Healthy New Albany July/August 2023

Love, Books and Lessons

Inside My Story: Reducing Stress

World Irish Dancing Champion Sustainable Eating Habits

The Ireland Family

Pat and Victoria Losinski

Confidence

Charles Dankworth, CFP® , CIMA®, CPWA®

Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

Romeo Vuticevski, CRPS®

Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

Kevin Snead, CFA, CEPA Account Vice President

Patrick Clark, CFP® Senior Registered Client Associate

Courtney Storer Client Associate

Amy Baker Client Associate

New Albany Wealth Partners

UBS Financial Services Inc.

180 Market Street, Suite 200 New Albany, OH 43054

614-939-2202

newalbanywealthpartners@ubs.com

advisors.ubs.com/newalbanywealthpartners

As a firm providing wealth management services to clients, UBS Financial Services Inc. offers investment advisory services in its capacity as an SEC-registered investment adviser and brokerage services in its capacity as an SEC-registered broker-dealer. Investment advisory services and brokerage services are separate and distinct, differ in material ways and are governed by different laws and separate arrangements. It is important that you understand the ways in which we conduct business, and that you carefully read the agreements and disclosures that we provide to you about the products or services we offer. For more information, please review the client relationship summary provided at ubs.com/relationshipsummary, or ask your UBS Financial Advisor for a copy Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP® and Certified finanCial PlannerTM in the US. CIMA® is a registered certification mark of the Investments & Wealth Institute™ in the United States of America and worldwide. For designation disclosures, visit ubs.com/us/en/designation-disclosures. © UBS 2023. All rights reserved. UBS Financial Services Inc. is a subsidiary of UBS AG. Member FINRA/SIPC. CJ-UBS-395243961 Exp.: 05/31/2024

Market volatility is easier to bear when you have a sound financial plan and the support of an experienced team

WELCOMING.

Connected. Inclusive. Engaged.

As a strategically planned community, New Albany collaborates with residents and businesses to create a shared vision for the future that brings people together. It’s a friendly, inclusive community that makes you feel at home, encourages a healthy lifestyle, nurtures the creative spirit, invests in lifelong learning, supports business and protects the environment for future generations. It’s more than a place to live, it’s a way of life.

www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com

Phil Heit Executive Editor

1335 Dublin Rd. Suite 101C Columbus, OH 43215 614.572.1240 www.cityscenecolumbus.com

Kathleen K. Gill

Dave Prosser

Gianna Barrett

Jamie Armistead

Gary Hoffman

Rachel Karas, Tyler Kirkendall

Amanda DePerro

Maisie Fitzmaurice

Nate Alleman, Lindsay Capritta, Elizabeth Cullinan, Angela Douglas, Katie Giffin, Claire Miller, Mariah Muhammad

Megan Brokamp

Brandon Klein

Aaron Gilliam

Laura Pappas

President/CEO

Chief Creative Officer

Vice President, Sales

Vice President, Operations

Creative Director Editors

Contributing Editor Assistant Editor

Contributing Writers Editorial Assistant

Digital Editor

Social Media Coordinator

Advertising Sales

Healthy New Albany Magazine Advisory Board

Healthy New Albany Magazine is the Official Publication of Healthy New Albany, Inc., convened by The New Albany Community Foundation.

Jamie Allen, M.D.

Darrin Bright, M.D.

Michael Sawyers

Lisa Hinson

Benita Jackson, M.D., M.P.H.

Craig Mohre

David Sabgir, M.D.

Amy Sternstein, M.D.

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

OhioHealth

New Albany-Plain Local Schools

Hinson Ltd. Public Relations

Medical Mutual

New Albany Community Foundation

Mount Carmel Health System

Nationwide Children’s Hospital

The Publisher welcomes contributions in the form of manuscripts, drawings, photographs or story ideas to consider for possible publication. Enclose a SASE with each submission or email rkaras@cityscenemediagroup.com. Publisher does not assume responsibility for loss or damage. The appearance of advertising in Healthy New Albany Magazine does not constitute an endorsement of the advertiser’s product or service by the City of New Albany or Healthy New Albany, Inc.

Healthy New Albany Magazine is published in January, March, May, July, September and November. Subscriptions are free for households within New Albany-Plain Local Schools. For advertising information or bulk purchases, contact Gianna Barrett at 614-572-1255 or gbarrett@cityscenemediagroup.com.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers. Healthy New Albany Magazine is a registered trademark of CityScene Media Group. Printed in the U.S.A. ©2023

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Green Cuisine

The evidence is abundantly clear. The importance of following a healthful diet and maintaining an exercise regimen is integral to promoting a healthy lifestyle. I view diet and exercise as connected expressions much like peanut butter and jelly, salt and pepper, and heart and soul. Each can enhance the other and yet function independently to fulfill a specific purpose. Not an issue of Healthy New Albany Magazine is published without reference to either diet and/or exercise. Katie Giffin’s discussion in “Growing Green” is no exception this rule.

Giffin’s emphasis on the importance of incorporating plant-based foods as a part of one’s diet merits serious reflection. It certainly did resonate with me even though I’ve been known to not necessarily abide by the rules of healthful eating, at least on occasion, if not more frequently. That said, it did cause me to expand my thinking as it relates to dining out. For many, dining out often entails visits to different ethnic venues. The option to eat green is more bountiful in many of the more common ethnic restaurants than we might expect. I decided to explore green options in some of the more common ethnic restaurants we frequent.

Chinese. This cuisine offers a wide variety of choices for those seeking green. Think about the many stir-fry options such as snow peas, broccoli and bok choy which are commonplace and retain their nutrients due to their quick cooking methods. If you enjoy soup, you can order ones that contain leafy greens such as spinach and Chinese cabbage as they provide plenty of vitamins and minerals.

Italian. This is one of my favorite cuisines. It contains many healthful options such as the greens contained in salads especially the classic caprese salad which also incorporates fresh tomatoes and basil. You can enjoy pasta made with basil, olive oil and pine nuts which produce a vibrant taste.

Mexican. Mexican cuisine is one of the most popular ethnic options in the United States. The greens in Mexican foods are plentiful and include guacamole made from avocados, cilantro, lime juice and spices that make for a nutrient-filled dip. The flavor of Mexican dishes can be enhanced with salsa verde that is prepared with tomatillos, green chiles, onions and cilantro. For other dishes, green peppers, spinach and lettuce can be included in tacos and enchiladas.

Indian. Indian cuisine makes use of many flavorful spices that incorporate green vegetables in dishes such as saag which is made with leafy greens or palak paneer, which is a cottage cheese and spinach curry that contains a large amount of iron and calcium. Adding green chutneys made with cilantro is a tasteful accompaniment for many dishes.

I’m heading for a workout now, which will be followed by consuming some greens as a part of my dinner. After all, think diet and exercise.

Healthfully,

Phil Heit Executive Director Emeritus Healthy New Albany

What's happening in and out of New Albany in & out

Sunday, July 2

Full Buck Moon Walk

7-9 p.m., Rocky Fork Metro Park, 7180 Walnut St. hna.recdesk.com

Tuesday, July 4

New Albany Independence Day 5K Race

7:45 a.m.-noon, Market Square, 180 Market St. www.na5krace.com

Tuesday, July 4

Independence Day Parade and Festival

11 a.m.-9:45 p.m., New Albany Middle School, 6600 E. Dublin Granville Rd. www.newalbanychamber.com

Tuesday, July 4

Fireworks Presented by the City of New Albany

9:45-10:30 p.m., New Albany Middle School, 6600 E. Dublin Granville Rd. www.newalbanyohio.org

Wednesday, July 5

Tai Chi for Fall Prevention

10-11 a.m., OhioHealth New Albany Medical Campus, 5150 E. Dublin Granville Rd. www.ohiohealth.com

Thursday, July 6 Creek Crawl

10 a.m.-noon, Rose Run Park hna.recdesk.com

Thursdays, July 6-Sept. 7

Healthy New Albany Farmers Market

4-7 p.m., Market Square, 200 Market St. www.healthynewalbany.org

Friday, July 7-Sunday, July 9 New Albany Youth Theatre presents Shrek Jr.

Various times, Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts, 100 E. Dublin Granville Rd. www.mccoycenter.org

Thursday, July 13

New Albany Concert Series – Honey and Blue

7-8:30 p.m., Charleen & Charles Hinson Amphitheater, 170 W. Dublin Granville Rd. www.newalbanyohio.org

Saturday, July 15 Hayley Gallery Opening Reception – Ray McKenzie & Ped Dragich

5-8 p.m., Hayley Gallery, 260 Market St. www.localohioart.com

Friday, July 21 Summer Movie Series: Top Gun: Maverick

6:30-11 p.m., Thompson Park, 5600 Thompson Rd. www.naparks.org

Sunday, July 23

Diabetes Dash 5K

7 a.m., 325 N. Cleveland Ave., Westerville www.runsignup.com

Friday, July 28-Sunday, July 30 New Albany Dance Festival

Charleen & Charles Hinson Amphitheater, 170 W. Dublin Granville Rd. www.newvisiondanceco.org

Sunday, July 30

Taste of New Albany

5-10 p.m., Rose Run Park www.newalbanychamber.com

Tuesday, Aug. 1

Full Sturgeon Moon Walk

7:30-9:30 p.m., Rose Run Park

www.newalbanychamber.com

Thursday, Aug. 3

Dublin Irish Festival 5K and Kids Dash

5:30 p.m., 13 S. High St., Dublin

www.runsignup.com

Sunday, Aug. 6

The Hoot Half Marathon and 10K Trail Race

8 a.m., The Rocks and Roots Trail at Alum Creek, 3993 Hollenback Rd., Lewis Center

www.thehoothalf.com

Mondays, Aug. 7-28

Yoga in the Park

10-11 a.m., Rose Run Park hna.recdesk.com

Wednesday, Aug. 9 The Power Chords

8-9 p.m., Charleen & Charles Hinson Amphitheater, 170 W. Dublin Granville Rd. www.newalbanyfoundation.org

Friday, Aug. 11 Blood Drive Noon-6 p.m., Philip Heit Center for Healthy New Albany, 150 W. Main St. www.newalbanychamber.com

Friday, Aug. 11

Summer Movie Series: The Super Mario Bros. Movie

6:30-11 p.m., Upper Clarenton www.naparks.org

Saturday, Aug. 12

Last Buckeye Standing Backyard Ultra 7 a.m., Alum Creek State Park, 4450 Africa Rd., Lewis Center www.greenswell.com

Saturday, Aug. 12

Red Moon Trail Runs 9 p.m., Alum Creek State Park, 4450 Africa Rd., Lewis Center www.greenswell.com

Sunday, Aug. 6

The Hoot Half Marathon and 10K Trail Race

New Albany Walking Club meets Sundays at 7:30 a.m. inside the Philip Heit Center www.newalbanywalkingclub.com

Mondays in August Yoga in the Park

Wednesday, Aug. 16-Friday, Aug. 17

New Albany-Plain Local Schools First Day of School: Grades 1-12

Last name A-K: Aug. 16; last name L-Z: Aug. 17 www.napls.us

Saturday, Aug. 19

Touch-a-Truck

10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Public Service Complex, 7800 Bevelhymer Rd. www.newalbanyohio.org

Saturday, Aug. 19-Sunday, Aug. 20

Columbus Food Truck Festival

Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Franklin County Fairgrounds, 4951 Northwest Pkwy., Hilliard www.columbusfoodtruckfest.com

Saturday, Aug. 19

Hayley Gallery Opening Reception –Anna Sokol & Dalia Koppes

5-8 p.m., Hayley Gallery, 260 Market St. www.localohioart.com

Thursday, Aug. 31

Blue Moon Walk

7-9 p.m., Taylor Farm Park, E. Dublin Granville Rd. hna.recdesk.com

Submit Your Event

Do you have an event you would like to submit to our calendar? Send details and photos to rkaras@cityscenemediagroup.com.

By Claire Miller

Editor’s Note: “My Story” is a first-person column or a Q&A feature of a New Albany community member that centers on health. Have a story to share? Email rkaras@cityscenemediagroup.com. Submissions should be no more than 1,200 words.

Striving for Less Stress

Gaudio feels better after addressing inflammation, stress-related symptoms

After a few difficult, high-stress years that included a hip surgery, hernia surgery and the death of her mother, Judy Gaudio set out for 2023 to be the year she would rise up out of the mental and physical anguish she’s experienced and finally “bloom,” she says. But life is full of surprises. At the beginning of the year, she went to the doctor for a CT scan for an infection and digestive issues that have plagued most of her adult life.

Though she finally had a diagnosis and received acute treatment, Gaudio was unsure of how to manage her symptoms. So in March, she turned to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Dietitian Molly Linek. In mere months, Gaudio has already experienced improvement in her symptoms, stress levels and even weight loss. Overall she has a great sense of gratitude for all the professionals who have helped her.

Gaudio and her husband, Randy, have been Philip Heit Center for Healthy New Albany members for nearly 10 years. The couple has been married for 43 years and they have four adult children and nine grandchildren (with another on the way).

This interview was been edited for length and clarity.

Healthy New Albany Magazine: Describe your health and wellness journey? How did it begin? What was motivating you to make changes or seek out help?

Judy Gaudio: I’ve been struggling with digestive issues most of my adult life. It’s just one of those things that you learn to manage it the best way you can, but it really does take a toll.

I got to a point recently where a CT scan had given me vivid proof that there was more damage going on than what I realized. When I saw that I just was kind of like, “I gotta do something different.” So I started to seek out additional advice. Even though I have great respect for my physician and what she’s done to find these things, there’s not as much (help) on what we do about it, and so that’s when I called Molly and I got an appointment with her.

HNA: What were you diagnosed with? When you went to the doctor, how did they explain to you what was going on?

JG: I have diverticulitis, and so I had an infection and they were treating that. But when they did the CT scan, they also saw some inflammation in the rest of my digestive system. I ended up having, like, an ulcer in my stomach and then the acid reflux stuff. … I was just completely unaware that this is what the symptoms were. I just thought, “Oh, my throat feels a little funny,” or something. [Editor’s note: A symptom of acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is chronic sore throat.] Anything too serious was ruled out, which was good. But at the end of the test results and what they were finding, I still didn’t feel like I had a plan to fix it. And that’s when I went to Molly.

HNA: Tell me about what dietary changes and exercise changes you’re making. Can you detail a little bit about what has been working for you?

JG: I started out by just resting my system completely with bone broth for about four or five days. And then I gradually added things back in and I think that was very helpful to get everything calmed down because I did have a lot of inflammation going on. … Intermittent fasting. I know that’s a big popular thing now, but for me, I think it’s even more so because it allows my system to rest. So I do that, which basically is just, I eat nothing after dinner. And I don’t eat again until 11 a.m. or noon the next day.

(Molly) pinpointed immediately that my biggest issue is the stress in my body and that’s what’s causing this. Even though I don’t have a super stressful life or anything, it’s just the way my body was wound up. Realizing that, I began to measure my suc-

Photos courtesy of Judy Gaudio

Judy Gaudio

cess by how I felt and not by the scale or not by how many miles I did.

So what I’ve changed is I do more weights. I tried to get in (the gym) three days a week. I do the functional fitness class (Fit For Life at the Heit Center), which I love. Michelle (Williams) teaches that and I’ve added some Pilates and then my walks I still do, but I call them my strolls. Instead of it being like, “Oh, how high can I get my heart rate today?” It’s more about calming myself and focusing my thoughts.

Then the other thing I incorporated was medical massage treatments which have also been eye-opening because they, too, have recognized the tenseness and how tight my muscles and things really are. So they’ve been helping me with that part of it.

HNA: And in terms of how you’re feeling, if you’re measuring it by that, do you feel like you’re on the right path? Can you tell me what your day to day has been like?

JG: My symptoms are going to be a lifelong journey. They’re not going to be just gone but they are much, much improved.

I think the thing is, I’ve achieved a feeling of being stress-free at some point in the day, and so now I know what I’m aiming for. I now have some tools that help me bring myself back to where I want to be.

My profession was an early childhood educator and a parent educator. And so I spent a lot of time encouraging parents that limits equal kindness. I find it interesting that it’s time to put some limits on myself. And with that, I mean, giving myself some kindness to be able to recognize that there are limits; you can only do so much and you have to take care of yourself.

Claire Miller is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

HNA: Is there any particular stress management tool that you find most helpful?

“I think deep breathing is the most useful because you can just take it with you anywhere,” Gaudio says.

Guadio has four children and nine grandchildren.

By Claire Miller

Art and Soul

Teacher, CEO have lived in New Albany for two decades

Pat and Victoria Losinski moved to New Albany 21 years ago for work. But more than successful careers, they’ve found community and a place they’re proud to call home.

Pat was recruited for the position of chief executive officer of the Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) in 2002, a position he still holds as the organization celebrates 150 years of service to all of central Ohio.

Their decision of where to live in central Ohio, however, was made by Victoria’s job. Victoria is an art teacher at New Albany High School, and over her career she’s taught elementary and middle school as well.

Both had lived and worked in many states, but the opportunity to live and work in Columbus, then New Albany, felt magical from the first weekend they visited.

“I think Columbus has a lot to be proud of,” Pat says. “And so I’m proud to be affiliated with that. Sometimes I tell people that I’m in the business of Columbus, I just happen to be the CEO of the library, because I feel sometimes it’s selling the city and all that is great about the city.”

Now, roughly two decades later, the best way Pat can describe New Albany is “home.” It’s where they raised their daughter, Abby, 26, and son, John, 29, who are both graduates of NAHS. It’s where their friends, as well as Victoria’s students and their families, live.

Pat and Victoria are from Wisconsin, and living away from their families for most of their 34-year marriage taught the pair to deeply rely on each other.

“I think we’re a team,” Victoria says. “We’ve always approached our marriage

Community Celebration

CML will host the first Columbus Book Festival on July 15 and 16 at the Main Library and Topiary Park as part of the celebration of its 150th anniversary.

The event features more than 200 local and national authors, exhibitors, entertainment, food and more. Find out more at www.columbusbookfestival.org.

Photo by Rachel Karas

Pat and Victoria Losinski

and our life and our kids as a team.”

As individuals, they’ve made and continue to make an impact on their respective communities in their own ways.

Beacon of hope

Pat is currently involved in a $300 million capital improvement plan for 20 new or remodeled buildings. He was three weeks into the job when the groundbreaking of the New Albany branch of the library took place.

New Albany was a smaller place 20 years ago. Without the $1 million pledge from the three library trustees and the New Albany Community Foundation, the library would have been much smaller than it is and unable to serve the bustling community today, he says.

“To have a library of this caliber was asking a community that had resources and people who could help, to help establish it,” Pat says. “And I don’t remember the exact timeframe but I want to say it was just a matter of months until they raised the amount of money for that purpose.”

Since then, Pat, who previously worked in library systems in Wisconsin, Illinois, Colorado and other parts of Ohio, has been involved in many library groundbreakings in different Columbus communities.

With a wealth of accomplishments, among them being named 2015 CEO of the Year in the large non-profit category by Columbus CEO Magazine, Pat has a difficult time coming up with just one for which he feels most proud. What does make the list, however, is the levy that passed in 2010 during a time of economic hardship.

“It’s not the accomplishment; it’s how much affection the community has and believes in and trusts the libraries,” he says. “I’d say that was really important because without that, we don’t do all of the building projects that we’ve done.”

Additional points of pride include the strong customer service ethic and positive culture at the libraries as well as the comprehensive programs it offers.

Victoria also reminds him of some of the gratifying moments she has witnessed alongside him.

“I, as his wife, attend all of these groundbreakings, and I remember one or two of them where an old, old library was replaced with a beautiful new one in

Centered on health

The couple has learned to take care of themselves so they can take care of others. That includes eating healthy and regular exercise. Both being long-time runners, they now spend more time at the gym than on the roads.

Pat finds time to get in workouts when he can, whether it’s on his Peloton bike or at the Philip Heit Center for Healthy New Albany. Victoria has a routine of doing weights and cardio after school at the Heit Center.

“For me that connection of friends that I’ve made at the Heit Center has really been kind of instrumental because you want to go for more than just your health,” Victoria says. “It can be a little bit of a social part for me, too.”

EXPLORE PUBLIC ART IN COLUMBUS

Murals, sculptures, fountains, historic theaters and much more are searchable at ColumbusMakesArt.com/public-art.

Download the ARTWALKS app to explore public art on your mobile device!

Explore new neighborhoods, discover your favorite library’s collection, learn about public art tours (NEW!) or just get to know the wonderful variety of public art in central Ohio—our city’s collection is growing all the time!

Search by location, artist name, type of art or any keyword and help us make the database even better by sending your photos and details.

ColumbusMakesArt.com/public-art

Maker’s Monument Mark Reigelman

Jazz Duets, Omar Shaheed

Portals for Nature, Miss Birdy

an area that was mostly under-resourced,” Victoria says. “And complete strangers, with little children at their side, go up and hug him and say the words – I’ll never forget them – ‘Thank you for this beacon of hope.’”

Tenured teacher

Pat isn’t the only Losinski who has made an impact.

Victoria is embedded in the New Albany community and can’t go far without running into a student or parent in town.

For her first 12 years at NAPLS, she taught at the middle school and then moved to teach ceramics and black and white photography at the high school in 2014.

“I get to be creative with kids every single day,” Victoria says. “And although I have a curriculum that I teach from, I can change my curriculum in any way, shape or form. So for me to go in and reinvent every single year and teach something new that’s fresh and exciting and different, is kind of what energizes me as

a teacher.”

She also enjoys making one-on-one connections with students and relating to them in conversation. She values imbuing them with new concepts and introducing her students to artists they’ve never heard of before. And, she knows the importance of art in a balanced education.

“When they come to my room, I feel like it’s time that they can unwind,” she says. “They can relax, they can create, they can be themselves, they can have a little bit of fun.”

In addition to teaching, Victoria has also found herself supporting her students through their extracurriculars.

At the middle school, she was a member of the anti-bullying, Empty Bowls and campus-wide diversity committees. At the high school, she served as junior class advisor, Girl Up Club advisor, senior seminar advisor and worked on the campuswide photography banner projects.

Pat says they had no timetable for how long they would stay in the area, but

both are surprised how much time has passed. One reason for staying, Pat says, is that it’s hard to find a better library system than the CML. Another reason is simply that they’re happy in New Albany, says Victoria.

“I think one of the most important things that I’ve found in the 20 years that I’ve lived here is that this community will wrap around somebody that needs help,” Victoria says. “If there is someone who is sick or in need of anything, this community will get out and support that person like I’ve really never seen before. So I think that the supportiveness of where we live and the people that are here are really what makes this community more than just the bricks of the buildings. It’s the people that are behind them.”

Claire Miller is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

Photo by Rachel Karas

By Lindsey Capritta

Balanced Business

Maintaining fiscal health in New Albany

The key to staying healthy is maintaining balance, whether physical, social, mental or emotional. This too holds true for how a community must work to sustain a fiscally healthy economy. A community must balance more than its budget, it must meet its needs in both the short- and long-term.

According to New Albany Community Development Director Jennifer Chrysler, the most fiscally successful communities are the ones that create a strong partnership between the public and private sectors.

For New Albany, much of the health of its economy is based on the health of its business park. The city has made a concentrated effort to make the area an attractive place for employers to station their businesses. The city’s efforts are paying off as the New Albany International Business Park is now home to approximately 24,000 employees and more than $28 billion in private investment.

Roughly 82 percent of the city’s general fund revenues are income tax revenues. Most of those revenues are from employees working in the business park. The general fund revenues are used to support city services like leaf collection and snow removal, police protection, road maintenance, leisure trails and other amenities that residents enjoy.

“Out of all the businesses in the business park, over 40 of them are what are

called economic base employers,” Chrysler says. “Which means that they either make something or they create jobs that then, because of what they do, might create other jobs. So, it has a multiplier effect, whether it’s here in New Albany or in the region.”

The business park’s success allows the city to provide exceptional service and amenities to its residents without putting increased income tax liability on its residents. This is important for a place like New Albany, as many residents work

outside of the community in places such as Columbus. After paying an income tax in the city in which they are employed, many residents do not have to pay an additional tax to New Albany, which allows up to a 100 percent credit for municipal income tax to be paid elsewhere.

In addition, the revenue provided by the business park has prevented New Albany from needing to ask its residents for additional property taxes by placing additional levies on the ballot. In most cases, New Albany only receives approximately 2.3 percent of the property tax paid by its residents, which provides protection for the major source of revenue for community partners like the schools, township, parks and library.

The business park aids New Albany in maintaining fiscal health and over the past 25 years, the community worked toward growing and diversifying the park, which has become home to a variety of industries.

“We really wanted to make a concerted effort to try to attract other companies from other industries in order to diversify the business mix in the park,” Chrysler

Photos courtesy of the City of New Albany

says. “In order to protect against any sort of downturn in one sector of the economy, that we wouldn’t be negatively impacted or we would have other revenue streams to make up for that.”

Part of what makes the area an attractive location for businesses is how the city of New Albany takes care of itself. New Albany City Manager Joe Stefanov

has made a point to have a firm focus on infrastructure and upkeep.

“Our philosophy has been to set aside money to be able to go out every year and take on a manageable amount of infrastructure repair and replacement,” Stefanov says. “It’s much easier to manage repairs when you do it on an incremental basis every year, as opposed to having to play catch-up

and have tens of millions of dollars worth of infrastructure that’s falling apart.”

New Albany has the benefit of being a newer city, but Stefanov is still keenly aware of the importance of staying ahead of maintenance.

“A lot of these communities that have older infrastructure, they’re in a position where they have to go back and replace that infrastructure. One of the things that I have felt has been important is that we want to make sure that we stay ahead of the curve as it relates to infrastructure maintenance. So, while our water and sewer systems may be only 30 years old, they’re aging every year.”

This foresight has been mutually beneficial to the city, residents and businesses, as it is providing an environment that is not only a great place for people to live, but for people to work.

“It’s having a plan in place as a strategic plan community to know what we need to invest in and when we need it,” Chrysler says. “So then when (potential businesses) want to come and they’re interested in locating here, this is one of the options that’s going to be very easy for them to develop because all of those things are in place and they’re provided by the public sector. In turn, then the private sector comes in and creates jobs and creates revenue streams for the city to be able to support all of these other amenities. So, it works together in a very symbiotic way.”

Lindsey Capritta is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

City Manager Joe Stefanov wants to be sure the city is staying ahead with its infrastructure.

The New Albany International Business Park hosts 24,000 employees

A Bench for Bill

Beloved community member honored with sitting place

As the sun rises over Resch Park, a plaque on a brand-new bench catches the first light. The inscription reads, “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.”

The John Muir quote is a fitting tribute to the man whose name adorns the bench and who helped ensure the park’s creation – Bill Resch. Known affectionately as “Nature Bill” and the “Nature Guy” to many in the New Albany community, Resch passed away at his home in July 2022 at 81-years-old.

This past April, during Earth Month, anonymous donors worked with the City of New Albany to install the bench in Resch Park as a tribute to a man who was more than a teacher or environmentalist alone; Resch was

a force of nature in his own right. His infectious smile and boundless enthusiasm for life were evident to all who met him.

“Bill was always happy,” his wife, Pauline, says. “His mother said when he was born, he came out with a smile. He was just a happy guy, and I was a

happy lady because I was married to him for 54 years.”

Resch carried his constant smile into the classroom with an approach to teaching that was uniquely hands-on. He had a way of making science and nature personal, which was evident in his two decades of work as the envi -

Bill Resch helped create Resch Park, and now this bench will always commemorate his efforts.

Photos courtesy of the City of New Albany

Photos by Sandy Reed

ronmental and outdoor education consultant at the New Albany-Plain Local School District. Resch worked with all grades, inviting teachers to bring their classes into the nature preserve to learn from him directly. His goal was to instill in future generations a love for the natural world and the importance of preserving it.

Resch’s passion for science and nature was cultivated at St. Charles Preparatory School and The Ohio State University. He spent 30 years teaching science in the Westerville City School District, inspiring his students to appreciate the world around them.

Sandy Reed, a New Albany science teacher and Resch family friend, remembers Resch fondly as her own biology teacher in high school.

“He changed my life by making science real for me,” Reed says. “He was probably the most positive human being I have ever met, and he was absolutely dedicated to doing the right thing.”

One of Resch’s most significant contributions to the New Albany community was his role in saving both Swickard Woods and Rose Run Park from development. Resch helped write a grant application, which was awarded in 2012. The grant provided funds to improve stormwater and riparian enhancements along Rose Run. The City of New Albany chose the name “Resch Park” for the five-acre area along Rose Run and around the Ealy House in Resch’s honor.

His dedication to preserving natural spaces ensures that future generations will be able to enjoy the beauty of the world he loved so much.

Sam Malik, a family friend and former student, believes that Resch’s energy is still present in Resch Park.

“Bill played an integral role in making sure that the nature that we all get to enjoy and have as a part of this experience was kept and was preserved,” Malik says. “Nature was his favorite place, so in a way this (bench) is kind of like an invitation to come sit with Bill.”

Nate Alleman is a City of New Albany intern.

Resch shared his passion for nature with students.

Pauline Resch, Bill’s wife

Photos courtesy of the City of New Albany and Sandy Reed

Thank you to our generous sponsors and guests who over the last 17 years have raised nearly $8 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital ®.

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Festivities for the Fourth

Celebrate your favorite traditions and new events

By Megan Brokamp

Summer’s biggest day of celebration is just around the corner, and the New Albany Chamber of Commerce is making sure its residents are equipped with plenty of activities to enjoy the day. The chamber will bring back cherished traditions while providing some exciting new opportunities for this year. Throw on some red, white and blue and clear those calendars: this year’s Independence Day Parade & Festival is sure to provide holiday fun from sun up to sun down.

To begin the day, the New Albany Symphony Orchestra will host the Independence Day 5K. Beginning at 7:45 a.m. in Market Square, the run and walk race features music and lively spectators along the course, in addition to medals, T-shirts and lots of patriotic treats for participants. The event also includes a 20-yard Toddler Crawl and a 0.25-mile Kids Fun Run, providing action for all ages.

The parade follows the race at 11 a.m., beginning in the New Albany Primary School parking lot and culminating at the Church of the Resurrection parking lot.

The parade features an array of attractions, from antique tractors to marching bands, and there are even awards for the top floats. These awards include the Mayor’s Award, given to the float with the best community spirit, and the Presidential Award, for the most patriotic participant.

At 6 p.m., the festival will commence at New Albany Middle School. The chamber is excited for the Ohio National Guard 122nd Army Band to kick off the celebration for the first time. After this new performance, families can enjoy even more live music with The Fabulous Johnson Brothers.

Admiral James Stavridis

Photo

There is something for everyone at this year’s Independence Day festivities.

Photos courtesy of New Albany Chamber of Commerce

Face painting, bounce houses and balloon artists will be on site for the fun.

Photos courtesy of New Albany Chamber of Commerce

Food Trucks on the Fourth

Adam’s Eden Food Truck

Bernardo Bros Enterprises

Chilljoy

Demo’s Grille

Dos Hermanos Taco Truck

Empanadas and More

Explorers Club

Fun’l Frenzy

Hogback BBQ Pit

Johnson’s Real Ice Cream

Kona Ice

Le Macaron French Pastries

Manden Ice Cream

Ono Turo-Turo

Pitabilities

Schmidt’s Sausage Truck

Tito’s Asian Kitchen

Tortilla Street Food

Weathervane Kettle Corn

WingTime

Woolson Spice Company

Beyond live music, the event provides endless entertainment for all ages. Free of charge, kids can enjoy over 15 bounce houses, balloon twisters, face painting and caricature artists. For adults seeking some adventure, there will be a mobile ax-throwing trailer from Dueling Axes. The attraction includes four throwing lanes and provides a fun new addition to this year’s entertainment options.

People love the feeling of a fresh and clean laundry room, especially when paired with a functional but aesthetic mudroom. In this space the beige cabinetry keeps the room feeling bright and open, while a beautiful dark, slate-style porcelain tile helps the space feel grounded, hide dirt and is easy to clean. Bringing in natural wood elements helps tie everything together and make the space feel cozy.

Of course, no celebration is complete without good food. An array of food trucks will accompany the event. The festival will be bringing back classic favorites in addition to new tastes. The various options are so compelling that even chamber Executive Director Cherie Nelson finds it impossible to pinpoint her top pick.

“It’s like picking a favorite child,” Nelson says. “I can’t do it.”

The festival concludes at 9:45 p.m., but the party is far from over. Immediately following the event, the City of New Albany presents its annual firework show. This year, the outstanding show will even feature a soundtrack synced to the fireworks.

Also new this year is the coolest way to enjoy the fireworks – in the pool. The Plain Township Aquatic Center will be opening up for Float & Fireworks so residents can relax in the pool while the fireworks dazzle overhead. No matter how you choose to watch your fireworks, they’re the ideal way to end a beautiful day in New Albany.

From floats and food trucks to fireworks, New Albany provides the perfect

place for patriotic pleasure this holiday season.

“It’s just a quintessential, heartland, small-town Fourth of July,” Nelson says.

For more information on the parade, festival or fireworks, visit newalbanyjuly4.com.

Megan Brokamp is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

Food and live music will keep the patriotic spirit rolling all day long.

Photos courtesy of New Albany Chamber of Commerce

Superb Speakers

Laura Linney, Misty Copeland and more

By Claire Miller

Award-winning actress and cancer advocate Laura Linney will grace the stage of the Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts on Oct. 3 in the first program of the 2023-2024 New Albany Community Foundation Lecture Series season.

Starring in the Showtime series The Big C, a show about a woman’s journey with terminal cancer, led Linney to her cancer advocacy.

Linney will be interviewed by NPR art desk reporter Neda Ulaby for the Arts and Health lecture this year. Her experience using her Hollywood career to bring awareness and funding for cancer research is sure to be among the topics discussed.

Why should you attend? A three-time Academy Award nominee, Linney is perhaps best known for her work on the Netflix series Ozark as the cutthroat character Wendy Byrde alongside co-star Jason Bateman.

The rest of the 2023-24 season is packed with recognizable names, valuable experts and inspiring thought leaders.

Jan. 23, 2024

NPR’s Morning Edition host Leila Fadel will moderate the Civil Discourse and Debate event between conservative syndicated political columnist Jonah Goldberg and New York Times columnist and progressive journalist Ezra Klein.

Both Goldberg and Klein are authors, podcast hosts, and founders of media companies The Dispatch and Vox respectively.

Why should you attend? Fadel will lead Goldberg and Klein, operating on different sides of the political spectrum, through a robust debate.

Jonah Goldberg Ezra Klein

Vox Media

Gage Skidmore

Laura Linney

NeilGrabowsky

Montclair Film Festival

Feb. 6

For the Mental Health and Social Justice program, Columbus’ own Edwaard Liang, BalletMet’s artistic director, will interview prolific ballet dancer Misty Copeland.

Why should you attend? In 2015, Copeland became the first African American principal dancer in the American Ballet Theatre’s 75-year history. Copeland has an incredible story and prodigal talent that led her to the top stages and national fame after beginning ballet at the late age of 13.

March 12

General Wesley Clark and author Malcolm Nance are slated to speak in the National Security program.

Clark is a retired four-star United States Army officer with a 34-year career in the military. He served as the Supreme Allied Commander Europe of NATO from 1997 to 2000 and has written four books on the subjects of war and defense.

Nance is a New York Times bestselling author, former MSNBC terrorism analyst and former Navy senior chief petty officer.

Why should you attend? Clark and Nance have a wealth of knowledge from their backgrounds and expertise which will offer unique perspectives on the subjects of national security, terrorism and counterintelligence.

Tickets for all programs go on sale in the late summer. Visit www.newalbany foundation.org for more information.

Claire Miller is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Gilda N. Squire

Misty Copeland

Edwaard Liang

General Wesley Clark

Malcolm Nance

Courtesy of Ballet Met

Courtesy of Malcom

Nance

Courtesy of Wesley Clark

Lightning Rod

Chu keeps active professionally, and personally in retirement

By Lindsey Capritta

New Albany resident Roderick Chu has had a wide variety of experiences throughout his life and career.

“My background is eclectic,” says Chu. “I’m a polymath. I’ve had a breadth of experiences where I have learned about myself.”

His upbringing instilled a strong work ethic in him. His family hails from China and family members have a history of traveling to the U.S. to earn a living while saving for the family back home. Shortly after World War II, Chu’s parents immigrated to the U.S., and Chu was born and raised in Queens, New York.

His mother worked with computers, which at the time was still a fairly

new technology. Chu compares her career to the film Hidden Figures. His mother would sometimes bring him in to work with her, where he became familiar with early computers. He learned how to type by using IBM punch cards.

Chu’s family taught him to focus on his education and he excelled academically, skipping two grades and graduating high school at 16 years old. He attended high school at the exclusive United Nations International School in Manhattan, an international

private school primarily for the children of UN employees. Chu earned a spot at the prestigious school and was part of a graduating class of only 15 students.

He attended college at a certain “school up north” – a fact that he tries to keep quiet now that he lives in central Ohio – where he completed a double major in math and physics. Chu earned his MBA from Cornell University, specializing in quantitative analysis. He developed strong managerial skills which would take him down several varied career paths.

After school, Chu worked in the Chicago area at Andersen Consulting, now Accenture, and eventually became a partner at the firm. It was the 1980s when he had one of his first big career changes when former New York Governor Mario Cuomo asked him to become Commissioner of Taxation and Finance for the New York tax department, despite having little experience with tax policy.

“I told him I don’t know anything about taxes,” Chu says. “He said to me, ‘I have a department full of people who know about taxes. I need someone who knows how to manage.’”

So, Chu moved back to New York. His career continued as he returned to education. He began serving on the board for the State University of New York and went on to become the chancellor commissioner. It was this career path that eventually lead him to Ohio, as he was next selected to be chancellor for the Ohio Board of Regents in 1998.

Chu was introduced to New Albany when one of his interviews was held in the New Albany Country Club ballroom. After years of city life and living in apartments, Chu bought his first house near the club.

Photo courtesy of Roderick Chu

He eventually brought his mother to New Albany to live with him. Both became active in the area and forged close bonds with the Asian American community here.

When it was time for Chu to retire, everyone who knew him expected the near-lifelong New Yorker to return to the city. Instead, Chu surprised them and decided to stay in New Albany. A key factor in his decision was the relationships he had formed over the years, which Chu calls an “Ohio friendliness.”

Chu’s own friendliness, in turn, has earned him praise and respect from neighbors in New Albany.

“I’ve always found Rod to be a very nice person,” says Chu’s neighbor and president of the New Albany Community Foundation, Craig Mohre. “I know he has had a distinguished career and Rod always has engaged in community service, but I know him better as a neighbor and friend.”

“Rod is a great friend and neighbor,” says Chu’s friend, and president of the National Veterans Leadership Foundation, Jim Miller. “He has a strong passion for learning, photography, good food and wine.”

Chu is a dedicated foodie and wine connoisseur, and many of his lasting relationships were formed over a good meal.

Now in retirement, Chu keeps himself busy with activities as varied and unique as his career has been. He enjoys using resources in the area such as the Idea Foundry in Franklinton.

Chu still visits New York regularly. He particularly enjoys attending the Metropolitan Opera, of which he is a club member.

In addition to leisure, Chu gives his time through board membership, most recently the Board of Trustees for BalletMet. He is involved with his church, Peace Lutheran Church in Gahanna, which taught him techniques for budgeting and finances that he is currently implementing at the ballet. It was by

working within different industries and activities that allows him to implement his skills into retirement.

“There are certain specialties that need to be met,” Chu says. “While getting everything handled is what management does, it’s rewarding to connect everything.”

Lindsey Capritta is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

By Aaron Gilliam

Lucky Leaps

Recent NA graduate is multi-time world champion

Lochlan Howard has been known as “Lucky” since he can remember, but it isn’t luck that has pushed him to the pinnacle of his craft. As an Irish step dancer, Howard has won six World Irish Dance Association Championships as an individual performer with four team titles to pair with them.

The New Albany High School class of 2023 graduate is one of the most decorated Irish step dancers in the country and his passion has only grown stronger through the years.

Howard’s first World Championship experience was back in 2015 after only dancing for three years. At a young age, Howard took home second place at the competition, something that he says he will never forget.

The following year, with a bit more understanding of the magnitude of the competition, Howard took home the World Champion title and has repeated in every World competition since.

Howard began dancing at age 7 with encouragement from his sister, Brooke, who’d already been dancing at The Academy Irish Dance Co. since he was young. The Howards frequented the Dublin Irish Festival which features some of the best Irish

step dancers in the world. A lifelong passion was kindled during those summers in Dublin as Irish step dancing became somewhat of a family affair for the Howards.

“I’ve danced at the Dublin Irish Festival every year since I was 12,” Howard says.

Howard credits much of his success to The Academy Irish Dance Co. and his wonderful teachers. Located in Westerville, the academy migrated across the pond from England in 2011 to create its new home in central Ohio. Coach Byron Tuttle, an Ohio native, spent years in England before finding the call to return home and bring his successful academy with him.

Howard has been competing with the academy since 2013. His passion for dance has taken him across the country and even the globe.

“We do a lot of competitions, whether they are in Ohio or a neighboring state,” Howard says. “We’ve gone as far as Georgia for smaller competitions, we’ve gone to Ireland for compe-

Howard is a six-time World Irish Dance Association Championship winner.

Photos courtesy of Lochlan Howard

titions. The competitions are something that prepares you for if you want to become a dance teacher or if you want to be in a professional show at some point.”

With so much travel and practice honing his craft, Howard found a way to balance his schedule to succeed inside and out of the classroom. Due to travel, Howard has missed his fair share of days in the classroom. However, he works closely with his teachers to work around his busy schedule to fulfill his duties as a student as best he can.

“With teachers, if you are constantly communicating and being absolutely clear about everything, nobody has given me a hard time,” Howard says. “I think it’s just making sure you’re clear about what you’re doing because they end up becoming interested in it and do not mind at all.”

Howard finds himself lucky to have found such an incredible academy to work with. Numbers begin to dwindle in academies as students age out or become disinterested. The academy, however, has been able to keep numbers high and fill dance teams year after year in an effort to compete for team titles.

“Teams are something that not every dance school is fortunate enough to participate in,” Howard says. “I am so glad to have been a part of so many really good World-winning teams.”

Now that Howard has graduated from New Albany-Plain Local Schools, his future is in his hands. With numerous paths ahead, he is hoping to get into a

traveling dance show. One of his biggest dreams is to join Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance production and traveling the world.

In 2019, current Lord of the Dance lead Macaulay Selwood returned to the academy to teach students some of the current routines. Howard was able to master the performance and showcase it at the Dublin Irish Festival.

“It was really cool to get that experience,” Howard says. “Doing those shows and being able to travel with it, how could I pass up that opportunity?”

Following a long break from competitions due to the pandemic, Howard says he cherishes his championship in 2022 a little more than he’d imagine.

“It felt extremely gratifying winning that one for having missed all that time,”

Howard says. “It made me think of how Olympic athletes take every four years, mine was just two, but it built up the anticipation.”

Howard remains humble and credits most of his success to his incredible teachers Edward Searle and Byron Tuttle.

“There’s no way I could have done any of it without them. They keep the discipline level perfect. There’s never a doubt when I am going to compete. I know exactly what to do with every single part of my day and every part of my dance,” Howard says. “There is nothing left to question for me.”

Aaron Gilliam is the social media coordinator at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

Howard celebrates his win of being named the World Champion of Irish Dance.

Photo courtesy of Lochlan Howard

“It felt extremely gratifying winning that one for having missed all that time. It made me think of how Olympic athletes take every four years, mine was just two, but it built up the anticipation.”

19th Annual

New Albany Walking Classic

presented by

September 10, 2023 • 8:00 am

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

Location: New Albany, Ohio

Sign up!

● Reserve your hoodie

● Receive a nisher medal

● Indulge in our post race celebration foods www.newalbanywalkingclassic.com

Train with the New Albany Walking Club

● Meets every Sunday at 7:30 am

● Walk together in small groups

● Enjoy the camaraderie of others during the walks

● Receive discounts on clothing

● Gather indoors prior to and after the walks

● Join members from throughout Central Ohio www.newalbanywalkingclub.com

Our awesome hoodie

By Katie Giffin

Growing Green

Green food, green habits support a healthful lifestyle

While eating a salad is a great source of leafy greens, eating green doesn’t just mean eating all five American Heart Associationrecommended servings of vegetables each day. Prioritizing a green lifestyle also means eating sustainably for both the body and the community.

Healthy New Albany Magazine spoke to Rachael Harmon, a consultant dietitian; Jennifer Cohen, the community garden coordinator at Healthy New Albany and Sharon Dunn, HNA’s Nourish program coordinator, who shared five ways to create a habit of sustainability in your diet.

Shop local

One way to eat sustainably is by shopping at local food markets.

“Oftentimes, these vendors produce more environmentally friendly products that are organic,” Harmon says. “Shopping locally helps decrease the amount of energy and waste produced in the environment since we are minimizing how far food travels.”

Stock up on local produce at Market Square on Thursday nights for the New Albany Farmers Market and support local growers.

Eat seasonally

Another way to eat “green” would be to focus on eating fruits and vegetables that are in season. When foods are out of season, the monetary and environmental costs to produce and transport them increases, Harmon says. For summertime, bring home produce such as blackberries, tomatoes, watermelon and green beans.

Grow fresh

Get your hands dirty and bring the farmers market to your own backyard with at-home gardening. While starting a garden may seem a daunting task, don’t hang up your shovel just yet. Co -

The Healthy New Albany hydroponic garden growing fresh produce.

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Cohen

hen says there are many ways for aspiring gardeners to start.

“I always recommend to people to start with a potted garden … where you could then plant things in a theme,” Cohen says. “For instance, a salsa garden with a tomato plant, cilantro, a pepper plant and any herbs you want to add to the salsa.”

Cohen also recommends hydroponic tower gardens, which are spaceefficient vertical pots ideal for growing fresh herbs. Tower gardens can be used indoors with limited lighting.

“The tower gardens … use strictly water,” Cohen says. “Then, you add minerals to them to help the plants.”

For first-time growers, Cohen recommends mint, basil, tomatoes and peppers.

But if you don’t have enough space for a garden, you can reserve a plot in the Healthy New Albany Community Garden, where you can grow your own food and connect with others with green thumbs who can share tips and tricks.

Eliminate waste

Perhaps the best and easiest way to prioritize sustainability is to eliminate

RECIPE

Spinach Soup

(4-6 servings)

Ingredients:

• 5 carrots, diced

• 2 cans garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained, pat dry

• Olive oil

• 4 teaspoons ras el hanout*

• 1 ½ onions, diced

• 2 tablespoons ginger, minced

• 1 ounce fresh mint

• 16 ounces baby spinach

• 3-4 cups vegetable broth

• 1 ½ teaspoons salt

• Sour cream or yogurt and lemon, for serving (optional)

Directions:

• Place carrots and half of the garbanzo beans on a sheet pan. Toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, ras el hanout and a pinch of salt. Roast at 400F until carrots are tender and garbanzo beans are crispy, about 15-18 minutes.

• In a large stock pot, over medium heat, add onion, ginger and a pinch of salt and cook until translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add remaining garbanzo beans, mint, spinach and vegetable broth and remaining salt. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to simmer. Cook until greens are wilted, about 4-5 minutes.

• Blend with an immersion blender until smooth and season to taste with salt and pepper.

• To serve: dollop with sour cream or yogurt and/or a squeeze of lemon juice, seasoned and roasted carrots and crispy garbanzo beans

*Ras el hanout is a North African spice blend of cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, turmeric.

waste as much as possible. There are many ways to go about it.

“Buying in bulk or family/value sizes, bringing your own to-go containers for leftovers at restaurants and using reusable bags at the grocery store helps to reduce the amount of plastic and overall energy required,” Harmon says.

You can also cut back by composting. Save food scraps, paper napkins, paper towels and compostable bags for composting or food waste programs. Compost your own food scraps or drop them off at one of the three composting locations in New Albany.

Eat green

Adopt a plant-leaning diet to prioritize a more sustainable lifestyle. Different from an entirely plant-based diet, a plant-leaning diet centers on reducing animal products and choosing more vegetable-centered dishes, Dunn says.

“When I first started cooking more plant-focused, … I always thought, ‘It’s going to take away from the flavor,’ but I’ve found that really the taste is very similar,” Dunn says.

Rachael Harmon’s seasonal eating guide

Winter season: Grapefruit, lemons, oranges, tangerines, kale, leeks, radishes, turnips

Spring season: Apricots, avocados, mangoes, pineapples, rhubarb, strawberries, artichokes, asparagus, carrots, collards, fava beans, fennel, greens

Summer season: Blackberries, blueberries, nectarines, peaches, plums, raspberries, tomatoes, watermelon, broccoli, cucumber, green beans, zucchini

Fall season: Apples, cranberries, figs, grapes, pears, squash, cauliflower, garlic, ginger, mushrooms, potatoes, pumpkin, sweet potatoes

Dunn recommends buying vegetables in bulk at the beginning of the week, roasting them at one time and storing them in the refrigerator. Then, throughout the week, throw the vegetables in with various dishes.

“Another key component of making vegetables with different flavor profiles is changing up sauces,” Dunn says.

Try your hand at eating green with Dunn’s spinach soup recipe, a tasty plant-focused dish perfect for summertime.

Katie Giffin is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

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Chat Health

Revolutionizing health care with AI-powered conversations

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into so much of our lives has shown significant potential in revolutionizing industries, and the American health care system is no exception.

One specific application of AI is ChatGPT, a language model developed by American AI research lab OpenAI. ChatGPT has garnered attention for its seemingly intelligent and friendly conversations. And while many who have used ChatGPT simply use the app to talk and explore the bounds of its AI, by analyzing large amounts of data and generating human-like responses, ChatGPT can potentially transform healthcare approaches.

For example, Bernard Marr’s piece in Forbes titled “Revolutionizing Healthcare: The Top 14 Uses of ChatGPT in Medicine and Wellness,” ChatGPT holds significant promise in various health care areas when integrated with existing systems like electronic health records.

For employees, ChatGPT can help streamline administrative tasks and reduce the burden on health care professionals.

“By automating routine tasks and reducing the workload of medical staff, ChatGPT can free up resources and allow healthcare professionals to focus on more critical aspects of their work,” Marr writes.

Also, as an assistant for the front office, it can be used to help patients schedule appointments, receive treatment and manage their health information.

Not only is ChatGPT beneficial for health care providers, but it also has potential value for patients. With rising health care costs, many Americans hesitate to seek hospital care due to potential financial burdens. ChatGPT can help by providing personalized and accessible health care information to patients.

“ChatGPT can provide instant and reliable answers to patients’ queries, enabling them to make informed decisions about their health,” Marr says.

Moreover, a study published in Nature Medicine reveals that AI algorithms, including ChatGPT, demonstrated proficiency in diagnosing a wide range of diseases and even outperformed human physicians in specific scenarios.

“ChatGPT demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy across multiple medical conditions,” the article states.

This feature can empower and engage patients, allowing them to actively manage their well-being. However, it is important to acknowledge the limitations and potential concerns associated with relying on AI technology like ChatGPT in the health care system. While ChatGPT has the potential to provide accurate information, it cannot replace professional medical advice.

The ethical considerations surrounding the use of ChatGPT in health care must be examined. Bias in AI algorithms has been a prominent concern, as it could lead to unequal treatment or discriminatory practices.

“While ChatGPT is capable of providing valuable information, it is essential to remember that it is not a licensed medical

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professional and should not be treated as such,” Marr says.

Since AI cannot be licensed, health care organizations must adhere to various regulations, such as HIPAA, to ensure the safe and appropriate use of ChatGPT.

Data privacy and security remain crucial concerns for health care professionals and patients. Patient data is susceptible, and strict measures must be in place to protect its confidentiality.

The software will hold automated summaries of patient interactions and medical histories, which can help streamline the medical record-keeping process. However, it can also put the patient and hospital at risk in a cyber attack.

As ChatGPT integrates into the health care system, robust protocols must be established to prevent unauthorized access and maintain patient trust. Keeping these concerns in mind, Sam Altman, chief executive officer of OpenAI, shared a tweet on Feb. 18 highlighting the importance of regulating ChatGPT.

“We think showing these tools to the world early, while still somewhat broken, is critical if we are going to have sufficient input and repeated efforts to get it right,” the tweet reads. “We also need enough time for our institutions to figure out what to do. Regulation will be critical and will take time to figure out.”

Although there are several kinks that need to be resolved before ChatGPT can be integrated into health care, it does not appear to be going away. The conversation around AI and health care has only just begun, and there is more to do to ensure its safety, security and efficacy.

“These tools will help us be more productive (can’t wait to spend less time doing email!), healthier (AI medical advisors for people who can’t afford care), smarter (students using ChatGPT to learn), and more entertained (AI memes lolol),” Altman tweets.

Mariah Muhammad is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

Global Campus

NAPLS celebrates rich cultural heritage of students

The New Albany-Plain Local School District (NAPLS) English Learning (EL) Program is a robust and beloved part of the learning community.

New Albany students hail from all over the globe. During the 2022-2023 school year, the NAPLS EL program supported 217 students in grades K-12, from 25 countries of origin, who speak 30 different languages.

The EL program is designed to provide support to NAPLS students for which English is not their first language. The program helps qualifying students and families transition into school while valuing the social and cultural knowledge that they bring. EL students are immersed into classrooms and supported according to their level of proficiency and academic

need. A dedicated team of EL teachers and educational assistants provide instruction to accelerate growth in reading, writing, listening, speaking and vocabulary development. Through a combination of direct instruction, in-class support and study centers, the district-wide program is designed to help EL students learn English and become successful in their content classes.

Tracy Quillin is the NAPLS District English Learning (EL) Coordinator. Teaching English is her passion and she says she holds a very special place in her heart for all students and their families.

“I want every student to feel welcome, supported, safe and excited to learn each day,” Quillin says. “Students in the EL program will develop their skills

Food is central to the cultural celebrations. Global dishes were shared from:

Venezuela: Tequeños, pastelitos, flan, arepas, arroz con leche

Chile: Alfajores, empanadas Chilenas

Pakistan: Sweet rice

Japan: Miso soup, Japanese omelet, chikuwa with cucumber, red bean rice balls and salmon rice

Ecuador: Morocho (beverage with rice)

India: Carrot halwa, other snacks and sweets

Colombia: Buñuelos, arepas

Photos courtesy of Elena Golikov

in reading, writing, listening and speaking so that they can increase their academic success in all content areas.”

To celebrate the rich diversity of students, the EL department hosts an EL Family Night each year. The Family Night creates a warm and welcoming environment for building community while showcasing and celebrating the rich cultural and linguistic diversity of families through food, performances, music, artifacts, demonstrations and cultural dress. The event is an opportunity for families to share their culture and heritage and for school leaders and other families to share the cuisine and friendship of families from around the globe.

The event has become a highly anticipated annual tradition. While the family event is held just once each year, Quillin emphasizes what a tremendous asset the EL families are to the district.

“EL students enrich the student body in meaningful ways, bringing the world to our classrooms,” she says.

The Family Night boasts global fanfare and celebrations including food and drinks beautifully presented from all over the world. It featured carefully designed tables with flags, video demonstrations and shared recipes hechos con amor (made with love). This year there were cultural dances from India, Colombia, Central and South America, origami instruction, and a Japanese writing demonstration (Kanji). Events also included a slide show from Belarus, presentations about native lands as well as instruments and special artifacts from Venezuela, the Taj

All were able to enjoy the many offerings at the EL Family Night hosted by the New Albany-Plain Local Schools.

Family farm since 1831 Selling The Best Quality Beef In Ohio

Q uality USDA Beef Products

Participation from other organizations and community partners included Healthy New Albany and the Healthy New Albany Food Pantry, the New Albany Library, and New Albany Parks and Rec Department. As the event continues to grow each year, Quillin and the EL team welcome expanded participation and community engagement for future events.

“We are very fortunate to have so many cultures and languages present in our learning community everyday,” NAPLS superintendent Michael Sawyers says. “Our schools, community and relationships are strengthened and enriched by learning, growing and sharing languages, traditions and cultural experiences. Our English language learner family nights gleam with cultural pride. We truly are Stronger Together.”

For more information about the event or to participate please contact New Albany District K-12 EL Coordinator Tracy Quillin at Quillin.4@napls.us.

Angela Douglas is the executive director of Healthy New Albany.

Photo courtesy of Elena Golikov

By Elizabeth Cullinan

Healthy New Albany Bookshelf Reviews

At Home on An Unruly Planet

By Madeline Ostrander, 2022

Climate change once seemed like a topic affecting a future generation in a far distant time, but science is showing that the worry for our planet is here now, and the problems are becoming global issues. How do we protect our communities and beloved landmarks from catastrophic acts of nature made worse by human carelessness? This is one of the many questions science journalist Madeline Ostrander tries to answer. Told through real-life stories of people and places across the country, readers will be left to ponder what will become of their own legacy if action is not taken. This book offers optimism for a stronger ecological environment by showing how even minor changes can help ensure a more stable planet.

A Poison Like No Other: How Microplastics Corrupted Our Planet and Our Bodies

By Matt Simon, 2022

Plastic is a tough material which makes it useful and one of the reasons it is a part of so many of the products we use. Plastic is all around us and it is starting to affect more than just our physical world. In A Poison Like No Other, author Matt Simon explores for the first time the harmful health effects of microplastic particles. As plastic is broken down over and over, it eventually becomes small enough to enter your lungs or toxically affect the food we eat. Unlike other pollutants made from single chemical compounds, plastics contain at least 10,000 different chemicals linked to diseases from diabetes to hormone disruption to cancers. This book is a must-read for taking a deeper look into how environmental pollutants are leading to some of our most prevalent, and deadly, illnesses.

Fatal Conveniences: The Toxic Products and Harmful Habits That Are Making You Sick – and the Simple Changes That Will Save Your Health

By Darin Olien, 2023

According to author Darin Olien, modern conveniences come at a great cost to our physical environment and our health. Many everyday products like deodorant, laundry detergent and cosmetics are advertised to consumers as safe

and necessary for an effortless existence but are produced using many toxic and deadly chemicals that are deliberately added by manufacturers. Utilizing detailed, scientifically proven evidence, Olien offers readers a thought-provoking guide on alternatives that are truly nontoxic and life-enhancing. Described as a “must-read reality check,” this book is perfect for those looking to live purely, cleanly and simply.

The Open-Air Life

By Linda Åkeson McGurk, 2022

Happiness and contentment are states of being we are all constantly striving for. Is there a secret to achieving these simple pleasures? SwedishAmerican author Linda McGurk introduces readers to friluftsliv, a Nordic custom and practice that emphasizes connecting with nature to find inner and long-lasting satisfaction. Described as the “outdoorsy cousin of hygge,” friluftsliv encourages people to slow down, breathe deeply and spend quality time outdoors. From the delight of foraging for wild berries to basking in the peaceful quietness of bird watching, McGurk’s guide shows readers how to embrace an open-air lifestyle in nature to improve their all-around physical and mental health.

Get Grounded, Get Well

By Sharon Whiteley and Dr. Stephen T. Sinatra, 2023

Nature has even more power than we might have thought possible. It may be exactly what we have all been looking for to heal our minds, bodies and souls. This book offers readers insight into “grounding,” which is the effortless act of allowing the Earth’s energies to provide healing nutrients. Readers will learn about the scientifically and medically proven ways in which connecting with nature can restore vital components for living a healthier and happier life. Through a deep dive into traditional indigenous medicine and the customs of early civilizations, all readers can find that restoring energy, alleviating stress or simply ensuring a better night’s sleep is achievable.

The price of New Albany homes was up 55.6 percent in April 2023, selling at a median price of $1.0M. On average, homes in New Albany sold after 40 days on the market compared to 36 days last year. A total of 14 homes were sold in April this year, down from 24 last year.

All information is collected from the Franklin County auditors’ offices and Redfin.

what’s your style?

CONTINGENT

Jean M. Lesnick (614) 537-5376

jeanl@newalbanyrealty.com

3911 Green Cook Rd - Johnstown Ranch home on almost 2.5 acres—open floor plan with vaulted wood-burning fireplace. Spacious kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite-top center island, & storage. Large flex room. New well and pump in 2019. New roof in 2020, new garage door opener installed in 2022. 2.5 acres of land with a small barn, outbuilding, and pasture. Minutes north of New Albany. $499,900

NEW ALBANY REALTY www.WelcometoNewAlbany.com

Jean M. Lesnick (614) 537-5376 jeanl@newalbanyrealty.com

4407 Olmsted - New Albany - Well-maintained, & improved all-brick home in Fenway. 1st-floor owner suite w remodeled bath with heated floors, heated towel rack, new cabinets & granite. Two bedrms upstairs w jack n jill bathrm. Kitchen recently updated. 70% of windows replaced, new front door, & patio french doors. New roof, 6’’ gutters, & mechanicals. Private outdoor living with new patio. $1,160,000. NEW ALBANY REALTY www.WelcometoNewAlbany.com

Jean M. Lesnick (614) 537-5376

jeanl@newalbanyrealty.com

Woodland Hall - Powell. Open home offers walls of windows overlooking poolside view. Spacious first-floor living with a chef’s kitchen open to dining and living room spaces. The first-floor owner’s suite has a spa-like bath and a luxurious walk-in closet. Wood-paneled library/den with a fireplace. Home theatre on the lower level. Gym with shower. Five-car side-load garage with your very own dog shower. $1,399,000 NEW ALBANY REALTY www.WelcometoNewAlbany.com

The Nth Degree Team (614) 855-8533 nthdegree@nthliving.com

7676 Sutton Pl, New Albany, OH 43054 Updated NACC home on one of the most beautiful tree lined streets in New Albany! Amazing outdoor space with new oversized rear patio and fenced back yard! First floor includes entry Foyer, formal Dining Rm, Living Rm or Office, and huge Kitchen / Great Rm with two separate islands and fireplace overlooking the beautiful yard.

NTH DEGREE TEAM AT COLDWELL BANKER www.nthliving.com

The Nth Degree Team (614) 855-8533 nthdegree@nthliving.com

7809 Lambton Park Rd, New Albany, OH 43054 Beautifully updated NACC home with clear golf course views! This home has been meticulously maintained by the original owners. Tall ceilings, hardwood floors, and architectural details throughout! First floor features grand Foyer, open chef’s Kitchen / Great Rm, formal Dining Rm, amazing, oversized private Office, (2) 1/2 Baths, and Laundry Center.

NTH DEGREE TEAM AT COLDWELL BANKER www.nthliving.com

The Powell Buehler Group (614) 915-4588

4516 Queen Ann St, New Albany, OH 43054

$650,000

Welcome to the enchanting ashton grove community, straight out of a storybook, complete with a charming white picket fence!

COLDWELL BANKER REALTY ThePowellBuehlerGroup.com

The Powell Buehler Group (614) 915-4588

6124 Farrier Place, New Albany, OH 43054

$400,000

This home combines style, comfort & convenience in a highly sought-after location in New Albany!

COLDWELL BANKER REALTY ThePowellBuehlerGroup.com

Scene in New Albany

Photo by Rachel Karas