FALL 2026
Columbus School For Girls The Architects of Confidence
Leading. Teaching. Serving Inspiring. Empowering.
Dr. Keirsten Moore
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Rev. Dr. Rachel Wrenn
Interim Dean and Associate Professor Trinity Lutheran Seminary
THE FUTURE OF CAPITAL UNIVERSITY IS BUILT ON PURPOSE, PURSUITS, PLACE, AND RESOURCES — AND BY THE PEOPLE WHO BRING THOSE PILLARS TO LIFE.
Stephanie Sanders
Vice President for Strategic Enrollment and Marketing
Dr. Dina Lentsner
Professor of Music Theory and Composition
Kathy Wolfgram Capital University Trustee Fellow
Meet five women who bring our mission to life. Every day, women across our campus lead, teach, discover, create, and serve. Through their work, they shape lives, strengthen our community, and move Capital forward. As your hometown university, we proudly celebrate the women whose leadership and impact extend far beyond our campus.
1 COLLEGE AND MAIN • COLUMBUS, OH 43209 • CAPITAL.EDU
Welcome to
FALL 2026
Columbus School For Girls The Architects of Confidence
BEXLEY OHIO’S LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
OUR SOCIAL SITES:
INSTAGRAM: @BEXLEYLIFE_MAGAZINE - LINKEDIN: BEXLEY LIFE MAGAZINE
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WHAT’S UP INSIDE 11 | Bexley Police Department
Building a Safer, Stronger Bexely
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8 | Mayor Kessler
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12 | Capital University: Rooted in Bexley
FEATURED CONTENT 17 | We Salute Our 2026 Extraordinary Women
44 | The Eruv: The Invisible Boundary that Connects a Community
40 40 | CMOA: Free Admission for Visitors 25 and Under
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FOUNDER/PUBLISHER C. Sunny Martin CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Monica Lehman ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Hannah Gleason SALES EXECUTIVE Ajah Potts ajahpotts614@gmail.com OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHY Ian Alexander Photography Mike Stipler Photography Purple Start Photography Clique Photography DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL PROJECTS Steve Clark SALES EXECUTIVE Brianna McNary JOURNALIST Tom Diehl GRAPHIC PRODUCTION JPS Print www.jprintshop.com EDITORIAL BOARD ADVISORS Roger D. Blackwell, PhD. Alisha Martin VIDEO/PODCAST PRODUCTION The Dreamcatchers Production ADVERTISING INQUIRES bexelylifemagazine@gmail.com Phone: 614.420.5710 EVENT NEWS/PRESS RELEASES bexelylifemagazine@gmail.com Phone: 614.420.5710
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A LETTER FROM THE MAYOR Welcome, Bexley Life
C
ongratulations to Executive Editor Hannah Gleason and her team on the launch of this inaugural edition of Bexley Life Magazine. It’s always exciting to welcome something new to our community - especially something created with the goal of telling Bexley’s stories and bringing people together. There is, of course, a reason this magazine is called Bexley Life. Bexley is more than a place on a map or a collection of tight-knit, tree-shaded, walkable neighborhoods. There is a distinct way of life here, shaped by the people, institutions, traditions, and relationships that anchor this community as home. We are fortunate to live in a city where so much happens within just a few square miles. Our sidewalks and parks are gathering places. Our schools, library, houses of worship, businesses, celebration teams, and community organizations create countless opportunities to connect. We see familiar faces at the grocery store, at
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Friday night football games, walking along Main Street, at the pool, and at community events throughout the year. Generations of families have called Bexley home, while new residents continually bring fresh ideas, experiences, and energy to our community. What makes all of that special, though, is not simply proximity - it’s participation. Bexley works because our community members care about this place and about one another. They volunteer, serve, create, open businesses, coach teams, organize events, support neighbors, and find two hundred and fifty different ways to contribute to the life of our community. That is why I am particularly pleased to welcome Bexley Life. At a time when there are more ways than ever to receive information, there remains something valuable about a publication devoted specifically to the people and stories of a place. This magazine offers another route for residents to discover local voices, learn about neighbors and businesses, celebrate accomplishments, exchange ideas, and perhaps encounter a part of Bexley they didn’t know before. Every strong community needs places where its stories can be told and shared. My hope is that Bexley Life becomes one of those places - reflecting the character of our city while helping strengthen the connections that make Bexley such a unique and special place to call home. Congratulations again to the entire Bexley Life team, and best wishes on this inaugural issue and the many issues to come. Mayor Ben Kessler
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Welcome to
Bexley Life
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rom its beautiful tree-lined streets and historic architecture to its exceptional schools, local businesses, organizations, and engaged residents, Bexley is a community with a character all its own. That character inspired Bexley Life. As Publisher and Editor, I am proud to welcome you to the inaugural issue of a publication created to reflect the people, places, ideas, and institutions that shape our community. Each issue will offer a closer look at life in Bexley while creating meaningful connections among residents, businesses, schools, nonprofits, civic organizations, and local leaders. For our inaugural issue, it felt especially fitting to recognize the Extraordinary and Influential Women of Bexley. Within these pages, you will meet women whose leadership, creativity, service, and expertise are making an impact throughout our community and beyond. Their influence is not defined by a single title or accomplishment, but by the many ways they contribute, inspire, and create opportunities for others. You will also find thoughtful perspectives on health, wellness, education, business, history,
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community initiatives, and the organizations helping Bexley grow while preserving the traditions and distinctive qualities we value. My hope is that Bexley Life introduces you to someone you have not yet met, helps you discover something new about a familiar place, and offers useful insight into the subjects that touch our everyday lives. Perhaps it will even inspire one of those wonderful moments when you turn to someone and say, “I had no idea that was happening right here in Bexley.” Most importantly, this publication was created with the belief that a community becomes stronger when we better understand, support, and celebrate one another. Thank you to every writer, photographer, advertiser, community partner, and contributor who believed in this vision and helped bring our first issue to life. And thank you, our readers, for welcoming Bexley Life into your homes and businesses. There is so much to discover, celebrate, and share. This is only the beginning. With gratitude, Hannah Gleason Publisher & Editor Bexley Life Magazine
from the Bexley Chamber of Commerce Dear Members and Community Partners, A strong Chamber of Commerce does not happen by accident. It is built through commitment, consistency, and a clear focus on serving the businesses that drive our community forward. In Bexley, we have something special. Our local businesses are not just economic contributors, they are the backbone of our community, the gathering places for our families, and the foundation of our local identity. The role of the Bexley Area Chamber of Commerce is to support that foundation and help it grow stronger. Our commitment is clear. We are focused on building a Chamber that delivers real value, creates meaningful connections, and actively supports the success of every member. That means being present, being responsive, and being intentional about everything we do. A strong Chamber brings people together. It creates opportunity, strengthens relationships, and ensures that our businesses are not just operating, but thriving. It provides visibility, advocacy, and a network that helps turn individual efforts into collective momentum. We are continuing to move forward with purpose. Our focus is on strengthening our structure, improving engagement, and building a Chamber that is sustainable and positioned for long-term success. This is about creating something that works not just today, but for the future of Bexley. We are proud of this community, and we are proud to stand alongside the businesses that make it exceptional. Thank you for being part of it. Sincerely, Brenton Hill President Bexley Area Chamber of Commerce
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PROUD TO SHARE
FALL 2026
Bexley, beautifully told. Bexley Life Magazine is the new, exclusive publication celebrating the people, businesses, institutions and community spirit that make Bexley such an extraordinary place to live, work, learn and thrive. Columbus School For Girls The Architects of Confidence
Every home. Every business. Every school. One beautiful publication bringing Bexley together.
CELEBRATING OUR COMMUNITY
Bexley Life @bexleylife_magazine
MAGAZINE
in
Bexley Life Magazine
bexleylifemagazine@gmail.com
BEYOND THE BADGE Building a Safer, Stronger Bexely Chief Gary Lewis
Slow Down Bexley The program is designed to increase driver awareness, reduce speeding in neighborhoods and school zones, and use data to guide future education, enforcement, and engineering efforts. The goal is to change driver behavior, not increase citations, and to make Bexley’s streets safer for everyone.
Community Resource Center We are excited to announce our partnership with Congregation Torat Emet to create the Bexley Police Department Resource Center, using space that has been graciously donated. This is located in the heart of Bexley on E. Main Street and will host the BPD Community Liasion Officer, Crisis Caninne Griffey and offers space for each shift to perform administrative duties.
Bomb Detection Canine - Pia Pia is a short haired German Pointer who joined BPD three-years ago and specializes in bomb detection as part of our proactive safety efforts. Pia and her Handler, Officer Shawver conduct sweeps throughout the Bexley community, including places of worship, schools, businesses, and adjacent areas upon request.
National Night Out This program focuses on community engagement between Bexley Police Officers and the stakeholders it serves, held on the first Tuesday of August each year as part of a national effort.
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CAPITAL
UNIVERSITY
A shared history, a year of welcome, and what Capital is building next 14 Bexley Life Magazine
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year ago I began my service as president of Capital University. I want to use this first letter the way I would use a conversation on a front porch: to say thank you, to tell you what we are building together, and to invite you in. A SHARED ADDRESS, A SHARED HISTORY Capital moved to this ground in the 1870s, decades before there was a City of Bexley to move into. When Bexley incorporated in the early twentieth century, the University was already here — and Capital’s presence was part of what made this a place worth founding. Since that founding, the two have been intrinsically linked, growing up alongside one another, sharing streets and sidewalks and civic life. That history is worth naming because it changes the frame. Bexley is not where Capital happens to be located. Bexley is a great deal of who Capital is, and Capital is a great deal of how Bexley came to be. Nearly a century and a half on, we are not neighbors who found one another; we are neighbors who have never been apart. A YEAR OF BEING WELCOMED A university can introduce itself with enrollment figures and audited financials. None of that teaches you a place. What taught us this year was the simple willingness of this community to open a door. We have been welcomed by the Bexley Area Chamber of Commerce, by City Council, and by the Bexley School Board and the leadership of Bexley City Schools — whose students are a source of enormous pride here and, in a growing number of cases, future Comets. We have been welcomed by business owners along Main Street and beyond, by nonprofit leaders doing quiet and essential work, and by clergy and civic leaders who made room at the table. Along the way, we gathered our faculty and staff for socials at The Lion. We have grabbed coffee at Kittie’s, taken in a film at the Drexel, judged the Taste of Bexley — a genuinely difficult assignment we will accept again without hesitation — and spent good afternoons and evenings at Main Event, Summer Fest, and Porch Fest. Porch Fest may be the truest expression of what this town is: neighbors, music, front steps, and not a velvet rope in sight. We have found a warm welcome at Christ Lutheran, which has become our home church. And we remain unable to settle the friendly question of Johnson’s versus Graeter’s, which we
intend to keep researching — along Main Street and beyond — for as long as it takes. A UNIVERSITY WITH MOMENTUM
That welcome has coincided with a season of real momentum at Capital. The University has been named one of The Princeton Review’s Best 392 Colleges for 2027 and recognized as a 2026–27 College of Distinction — honors that reflect the strength of our academic experience, supportive community, and commitment to student success. Growth of that kind carries responsibility, which is one reason the work described below matters as much to your household as to ours. CAPITAL RISING: A PLAN FOR OUR THIRD CENTURY On August 1, one year to the day from when this chapter began, we publicly launched our five-year strategic plan: Capital Rising — Rooted in Legacy. Thriving into our Third Century. It was built over a full year by faculty, staff, students, trustees, alumni, and community voices, and adopted by our Board of Trustees in June. The plan rests on five pillars. Purpose anchors us to our mission of transforming lives. People commits us to the students, faculty, and staff who make this university work. Pursuits covers academic excellence and the experiences that prepare graduates for real careers. Resources addresses the discipline and generosity required to sustain it all. And Place, the fourth pillar, belongs, in part, to you. We gave it a phrase we chose with care: Rooted in Bexley. Engaged in Columbus. Beneath those pillars sit twenty-four goals guiding us from 2026 through 2031, carrying us to our bicentennial in 2030 and into a third century of service. This is not a document destined for a shelf. Every goal has an owner and a measure, progress will be public, and every school and division has built its own plan beneath it. WHAT THIS MEANS ON YOUR STREET Three commitments should matter to anyone who lives here. The first is a comprehensive campus master plan. Beginning this past spring, working with the planning and design firm BHDP, we undertaken an actionable, visionary study of our home. It will address how Bexley Life Magazine 15
we use our buildings, what becomes of underused and vacant space, how residential life should grow, and — importantly — how the edges of our campus meet your streets and sidewalks. Our commitment is straightforward: neighbors have and will hear about this work while it is being shaped, not after it has been decided. The second is a Bexley–Capital Compact. Our partnership with the City is genuinely strong. The Mayor and I talk often, the door swings both ways, and the working relationship between our staffs is the kind other communities call to ask about. The Compact is not a repair; it is a record. It puts in writing what we already practice — coordination on community events and public safety, shared use of facilities, and long-range planning done together — so that those who follow us inherit this partnership rather than have to build it again from scratch. The third is an honest accounting of our footprint. Capital is Bexley’s largest private employer and landowner, and more than ninety of our faculty and staff call Bexley home. They coach here, worship here, shop here, and vote here. This fall, the University, through our School of Management and Leadership, is
completing a full economic impact study to measure precisely what all of that adds up to across Bexley and Central Ohio. When it is finished, we will publish it. An anchor institution should be willing to show its work. OUR INVITATION TO YOU Here is the part we most want you to read. A great deal of what happens on our campus belongs to you, and much of it is free. Start with the Schumacher Gallery on the top floor of Blackmore Library. It holds one of the more significant collections in Ohio, spanning centuries and continents, and it is, we would argue, the most underappreciated cultural asset in this city. Admission costs nothing. Then come hear our Conservatory of Music. Capital fields more than fifty-five ensembles — from symphonic winds and choral works, jazz, chamber groups, student recitals — and on any given week this fall there is something worth hearing in Mees and Huntington Hall. The Conservatory has been part of this community’s soundtrack for well over a century. Come to a game. Our student-athletes compete at Bernlohr Stadium and inside the Capital Center, and a ticket costs less than a movie. Bring the kids. They will find the purple contagious. And come to the rest of it: lectures, exhibitions, readings, guest speakers, and the ordinary weekday life of a campus in September and beyond, which is one of the more hopeful things a person can walk through. ONE MORE THING A university’s first obligation is to our students. Its second, we would argue, is to the place that made it possible. Bexley made Capital possible, and continues to. That is the premise of everything above. So consider this a standing invitation. Park on campus, walk in, and see what is yours. And if you see me on the sidewalk, stop me — the best ideas we heard this year did not come to us in a meeting. Thank you for a first year we will not forget. We are grateful to be your neighbors. Jared R. Tice President, Capital University
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Special Feature
2026
SALUTE TO THE EXTRAORDINARY & INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF BEXLEY
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Camille Seals (far left) Head of School Betsy Gugle (2nd) Director of Lower School Pam Hartshorne (3rd) Assistant Head of School
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Angie McLarty ‘94 (4th) Crane McKee Director of Program for Young Children Dr. Meghan Hattaway (5th) Director of Middle School
THE ARCHITECTS
OF CONFIDENCE
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very day at Columbus School for Girls, you will see young women growing in confidence — a growth that reflects the School’s distinctive approach to instilling belief in her own self-worth, capabilities, and capacity to lead. Research shows girls learn and thrive best in environments designed specifically for them. Each day, we engineer an experience built on a blueprint: moments of deep connection, meaningful collaboration, and learning that is authentic. Our leaders serve as architects, designing experiences rooted in what girls need from school: a profound sense of mattering and belonging; voice and choice; belief in their capacity to influence their environment; and the knowledge that they have support as they grow. This is when we see the earliest glimmers of confidence — as early as age three. “Our girls’ confidence shines when they can come to school as their most authentic selves and know they’ll be embraced,” said Pam Hartshorne, Assistant Head of School. As they matriculate, girls engage in experiences that build their confidence and the power of their voice. They lead classroom discussions, captain athletic teams, perform on stage, ask the difficult questions, and pursuåe the ideas that matter most to them — pushing beyond what is comfortable, experiencing success and failure as tools for growth.
Director of Middle School. “As she discovers what she’s capable of, she begins to believe in what’s possible.” That belief is fundamental to our more than 125-year approach to educating girls. We believe in the limitless potential of every girl, so we challenge, support, and inspire them every day, because when girls are educated with purpose, they come to know their power. Girls also benefit from the Institute for Innovation and Leadership, defining their own leadership by engaging with women leaders across Central Ohio. “We want the girls to learn that the best leaders aren’t the ones who already know everything,” said Betsy Gugle, Director of Lower School. “They’re the ones who are willing to learn alongside others.” Every day at CSG, we dedicate time to building community, because when girls thrive here, they go on to transform the world — learning to celebrate their own successes and honor the successes of others, becoming leaders who leave the doors they’ve opened, open for others. At CSG, being a girl is a position of honor, and confidence is built intentionally, day by day, so that when our girls graduate, they believe there is nothing they cannot do. The only limitation is what they place on themselves — here, we teach girls that they are limitless. When girls are known, challenged, and celebrated for exactly who they are, confidence becomes the foundation for lifelong leadership.
“Confidence grows with every challenge a girl is willing to embrace,” said Dr. Meghan Hattaway,
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EMILEE HARPER BANKING THAT PUTS BEXLEY FIRST
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ummer is in full swing! You may be busy with family vacations, checking off house projects or relaxing with friends at a BBQ. Don’t let financial stress get in the way of your summer fun with the help of the First Financial Bank team! Meet your local neighbor and Columbus native, Emilee Harper. With almost 20 years of banking experience, including five years as the Financial Center Manager at First Financial’s Bexley location, Emilee and her team are proud to support their local community. “The Bexley team’s primary focus is helping our clients thrive through consultative conversations,” explains Emilee. “Through these conversations we’re able to build meaningful relationships with each client, gain better insights into their needs and offer solutions tailored to their situation. We pride ourselves on providing top-notch service to each client and the ability to give our clients with a sense of stability and safety.” Whether you have personal, business or dual needs, First Financial has a comprehensive suite of product offerings. From everyday checking accounts, a variety of mortgage options, fast small business lending, flexible commercial financing, retirement or estate planning and so much more – First Financial Bank has you covered! Emilee shares, “I personally have a passion for lending and finding the best solutions for my clients when it comes to debt consolidation, buying their next home, renovation projects or buying a new vehicle for themselves or teen! My family also owned a print shop growing up which gave me firsthand experience on owning a business, the sales process, and most importantly how to build trust with clients.” Not only is the First Financial Bexley banking center team accessible to clients, but they also have access to a local team of specialists and leaders who work together to make sure clients’ needs are met in a timely, efficient and convenient way. “My team and I understand the needs of our clients are ever-evolving. We aim to make banking approachable and hope our clients consider us a trusted resource to answer questions and partner together to build their financial journey,” shares Emilee. “We are proud to work and raise our families in Columbus, which makes it especially rewarding to be able to help other families and local businesses in our community achieve their dreams and elevate their lives through financial wellness.” Stop by the First Financial Bexley location at 2680 E Main Street to meet Emilee and the team or visit us at www.bankatfirst.com. Bexley Life Magazine 23
KATHLEEN DAY OWNER/FOUNDER KATALINA’S CAFES A.K.A. KATALINA
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athleen Day’s love of cooking began with her Southern roots, gathering fresh ingredients from her father’s garden and faithfully cooking her way through Julia Child’s recipes. Her culinary curiosity eventually took her abroad, where she cooked for a countess in Paris and Grenoble alongside the family’s Spanish cook. That experience transformed not only the way she approached food but also how she understood its power to connect people, cultures and stories. Before opening her first restaurant, Kathleen built a successful career in creative marketing in Seattle, San Francisco, New Orleans and Columbus. Along the way, she immersed herself in each city’s food culture, studying not only what people ate but why they gathered around the table. In 2010, she took a leap of faith and opened Katalina’s in a 100-year-old former gas station, creating a neighborhood café that has become one of Columbus’s most celebrated dining destinations. Her cafes and cooking have been featured nationally on shows such as Good Morning America and Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, introducing audiences across the country to her distinctive style of hospitality and her iconic Pancake Balls™. Throughout her years in restaurant kitchens, Kathleen earned the nickname “Katalina” from the Hispanic chefs who encouraged her to embrace Latin-inspired flavors alongside her Southern heritage. The result is a menu filled with original recipes that celebrate fresh, local and seasonal ingredients with a playful twist. Her signature Pancake Balls™ have become an Ohio favorite, but the heart of the brand has always been making the world better one little bite at a time through hospitality, creativity and community. Today Kathleen owns and operates three thriving cafés that consistently outperform many national brands in sales per square foot, all while remaining proudly independent and free of outside investors. Her newest location, opened in Bexley in 2024, is a neighborhood gathering place that celebrates collaboration as much as cuisine. For example, she partners with Sammy’s Bagels for her Shakshuka Brekkie Sammy, a special created just for this location. All of her locations utilize ingredients from like-minded Columbus makers such as Thunderkiss Coffee and Milligan’s Maple Syrup through intentional partnerships and menu collaborations. Her trademarked philosophy, Live, Love, Local®, is more than a slogan—it is a business model rooted in the belief that independent businesses thrive when they champion one another. A published writer, Kathleen regularly contributes essays and articles on hospitality, entrepreneurship, local food sourcing and leadership. She is also an accomplished food stylist whose work blends compelling storytelling with visual artistry. As a frequent public speaker, she shares practical insights on authentic branding, restaurant innovation and building resilient businesses without outside investment. She is passionate about mentoring entrepreneurs and advocating for independent restaurants, believing that great food is never just about what’s on the plate but about creating experiences that strengthen neighborhoods and bring communities together. Bexley Life Magazine 25
DR. KATIE
NOWAK
RETURNS TO BEXLEY TO LEAD WITH CONNECTION AND PURPOSE 26 Bexley Life Magazine
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or Dr. Katie Nowak, returning to Bexley City Schools as superintendent is both exciting and familiar.
Dr. Nowak officially began her new role on Aug. 1, but she is no stranger to the district. She previously served as Bexley’s Director of Curriculum and Gifted Education, an experience that gave her a strong appreciation for the students, staff, families and community she now has the privilege of leading. “I am truly honored to serve as Superintendent of Bexley City Schools,” Dr. Nowak said. “Having previously served the district as Director of Curriculum and Gifted, I have a deep appreciation for the Bexley community and am proud to return to a district that champions curiosity, kindness and equity.” That connection to Bexley shapes how she wants to begin. For Dr. Nowak, the first months are about listening, learning and being present. She wants students, staff, families and community members to see her in schools, at events and throughout Bexley, and to know she is accessible and interested in hearing their perspectives. Building relationships is a central part of her leadership. Before returning to Bexley, Dr. Nowak served as Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning for New Albany-Plain Local Schools. There, she oversaw curriculum, assessment and instructional programs while also supporting work related to staff, student well-being, belonging and culture. Her career has included leadership roles at both the building and district levels, along with experience as a classroom teacher. Earlier in her career, she served in South-Western City Schools and later held other positions in New Albany, including principal and Director of Assessment and Accountability. Throughout those experiences, her focus remained consistent: creating strong learning environments where students are challenged, supported and known. That focus now comes back to Bexley. Dr. Nowak’s vision is centered on Building on Excellence to Champion Our Future, honoring what Bexley already does well while continuing to evolve for the students of today and tomorrow. Academically, that means continuing to strengthen classroom instruction, making sure every learner has the support needed to succeed, expanding career-connections and hands-on learning opportunities, and thoughtfully shaping the district’s next strategic plan. Dr. Nowak says the work ahead is not about change for the sake of change. It is about asking how an already strong district can continue to grow and how students can be even better prepared for what comes next.
Another major focus is the district’s facilities. Bexley City Schools is preparing for a ballot issue connected to capital repairs and plans for a new middle school. Dr. Nowak sees clear and transparent communication as essential throughout that process. “My goal is to help the community understand what is being proposed, the facility needs that led to the plan, and what the ballot issue would fund,” she shared. “I am committed to providing clear information, answering questions and making sure families and community members have opportunities to learn more throughout the process.” For Dr. Nowak, that kind of communication goes hand in hand with trust. She speaks often about the strength of Bexley’s students, the dedication of its educators, the involvement of families and the community’s long-standing commitment to public education. She also understands that leading a district with such a strong tradition comes with responsibility. Dr. Nowak brings extensive experience to the role. In 2016, she was recognized as Ohio’s National Distinguished Principal for Middle Level Education by the Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators. She later served as president of the Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators, supporting school leaders across the state through professional learning, networking and advocacy. She earned her Doctorate and Superintendent Licensure from Concordia University, a Master of Arts in School Administration from The Ohio State University, and graduate and undergraduate degrees in education from Bowling Green State University. Dr. Nowak and her husband, Brent, are now Bexley residents. They have two sons, Matthew and Mason. As she begins this new chapter, Dr. Nowak is focused less on titles and more on people. She looks forward to getting into classrooms, talking with students, listening to staff, meeting families and reconnecting with a community she already knows and values. “I believe my approach is both collaborative and grounded,” Dr. Nowak said. “I try to listen first, build trust, and celebrate what is already working so we can move forward together.” For Bexley City Schools, this next chapter is about both continuity and possibility. Dr. Nowak knows the district. She understands its strengths. And now, as superintendent, she can work alongside the community to build on the district’s excellence and champion what comes next.
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JERRIE MOCK
THE FIRST WOMAN TO FLY SOLO AROUND THE WORLD
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pril 2014, Port Columbus unveiled a statue of Jerrie Mock, the first woman to fly solo around the world. At the time she accomplished this feat, Jerrie and her family were Bexley residents residing at 2490 Bexford Place. Jerrie Mock left Port Columbus March 19, 1964 in a singleengine Cessna 180, “Spirit of Columbus”, for her around-theworld flight. Her approximately 23,000 mile trip took 29 days and ended where it began – Port Columbus – on April 17. Five thousand people gathered to welcome home the first woman pilot to circle the globe solo. Governor James Rhodes declared April 18 “Jerrie Mock Day” in OH and Columbus Mayor M.E. “Jack” Sensenbrenner proclaimed that same day as Jerrie Mock Day in the city. Geraldine “Jerrie” Fredritz grew up in Newark, OH. After her family took a short airplane ride, the then seven-year-old Jerrie announced that she wanted to be a pilot. Her heroine was Amelia Earhart. At Ohio State she was the only female majoring in aeronautical engineering. It was the mid-1940s and a career in aviation for a woman wasn’t realistic so at age 20 she dropped out of O.S.U. and married Russell Mock. Jerrie’s life-long love of aviation led to flying lessons. After receiving her license, she and Russell became half-owners of a four-seat Cessna 180. The decision to attempt the solo round-the-world flight was made when Jerrie complained one evening at dinner that she was bored staying home all day and wanted to go somewhere. Russell suggested she get in the plane and just fly around the world. She readily agreed! Once the decision was made and they realized she could be the first woman to accomplish this feat, they tried to keep it as quiet as possible so as not to inspire other female flyers to attempt the journey. Joan Merriam Smith from California, a 27-year-old pilot who flew charter planes, declared she was going to solo around the world following Amelia Earhart’s route. Neither woman recognized the other’s plans nor acknowledged that they were in a ‘race’ – reminiscent of the Nellie Bly / Elizabeth Bisland race around the world in 18891890. Several days after Jerrie’s return, she went to Washington to receive the Federal Aviation Agency’s Gold Medal for Exception Service in a ceremony presided over by President Lyndon Johnson. Among other awards received were the Amelia Earhardt Memorial Award and the National Pilots’ Association ‘Pilot of the Year’. Her ‘Spirit of Columbus’ now hangs in the Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C. “Spirit of Columbus”, the Cessna 180 in which Jerrie Mock flew around the world, hangs in the Udvar-Hazy Center of the National Air and Space Museum in Virginia. The Columbus chapter of Women in Aviation, International chose the chapter name Spirit of Columbus in honor of Mock’s aircraft. Bexley Life Magazine 29
LAUREL LEA SCHAEFER AN INTERVIEW
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“The community one is raised in becomes more than a memory – it becomes your legacy; it becomes a part of who you are. My experience in Bexley was profound.” On her maternal side, she descends from generations of Dutch Reformed ministers – some of whom founded Holland, Michigan and Hope College. Her paternal ancestors came from Germany around the time of the U.S. Civil War. Laurel’s parents moved to Toledo, Ohio from New York City after their 1938 marriage. Her father, Charles Joseph, spent 1942-1945 in the U.S. Navy, with most of those years on PT boats in the Solomon Islands area. Following World War II, a job opportunity in Columbus arose so he and Laurel’s mother, Eleanor Hoffman Schaefer, chose to live in Bexley, based on the schools and the beauty of the area – all the trees. Laurel formed life-long friendships with classmates she first met in Miss Barbara’s kindergarten class. Her fourth-grade teacher, Carolyn Retzloff, helped Laurel during a difficult time in her life – the passing of her father. “When the rug is pulled out from underneath you, what are the tools we can use to regroup emotionally and physically?” Laurel learned about being resilient, to have faith, and to lean on those closest to her. Her high school theater teacher, James Eliopoulos, encouraged her to try for a Fine Arts Scholarship at Ohio University. She spent hours auditioning in all aspects of theater; from set building to improvisation. The Columbus Junior Theater of the Arts gave her a varied theater background plus the confidence to perform well; consequently, she received the scholarship. Laurel was the first Miss America to be a college graduate and to set a mission during her reign. She spotlighted those military who were POW or MIA by wearing a pewter bracelet with an engraved name. Recognition of the military has been a long-time devotion of Laurel’s, beginning with Angel Flight at Ohio University to recently working at Camp Lejeune, NC with Marines and Sailors diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Injury by helping them to devise strategies to cope with their challenges. Starring as Marian the Librarian in the Kenley Players production of The Music Man began Laurel’s extensive and varied professional career. She recently married Michael Bozoukoff, whom she met at Ohio University. In closing, Laurel shares these words: “Be with people who lift you up.”
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THE BEXLEY
WOMEN’S CLUB WHEN WOMEN UNITE, GREAT THINGS HAPPEN
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his May, the Bexley Women’s Club awarded $42,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors. Its new season is underway, and there’s an easy way in every month. At its Senior Awards and Recognition event this May, the Bexley Women’s Club awarded $42,000 in scholarships to graduating Bexley seniors, pushing all-time giving past $650,000. No endowment, no corporate sponsor. That money was raised the way the club has done things since 1935: neighbor by neighbor, ticket by ticket, most through the signature House and Garden Tour each June. The club was founded on a simple principle: when women unite, great things happen. Ninety-one years later, it remains non-partisan, non-sectarian, organized around three commitments carried on a banner through this year’s Fourth of July parade: Community, Scholarship, Social Service. Those words translate into real work all year. Members sort donated clothing at the Bishop Griffin Resource Center and staff lunch service at Faith Mission. They hand out cookies at the Bexley Harvest Festival and plant goodwill through Seeds for Kindness. This summer, a club donation funded the tent where young authors from the Bexley Public Library sold their own books at the Columbus Book Festival. Every spring, th e House and Garden Tour turns beautiful homes into the next round of scholarship checks. An easy way in every month The 2026-2027 season is built so newcomers can
step in anytime. First Friday Coffee runs 8-10am, no agenda, no commitment. Third Thursday Networking Happy Hour meets at The Lion, 4:30-6:30pm. August is a perfect month to test the waters. Mah Jong open play returns August 5 at the Bexley Library. First Friday Coffee pours August 7. The board and membership meeting August 11 at Bexley City Hall is open to prospective members. Volunteers are needed August 15 for Splish Splash & Dash, and happy hour follows August 20. From there the calendar deepens: fall volunteer shifts, book club, garden club, euchre, and Kids and Cappuccinos. Spring brings the Birthday Luncheon marking the 1935 founding and the Iris Dinner. June closes the loop with the House and Garden Tour, the fundraiser behind the scholarships. Membership is a place, not a card Joining is the easy part. Dues are $40 a year, and members give at least five hours annually to service and fundraising — hours that look like handing out cookies at a festival or greeting guests on a garden tour. In return: a built-in network, a full calendar, and real impact you can point to every May when the scholarships go out. Start anywhere. Come to coffee on a first Friday, happy hour on a third Thursday, or sit in on the August 11 meeting. It’s been proving its founding principle for 91 years, and there’s a seat open. Join or learn more at www.bexleywomen.org.
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DOUBLE
“TROUBLES” By Tom Diehl
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’m no stranger to the double name game. Growing up here in the 70’s there were two Bill Diehls, my father, an attorney, and the other, owner of Diehl Office Supply. To further confuse the issue, each also has a son named Bill. It’s not like it’s two Mike Smiths or Dan Johnsons, with common first and last names. Our most significant mishap we encountered would be getting the wrong pizza order from Rubino’s, or, in the day of landline telephones, a call that would require 90 seconds of “who?”, “beg pardon?”, and ultimately ending with “no problem, not the first time for a mix-up like this”. Very innocent. Enter Kyle Barger, 1999 graduate of Bexley High School, married with two children, who is recognized as the OG Barger, being here first. That is the admission of Kyle Barger originally from Baltimore Ohio in Fairfield County, 2003 graduate of St. Charles Preparatory School, Bexley resident, entrepreneur, married, father of five. Their shared name presents a unique challenge for the writer, how to refer to each Kyle? My first thought was do either of them have a nickname? Well, Kyle Barger from Bexley is apparently universally known as Boogie, while Kyle Barger from Baltimore, Ohio once went by
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Cheese Barger. In sticking with the Bexley motif of this publication, I think we’ll designate each by their high school affiliation, both of which are in Bexley, Kyle Bex and Kyle SC. While Kyle Bex is a native to Bexley, Kyle SC first took serious notice of the community during his daily morning car rides through Bexley to St. Charles from his Fairfield County home. The houses, of course, and the trees, yes, unlocked bikes in the school bike rack, and the people, out walking, jogging, neighbors gathered in yards or on sidewalks, coffee in hand having a morning chat. These images left an indelible impression on him, so much so he decided Bexley was an inviting place for him to settle and raise a family. Both are entrepreneurs, Kyle Bex the owner of Bexley Automotive as well as an owner of rental properties He’s also a Renaissance man who, at the photo shoot for this article, sat down at a piano and led us in an impromptu sing-along to the Beatles “Let It Be”, intimating he used to perform at a piano bar in a previous life. And he’s really good! Kyle SC is an entrepreneur with many poles in the water from Barger Property Ventures to The Oasis at Hocking Hills with two lodges and luxury treehouses, as well as Hocking Hills Treehouse Resort, The Hocking Hills Family Fun Center featuring
the world’s largest bounce house and 185 camp sites, and the Make a Day Foundation serving the local homeless community including a food truck that feeds people for free. So both in the property business, both have ventures concerning automobiles, are Bexley residents with wives and children and a common friend, Bexley local Nick Long, who first introduced the two in the most Bexley of ways, on the Beat Bus. Beyond the common mistaken identities like phone calls or scheduling a meeting or to see a property with a Kyle they weren’t expecting, or requests to ‘tell your mom hello’, misunderstandings with friends of friends. Even an errant garage renovation plan which landed with one very surprised Kyle and one very distressed Kyle, these fuddling situations can sometimes have higher stakes.
the name, that people get these guys confused. Kyle Bex is burly, bearded with a big laugh, Kyle SC, tall, angular and clean-shaven. And that’s not accounting for a 3 inch height difference. The two Kyles might have situations become a bit muddled by sharing a common moniker but their other commonalities are so much more compelling. They both feel a love for their community, feel Bexley is a place where people look out for each other’s well-being, for each other’s children, and help those in need. These two take it to an art form professionally and personally. Kyle Bex says, “both of us want to help our community, bolster it, lift it” often by using their abilities in business, supporting the schools and athletic programs, donating rental equipment and opportunities for those that might need assistance in some form.
The most interesting scramble of personage was the time, as a teenager, Kyle Bex was advised by the staff at Best Buy that he had $200 in bonus point cash which he immediately turned into a purchase of a new $200 drone leaving Kyle SC crestfallen when he endeavored to cash in his points as Kyle Bex was happily buzzing the rooftops of Bexley with his new drone. And he still owns that drone.
Like Kyle SC’s nonprofit, Make a Day, which provides assistance, outreach and care to remove the “barriers and roadblocks” both inside and outside the Bexley community, “leaving it better than we found it”. The respect between the two is evident. Kyle SC expresses a desire to “keep each other’s good name” as Kyle Bex adds, “we’re interested to see what the Kyle Bargers can do together”.
It’s difficult to say why, outside of
Very good things, I would imagine... Bexley Life Magazine 37
SHANE
ROBERTS A Legacy Written in Records
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S
hane Roberts has built a distinguished coaching career through decades of dedication to student-athletes in both track and field and football. His commitment to excellence, athlete development, and competitive success has made him a respected leader within the Bexley athletic community. Beginning his coaching journey in 1997 as co-head coach of the Bexley Middle School track and field program, Roberts quickly demonstrated a passion for teaching and mentoring young athletes. He served as head coach at the middle school in 1998 and 1999 before moving to Bexley High School in 2000 as an assistant coach specializing in throws, jumps, and sprints. During his time as an assistant track and field coach, Roberts helped guide athletes to outstanding achievements, including school records in the 4x100-meter and 4x200-meter relays. His athletes earned multiple league and district championships, a regional championship, numerous state qualifying performances, and continued success across sprinting, relays, jumping, and throwing events. These accomplishments reflected his ability to develop athletes across a wide range of disciplines while building a culture of hard work and accountability. In 2012, Roberts became the head track and field coach at Bexley High School, ushering in a new era of success for the program. Under his leadership, athletes established school records in the 4x100 relay (2012), 4x200 relay (2012), shot put (2017), 300-meter hurdles (2021), 200 meters (2023), and 400 meters (2023). His program also celebrated a state record in the 200 meters in 2023. Roberts has coached 30 league champions, 19 district champions, five regional champions, 20 state qualifiers, three state champions, and eight All-Ohio performers. His teams also earned district runner-up finishes in 2012 and 2021. In recognition of these accomplishments, he was named the 2023 Ohio Association of Track and Cross Country Coaches (OATCC) District Coach of the Year. Beyond track and field, Roberts has also made significant contributions to football coaching. He coached at Whitehall-Yearling High School from 2002 to 2011, later serving as an assistant coach at Bexley High School from 2013 to 2017, working with tight ends, the defensive line, and coordinating special teams. Those teams reached the playoffs in 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016. After serving as head coach at Bexley Middle School from 2018 to 2021, Roberts returned to Bexley High School in 2022 as the defensive line coach, helping the program reach the playoffs again in 2023. His long-standing dedication to coaching reflects a career defined by leadership, athlete development, and sustained competitive success. Bexley Life Magazine 39
This Fall, There’s Even More to Discover at Bexley Public Library
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his fall, Bexley Public Library is unveiling exciting new ways for neighbors to connect, explore, and enjoy everything the library has to offer. With a beautifully reimagined front entrance and expanded outdoor gathering spaces, the library is creating new opportunities for neighbors to meet, relax, attend performances, and experience the library beyond its walls. The project is a collaboration between Bexley Public Library, the City of Bexley, and Torat Emet Synagogue, resulting in what many have already begun calling Bexley’s “Main Street patio.” Designed to complement the library’s historic architecture while improving
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accessibility and functionality, the renovation creates a welcoming civic space for everyone. At the front of the building, new hardscape and landscaping enhance both the beauty and usability of the entrance. The entryway platform in front of the library’s iconic brass door has been expanded to better accommodate mobility needs, while also providing a flexible space for small performances. The accessible ramp has been widened, its slope eased, and its turns redesigned to make entering the library more comfortable. The beloved Mother and Child sculpture has been thoughtfully incorporated into the new design, while attractive paving, lighting,
landscaping, and bistro-style seating invite visitors to linger a little longer. On the west side of the building, an entirely new outdoor gathering space offers even more opportunities to enjoy the library. A small performance area, water feature, comfortable seating, lighting, and landscaped green space create a natural extension of the library itself. Whether you’re attending a concert, meeting friends for lunch, reading beneath the trees, or simply taking a quiet moment for yourself, the new space is designed to bring people together while celebrating the spirit of community. Together, these enhancements preserve the timeless character of one of Bexley’s most recognizable buildings while creating fresh and inviting ways to experience it. As exciting as our new outdoor spaces are, there’s even more waiting for you inside. This fall’s calendar is chock-full of opportunities to learn, create, and be inspired. Enjoy nationally recognized authors like Nicole Fleetwood in conversation with Timothy Snyder, or hear celebrated poet Aimee Nezhukumatathil share her work. Attend
art, writing, wellness, and technology workshops, bring the family to story time or Saturday Morning Cartoons, or spend an evening at one of our popular Third Thursdays concerts featuring the talented Parker MacDowell alongside another local guest musician. And, of course, the library continues to offer the collections and services that make it an essential community resource. Browse thousands of books, movies, music recordings, magazines, and digital resources. Use public computers, printers, and business databases. Preserve treasured family memories using our digitization equipment, or borrow something unexpected—from musical instruments and telescopes to artwork and pickleball equipment. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for the ten-thousandth time, there’s never been a better time to experience Bexley Public Library. Come explore our new spaces, discover something unexpected, and see all the ways your library continues to enlighten, inspire, and empower our community.
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COLUMBUS MUSEUM OF ART NOW OFFERS FREE ADMISSION FOR VISITORS 25 AND UNDER
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olumbus Museum of Art’s East Broad Street campus now offers free daily admission to visitors 25 and under and an adult caregiver accompanying children 16 and under—removing one of the most persistent barriers to museum access for young audiences. The change is part of Access 150, a major 5-year initiative supported by a $4 million lead gift from the Walter Foundation, the largest investment in access and education in CMA’s history. The initiative is designed to broaden access and turn first visits into lasting relationships with the museum. “This gift from the Walter Foundation is a defining moment for CMA and for our community,” said Brooke A. Minto, Executive Director and CEO of CMA. “Free admission has consistently shown us that when we remove cost as a barrier, we reach new audiences: families, young adults, and first-time visitors who might not otherwise walk through our doors. Access 150 helps us build something lasting for the next generation. The Walter Foundation gift will help support a range of new and expanded offerings include youth and teen programming, strengthened partnerships with schools and community organizations, and new pathways for creative exploration, leadership development, and career discovery. A new Teen Arts Council will
position young people as active contributors within the museum, offering stipends and resources for teens to help shape programming and future initiatives. This gift will also support the reconceptualization of the Wonder Room, CMA’s hands-on, and experiential family gallery. The reimagined space will deepen intergenerational engagement and strengthen the connection between early creative experiences and life-long participation in the arts. Planning will begin in 2026, followed by implementation and design of the reimagined Wonder Room, with the new space opening in 2028. “CMA has long believed art should be for everyone,” said Peggy Walter, who has volunteered at CMA in a variety of capacities, from docent to honorary trustee, since the 1970s. “We are proud to support an institution that is not only opening its doors more widely but investing thoughtfully in artistic educational opportunities for young people. We hope these creative young minds will be inspired to use what they learn to build a thriving arts and cultural community moving forward.” For more information about Access 150 and CMA’s expanded access programs, visit columbusmuseum.org.
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THE NEW ALBANY LECTURE SERIES RETURNS FOR 14TH SEASON By: The New Albany Community Foundation
Former White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus and political icon James Carville were interviewed by ABC’s Linsey Davis, seen here with The New Albany Community Foundation President Craig Mohre.
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Co-Anchor of ABC’s Good Morning America Robin Roberts was interviewed by Pelotonia Vice Chair and Founder of Orli, Doug Ulman during the 13th season of The New Albany Lecture Series.
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n May, The New Albany Lecture Series and New Albany Student Lecture Series successfully concluded their 13th season. Presented by The New Albany Community Foundation, this nationally acclaimed program has hosted more than 70 distinguished speakers since its debut. The series regularly features Nobel Laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, diplomats, technology innovators, and prominent mental health advocates. The Foundation is deeply grateful to the corporate and individual sponsors whose generosity enabled nearly 40,000 students from 50 Central Ohio high schools to participate in the student lecture series this season. With the recent announcement of the 14th season that has expanded to six programs, tickets will be on sale later this summer at newalbanyfoundation.org.
Students from New Albany High School interviewed Christian Slater who discussed his career and the topic of mental health at The New Albany Student Lecture Series.
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THE ERUV The Invisible Boundary that Connects a Community By Tom Diehl
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’m frequently surprised by what I don’t know or what I lack in awareness.
When I moved into my first house in 1996 I noticed a little casing affixed to, not only the front doorjamb, but one on the entryway of each room. Those were the early days of the world wide web when research was sketchy, so luckily, in a conversation with a neighbor I was informed that the casing contained a scroll with a scripture verse and was, among other things, a symbol of faith, a source of divine protection, and for me, just good karma. I was delighted to think of those who had come before me in that house, their family gatherings, celebratory meals, and holidays. Flash forward about 25 years, still ill-informed and often unaware, when on a bike ride crossing the bridge over Alum Creek at Wolf Park I spotted a sagging, black wire I had never seen before. After another consultation with my neighbor I realized this was my first encounter with the Eruv, a symbolic
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boundary the Jewish community uses to expand the private home space to a larger area which allows for the use of items like stroller, wheelchairs, keys, and for prayerbooks to be carried on the Sabbath. Having lived in the 43209 for 58 of my 63 years, I was surprised I had not previously been made aware of the Eruv! Established in 1989 and updated in 2024, the Eruv is bound on the north (^) by 5th Avenue, the south (v) by I-70, the east (>) by James Road, and the west(<) by Alum Creek, encompassing Bexley, Berwick, and Eastmoor, and maintained by several rabbis from local synagogues. Reminding us of the larger entities at work in our daily lives, enveloping us like a warm blanket, the Eruv is part of the wonderful patchwork of different cultures and traditions woven together to create the unique tapestry that is Bexley. Now, a little more informed and aware!