Issuu

Learning without Borders

Otterbein professor turns international travel into lifelong education www.westervillemagazine.com

Inside

Photo by Evelyn Piamonte at Evelyn O’Clock Photos

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

4 September/October 2026

Photo courtesy of Westerville Public Library

Photo courtesy of Westerville Grill

Photo by Columbus Pics

Westerville Civic Theatre 6 Community Calendar 8 Faces Lessons Abroad 12 In Focus The Theatre Cats 16 Reading on the Go 20 Student Spotlight State Bound and Beyond 22 Living BIA Parade of Homes 26 Luxury Living Real Estate Guide 27 Top Homes Sold in Westerville 28 On the Table A Seat at the Table 30 Bookmarks Cover photo courtesy of Kurt Lykins and Amy Gordon www.westervillemagazine.com

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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 Elizabeth Wagner Sales Manager Jeannie Whitton-Smith Creative Director Megan Brokamp Editors Jane Dimel Rachel Hanz Ella Jay Ellie Keehn Editorial Assistants Angelina Godfrey Grey Romohr Abby Van Voorhis Amanda Stevens Contributing Writer Sarah Reese Media & Marketing Advisor Circulation 614-572-1240

@westervillemagazine www.westervillemagazine.com

CityScene Media Group also publishes: CityScene Magazine www.CitySceneColumbus.com Discover Grove City Magazine www.DiscoverGroveCity.com Dublin Life Magazine www.DublinLifeMagazine.com Healthy New Albany Magazine www.HealthyNewAlbanyMagazine.com Pickerington Magazine www.PickeringtonMagazine.com Tri-Village Magazine www.TriVillageMagazine.com The appearance of advertising in Westerville Magazine does not constitute an endorsement of the advertiser’s product or service by the City of Westerville. Westerville Magazine is published bimonthly in January, March, May, July, September and November. For advertising information or bulk purchases, contact Rae Moro at rmoro@cityscenecolumbus.com. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers. Westerville Magazine is a registered trademark of CityScene Media Group. Printed in the U.S.A. ©2026

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September/October 2026 5

Community Calendar Events on the horizon in Westerville

SeptemberOctober Fri., Sept. 4 American Red Cross: Blood Drive

Photo courtesy of Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Westerville Public Library 126 S. State St. www.westervillelibrary.org

Saturdays in September Westerville Saturday Farmers Market

9 a.m.-noon COhatch/North High Brewing Parking Lot 240 S. State St. www.westervillechamber.com

Sun., Sept. 6 Miniature Horses: Dreams on Horseback 2-3 p.m. Westerville Public Library 126 S. State St. www.westervillelibrary.org

Bourbon, Brews & Blankets 2026

Sat., Sept. 12 Annual Genoa Township Fishing Day

Mon., Sept. 7 Run For The Health Of It

Sun., Sept. 13 Ballet Folclórico Xochihua: Hispanic Heritage Month

9 a.m.-noon Hilmar Park 6533 Hilmar Dr. www.genoatwp.com

9 a.m. Westerville Sports Complex 325 N. Cleveland Ave. www.copcp.com

3-3:30 p.m. Westerville Public Library 126 S. State St. www.westervillelibrary.org

Sept. 12-27 The Sunshine Boys presented by Curtain Players

Mon., Sept. 7 No School - Westerville City Schools

Thurs.-Sun., Sept. 17-27 BIA Parade of Homes

Varying days and times Curtain Players Theatre 5691 Harlem Rd. www.curtainplayers.org

Labor Day www.westerville.k12.oh.us

Wednesdays, Sept. 9 and Oct. 14 Women in Business - Coffee Wednesdays

Noon-6 p.m. www.biahomebuilders.com

Sat., Sept. 19 Westerville Autumn Arborfest 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Alum Creek Park 221 W. Main St. www.sustainablewesterville.org

8:15-9:30 a.m. Family Room Coffee & Bake Shop 545 S. Otterbein Ave. www.westervillechamber.com

Thurs., Sept. 10 Ohio Open Doors Tour: Behind the Scenes in the Library Building 6-8 p.m. Westerville Public Library 126 S. State St. www.westervillelibrary.org

6 September/October 2026

Photo courtesy of Visit Westerville

6-7 p.m. American Issue Sculpture 21 S. State St. www.westervillelibrary.org

Photo courtesy of Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce

Thursdays, Sept. 10, 24 Tipsy Temperance Tour

Women in Business Coffee Wednesdays

The Great Westerville Pumpkin Glow www.westervillemagazine.com

Sat., Sept. 19 Costume Swap: Free Shopping Day

Sat., Oct. 10 Repair Cafe

Sat., Sept. 19 Westerville Sings Broadway: An America 250 Celebration

Fri., Oct. 16 Magic of Science: OSU Chemistry Demonstration Lab

Sun., Sept. 20 Apple Cidering: Bring the Farm to You

Fri., Oct. 16 The Great Westerville Pumpkin Glow

Thurs., Sept. 24 Bourbon, Brews & Blankets 2026

Fri., Oct. 23 Charming A Cappella Music with Ottertuned

1-4 p.m. Westerville Public Library 126 S. State St. www.westervillelibrary.org

6:30 p.m. (tickets required) Alum Creek Amphitheatre 221 W. Main St. www.parks.westerville.org

2-3 p.m. (registration required) Westerville Public Library 126 S. State St. www.westervillelibrary.org

4:30-6:30 p.m. (registration required) Zaftig Brewing Company 7020 Huntley Rd., Ste. A www.westervillechamber.com

Fridays, Sept. 25 and Oct. 23 Fourth Fridays 6-9 p.m. Uptown Westerville www.uptownwestervilleinc.com

Thurs., Oct. 1-31 Wizards & Wands Festival Westerville Public Library 126 S. State St. www.westervillelibrary.org

9 a.m.-noon The Point Otterbein University 60 Collegeview Rd. www.sustainablewesterville.org

4:30-5:30 p.m. Westerville Public Library 126 S. State St. www.westervillelibrary.org

Emily Malik Bartko, DDS Stephen R Malik, DDS 35 years of experience

6:30-10 p.m. (tickets required) Heritage Park 60 N. Cleveland Ave. www.westerville.org

6:30-6:45 p.m., 7:30-7:45 p.m. Westerville Public Library 126 S. State St. www.westervillelibrary.org

Oct. 23-Nov. 8 The Birds presented by Curtain Players Varying days and times Curtain Players Theatre 5691 Harlem Rd. www.curtainplayers.org

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Wizards and Wands Festival www.westervillemagazine.com

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September/October 2026 7

• faces By Amanda Stevens Photos courtesy of Kurt Lykins and Amy Gordon

ome people travel to relax or visit resorts, but longtime Westerville resident and Otterbein University accounting professor Kurt Lykins travels for the learning experience. This summer, he reached his 50th country after visiting El Salvador, Honduras and Japan. While he set a goal in 2020 to travel to one country for each year of his age, he has enjoyed traveling long before that, having taken it up as a hobby in 1999. Lykins has worn many hats throughout his career, including being the chief technology officer for Corporate One Federal Credit Union for 15 years, with his teaching career begining in 2015. Now, as a full-time professor since 2025, Lykins looks forward to more adventures while encouraging others to engage in both travel and lifelong learning.

A world of perspective Lykins’ earliest travels began with a trip to France in 1984 during his sophomore year at Westerville South High School. One of his most pivotal experiences came almost 20 years later during a trip to Uganda in 2003. “I went there with the feeling still that however we do it in America is the ‘right way’ of doing it. And what I found is everything is very relative and contextual,” Lykins says.

Lessons Abroad

Longtime resident and professor finds lifelong learning through international travels 8 September/October 2026

www.westervillemagazine.com

At the time, he was on a Federal Reserve committee discussing how mobile phones might be used to transfer money. He says the committee kept proposing reasons it couldn’t be done. “I went to Uganda and in the middle of the Serengeti, we were watching people with flip phones transferring money back and forth, paying their bills,” Lykins says. “I came back to the United States and I said, ‘How is it that a developing country can figure this out, and we just find all the reasons not to?’” Lykins says such experiences were humbling and eye-opening. He says learning about differences fueled his desire to keep traveling. “When I was younger, I thought I was more the teacher, and I’ve changed that mindset to, ‘I’m always a learner,’” Lykins says. “I enjoy now sitting back and saying,

‘My way is one way. But there are millions of ways.’ And depending on where you are and when you are, there might be other, better ways.”

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Beyond the brochure One of the ways Lykins has deepened his learning experiences while traveling is through embracing week-long immersion programs. In the summer of 2025, he did his first Spanish immersion program in Colombia, followed by Guatemala a few months later. This summer, he completed his third program in El Salvador. Through private schools, he studied Spanish in a classroom setting and oneon-one sessions, learning vocabulary and discussing topics such as family and current events.

8 1 2026 Japan 2 2003 Uganda 3 2025 Columbia 4 2011 Thailand 5 2025 Guatemala 6 2009 Kenya 7 2018 Singapore 8 2026 El Salvador

September/October 2026 9

2024 Italy

2007 China

2006 Brazil

2019 Costa Rica

A Love for Learning During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lykins enrolled in the University of Maryland Global Campus to earn his Doctor of Business Administration. “I love the process of learning... I decided to get a doctorate degree, not because I necessarily needed it, but because I wanted to learn more,” Lykins says. While he is a certified public accountant, certified financial planner and enrolled agent, he says the degrees and certifications are simply tangible artifacts. It’s the process of learning that excites him most. His next learning experience is pursuing his Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation alongside Otterbein colleague and finance professor Mike Tsuyuguchi. 2026 UMGC Doctoral Graduation 10 September/October 2026

www.westervillemagazine.com

While he found his first program in Colombia challenging, he says the subsequent programs became easier. “It’s amazing how some of it will come back to you,” Lykins says. “I think lifelong learning is all about, once you learn something, the next time you learn it, you learn it faster.” During some trips, Lykins was able to stay with a host family, experiencing daily life while studying. He hopes to do another immersion program in Central or South America in the future. “It puts you in the deep end of figuring things out, but I like those experiences. It really gives you a sense of what the real day-to-day life, food and culture is like,” Lykins says. International adventures While Lykins’ trips are more regimented and destination-focused when he’s traveling with his wife, Amy Gordon, he often takes a spontaneous, experience-driven approach if he’s alone or with friends. Though he’s been to countries such as Costa Rica on multiple occasions, he most enjoys exploring new places. “My favorite places to travel are places that I’ve never been because those are new experiences,” he says. “There’s nothing wrong about going to some place you love, but how do you know that you won’t love (another) place more than where you’re going unless you’ve gone and experienced it?” He believes some people avoid traveling out of fear that something will go wrong, so he enjoys sharing candid stories where he overcame challenges to help lessen that fear and pique others’ interest. “The best stories are always the ones that didn’t go exactly as planned,” Lykins says. For instance, he recalls trying to order lunch in a Shanghai fish market where nobody spoke English or searching for a hostel in Thailand at 2 a.m. with all the roads closed. Overall, he says that trying something different always presents challenges but emphasizes being adaptable. “Things are not going to be perfect, and the only things you can actually affect are your effort and your attitude. If you can keep those in check, everything else can be dealt with,” Lykins says.

“I always love coming back here,” he says. “While I like the excitement (of traveling), I always enjoy coming back home and finding my center again.” In the classroom, Lykins incorporates lifelong learning into his curriculum, focusing on teaching students to become effective learners. “If you can appreciate the process, that will help you more than remembering that the debits are on the left and the credits are on the right,” Lykins says.

He emphasizes adopting a growth mindset and recognizing failure as an opportunity for reflection rather than a personal shortcoming. “As long as you’re open to it, you can learn from anything,” Lykins says. Amanda Stevens is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at astevens@cityscenemediagroup.com.

In addition to traveling, Lykins enjoys ham radio, backpacking and motorcycle riding, having done a 2,000-mile motorcycle camping trip down to Florida this past spring. He also enjoys spending time with his eight grandchildren.

Lykins on the Natchez Trace Parkway in Mississippi

A learning journey While Lykins enjoys international travel, Westerville is home. He enjoys attending community events such as Uptown Westerville Inc’s Fourth Fridays and sharing travel stories with students. www.westervillemagazine.com

September/October 2026 11

• infocus

By Jane Dimel Photos: Cats by Evelyn Piamonte at Evelyn O’Clock Photos, Oliver by Zaco Duckro and Mary Poppins by David and Massillon Myers

THE THEATRE Creativity and connection drive the Westerville Civic Theatre following recent Jebby Award

Since opening its curtains in 2013, the Westerville Parks and Recreation Civic Theatre has made its name in the Columbus theater scene – boasting large casts and a creative twist on popular musicals. Winning the Jebby Award for Local Production of the Year - Musical this spring for its 2025 production of Cats, the Civic Theatre continues to push the bounds of local theater and build a loyal community of cast, crew and audience in the process.

Picking the playbill Leading up to the selection of Cats for one of its 2025 productions, the co-directing team, Katheryn “Katey” Munger and Michael Ruehrmund, found themselves building a list of prospective shows, focusing on options that were both new and family-friendly. As they whittled it down, they were surprised to find that Cats remained a frontrunner. “We had our list of finalists of our shows to pick from, and Katey and I just looked at each other one night and said, ‘I guess it’s Cats,’” Ruehrmund says. From there, it was about getting the creative team on board, particularly choreographer Cindy Straub, who was skeptical at first of accomplishing the choreo-heavy show. “Cats was a real hallmark of dance in a musical… I met with Michael and Katey three times, saying, ‘I don’t see how we can do it because it’s a heavy, heavy dance show, and a lot of people in our shows haven’t trained in dance, or they’ve trained very minimally,’” says Straub. “They were like, ‘It will work, it will work,’ and it worked fabulously.” As they announced and cast the show, Munger shares that interest was high, as many seemed to be waiting for a production of Cats. 12 September/October 2026

“People came out of the woodwork from different areas of the community because we were doing this challenging dance show that they’d always wanted to be a part of,” she says. “We ended up with a lot of very highly trained dancers who this was a dream show for, and that was really fun to work with.”

The Jebby Awards is a yearly celebration of central Ohio theater, recognizing achievement in productions, performances and design.

Feel-line out the show Theatergoers familiar with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats may know a few key components of the show, such as its traditional junkyard setting. However, since the original script does not provide a specific location for the show, Ruehrmund and Munger wanted to try a new setting to represent the show’s themes of growth and rebirth: a community garden.

www.westervillemagazine.com

“We’re doing a community show. based in literature and media, creating a Throughout the process, the directors It’s community theater. We’re bringing backstory to heighten character choices. and creative team made sure all the Some notable nods to pop culture creative components came together in everyone together, and so we thought, ‘Let’s put it in a space that calls out to characters include Thomas Stern, after collaboration – from its dance sequences, that,’” Ruehrmund says. to specially designed costumes “This could be any space handmade by Debbie Hamrick Cats was so special. I didn’t think in within a city, but it (was) of Debbie’s Costume Shop. my lifetime I’d ever get to do it, and designated as a garden that “Everything has to be so it was so special I could sit there is either tended to or left collaborative in musicals to its demise by the people because (of) how the music is every night and watch them. around it, (and) the cats done. The singing can impact – Betsy Davis Butler, claimed it as their own.” the story and how it’s being Ruehrmund shares that told, and what the characters’ original cast member for ensemble storytelling is motivations are impacts the Westerville Civic Theatre a signature part of the dance, and what the dance Theatre’s shows, especially needs impacts what the staging when it came to Cats, which had a large (and costuming) is going to look like,” cast size of 66. Along with blocking spe- T. S. Eliot, and Bumbly and Mizzlemitts, Munger says. cific moments for each character to stand inspired by an episode of Unbreakable By the end of the show’s run, it out, each cat added to the cast had a name Kimmy Schmidt featuring a Cats parody. became the highest-selling of Munger and Ruehrmund’s shows since they began co-directing in 2019, solidified by the winning of its Jebby Award at the 34th annual celebration in May earlier this year.

“

”

The next life Following this summer’s shows, the Civic Theatre directors are already looking toward next year. One special show already on the books is the debut of an original musical by Westerville Civic Theatre’s own creative team, Munger, Ruehrmund and Assistant Music Director Michael Neary: Hoboken. Inspired by their time studying at The Ohio State University and living near the train tracks, longtime friends Munger and Neary set out to create a story featuring an underrepresented population: unhoused people. www.westervillemagazine.com

September/October 2026 13

Following main character Teddy, Hoboken is a coming-of-age story. As he sets off to escape the expectations of settling down and taking over the family business by living on the rails instead, he visits different spots around the U.S., meeting unique characters along the way. The musical features original music inspired by the regions he visits, along with numbers featuring a 16-piece orchestra. With help from the theater community, the trio is excited to share the show in Westerville first. “It’s going to be a world premiere, and it’s written by people from Westerville… We wrote a show that we wanted to do with the Westerville community,” says Munger. Jane Dimel is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at jdimel@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Spotlighted Shows Aside from Cats, numerous productions by the Civic Theatre have been highlighted for their leading talent, creative direction and design, and overall productions. Its first awards came with the 2016 production of The Little Mermaid, which swept the BroadwayWorld Columbus awards with eight wins for Best Musical and Best Direction of a Musical, along with Best Musical Director, Choreography and Costume, Scenic, Sound and Lighting Design, respectively. Since then, the troupe has won numerous times in these categories, as well as in Best Direction of a Play (2016, 2017), Best Director of a Play (2018) and of a Musical (2019), Best Leading Actor (2016, 2019), Best Leading Actress (2019) and Theatre of the Year (Community) in 2018 and 2019. Over the years, the Civic Theatre cast has been nominated for best leads and supporting cast, with Mackenzie Leland winning Best Lead Actress (BroadwayWorld) for Mary Poppins (2019), the same year the Civic Theatre received its first nomination for Local Production of the Year – Musical at the Jebby Awards. 14 September/October 2026

www.westervillemagazine.com

Reading on the Go Westerville’s Story Trails and where you can find them By Grey Romohr Photos courtesy of Leslie Strader and Westerville Public Library

ake a stroll through Johnston-McVay Park, and you’ll notice a curious number of posts along its winding walking path. Starting at the entrance of the park, you can follow them around swing sets, a wooden tower, public hammocks and underneath trees shedding their leaves.

This is one of three story trails maintained by Westerville Public Library, an initiative that brings literacy outdoors.

The books that will be featured through February 2027 are available on Westerville Public Library’s website. Visitors can look forward to picture books such as Trunk Goes Thunk! By Heather C. Morris through September 2026 and Berry Song by Michaela Goade from October through December 2026. 16 September/October 2026

First steps In 2019, Westerville Public Library began an initiative to expand library access to be equal and convenient for all residents in the area. To combat challenges of social distancing and infection prevention presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the library came up with a solution: an outdoor story trail. Westerville unveiled its first story trail in Johnston McVay Park in December of 2020. Funded by the Westerville Library Foundation, Westerville Parks and Recreation installed 15 posts along the park’s quarter-mile walking path. At each post were displayed pages of Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora. www.westervillemagazine.com

Below each set of pages, literacy prompts ask readers various questions related to the story, such as defining words, identifying animals and making inferences about the message. The prompts are created by staff members in the Westerville Public Library’s Kids Department, who take turns writing them after a book has been selected. Following the first trail’s success, Westerville Public Library partnered with Genoa Township and Blendon Township in 2022 to install story trails in Hilmar Park and Ridgewood Park. While each township maintains its own land, the story trails’ content is the responsibility of Westerville Public Library’s Kids Department and Kids Librarian Matt Glaviano. “I go out once a month to one of those story trails and put in a different story,” says Glaviano, who personally selects books and works with the library to purchase www.westervillemagazine.com

September/October 2026 17

copies for trail use. “Essentially, every three months, each of the individual locations is rotated to a different story.” Glaviano explains that the original book panels from 2020 and 2022 have since been through all the parks. So, in 2025, he decided it was time to change things up and use a wider and more diverse selection of authors and books. Rotated materials focus on subjects such as seasons, animals, weather, colors and prosocial behaviors and relationships. Selections are primarily picture books meant to be experienced by families with children 8 and younger, so only a few nonfiction books with minimal text are included.

“We try to have the books have some tie into the natural world around us. And that’s mainly what I want… something that reflects the world people are physically seeing around them, something that we can ask questions about to expand that experience beyond just what’s on the page,” says Glaviano. Taking it outside Since the trails have been installed, Westerville Public Library has succeeded in its initial goal of removing barriers, such as transportation, that can prevent families from engaging with the library. Beyond expanding access, the trails offer a range of additional benefits by pairing stories with interactive prompts. Families may find that engaging with the trails’ activities can improve reading comprehension, promote physical activity and provide avenues for kinesthetic learners. “It gives you a chance to have a story time while not being confined within a library,” says Glaviano. “If there are many people who learn that well just by sitting still and reading… you have an experience that gives those learners a

chance to still move around while they’re experiencing a book.” In addition to catering to different types of learning, it provides families a place to bond in a screen-free environment and encourages engagement with nature and local green spaces. “As a parent, I like taking my kids on story trails to train them to be able to walk farther so we can do more hikes as a family,” says Katy Kaslow, museum specialist for Westerville Public Library. “And Ohio State parks have story trails, too. We started to continuously encounter them, including in Westerville. We’ve done the one at Ridgewood Park a couple of times.” “Most months there is at least one person who will stop me as I’m going around and say how much they like the story trails,” adds Glaviano. “Oftentimes it’s people who are like, ‘We do these with our grandkids,’ or things like that. It’s always fun to get that sort of feedback.” Grey Romohr is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

An avid visitor of Westerville’s story trails, Kaslow is currently working to design and install a new but similar concept: the city’s first history trail in collaboration with Westerville City Schools. The new trail next to McVay Elementary School will cover topics ranging from glacier movement and the preserve’s natural flora and fauna to Indigenous peoples who lived on the land and development of the Westerville community. “So, (it will be) some history, some science, some places where history and science intersect,” Kaslow says. “We’re writing it all at an elementary school level because they’re going to be our target audience… But I think other community members will find value on the trail, too.” The McVay History Trail will be available to the public in Fall 2026. 18 September/October 2026

www.westervillemagazine.com

September/October 2026 19

• studentspotlight By Ellie Keehn

Photos by Amanda Stevens and Kendyl Householder courtesy of Roflickss, Cbus Graphics and Ole Miss Athletics

State Bound and Beyond Westerville Central athletes take the podium at track and field state championship

t the OHSAA Track & Field State Championships in June, recent Westerville Central High School graduates Symone Smith and Robert Young took their hard-earned places atop the podium in discus and shot put, and the 400-meter, respectively. They are now both gearing up to continue their track and field careers at Division I universities. The prelims Before their success in track and field, both athletes began in other sports. Smith started in volleyball and only joined track after lots of convincing from others. At first, she focused on hurdles, even going to Ohio Speed Academy outside of practice to improve. Then, the throwing coach asked her to try out shot put and discus, even though it wasn’t traditional to run and throw. “I did throwing. I wasn’t really serious about it, but I liked it. I found joy in it,” Smith says. When Young moved to Columbus in junior high, he was a basketball player. But, when he needed something to do in the summer, his aunt encouraged him to join track. He was reluctant, but when he was injured during basketball in the eighth grade, he fell back on track to keep active. To his surprise, he was extremely successful, even making the AAU Junior Olympics by the end of the season – leading him to pursue it more seriously. “I experienced how competitive track and field actually is. And I guess from that moment forward, it was kind of a constant chase towards something. So, that was how it started,” Young says. Hurdling challenges As soon as Smith was finding her footing in track and field, she was injured while playing volleyball and missed her entire sophomore season of track. It was a dev20 September/October 2026

Robert Young

Symone Smith

astating loss for her, but instead of letting the injury get her down, she used it to fuel her fire. At the start of her junior year, she told her dad her goal was to commit to a DI college for track. And she did. Young faced injuries of his own throughout high school, dealing with multiple hamstring strains, a tear and dislocating his ankle. He shares that he was frustrated, but ultimately, decided that he didn’t want to back down. Smith says she and Young have always set high expectations for themselves, so they both continued to show up, put in the work at the gym and track, and sought advice where they could get it to keep improving – finding a family and a calling in the sport along the way.

The final lap Going into the tournament, Smith knew what she was capable of, but the pressure of being seen as a DI commit added a whole new layer of stress to the competition. In addition to the pressure, after she had finished warming up for discus on day one, the rain started. It delayed the event for hours, and then eventually, it had to be moved to the next day. Young ran the 400 prelim in a calm, collected mindset, having competed at the state level many times before. But going into the finals after multiple rain delays, feeling the eyes of his future college coach in the stands – and unfortunately forgetting his uniform – he recalls starting to experience performance anxiety. www.westervillemagazine.com

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In the end, they were both able to persevere through the rain delays, the heat and the pressure and come out on the podium. Smith was the girls Division I discus state champion and also placed third in shot put, while Young was the boys Division I 400-meter state runner-up. This fall, both athletes will join the track and field teams of Division I universities. Smith plans to major in biology at the University of Mississippi – Ole Miss – and Young plans to major in computer science at Indiana University. Ellie Keehn is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com. www.westervillemagazine.com

September/October 2026 21

• living

By Amanda Stevens

Homes on the Horizon Builders show off fresh designs as BIA Parade of Homes returns to central Ohio

eturning once again this September is the Building Industry Association of Central Ohio’s Parade of Homes, which showcases the top home designs and trends from local builders. In 2021, the Parade adopted a scatteredsite format, allowing visitors to tour a wide selection of homes. This year’s Parade features more than a dozen builds near Westerville – in communities such as New Albany, Sunbury, Lewis Center, Powell and Worthington – with properties including ranch-style homes, multigenerational homes, condos and more.

Builds on the Block Per builders’ reports to the City of Westerville, between the beginning of 2025 and late July 2026, there were 12 single-family homes completed in Westerville, with an average of 4,511 square feet. This includes all inspectable square footage, such as unfinished basements and garages.

Delaware Model Center, Wayne Homes Photo by Wayne Homes

Though amenities, design and price point vary from home to home, many reflect modern trends and can accommodate growing families and guests with multiple beds, bathrooms and open floorplans. In New Albany, Bob Webb Homes features both a three-bed, two-and-a-halfbath ranch home and a five-bed, five-anda-half-bath home with more than 6,000 square feet of space.

Up in Sunbury, Parade-goers can tour single-story homes, such as Wayne Homes’ remodeled four-bed, two-and-a-half-bath ranch home at its Delaware Model Center or one of D.R. Horton’s ranch floorplans in the Kintner Crossing community. Sunbury also includes homes by Pulte Group, which can be found in the Honey Grove community and the new, non-agerestricted Explore by Del Webb community.

2524 Firethorn Dr., Sunbury, Pulte Group Photos by Columbus Pics

22 September/October 2026

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Woodhaven, Bob Webb Homes

Photos by Jennifer Dues, Jennifer Michelle Photography

Evans Farm, Bobb Webb Homes Photos by Nathan Schively, Blue Avenue Media

cases homes from builders such as Diyanni Custom Homes with a custom ranch home in The Reserve at Scioto Bluffs; Old World Custom Homes with a 4,522 square-foot home with five beds and five-and-a-half bathrooms; and Epcon Communities with a condo home in The Courtyards of Hyatts Village. Lastly, over in Worthington, Maronda Homes is presenting its newest townhomes in Worthington Preserve, with its model

floorplan featuring three to four bedrooms and two-and-a-half to three-and-a-half bathrooms. From noon to 6 p.m. during Sept. 1727, Thursdays-Sundays, visitors to the Parade can tour these homes and a variety of others throughout central Ohio for free. Amanda Stevens is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at astevens@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Price Premium According to Redfin, the median price of single-family homes across the country from January through May 2026 ranged from $383,000 to $408,714. While Ohio’s prices fall under this range, with the median as low as $248,250 in January and as high as $282,892 in May, Westerville aligns closely with national trends with median prices ranging from $422,000 to $475,258 during the same timeframe. 24 September/October 2026

1103 Old Castle Rd., Lewis Center, Pulte Group Photos by Columbus Pics

www.westervillemagazine.com

September/October 2026 25

what’s your style?

The Powell Buehler Group (614) 915-4588

The Powell Buehler Group (614) 915-4588 4528 Ravine Drive, Westerville – Nestled on nearly 3 private acres in prestigious Rolling Ridge, this exceptional estate offers over 4,900 sq. ft. in the main residence plus a NEW 2026 carriage house with a finished 1,200 sq. ft. guest suite. A first-floor Toy Barn accommodates 4+ vehicles. Enjoy privacy, neighborhood pool and tennis/pickleball, plus convenient access to Uptown Westerville, New Albany, 270, Intel’s Ohio One campus and John Glenn Airport. $1,274,000

COLDWELL BANKER REALTY ThePowellBuehlerGroup.com

6961 Whitetail Lane, Westerville – This impressive two-story home offers 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths and nearly half an acre of beautifully maintained outdoor space. Enjoy an open-concept kitchen with granite counters, large island and stainless appliances, plus a luxurious Owner’s Suite, second-floor laundry and finished lower level with full bath, theater and playroom. A 3-car garage, deck, patio and basketball hoop add versatility. Major 2023 updates include roof, HVAC, tankless water heater and gutters. $775,000

COLDWELL BANKER REALTY ThePowellBuehlerGroup.com

The Powell Buehler Group (614) 915-4588

1067 Weatherwood Court, Westerville – Tucked away on a desirable cul-de-sac, this beautifully maintained home offers exceptional privacy, lush landscaping and a fenced backyard with paver patio and pavilion. The stunning 2-story Family Room features an all-brick fireplace, while the updated kitchen boasts granite counters, island and custom cabinetry. Enjoy a private Den, versatile loft, spacious Owner’s Suite and newly finished lower level with full bath. Steps to parks and trails, minutes to Hoover Reservoir and Uptown Westerville. $610,000

6668 HIlmar Drive, Westerville – Over $100K in updates have transformed this exceptional home, featuring vaulted ceilings, abundant natural light, beautiful landscaping and a remodeled kitchen with granite counters and stainless appliances. The first-floor Owner’s Suite offers a spa-like bath and custom closet. Finished lower level adds entertaining space and storage. Enjoy a private stamped-concrete patio overlooking scenic green space. New driveway, HVAC and more. Steps from schools, parks and minutes to Hoover Reservoir, Uptown Westerville, Polaris and Easton. $535,000

COLDWELL BANKER REALTY ThePowellBuehlerGroup.com

The Powell Buehler Group (614) 915-4588

288 Bruce Court, Westerville – Nestled on a desirable cul-de-sac backing to mature trees, this spacious home offers privacy, scenic views and direct access to a walking trail. Enjoy a screened porch, updated deck with built-in seating, mudroom and first-floor laundry. The finished Owens Corning basement adds flexible living space plus storage. Fresh updates include LVT flooring, paint, lighting, refrigerator and dishwasher. Conveniently located near parks, schools, Westerville Rec Center and Uptown Westerville. $520,000

7280 Hollandia Drive, Westerville – Set on .74 pastoral acres in Hollandia, this distinctive 5-bedroom home offers 2,800+ sq. ft. above grade plus an additional 1,600 sq. ft. of finished lower-level living space. Enjoy vintage character, hardwood floors, an art deco-inspired remodeled kitchen, upgraded baths and an Owner’s Suite with private balcony. Brick and stucco exterior on a quiet dead-end street. Westerville Schools, minutes from Easton, 270, New Albany and Westerville. $465,000.

COLDWELL BANKER REALTY ThePowellBuehlerGroup.com

Connie Sadowski (614) 943-0025 Light and bright, thoughtfully restored from top to bottom, preserving its classic charm while offering the peace of mind that comes with today’s most desired updates. First time buyers, investors, you found your home!

COLDWELL BANKER REALTY conniesadowski.com/westerville

Call today for more information: 614-572-1240 26 September/October 2026

www.westervillemagazine.com

Westerville home prices increased by 9.3 percent in June 2026 compared to the previous year. Homes sold for a median price of $489,733 in June 2026. A total of 168 homes were sold in June 2026, 23 more than in 2025. On average, homes sold after 30 days on the market, compared to 35 days the previous year.

Top Homes Sold in Westerville

7276 Lee Rd. 4 beds, 4 baths $1,780,000 Sold 6/30/26

5141 Springfield Ct. 4 beds, 2.5 baths $620,000 Sold 6/4/26

841 Memories Ln. 4 beds, 4.5 baths $880,000 Sold 6/16/26

701 Waterton Dr. 4 beds, 2.5 baths $617,500 Sold 6/2/26

814 Memories Ln. 4 beds, 3.5 baths $859,900 Sold 5/22/26

5782 Corral Creek Dr. 4 beds, 2.5 baths $605,000 Sold 6/18/26

136 Mainsail Dr. 6 beds, 5.5 baths $775,000 Sold 6/2/26

573 River Trace Rd. 4 beds, 2.5 baths $600,000 Sold 6/29/26

7860 Schott Rd. 3 beds, 2.5 baths $740,000 Sold 6/15/26

1383 Spagnol Ln. 3 beds, 2.5 baths $599,900 Sold 5/28/26

667 E. College Ave. 5 beds, 3.5 baths $666,000 Sold 6/16/26

1176 Scarlet Ct. 4 beds, 2.5 baths $599,900 Sold 6/12/26

(Data from Franklin County Auditor, Redfin and Realtor.com)

www.westervillemagazine.com

September/October 2026 27

• onthetable By Ella Jay

Photos courtesy of The Family Room Coffee & Bake Shop, Jet’s Pizza, Giammarco’s Italian Restaurant, Rusty Bucket Restaurant & Tavern’s, Westerville Grill and Northstar Cafe

A Seat at the Table Westerville restaurants serve up support for local schools and community

estaurants have long been places where communities gather, celebrate and connect. In Westerville, local eateries are taking that role beyond the dining room, from supporting student mental health and scholarships to helping schools and community organizations raise funds. And for diners, getting involved is easy – sometimes, it starts with simply choosing where to grab your next meal. The Family Room Coffee & Bake Shop For The Family Room Coffee & Bake Shop, giving back to Westerville students is a regular part of its community involvement. The local coffee shop was honored with the Terry Gordon Business Award at the 2026 GEM Awards, which recognize volunteers, staff and businesses that go above and beyond to positively impact students in the Westerville City School District. “We were so excited to receive the award… We are a family-centered business, and students are at the heart of what we do,” says Owner Allison DeVelvis. “All of my employees are, or have been,

The Family Room Coffee & Bake Shop 28 September/October 2026

students within the district… (and) one thing I am really excited about is that Family Room Coffee has become a place where young teens can get their first taste of independence. We’ve created a place that’s safe and accessible for them to come on their own.” The award recognizes The Family Room’s ongoing support of the district and local parent organizations, including its Dollars for Scholars dine-out events. Held on the second Wednesday of each month, the fundraisers give customers an easy way to support local students: When diners mention the Westerville Parent Council, The Family Room donates a percentage of its sales to student scholarships. DeVelvis says the shop also frequently hosts events with the Community Artists of Westerville, Westerville Division of Police, Westerville Queer Collective and the Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce, as well as opens the space to book clubs, Bible studies, art socials, PTA and booster meetings, Bingo nights and more. “We want everyone to feel welcome here at Family Room Coffee… We love

Giammarco’s Italian Restaurant

this community and are so grateful for the support we’ve received,” says DeVelvis. “When the schools and the community thrive, we all thrive.” Menu favorites: Cinnamon Roll, Breakfast Sandwich, Honeycomb Latte, Banana Bread Latte Jet’s Pizza Jet’s Pizza’s commitment to the Westerville community goes beyond serving up a hot slice. The restaurant was recognized in 2024 through the Ohio School Boards Association’s Business Honor Roll – nominated by the Westerville City School District – for its support of the District’s Hope Squad, a peer-led suicide prevention program that empowers students to look out for and support their peers.

Jet’s Pizza www.westervillemagazine.com

Dine, donate, make a difference In Westerville, giving back can also be just as simple as sharing a meal. Through dine-to-donate nights, fundraisers and community contributions, local restaurants are helping schools, youth organizations and nonprofits turn a night out into an opportunity to make a difference. Giammarco’s Italian Restaurant frequently hosts fundraisers benefiting Westerville athletics and student clubs. Menu favorites: Penne Giammarco, Sausage Arancini, Italiano Stromboli, Reno’s Classic Olive Soup Martini

“It’s never our intention to get recognition for it, but of course, it’s a great cause and we love helping out the kids as often as we can,” says General Manager Zach Houston. Jet’s Pizza supports the program as a corporate sponsor of the Westerville Education Challenge’s Night of Hope 5K & Family Fun Run, an event that brings the community together to raise money and awareness for student mental health initiatives. As part of its involvement, Jet’s provides free pizza for participants and volunteers, adding a little fuel to an evening centered around an important cause. “In business, community is everything,” Houston says. “That includes giving back and paying your part back to the community, not just providing pizza.” Menu favorites: Detroit-Style Deep Dish pizza, 8 Corner Pizza®, Jet’s® Wings

Westerville Grill www.westervillemagazine.com

Rusty Bucket Restaurant & Tavern’s Dine ‘N Donate program offers another way for schools and community groups to raise money. Participating organizations can host designated fundraising nights, encouraging supporters to mention the organization when ordering. A portion of the qualifying sales is then donated back to the group. Menu favorites: Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, The Bucket (O.G.) Burger, Fish & Chips Westerville Grill also contributes to the community through donations of food and gift cards to neighborhood high school booster groups, along with direct community outreach efforts that support local organizations. Menu favorites: Uptown Burger, Monte Cristo, Corned Beef Hash and Eggs

Rusty Bucket Restaurant & Tavern’s

At Northstar Cafe, community involvement extends beyond individual fundraisers. The restaurant regularly participates in neighborhood initiatives and supports causes including conservation and food security. Menu favorites: Cloud Nine Pancakes, Northstar Burger, Buddha Bowl Ella Jay is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback is welcome at ejay@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Northstar Cafe September/October 2026 29

• 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 What Do We Do in Preschool? By Kathryn Wanless For children starting preschool, they will be delighted to see the many things they will do in school throughout the year. An author’s note and suggestions to parents about the ways they can use the book are included.

Sarang Saves the School By Korena Di Roma Howley Sarang loves her South Korean fishing village. School and time with her Halmeoni (Grandmother) are her favorite things. However, fewer students are attending school, and the school might close. Sarang develops a plan to keep the school open and to provide her Halmeoni with the education she always wished for. A moving story based on true events.

Big Kids By K.L. Going On the first day of school, a young student is overwhelmed by the big kids he sees. He’s afraid, until one of the big kids asks him to be his buddy for Buddy Day. As the two go through the day together, the younger student becomes more comfortable. By the end, he too is feeling like a big kid.

First Ride on a School Bus with Tamir By Whitney Sanderson Popular Sesame Street characters guide children through a typical bus ride. Tips on greeting the bus driver, sitting with fellow students and pick-up and drop-off are included. This is a great offering to share with children riding the bus for the first time.

Recommended Adult Reads from Mindy Bilyeu, Adult Services Librarian The Learning Household By Ken Bain with Marsha Marshall Bain Children are eager learners, but many find school alienating. How can parents nurture kids’ natural curiosity? Educators Ken Bain and Marsha Marshall Bain show that by creating a “learning household” that encourages creativity and resourcefulness, parents can help bring the joy of learning back to the classroom.

The Botanist’s Assistant By Peggy Townsend

Get Noticed! Contact Elizabeth today for special first-time advertising rates!

Elizabeth Wagner 614.572.1243 ewagner@cityscenemediagroup.com 30 September/October 2026

Plenty of people consider Margaret Finch odd. But the same attributes that cause her to be labeled eccentric – an obsessive attention to detail and the ability to organize almost anything – make her invaluable in her job as research assistant to a talented and charismatic botanist. It’s those very same qualities, however, that also turn Margaret into a target after a surprising death shakes the small university where she works. Even as authorities claim the death appears to be from natural causes, Margaret fears it might be something more: a murder born of jealousy and dark secrets.

Homeschooled By Stefan Block In this memoir, Stefan Merrill Block recounts his childhood after being withdrawn from public school at the age of 9 and educated at home by his mother. He reflects on his experiences within both homeschooling and traditional educational systems, as well as the complex and often strained relationship between mother and son. The narrative situates his personal story within the broader context of the rise of homeschooling in the U.S. and examines the effects of his upbringing, including his later return to public school and experiences with bullying. The work explores themes of family dynamics, education, identity and reconciliation.

The Westerville Public Library

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 www.westervillemagazine.com

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