May/ June 2025

As summer unfolds, I’m feeling grateful for the energy of our community, the stories you’ve shared with me, and the chance to celebrate meaningful milestones together. From our very first Juneteenth celebration to thoughtful conversations at Popsicles in the Park, it’s been a busy and rewarding few months around Gahanna.

Gahanna Juneteenth: A Celebration of History, Culture & Community

A group of people wearing matching yellow 'Gahanna Juneteenth' T-shirts smile and pose together behind a table covered with more event shirts. They are outdoors in a parking lot area, surrounded by trees and buildings, gathered in celebration of Gahanna’s first Juneteenth event.

Gahanna Juneteenth volunteers

In past newsletters, you’ve heard me speak about planning Gahanna’s first-ever Juneteenth celebration. On June 14, that vision came to life!

Gahanna Juneteenth was a beautiful day rooted in history, joy, culture, and connection. From the Thiossane Institute African drummers and dancers who opened the program to Gifted Hands Drumline that closed the show to the performers, poets, musicians in between, every moment reflected the spirit of celebration that Juneteenth represents.

I want to express deep gratitude to the key partners who helped bring this event to life:

Freedom Sponsors Elevated Wealth and Franklin County Board of Commissioners as well as a host of other sponsors and community member
Visit Gahanna, with special thanks to Lori Kappes, Jarod White, and Theresa Emch
Gahanna Parks & Recreation and the Gahanna Division of Police for their hands-on support in creating a safe, welcoming experience

A very special Thank You to the Juneteenth Committee, a dedicated group of volunteer residents who’ve been working alongside me since October. What began as an idea grew into something meaningful and community-driven, thanks to their creativity, heart, and commitment.

To the 160+ community members who joined us, you made this day unforgettable. You are the reason this matters!

We’re already dreaming about what next year can be. Gahanna Juneteenth is now a part of our city’s story and we’re just getting started!

Three women wearing matching 'Harmony' shirts sing into microphones on stage, smiling and engaging the audience. They are performing under a tent at a community event, with music equipment and stage lights visible around them.

Hope City Records Artist - Harmony

A woman dressed in colorful traditional African attire performs a joyful dance under a tent, arms raised and smiling. Behind her, other dancers and drummers in coordinated outfits watch and play instruments as part of a lively cultural performance at a Juneteenth celebration.

Thiossane West African Dance Institute

A group of young women in black outfits and white boots perform a choreographed dance on an outdoor stage. They wear sparkly gold and blue arm sleeves and smile as they strike a formation in front of a banner reading 'Blues & Jazz Festival Stage.

Gahanna Lincoln High School Lionettes

Connect With Me

This summer, I am slowing the pace to rest, recharge and spend meaningful time with my family. As a result, my constituent hours will return in September. In the meantime, I’d love to connect with you at a community event or one-on-one. Feel free to reach out via email or phone to find a time that works. I hope you also find time this summer to rest, recharge, and reconnect with what matters most to you.

Getting to Work

Highlights of Actions, Projects, and Initiatives

Recognized May as ALS Awareness Month in Gahanna to uplift those affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease
Renewed the School Resource Officer (SRO) contract with Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools for the 2025–2026 school year
Approved the 2025 Sidewalk Maintenance Lookback Program
Adopted new electric vehicle charging station fees as part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability in the community
Celebrated 25 years of CHLOE, Inc. and honored founder Connie Nafziger’s powerful impact on young mothers and families in our community
Met with Gahanna’s new Economic Development Director to support his onboarding and share my vision and priorities for the city’s economic growth
Drafted and sent a letter to state legislatures advocating for fully and fairly funding Ohio’s Fair School Funding Plan
Recognized June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in Gahanna
Commemorated Gahanna’s inaugural Juneteenth celebration and was honored to receive a commendation from State Representative Beryl Brown Piccolantonio in recognition of the occasion
Attended a Town Hall hosted by 10TV to hear directly from residents about issues impacting their lives
Hosted a family-friendly Constituent Hour, Popsicles in the Park, where residents of all ages shared ideas on what they'd like to see in our community

Resident communication topics included:

Requests for more pickleball Courts in Gahanna
Feedback on the proposed pre-annexation agreement near Johnstown and Morse Rd
Concerns about repeated poor-quality repairs to driveway aprons following roadwork
Questions about US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) vehicles observed in local neighborhoods

Six people stand together under a pop-up canopy on a rainy day, smiling at the camera. One person in the center holds an official proclamation document. The group is dressed casually and warmly, with some wearing rain gear. Trees and a railing line the background.

Council members Bowers, Jones, Padova, & Weaver join Sr. Director Vollmer to present a joint proclamation & resolution to Lori Kappes of Visit Gahanna

About Town

Recap of community events and activities

5/1: Connected with organizations focused on mental health and explored available resources at the Gahanna Mind & Wellness Fair

5/3: Celebrated Gahanna’s standing as the Herb Capital while shopping local vendors at Herb Day

6/14–6/15: Enjoyed live music, local art, and vibrant community spirit at one of Gahanna’s signature events, the Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival

6/18: Attended In This Together, a community conversation on youth mental health for parents and caregivers

6/21: Attended the Wynkni Alston Foundation Mental Health Summit, supported in part by the city’s Community Grant Program

6/21: Served as a panelist at LEAD Ohio’s Bootcamp, discussing local government hot topics with aspiring candidates and campaign staff

6/26: Celebrated love, visibility, and inclusion at Gahanna Pride

Three people wearing matching light blue event T-shirts pose together and smile at an outdoor community event. Behind them, families gather near white vendor tents on a grassy field under a partly cloudy sky.

Council members Jones, Bower, & Weaver at Gahanna Pride

In the Know

Stay informed about what's happening in our community

Subscribe to periodic email updates from me and other city communications.
Attend meetings. Regular Council meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the Month (or the following Tuesday if Monday is a City holiday). Committee of the Whole meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Mondays. Both meetings begin at 7:00 p.m.
Receive agendas for council and board/commission meetings via email.
Watch online. All council and board/commission meetings are streamed lived via the city's Youtube page.

Working with and for you to champion inclusion, access, and a thriving Gahanna for all!