at www.runwalkwesterville.t2t.org.

“It’s important because people still need help. Unfortunately, there’s still first responders dying in the line of duty, and we still have vets coming home to a house they can’t move around in, or who are homeless,” says Morelli. “We don’t want people to forget … there’s a bigger picture.”

That bigger picture has taken on a life of its own in Westerville, where the T2T 5K has grown into a community-wide endeavor. Backed by local sponsors, volunteers and participants, the event is building momentum each year – growing from roughly 250 participants in its first year to nearly 500 in 2025.

More than a race

Beyond its growth, Morelli and others say the race is defined less by numbers and more by the experience it creates.

“This is one of the only races in the country that’s tied to running through a firehouse,” says Mark Phillips, Tunnel to Towers event manager for the National Run, Walk & Climb Series. “And First Responders Park being here with a piece of steel from the World Trade Center… it’s almost like the course was designed for us.”

Alongside the course running through the bays of Westerville Fire Department Station 111 and First Responders Park, Morelli helps make the 5K special for participants with an opening ceremony featuring the Honor Guard; t-shirts, a DJ and food onsite from in-kind sponsors such as City BBQ and Cheryl’s Cookies; and custom badges for each runner to wear.

“We have about 400 badges, each representing a first responder that passed away on 9/11. I encourage people to Google their names, learn about who they’re representing, so that we never forget those people,” says Morelli.

Additionally, the race serves as a way to educate children and young adults who may not have memories of or understand the significance of 9/11, as well as a way for them to interact with first responders in a casual setting.

“Put yourself in the mind of a child. They’re seeing them in a different light, not putting a fire out or arresting somebody, but out there running with (their) mom or dad or sister,” says Phillips.

What Morelli and Phillips say truly defines the experience is the sense of community it fosters. Over the years, both have seen participants – whether runners, volunteers, cheerleaders or donors – form a close-knit bond, united by their shared experiences.

“(No matter) why we’re (each) doing what we’re doing… you have a connection with everybody,” says Phillips. “It’s definitely a family that grows every day.”

Beyond the finish line

For Morelli, those moments of meaning helped reinforce the purpose of the race, particularly on one instance that occurred the first year she helped direct it.

“We do a lot of registration the morning of, and when I picked up my phone, I saw we had 467 people signed up. That was my husband’s badge number,” says Morelli. “Sometimes, you just want to know if you’re doing the right thing, and that was my sign.”

For others, she hopes the race simply sparks awareness – encouraging people to learn more about the T2T Foundation and its cause, the legacy of 9/11 and the commemoration of lives lost since, as well as the sacrifices first responders and military members continue to make every day.

“It’s definitely not like any other race,” says Morelli. “It’s an experience you will remember.”

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

Never Forget

Over the years, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has raised more than $1 billion, delivered 1,700-plus mortgage-free homes and hosted more than 80 events with 500,000 participants in support of first responders and veterans. This year, in honor of the 25th anniversary of 9/11, T2T has launched a Steel Across America Tour, featuring a steel beam recovered from the rubble of the World Trade Center that will travel across the country in remembrance, reaffirming America’s promise to never forget.

By Maggie Valentine

Photos by Amanda Stevens and Kendyl Householder

Here for Cheer

WCHS student selected to compete on national cheer team once again

For a second year in a row, Westerville Central High School senior Avery Strickland was selected to the USA Junior Coed Cheer Team, representing the best male and female competitive cheerleaders ages 15-18 in the nation.

Strickland, 17 years old, was the only Ohio cheerleader selected to represent Team USA. While working toward graduating high school, Strickland still spends most of her time perfecting her cheer skillset.

“It’s definitely a lot of pressure, but I am one that thinks pressure is a privilege,” Strickland says.

Early leap

Strickland began her competitive cheer career at the age of 3, after being enrolled in tumbling classes. She takes after her sister Mallory, a senior cheerleader at Purdue, who also grew up in the competitive cheer world.

Throughout the years, Strickland has built a community around cheer. She self-trains in several open gym sessions – practicing stunts and tumbling at Warrior Athletics, a cheer gym in Powell, and building her skills at Cheer Athletics Columbus. As a class instructor at Midwest Xplosion, Strickland finds practice time in between those classes.

“I train every day between an hour to three or four hours every night… I’m in the gym as much as I can,” Strickland says.

Representing Team USA

The USA Cheer Team competed in the International Cheer Union Junior World Cheerleading Championships in Orlando, Florida, April 22-24. The competition consisted of teams from around the world in an Olympics-style environment.

“It’s just really cool to experience all these other cultures and just to wear USA across your chest,” Strickland says.

In order to try out for the Junior Team, cheerleaders submit a highlight reel of

Stay tuned

Stay tuned for the results of the International Cheer Union Junior World Cheerleading Championships, which will be posted online at www.cityscenecolumbus.com.

their skills. After narrowly missing the cut her sophomore year, Strickland spent the next year in training, improving her skills to make the team her junior year – and consequently, leading to a return for her senior season.

Last year, both the All Girl and Coed USA teams placed first in the Premier Finals and sought another first place finish this year. This year, as the team ramped up the difficulty level, Strickland was laser focused on her approach to the competition.

“Every single section is three times as hard as last year, which is going to be really hard. But it’s also exciting,” Strickland says.

Between practice

With the free time she has, Strickland finds coloring and diamond paintings a good way to slow down amid her busy schedule.

Strickland’s creative hobby turned into profit in 2020 when she made a craft business selling homemade scrunchies, t-shirts and other items. Although she closed shop temporarily as the COVID-19 pandemic ended, she reopened her Instagram shop as a way to pay for flight and cheer costs. Trendy Bean, @trendy_bean17, now features custom clothing apparel designed by Strickland.

“I need(ed) to pay for these flights down to Florida somehow… It’s just always been my passion to design and make clothing,” Strickland says, “My end goal is to open a real store.”

Strickland also enjoys cryotherapy and much-needed rest after spending several weekends away from home for college visits, USA practice or competitions.

“My body goes through it,” Strickland says. “As a flyer, our bodies are just getting thrown around and caught and everything.”

Cheers to the future

Strickland will be attending the University of Kentucky in the fall, committed for cheer and majoring in fashion merchandising. When she wasn’t traveling to Florida for USA practice, Strickland spent most weekends in Kentucky to get to know the team and school better.

“I’ve gotten really close with a lot of the team, which makes me happy going in,” Strickland says.

In the next year, after settling in at Kentucky, Strickland will prepare to try out for the National Coed Premier Team in hopes of continuing her winning Worlds streak.

Maggie Valentine is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

By Maggie Valentine

Steller Construction and photographer Farid Nava

Lower Level, Higher Living

A basement built for hobbies and entertainment

Five years ago, when Kathy Lynch and her husband moved to Ohio from Colorado, they knew their Westerville home was destined to be a premier living space. While the majority of their Highland Lakes home remained unfinished at the time of move-in, Lynch was already envisioning the entertainment potential it held.

Now, after a year-long project, their 2,400-square-foot, unfinished basement has transformed into an expanded living

space complete with a laundry room, gym area, kitchen, wine cellar, apothecary closet, dog wash station and a guest bedroom with an ensuite bathroom – perfect for both the Lynches and their guests.

“If someone comes to visit, they’ve got a bedroom, a bathroom, they have kind of a whole area. They can get up in the morning and make their coffee. They don’t have us right on top of them,” Lynch says.

Steller Construction welcomed the project with open arms, with Lynch’s

design plans helping from the initial steps of the design process all the way to its completion.

“It’s really just asking questions about what they want the space to look like and what type of rooms they want,” says Tiffany Chandler, residential and commercial design director at Steller Construction.

“It’s helpful when they do have an idea and they can share what they’re looking for in the space.”

Blending style with hobbies

Lynch focused on keeping a sleek design while incorporating her Coloradan roots.

The blend of the two styles creates a modern look with pops of Tuscan elements. The light-colored space complements accents of wood and stone, and thanks to the added dog wash, any muddy paws from the Lynches’ two goldendoodle dogs will not pose a threat to the white walls or light gray carpet.

The home gym is another benefit as it creates a new daily schedule for Lynch and her husband. With respective Pilates and rowing machines, the couple has added their new workout routine to their daily lives.

“It’s perfect,” Lynch says. “I took what we had and what we wanted, and then just put it all together.”

In her free time, Lynch creates custom candles, shampoos and lotions, which became a major aspect when designing the space. A complete kitchen downstairs allows her to melt wax, mix scents together and minimize mess, while the added storage from the apothecary closet allows Lynch to easily enjoy her hobbies.

The kitchen has become the most practical addition as it creates a space for guests to gather in the mornings. The fridge is well-stocked with essential hosting items, while the other appliances maintain the option for Lynch to easily serve guests and clean up when the party is over.

“It’s easy for everyone to come down and mingle and set up hors d’oeuvres,” Lynch says.

Beyond the basement

After sharing the space with multiple family members and other visitors, Lynch has begun planning more opportunities for guests to enjoy the new basement. Lynch is especially excited about the potential use of space to host Christmas and other holidays.

“They’re coming to visit soon, my grandson and one of my daughters, they’re just going to love it,” Lynch says, “We’ll all have fun.”

According to Lynch, the basement is still missing the finishing touch – a walkway to the backyard – which will be completed once Lynch designs the back patio of her dreams.

“It’s very elaborate,” Lynch says. “I’ve already had a couple people ask me, ‘Could I move in?’”

Maggie Valentine is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Top Homes

Westerville home prices decreased by 4.1 percent in February 2026 compared to the previous year. In February, homes sold for a median price of $425,000. On average, homes in Westerville sold after 50 days on the market compared to 39 days the previous year. There were 40 homes sold in February 2026, up from 28 last year.

6479 Lake Trail Dr. 5 beds, 4.5 baths

$1,562,000

Sold 3/4/26

6065 Victory Ln. 3 beds, 3.5 baths

$1,271,648

Sold 3/9/26

8216 W. Shore Dr. 5 beds, 4 baths

$1,138,919

Sold 2/24/26

5992 Victory Ln. 4 beds, 3 baths

$925,000

Sold 3/6/26

5515 Stillwater Ave. 4 beds, 3.5 baths

$900,000

Sold 2/20/26

8186 Bevelhymer Rd. 3 beds, 2.5 baths

$895,000

Sold 2/6/26

5731 Salem Dr. 5 beds, 4.5 baths

$818,400

Sold 2/24/26

321 Windcroft Dr. 4 beds, 3.5 baths

$775,000

Sold 3/6/26

194 Baranof W. 5 beds, 3.5 baths

$750,000

Sold 2/2726

369 Windcroft Dr. 5 beds, 4 baths

$730,000

Sold 2/11/26

7747 Mikayla Dr. 3 beds, 3 baths

$705,000

Sold 3/6/26

410 Six Pence Cir. 3 beds, 3.5 baths

$665,000

Sold 2/17/26

All information is collected from Redfin and Franklin County Auditor.

By Katarina Guy

Balanced Bites

Local food options to cultivate a healthy gut

Staying healthy isn’t just about working out. The choices you make in the kitchen and your gut health can have just as much of an impact on your energy, mood and long-term wellbeing.

Your gut microbiome is an ecosystem in your intestines composed of many microorganisms that help break down food and absorb nutrients. These microbes also influence your nervous system as certain types of bacteria stimulate the production of neurotransmitters that communicate with the brain about thoughts and feelings, and with the body about hormone regulation, blood pressure and more.

This relationship works both ways, as the microorganisms in your gut are also fed and nurtured based on your diet. The food you eat directly affects your gut microbiome and how it trains your immune system to support the survival of helpful microorganisms.

For this reason, it’s important to be conscientious about the food that you put into your body. The goal should be to eat a variety of foods so that all the microorganisms in your gut can be properly fed and fueled.

101 Craft Kitchen aims to create a relaxing space where people can gather to enjoy both comforting and creative food. With a chef-driven menu, its food is seasonally selected and handcrafted with care.

The seared salmon meal at this restaurant contains omega-3 fats which reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. Accompanying the fish, the Brussels sprouts, butternut squash and cremini mushrooms provide prebiotic properties that feed the helpful microorganisms in your gut microbiome.

Koblé Grill is a fast-casual restaurant offering a range of menu items crafted from natural, locally-sourced ingredients. The menu combines Greek and Italian cuisine, both of which are rooted in the Mediterranean diet, which is widely associated with better digestion and a healthier gut microbiome.

Kate Murphy, an employee at the Koble Grill, says her favorite menu item is the lamb kebob. This option features a lean cut of charbroiled lamb on a bed of rice, helping you meet your daily protein and carbohydrate goals.

The Greek salad on the side is packed with veggies such as cucumbers and tomatoes, which provide vitamins C and K and antioxidant properties.

Ethos & Co. Cafe

Ethos & Co. Cafe is a non-profit café that donates its proceeds to local organiza tions in central Ohio, such as Star House, Alicia’s Closet and the Scatter Joy Project. In addition to supporting the community, this café offers smoothies, acai bowls and protein bites that improve gut health.

The Green Goodness smoothie, for instance, is a good option for gut-conscious consumers who could use a boost of fiber in their day. The smoothie is made up of spinach and mango, which are both high in fiber, with spinach also containing antiinflammatory properties that support your digestive system. The bananas included in this smoothie also provide prebiotics that support the helpful bacteria in your gut.

Summer 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

Curry Means More by Maria

Marianayagam

When Shirin’s friend Charlotte smells a delicious dish cooking at her house, the girls ask Shirin’s Amma to explain what curry really is. As they watch her cook, they learn that curry is made with layers of spices, intuition and tradition. This warm story celebrates culture, family and the way food traditions are passed from one generation to the next.

Pizza: The Cool Stories and Facts Behind Every Slice by Paige Towler

Pizza is one of the most eaten foods in the world – but do you know why? Explore pizza’s culinary history, as well as the history of the technological inventions, marketing campaigns and food science that made pizza so popular.

Sports

Zone! Hut! Hut! Hike! by

Andrew Maraniss

Jasper, Mo and Ruby are best friends who love sports. When they find out about a new flag football team, they’re eager to join. Readers will learn with Jasper, Mo and Ruby about flag football and what it means to be a good teammate through an engaging mix of nonfiction, comic panels and short chapters.

Recommended Adult Reads

from Mindy Bilyeu, Adult Services Librarian

Eat Yourself Healthy by Jamie Oliver

Chef Jamie Oliver returns with 120 recipes designed to help readers build a healthier, happier relationship with food. Drawing on his nutrition training and decades of culinary experience, he shows how simple, nourishing meals can energize and satisfy. While the food industry may be fighting against us, Oliver proves healthy eating can be abundant, celebratory and delicious.

Attainable Sustainable Pantry by Kris Bordessa

Homesteader Kris Bordessa shares more than 120 recipes to help families stock their pantries with wholesome, homemade supplies. From cake mixes and jams, to pickles and relishes, the book replaces overly-processed foods with nourishing alternatives. Along the way, Bordessa offers guidelines on techniques such as canning, fermenting and dehydrating.

Baking Across America: A Vintage Recipe Road Trip by B.

Dylan Hollis

B. Dylan Hollis takes readers on a nostalgic culinary road trip across the United States, exploring iconic desserts from every state. Featuring retro recipes spanning the 1900s to the 2000s, the book celebrates both famous and forgotten sweets – from Boston Cream Pie to the beignets of New Orleans. Using his signature humor, Hollis shares the stories behind each regional favorite along the way.

Lift by Anne Marie Chaker

In this personal and empowering memoir, journalist Anne Marie Chaker recounts how discovering bodybuilding in midlife helped her rebuild her confidence after a series of hardships. Challenging body insecurities, Chaker explores how and why strength training transforms both physical health and self-perception –making her case that women shouldn’t make themselves smaller, but stronger.