Westerville Magazine May/June 2024

Lauren Ramsburg

Westerville magazine TM

CityScene Media Group 1335 Dublin Rd., Suite 101C Columbus, Ohio 43215

614-572-1240 • Fax 614-572-1241 www.cityscenecolumbus.com

Kathleen K. Gill President/CEO

Gianna Barrett Vice President, Sales

Jamie Armistead Vice President, Operations

Dave Prosser Chief Creative Officer

Maisie Fitzmaurice Editors

Rachel Karas

Tyler Kirkendall

Garth Bishop Contributing Editor

Ria Akhilesh Editorial Assistants

Cailyn Burr

Jane Dimel

Mary Nader

Amber Phipps

Megan Brokamp Advertising Sales

Rae Moro

Laura Pappas

Aaron Gilliam Social Media Coordinator

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

www.westervillemagazine.com

May/June

May 1

Thrift Store Promotional Table

2-3 p.m.

Courtright Memorial Library 138 W. Main St. www.otterbein.edu

May 1

Sunday Sketch

2-4 p.m.

Daylight Artist Collective 9 E. College Ave. www.visitwesterville.org

May 2

60 Songs That Explain the ‘90s: Author Visit with Rob Harvilla 7-8 p.m.

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

May 3

The BMX Experience – COSI Science Festival

3-6 p.m.

Westerville BMX 535 Park Meadow Rd. www.cosiscifest.org

May 3

American Red Cross: Blood Drive 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

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

May 4-Oct 26

Uptown Epic Beer Walk

2-4 p.m., Saturdays Uptown Westerville www.uptownwestervilleinc.com

May 7

Lunch & Learn – Become a Better Networker

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

Star Lanes Polaris 8655 Lyra Dr. www.westervillechamber.com

May 7

Mindfulness: An Introduction (1 of 3)

2:30-3:30 p.m.

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

May 7

Older Adult Health and Safety Fair 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

May 9

Taste of Westerville - 2024 6-9 p.m.

The Renaissance Columbus WestervillePolaris Hotel 409 Altair Pkwy. www.westervillechamber.com

May 11

Bicycle Safety Rodeo 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Alum Creek Park South 535 Park Meadow Rd. www.parks.westerville.org

May 11

614 Pop-up Mother’s Day Market 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Polaris Fashion Place 1500 Polaris Pkwy. www.polarisfashionplace.com

May 12

Flower Beds for Beginners 3-4 p.m.

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

May 16

The Kahiki Scrapbook: Author

David Meyers 6:30-7:30 p.m.

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

May 17

Flights & Bites @ Westerville Market District 5-8 p.m.

Market District 650 N. State St. www.marketdistrict.com

Westerville Saturday Farmers Market

The BMX Experience – COSI Science Festival

May 18

Westerville Saturday Farmers Market Opens for the Season

Saturdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Westerville City Hall 21 S. State St. www.uptownwestervilleinc.com

May 22

Westerville City Schools Last Day www.westerville.k12.oh.us

May 24-27

Field of Heroes

Westerville Sports Complex 325 N. Cleveland Ave. www.fieldofheroes.org

May 24

Summer Reading: Kickoff Activities (Ages 2-11)

All day

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

May 24

Fourth Friday Festival 6-9 p.m.

Uptown Westerville W. Main St. www.visitwesterville.org

May 26

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

Westerville Sports Complex 325 N. Cleveland Ave. www.fieldofheroes.org

May 27

Memorial Day

June 1-3

Uptown Clue 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., Saturdays

Uptown Westerville www.visitwesterville.org

June 7

11th Annual Brady Ware Women’s Leadership Conference 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Quest Conference Center 9200 Worthington Rd. www.columbuswomensleadership.com

June 9-Aug. 25

Sounds of Summer Concert Series

6:30-8 p.m., Sundays

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

June 15

Cops & Kids Day

11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Hoff Woods Park 556 McCorkle Blvd. www.westerville.org

June 15

Adventure of the Lost Treasure: Science Show (Ages 4-11)

2-2:45 p.m.

Westerville Public Library Uptown

126 S. State St. www.westervillelibrary.org

June 19

Mysteries & Marvels: Comedy Juggling

2-3 p.m.

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

June 22

Westerville Pride Festival

5-8 p.m.

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

Westerville Pride Festival

June 24

WeRise Celebrates Juneteenth!

12-4 p.m.

Alum Creek Park North 221 W. Main St. www.werisewesterville.org

June 28

Vintage Vehicles: 3C Highway

100th Anniversary

6-8:30 p.m.

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

www.westervillemagazine.com

faces By Tyler Kirkendall Photos

of Joey Vice

Big Top Big Shot

courtesy

Westerville native earns lead role in Cirque du Soliel tour at age 18

Joey Vice first saw a Cirque du Soliel performance when he was eight years old. By age 12, he had decided that performing was his chosen career path and got his parents’ support to begin online courses and homeschooling.

“I was really waiting every single day to be there,” Vice says. “Since I was homeschooled and I didn’t have a normal life like everyone else gets – going to prom and hanging out with friends constantly – I was so in with my career, I gave up so many things.”

Dance stayed on Vice’s mind every minute of every day until he accomplished his goal.

“Since I was waiting every single day back at home, it’s like the anticipation you get waiting for Christmas or your birthday or something,” he says. “It’s what kept me pushing more and more forward, that excitement inside me. And so, when I got the call, it was such a good moment for me.”

Developing a Dream

Vice has always been enamored with dance. Some of his earliest memories are of watching dance TV shows with his mom and bouncing around the room in her clothes and scarves.

After predominantly seeing dance performances through a screen, one of Vice’s first experiences seeing a live performance pushed him to pivot and has since always stuck with him.

“One of my friends, he has a sister who danced. I watched his sister dance and her dancing was so beautiful that it inspired me to start dancing, so I took some dance classes,” he says.

Vice quit soccer shortly thereafter, already knowing he wanted to focus his efforts on dance. He hit the ground running looking for opportunities to perform.

“I did Westerville Civic Theater for about four years, I think,” Vice says. “I was in shows like Tarzan, Annie, Seussical, The Little Mermaid, so I had a bit of a ‘musical theater era,’ I guess you could call it, but I always loved to dance.”

Vice found that when he’s onstage, everything else slips away and he adopts a new persona.

“I feel like when you meet me, I’m more shy in person than onstage … my mom likes to say I become two feet taller,” he says. “It does scare me before I go onstage but once I’m onstage I’m usually completely fine in the moment. … It just makes me so happy to be onstage. Always.”

Vice says his parents, Amy and Todd, have always been his best friends and

biggest supporters. “Luckily, my parents were always so supportive of my decision to do homeschool and really focus on my career, so I got to really focus on dancing and really perfect my craft because of them,” Vice says.

After graduating high school, Vice was finally able to go all-in on his dancing career and lined up intensive camps where he would dance from 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

“I literally had a summer lined up from June to August and I was away competing and doing dance intensives,” he says. “It was a full 12-hour day dancing the entire time, every single day. I was flying to Florida, Tennessee, all these places. It was crazy.”

While he was on his trip, he finally got the message he was always waiting for.

“In the middle of that, I got an email from Cirque. They emailed me saying they have a spot opening up for the role of the Trickster in Kooza … I was freaking out,” Vice says. “So I was calling my mom like, ‘Oh my God, this would be such a perfect opportunity.’”

Becoming the Trickster

The audition process took a few weeks. Vice sent videos to Cirque, including dance samples and personal information.

“I get the email that says that I got the role and I was with my parents at the time,” Vice says. “I just remember my parents

Why Settle For A Shake Roofer

were so happy for me and obviously, I was happy too. But I remember they were most excited for me because not only have I been dreaming of this moment for so long, but they have too.”

This meant that, at 18 years old, just a few months after graduating high school, Vice was leaving Westerville to train in Quebec at Cirque du Soleil headquarters. He spent about four weeks in Montreal with a dance coach and an artistic coach.

“They both basically guided me through the character, and they really wanted me to interpret myself into the Trickster, they didn’t want me to be the same as the other person,” he says.

Vice’s character is onstage for about 70 percent of the show, and every second he spends backstage during the performance is used for complex wardrobe changes. He has performed the Trickster role for two years now, and once his tour is complete in October, he will be moving to Los Angeles to pursue other opportunities.

“It’s been going great and since I’m so young there’s some things I still want to explore while I can,” he says. “I’ll be leaving and I’ll be researching and figuring things out in L.A. and trying to touch the dance scene there and see how things go. I could always come back to Cirque one day.”

What’s next?

Vice, naturally drawn to the spotlight, is showing no signs of stepping away from performing. He is steadfast in working on his craft, stretching and exercising constantly to keep his body ready for any challenges that come his way.

“I’ve had to learn to trust myself so much,” he says. “There are times where you do fall, and it’s obviously terrifying. I’ve had multiple injuries throughout my career, and it is super scary that that could ever happen again. The more that happens, the more you’re like, ‘OK. I should take it one step at a time, like go slower.”

Not only does he keep his body sharp, but his mind is in the right place, too. He says he is constantly trying new movements and performing tricks nobody has done before him.

“Dance is such an art, that’s what makes it different from anything else,” Vice says. “(It’s) so much art that we’re creating, and I’m a really creative person. … I think that’s why I like Cirque so much because I could see their creative vision. Maybe one day I’d like to direct things and choreograph more, and be more on the creative side.”

Tyler Kirkendall is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at tkirkendall@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Photo by: Terry Atkin

Photo by: Tom Seely

By Maisie Fitzmaurice

Photos courtesy of Westerville Parks & Recreation

Summer in the City

Make it a summer to remember in Westerville

Summer is here, and it’s time to have fun! Here is an overview of some of the best offerings in Westerville.

What’s Happening?

Saturday Farmers Market: Over 40 unique vendors and hundreds of shoppers gather on Saturdays, May 18- Sept. 28, from 9 a.m. to noon

Uptown Fourth Friday Street Festival: This festival is held every fourth Friday of the month starting May 24 and ending Oct. 25, from 6-9 p.m., and features concerts, vendors, food trucks, and more. Adults can carry their drinks anywhere within the Uptown DORA.

Blendon Township Summer Concert Series: This year’s lineup includes Stop, Drop, and Roll on June 15, Marquis 66 on July 13 and Street Players on August 24. Concerts start at 6 p.m. at Ridgewood Park, located off of Buenos Aires Blvd.

Music and Arts Festival: Hours for the annual fest are: Saturday, July 13, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. with an evening performance by 23 Southbound at 5:30 p.m. followed by a performance by LDNL at 7:30 p.m. On Sunday, July 14 the festival will be open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Arts in the Alley: Held during Uptown’s Fourth Friday festivals, this Arts Council of Westerville event showcases local art and music and offers a kids’ craft.

Westerville Parks and Recreation Theatre: Aladdin Kids (youth theatre production): Performances are on Friday, June 28 and Saturday, June 29, at 7 p.m. as well as Sunday, June 30 at 1 p.m. Each performance takes place at Alum Creek Park North Amphitheater.

Bye Bye Birdie Production (civic theatre production): Performances will be hosted at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 25-Saturday, July 27 and a 2 p.m. showing on Sunday, July 28. All shows will be held at Westerville Central H.S.

Uptown Untapped: A craft brew festival in the former dry capital of the world! The event takes place on August 10 from 5-10 p.m.

Westerville Parks and Recreation Summer Concert Series: Performances are held every Sunday from 6:30-8 p.m. at Alum Creek Park North Amphitheater. This year’s lineup includes appearances by Westerville Jazz Orchestra, SWAGG, Roxy James, Westerville Symphony, Westerville Concert Band, British Invasion, Zach Attack, Turn to Stone, and New Wave Nation.

Uptown Concert Series: This year’s lineup includes Paul Shammell on June 7, Brian Michael Smith on June 21, Pat Buzzard Duo on July 5, Donna Mogavero on July 19, Honey & Blue on Aug. 2 and Deanna Sweeney Duo on Aug. 30. Each concert starts at 7 p.m. at City Hall Courtyard.

Westerville Community Center

Thanks to renovations made in 2020, including the added adventure fitness gym and an updated fitness area, the building and its facilities are top-notch.

Kids can play on the indoor playground or try the climbing wall before getting wet in the indoor pool or playing a board game with friends. It is a perfect option for a fun afternoon with family or a summertime caretaker.

It is also a great place for adults to connect. Walking through the center, you can feel a sense of community as visitors interact with other residents to do the things they enjoy most.

“When people come, they can always find the niche that they’re looking for and find similar people who like the same thing,” says Samantha Lehner, public relations specialist for Community Affairs at City of Westerville. “Just seeing all of the community coming together at that same time for very similar reasons is really cool.”

Westerville Community Center Hours

M-F 5:45 a.m.-9 p.m.

Sat. 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Granted Access

A Westerville Community Center membership pass or day pass gives you access to these ammenities and more:

Gymnasium and MAC gym: On a typical day, you’ll see the community center’s huge hardwood gymnasium lined with pickleball courts. The MAC gym is often used for visitors to organize and host pick-up basketball games or practice free throw shots.

Adventure Fitness Gym: An addition constructed in 2020, this gym offers a new challenging obstacle course. Once you finish you can victoriously push the big red button and track your time, just like the American Ninja Warrior courses.

Fitness Area and Track (ages 14+): The fitness area was also updated in 2020. Down stairs you’ll find weights, lifting machines and other strength equipment, while upstairs you’ll find cardio equipment including bikes and treadmills. Not a treadmill fan? Hit the indoor track. Seven laps is equal to one mile.

Indoor Pool: Not only does the indoor pool area have lap lanes for exercising but it also features a lazy river, racer water slides (equipped with timing systems to track speed) and a kids’ playground.

Climbing Wall: Training guides will help you learn skills and techniques while making sure you are safe and secure.

E-Sports Room: This room is stocked with game consoles and gaming computers, as well as super comfortable gaming chairs for visitors to enjoy. Leagues and competitions are created throughout the year.

Programming/Classes: Signing up for a class is a great way to learn a new hobby or skill this summer. Classes are offered for all ages and interests, including classes on topics such as cooking and life skills, academics and science, fitness, arts and crafts, and more.

Preschool: Apart from the youth and adult programming, there are also offerings specifically for preschool-aged children including Sporties for Shorties, Crazy Art Adventures, Kinderdance, Soccer Tots, Music Together and more.

You can register for these programs and others online at www.parks.westerville.org/programs.

Westerville Summer Camps

These camps encourage kids to build social skills. Because Westerville residents have preferred registration with these camps, it’s not uncommon for campers in the same community to reconnect and remain friends once camp is over.

“Our counselors are helping facilitate a lot of those friendships, especially at the beginning when a lot of kids are new and they find out ‘Hey, you like Pokémon? Manuel, my friend over here likes Pokémon,” says Chelsea VanAssche, Program Manager at the City of Westerville Parks and Recreation Department. “With the nut camps especially, we have them broken up by the age groups, so a lot of times they’re going to school together or they will be entering a grade together.”

Many camps focus on one particular sport, theme or activity. This includes Heritage Kids Camp (a completely outdoor day camp), Westerville Summer Sports and Activity Camps hosted by Bally Sports Group, as well as camps focusing on drama, cooking, coding, travel, culture, BMX, fashion, robotics.. the list goes on and on!

Parks and Public Pools

Nothing says summer like a splash. Highlands Park Aquatic Center boasts a slide tower, lazy river and spray playground. For younger kiddos, head to Hanby Park to cool off on the splash pad.

Another great outdoor summer activity is renting kayaks, paddleboats or sailboats at the beautiful Hoover Reservoir. Once you’re off the water you can enjoy the disc-gold course!

Speaking of golf, Westerville’s Golf Center offers an 18-hole putt-putt course, a driving range and batting cages.

Did you know that Westerville is known as a “city within a park,” since 95 percent of Westerville homes are located within a half-mile of a park?

Construction of the new Johnston-McVay Park began in 2020. The playground’s theme is “Rooted in Nature” and features design and use of wood materials that blend with nature and offer a different feel than the classic brightly-colored equipment used in most playgrounds.

Another great park to visit is Sycamore Trail Park which honors Westerville’s connection to the underground railroad. Not only will you learn about nature, but you’ll also learn more about Black history in Westerville.

Want to get out for a bike ride? You’re in the right place. Westerville is an officially

designated Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. You can even find a digital map online at www. parks.westerville.org to help you plan your ride.For an even more thrilling bike riding experience, check out the BMX track at Alum Creek South Park. Visitors are welcome to rent equipment or sign your kid up for Westerville BMX’s summer camp.

Maisie Fitzmaurice is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at mfitzmaurice@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Highlands Park Aquatic Center

Johnston-McVay Park

America’s Greatest Family Sport

Westerville BMX open to all

By Rachel Karas

Just north of West Shrock Road, you will find one of Westerville’s hidden gems. Located in Alum Creek South Park behind the Westerville Skatepark and Thomas James Knox Memorial Roller Hockey Rink, you will find a hilly, dirt track, home to Westerville BMX and its hometown BMX team, the Westerville Cobras.

Coach and Track Operator Chad Buehrer, has led the team’s program since 2019 and assisted the team as it transitioned to Westerville, all while creating new opportunities for the local community to learn about and participate in the sport.

Through support from local partners and families, the programming and awareness of the sport have grown in recent years. With the 2024 season underway, Buehrer is excited to see what the future holds for the organization.

Moving to Westerville

Before moving to Westerville, the Westerville Cobras were known as Cobra BMX. The group started in 1988 with a home track at Heer Park, south of Downtown Columbus.

When the city closed the park in 2021, Buehrer and the Cobras began looking for a new track. Five months later, the team found a home in Westerville.

“From first conversation to even breaking ground is usually five to six years,” Buehrer says. “We were able to cut through all of that because this had already been designated as BMX track. We were just coming in and moving the dirt around like normal track maintenance.”

Photos courtesy of Chad Buehrer, Lauren Ramsburg and Carol Rose

During the past three years, the program has continued to grow, working closely with City of Westerville and its Parks & Recreation department.

Since putting roots down in Westerville, the program has wasted no time connecting with local residents.

Westerville Lions Club member Debbie Bennati says the club is a sponsor of Westerville BMX and regularly sells snacks and meals at races.

In her role as Westerville Uptown Merchants President, Bennati says she has seen Buehrer and the Cobras show up to help out at events such as the Uptown Fourth Friday street festivals and the Christmas Parade.

“When I ask for help, they have helped us so much,” Bennati says. “Like, we were putting up Christmas trees (for the parade) and needed some muscle power to take sandbags around. He (Buehrer) brought a couple of guys to help carry sandbags and put them on the stands so the trees didn’t blow over. He’s reciprocating too with us and the community.”

The connections Westerville BMX make not only impact the community but also the racers themselves. Westerville BMX Volunteer Coordinator Billi St. Clair started watching her son, Ethan, and daughter, Leah, learn about the sport and has seen how much they have grown.

Did you know?

“That’s the cool thing, no matter what your skill level is, no matter what your age is, you can get started and you can participate as a family. So that’s why we like to call it America’s greatest family sport.

Chad Buehrer

The gate Westerville BMX uses at races was previously owned by Akron BMX and made its way to New York for the BMX Christmas Classic in 2008.

Ethan started learning about the sport through the Racing League in 2022 and now competes in national races. His racing isn’t the only thing that has improved, as St. Clair has watched him become more confident and give back as a volunteer helping younger racers.

“To see him helping those little kids with their smaller bikes, that was super memorable to me and just touched my heart because that’s what I want to see him do is really get involved and be the change that we need these young kids to be,” St. Clair says.

Riding towards the future

Although he is very proud of how far the program has come, there are several things Buehrer hopes to facilitate in the coming years to help expand the reach and impact of the sport.

To help maintain the track and prepare for a new season, Buehrer and his team of volunteers, many of whom are parents like St. Clair or racers themselves like Ethan, will spend hours each spring weeding and leveling, removing rocks and adding a new layer of sealant across the entire track. This not only takes hours of work but also thousands of dollars to maintain from year to year.

It is Buehrer’s hope to one day replace the dirt with cement, which will cut down significantly on maintenance but will also require quite a big investment upfront. While that goal may be years away, Buehrer has a few plans for improving the program in smaller ways.

As a firm believer that anyone with a bike can get started with the sport, Buehrer knows many people unfortunately can’t get a bike of their own. To help remove that barrier, he hopes to create a fleet of bikes for people to rent for races and practices.

Buehrer is also excited to partner with COSI this summer for some STEAM programming. The planned event will include educational stations about cycling and race tracks, all hosted at the Westerville track.

With more programming and events like this in the works, Buehrer hopes to draw more interest and show people in the community that it truly is an inclusive sport.

“That’s the cool thing, no matter what your skill level is, no matter what your age is, you can get started and you can participate as a family,” Buehrer says. “So that’s why we like to call it America’s greatest family sport.”

Rachel Karas is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at rkaras@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Upcoming Events

Outside of the weekly practices held Thursday nights and local races held every Sunday and Tuesday, there are several stand-out events coming up this summer.

May 3-4: COSI Festival/Big Science Celebration

May 11: Bicycle Safety Rodeo

May 20, July 1: Open House for BMX Racing League (New riders ages 4-15)

June 1: James Knox Summer Kick Off June 2: Open House/Free Race (All ages and skill levels)

June 3-7, July 8-12: BMX Summer Camp Aug. 4: Ohio State Championship Race Qualifier

New Albany Walking Classic® Celebrating 20 Years

September 15, 2024 • 8:00 am

Distance: 5k (3.1 miles) or 10k (6.2 Miles)

Location: New Albany, Ohio

newalbanywalkingclassic.com

BENEFITS GALORE!

● Specially designed high end fleece hoodie

● One-of-a-kind soft as silk tee shirt

● An over-the-top medal you’ll be proud to display

● Post-race party featuring music and event-logoed craft beer

● Plenty of food!

Hosted by Phil and Sheryl Heit

student spotlight

By Amber Phipps

Teen Takes Initiative

New public health program opens opportunities for student voices

As a 16-year-old student at Westerville Central High School, Prisha Malik aspired to positively impact her community.

Specifically, she was interested in public health and wellness policies, and as a junior in high school, she noticed there was a lack of student voices discussing these societal issues.

For a long time, I wanted to do something for my community, and I was feeling lost,” Malik said. “It felt like there weren’t many opportunities for me as a teenager in public safety and health.”

Luckily, the Ohio Department of Health presented an opportunity for her to pursue her goals.

Malik saw a flyer in the library advertising a teen program developed by the Ohio Department of Health called The Adolescent Health Program. The program is a new initiative that promotes teen involvement concerning wellness policies put in place in Ohio and encourages youth to connect with healthcare systems and school partnerships.

For Malik and many other Ohio teens, this initiative was a gateway to many opportunities. The application process for the program was tedious, according to Malik. From completing her application to attending interviews, it took nearly a month for Malik to be selected and admitted to the program.

The Adolescent Health Program allows students to offer suggestions and be a part of the conversation on community wellness topics. As a member of the wellness team, Malik is required to attend monthly meetings and participate in group discussions. These meetings have introduced her to public health concerns such as food shortages, mental health, and physical well-being.

“We all give our perspective on issues regarding public health that are concerning

different regions,” Malik said. “There’s a lot of other issues regarding transportation and mental health so we all take a look at those issues and different projects that are happening within the department.”

Through this program with the Ohio Department of Health, Malik has had the opportunity to meet many individuals with similar passions as her. Collaborating with like-minded teens and policymakers, Malik has developed new friendships with people sharing her desire to positively influence their community.

For Malik, being included in the conversation at a young age has provided her with the experience she craved. Joining the program was only the beginning, and actively participating in the effort to create change is something that brings Malik purpose in her daily life.

“I hope to help some of the policymaking because we have discussed a lot on drug abuse and different health issues such as obesity, and I want there to be more awareness of this,” Malik says.

Going forward, Malik plans to continue contributing to discussions and working with different departments and programs to further her experience and improve the community in any way she can.

“I want to help future members to continue working on the issues we’re currently working on and to help them because I wish that one day, all of these issues are resolved, even if it doesn’t happen in the time that I’m on the team,” she says.

Amber Phipps is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Photo courtesy of Prisha Malik

Peter Kourlas,

Jarred Burkart, M.D. Shabana Dewani, M.D. Andrew Grainger, M.D. Joseph Hofmeister,

Augustine Hong,

Elizabeth Kander, M.D.

Erin M.Bertino , M.D.

Kavya Krishna,

Erin Macrae, M.D. Shylaja Mani, M.D.

living By Mary Nader

Photos courtesy of Westerville History Museum

Celebrating 100 Years of the 3-C Highway

A glimpse into 1920s Westerville Car Culture

Whether you know it as State Route 3, State Street or Westerville Road, the 3-C Highway connects Ohioans through the three major C’s: Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati.

June 24, 1924 was a monumental day for Westerville as they celebrated the opening of the highway. It wasn’t just a parade, but an all-day public celebration including events ranging from automobile shows to late-night movies.

Accounts note nearly 10,000 Ohioans being in attendance and Westerville residents showed up in their nicest garb to celebrate. Hungry mouths gathered to dine at William’s Grill, where the first soda fountain was installed in the city. People sang together through an eight-song program that included hits such as “America,” “The Gang’s All Here!” and “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

The highway was much more than a transportation route, it was also a boost to the Westerville economy. What began as a small village became a destination often traveled through on the way to popular Columbus events such as The Ohio State University football games.

With a new highway in place, you couldn’t blame people for wanting to drive. Where you’d find Subarus now, drivers in the 1920s would’ve likely been cruising down the new route in one of the more than two million Ford Model Ts sold in the United States that year. For old souls out there, a 1924 Model T is sold nowadays for upwards of $20,000 apiece- without adding in maintenance and repair costs.

Antique and vintage car lovers alike agree that owning an older car comes with a certain level of maintenance. From tires to spark plugs, vintage automobiles have parts that are hard to come by in these modern times, as many manufacturers discontinued them alongside the cars. While automobile cosmetics are important, monthly maintenance check-ups that include oil changes and tire rotation are integral to the drivability of any car standing idle for long periods.

Park in Style

Many enthusiasts will go to great lengths to keep their prized possessions in good

Ford Model T

shape, including constructing a perfect custom garage to store them. Here are some tips on building your perfect garage from the bottom up.

Before you start rolling in the cars, cover the flooring of your garage with a high-quality epoxy protectant. This will help protect your floors from damage such as scratches, cracks, dents and abrasions as well as oil stains and sun damage. It is easy to clean and can add a shiny gleam to an otherwise dull floor. You can even choose a fun color!

With Ohio’s unpredictable weather and sometimes extreme temperatures, it is smart to invest in climate control with an HVAC system. You’ll also want to install a dehumidification system to prevent aging or rust and add insulation to your walls and doors. Fiberglass is the most commonly used insulation material, but for some spray foam or foam sheets are worth the extra cost. When installing lighting in the garage, don’t just install bulbs on the overhead ceiling as this can cast shadows. Additional lights or lamps on the walls or gridded lighting fixtures can help.

Those who wish to work on their cars will also want to invest in tool organization by installing steel cabinets and a workbench with wheels for easy moving around the garage.

Old tires get flat fast, so sneaking a few car jacks underneath them helps prolong their usability. If you’re thinking about raising those ceilings, classic car enthusiasts are all about it. Average garage ceilings are about eight feet tall, but if you plan on installing a hydraulic lift to do some hands-on work underneath the car, ceilings of about 20-25 feet are required.

Maybe the most important thing to consider when housing expensive cars is safety and security. These days, installing a security system with cameras, monitors and alarms won’t break the bank as some options are under $100.

Sometimes the easiest but most effective precaution to take for those with electric opening and closing garages is bringing your garage door remote with you on your key ring or in your bag instead of leaving it in your car where thieves could snatch it. Any garage should have high-quality locks on the side of the garage door to ensure a thief can’t open the door manually from the outside. It is also a relatively quick fix to barricade any windows on doors or install ones that are built without windows. Mary Nader

Formation Studio

ANGELA PERLEY

June 6 - 8 ONLY

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for details!

Luxury Living

The Powell Buehler Group

(614) 915-4588

2476 Tucker Trail, Lewis Center – This stunning home boasts an expansive 2-story great room & wall of windows that flood the space with natural light. The den offers built-in shelving and wood moldings. A stylish chef’s kitchen is a culinary haven with abundant cabinets, granite counters & backsplash, gas cooktop & stainless-steel appliances. Immense owner’s suite with a generous double vanity & a soaking tub. $590,000.

COLDWELL BANKER REALTY ThePowellBuehlerGroup.com

The Powell Buehler Group (614) 915-4588

this lovely abode with a 1st floor den with French doors, bayed window and crown molding in the den and dining room. The eat in kitchen boasts an island, 42” cabinets and stainless-steel appliances and flows into the family room with cozy fireplace. $550,000.

COLDWELL BANKER REALTY ThePowellBuehlerGroup.com

Wensley Ct.,

Exquisite open floor plan

ceilings

The Powell Buehler Group (614) 915-4588

the great room that

to a loft. Cozy up in the hearth room, complete with built-ins and gas fireplace. The kitchen features 42” cabinets, stainless steel appliances and granite counters. Spacious 1st floor owner’s suite featuring a huge bathroom with fuel sinks, soaking tub, shower and expansive walk-in closet. $480,000.

COLDWELL BANKER REALTY ThePowellBuehlerGroup.com

The Powell Buehler Group (614) 915-4588

Quartz

COLDWELL BANKER REALTY ThePowellBuehlerGroup.com

Connie Sadowski (614) 943-0025

WELCOME HOME TO THIS BEAUTIFULLY UPDATED CUSTOM-BUILT SINGLE FAMILY ATTACHED HOME steps away from walking & bike trails, shopping, Otterbein and 30 min from Intel. Upgraded lighting, hrdwd flrs, custom blinds; kitchenw/ stone bcksplsh, new 42” hardwd cabinets, Corian cntrs, pull-out pantry, upgraded appl. 1st-flr ownr’s ste w/ ensuite, and MIL suite, so much to offer.

COLDWELL BANKER REALTY conniesadowski.com/westerville

Don’t miss your opportunity to showcase your home listings to every homeowner in Westerville. Your listings will also appear in the digital edition of the magazine, hosted on the WestervilleMagazine home page: westervillemagazine.com

6586

Westerville – Stunning condo in desirable Meadows at Harvest Wind.

boasting vaulted

in

leads

5627 Shiloh Spring Dr., Westerville – Captivating home in charming Oaks of Highland Lakes with breathtaking views of the neighborhood pond. Gleaming hardwood floors welcome you into

311 Mill Wind Ct. S., Westerville – Lovely home situated on a wonderful lot located in the heart of Westerville. Walk to 3 parks, schools, sporting events, bike/walking trails and uptown Westerville. Enjoy the open floor plan that includes spacious family room open to eat in kitchen with a center island, white cabinets and Cambria

Countertops. Amazing fenced in yard with lush landscape and gardens! $476,000.

Top Homes Sold in Westerville

In February 2024, Westerville home prices climbed by 5.8% compared to this time last year with an average sale price of $402K. On average, homes in Westerville sold within 43 days on the market, which is nine days longer compared to last year. This year, 29 homes were sold in February, compared to 38 sold last year. (Data from Redfin)

96 Murname St.

4 beds, 1.5 baths

$431,000

Sold 3/15/24

98 Buckeye St.

5 beds, 2.5 baths

$410,000

Sold 2/21/24

1005 Autumn Lake Ct.

4 beds, 2.5 baths

$467,199

Sold 3/22/24

516 Woodview Rd.

3 beds, 3.5 baths

$500,121

Sold 2/22/24

215 Mainsail Dr.

4 beds, 3 baths

$599,900

Sold 2/2/24

465 Buckhorn Ct.

4 beds, 2.5 baths

$625,000

Sold 3/20/24

700 Harwick St.

4 beds, 2.5 baths

$487,000

Sold 2/8/24

1171 S. Libbet Dr.

3 beds, 3 baths

$413,000

Sold 2/13/24

270 Mainsail Dr.

4 beds, 2.5 baths

$540,000

Sold 2/26/24

532 Woodlake Dr.

3 beds, 2.5 baths

$487,450

Sold 2/23/24

940 Creek Run Ct.

3 beds, 2 baths

$629,000

Sold 3/18/24

190 Generations Wy.

4 beds, 3.5 baths

$665,000 Sold 3/13/24

All information is collected from the Franklin County Auditor Office.

By Ria Akhilesh

Photos courtesy of Bake A Difference and Uptown Westerville Inc.

Real Food, Real Stories

Westerville Farmers Market supports diverse vendors

Every Saturday from May 20, 2024, to Sept. 30, 2024, Uptown Westerville Inc. hosts the Westerville Saturday Farmers Market where vendors set up shop to share their unique goods with the Westerville community.

This year, more than 70 vendors are participating in the market, each offering memorable products to make your shopping experience worthwhile.

The market is especially unique because of the support it provides to vendors and visitors alike, and Uptown Westerville Inc. believes the diverse Westerville community deserves a diverse base of vendors and organizers. Lynn Aventino, executive director for Uptown Westerville Inc., organizes the market and is proud of the variety of merchants and products it offers. “Diversity makes the market special. It gives the community a taste of a variety of cultures,” Aventino says. “It also makes the market very much like an incubator where vendors can expand their businesses. The market gives them exposure and connects them to other businesses.”

One such vendor with a personal story to tell is Bake A Difference, a sweet-treat hotspot specializing in filled cupcakes. Bake A Difference’s Owner and Head Baker, Dean Vickers, turns his personal experiences as a veteran and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, into shareable, tangible expressions of love and perseverance.

“I see all the younger LGBT people who don’t understand what it took to get where we are today, so I’ll make cupcakes based on those stories,” he says. “We do a Stonewall cupcake with a Lego brick or we’ll do a Marsha P. Johnson cupcake with flowers because that’s who they were.”

Vickers has a personal story of struggles that compels him to spread awareness with his patrons and the Westerville community.

“I was diagnosed with cancer in early 2019, and so I thought, ‘I want something different, I want to give back, I want to do something that matters,” he says. “So we started the company, and we give back 10 percent of the sales to organizations around central Ohio. I don’t have any formal training in this. It comes from passion, and I enjoy it. We don’t hide who we are. For us, it’s about accepting people for who they are and giving back to the community.”

In addition to supporting a diverse range of vendors, the market also supports the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and is also partnered with Nationwide Children’s Hospital to develop a holistic market experience.

“Our partnership is about educating everyone about a healthy lifestyle starting early on,” Kris Thompson, market manager for Uptown Westerville Inc. says. “Now we see a steady stream of people, and programs like this have really caught on.”

Bake A Difference’s Hound Dog Cupcakes

This is an Elvis-inspired original recipe. Dean Vickers, owner and head baker, experimented with a pack of Brew Dog’s Elvis Juice and created a multi-dimensional, flavorful cupcake. There are three parts to the recipe: the cupcakes, the lime curd filling and the cream cheese frosting.

For the cupcakes

• 1 1/2 cups cake flour

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 tsp. baking powder

• 1/4 tsp. baking soda

• 1/4 tsp. salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed and at room temperature

• 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup Brew Dog’s Elvis Juice, room temperature and divided in half

• 3 Tbs. sour cream, room temperature

• 1 egg, room temperature

1 egg white, room temperature

For the Lime Curd Filling

• 1/2 cup butter

• 3/4 cup lime juice

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 3 large egg yolks

• 1 Tbs. lime zest

Make the Cupcakes

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz. full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature.

• 3 cups confectioners’ sugar, plus an extra 1/4 cup if needed.

• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

• 1/8 tsp. salt

Preheat the oven to 350 F and line a muffin pan with paper cupcake liners.

Sift the cake flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large mixing bowl.

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup Elvis Juice, sour cream, egg, and egg white then set aside.

Mix the dry ingredients on low speed for 15 seconds.

Add the butter, vanilla, and remaining 1/4 cup of the Elvis Juice. Mix on medium speed until the dry ingredients are moistened, about a minute.

With the mixer on medium speed, split the combined wet ingredients into three and add one-by-one, beating for 15 seconds after each addition. Beat for an additional 15 seconds.

Divide the batter evenly between muffin cups. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.

Make the Lime Curd Filling

Zest the limes until you have approximately 1 Tbsp. of zest; set aside.

Juice enough limes for 3/4 cup of juice.

Whisk the eggs and egg yolks until smooth. Set aside.

Add the butter, sugar and lime juice to a medium-size, non-reactive pot. Heat on medium-low heat just until the butter is melted, and the sugar is dissolved.

Pour the warmed lime mixture in a slow, steady stream into the eggs while whisking continuously, until the mixture and eggs are fully combined. Then return the combined mixture to the pot.

Heat the lime curd over medium-low heat while continuing to stir slowly until the mixture has thickened and coats the back of a spoon. This can take 10-15 minutes (160 F and 170 F). Do not let the curd boil.

Remove the lime curd from the heat and stir in the lime zest.

Pour the curd into heat-safe jars or containers and refrigerate until fully cooled and set. 6-8 hours or overnight.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the cream cheese and butter together on high speed until smooth and creamy.

Add 3 cups of confectioners’ sugar, vanilla and salt. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then switch to high speed and beat for 2 minutes. Add extra sugar for a thicker consistency (I add it).

Museum Exhibits

bookmarks

From the Westerville Public Library

For online library resources such as ebooks, digital magazines, kids activities and more, visit

Recommended Youth Reads from Katie Ross, Youth Services Librarian

I’m Hungry!/¡Tengo Hambre! by Angela Dominguez (Juvenile Spanish Picture Book)

A hungry dinosaur wants something to eat. A bluebird offers some suggestions like Ice Cream?/¿Helado? The dinosaur always answers no. When bluebird is just about to give up trying, dinosaur supplies the answer. Young readers will devour the humor and vocabulary in this bilingual offering.

See How We Move! A First Book about Health and Well-Being by Scot Ritchie (Juvenile Non-fiction)

Follow the members of the Flying Shark swim team as they get ready for the big

competition! As the team goes through practice, readers learn about the importance of safety equipment, the role of exercise and the mind-body connection. Helpful tips encourage kids to exercise and fuel their bodies with healthy food.

José Feeds the World by

David Unger (Juvenile

Non-fiction)

Learn about chef José Andrés and how he came to organize the World Central Kitchen. With the World Central Kitchen, Andrés helps those affected by natural disasters by providing food. Readers will be inspired to think about ways they can help those in need.

Recommended Adult Reads from Mindy Bilyeu, Adult Services Librarian

Taste of Home: Mediterranean Favorites by Taste of Home (Non-fiction)

Take your taste buds on a mouthwatering trip with Greek, Tuscan, Moroccan and other vibrant flavors inspired by the sun-kissed coastal region of the Mediterranean Sea.  Easy-to-find ingredients, familiar cooking methods and step-by-step instructions make quick work of getting a delicious meal on the table in no time flat. It’s a snap with this sensational collection of tried-and-true favorites.

Let’s Get Physical: How Women Discovered Exercise and Reshaped the World by Danielle Friedman (Non-fiction)

A captivating blend of reporting and personal narrative that explores the untold history of

women’s exercise culture – from jogging and Jazzercise to Jane Fonda – and how women have parlayed physical strength into other forms of power. It was only in the Sixties that, thanks to a few forward-thinking fitness pioneers, women began to move en masse.

Swimming to the Top of the Tide

by Patricia Hanlon (Non-fiction)

The Great Marsh is the largest continuous stretch of salt marsh in New England, extending from Cape Ann to New Hampshire. Patricia Hanlon and her husband, Robert, built their home and raised their children alongside it. Immersing herself, she experiences, with all her senses in all seasons, the vigor of a place where the two ecosystems of fresh and saltwater mix, merge and create new life.