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What if a cancer diagnosis didn't just mean treatment schedules and doctor appointments, but also included something to look forward to—a moment of pure joy during the toughest battle of your life? That's the revolutionary idea behind the Karen Wellington Foundation, an organization I had the privilege of exploring with Columbus chapter leader Irene Adams.

Karen Wellington lived with breast cancer for ten years—a quarter of her life—before passing at age 40. But as Irene powerfully shared, "Karen lived the entire width of those years." She joined a band, bought a shoe shop, painted, and refused to let cancer define her existence. This determination to embrace joy even in darkness became the foundation's guiding philosophy when her husband Kent established it after her passing.

Instead of funeral flowers, Kent sent two families from chemo chairs on vacation. Eighteen years later, that beautiful gesture has evolved into 4,000 "gifts of fun" delivered to women battling cancer across multiple chapters nationwide. These aren't just any gifts—they're deeply personalized experiences based on what each recipient defines as "fun," from Disney vacations and spa days to houseboats in Seattle and ski trips in Colorado.

What makes these gifts extraordinary is their timing. They arrive when fun seems impossible, when medical concerns dominate every thought. The foundation's simple question—"what does fun look like to you?"—opens a door to possibility. And with no restrictions on income or timing (nominations never expire), women can choose when they're ready, whether during treatment or in recovery.

The stories Irene shared moved me deeply. A mother and daughter who received a Disney vacation that became their final trip together. A family from Africa experiencing skiing for the first time, laughing as they tumbled in the snow. These aren't just vacations—they're memories that redefine a cancer journey.

As Karen's daughter Angeline beautifully wrote in a letter Irene shared, her mother "was the person who always made room for others" by expanding her dining room table to welcome more people. That's the perfect metaphor for this foundation: creating space for joy when life seems to offer only hardship.

Want to make a difference? Consider nominating someone you know who's battling cancer, volunteering for a gift delivery, or supporting their annual April Fool's Day gala (Karen's birthday). After all, as Irene wisely noted, "We can raise funds for cancer research and try to eliminate cancers, and we can put fun on our calendar." Sometimes, the most powerful medicine is laughter.

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Ever wonder how a single salon visit could spark a business empire? Sisters Kristin and Kailen take us on their entrepreneurial journey from a chance discovery in New York City to founding The Blowout Bar, a salon concept that's thrived for 13 years by perfecting a single service: blowouts without cuts or color.

Their story begins with a family trip to NYC where they experienced a specialized blowout bar and immediately recognized the opportunity to bring this concept to Columbus. Kristin's words capture the moment perfectly: "It was one of those experiences that I just couldn't go back to doing it the old way." Despite having no cosmetology background, they launched their Grandview location and quickly expanded to Dublin and Easton, with plans for a fourth Columbus location before targeting Cleveland and Cincinnati.

What makes their business model fascinating is how clearly they've defined their niche. By focusing exclusively on blowouts and styling, they've created a convenient, consistent experience that serves both working professionals with standing weekly appointments (Monday-Thursday) and special event clients seeking styling for weddings and celebrations (weekends). Their seven-day schedule and specialized staff ensure clients can almost always find availability.

Beyond business, the conversation delves into their personal lives as New Albany residents—both sisters moved from downtown Columbus to raise their families (each has two boys, coincidentally of nearly identical ages). They share their appreciation for New Albany's walkability and community events while reminiscing about their Northeast Ohio roots, complete with nostalgic discussions of regional foods and traditions.

Ready to experience a specialized salon that's reimagining what hair care can be? Visit any of The Blowout Bar's three Columbus locations and discover why so many clients have made their services part of their regular routine!

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Beth's journey from retail executive to nonprofit founder illustrates the extraordinary power of addressing a need in your own family and watching it transform the lives of hundreds. When her three-and-a-half-year-old son Will, who has Down syndrome, wanted to learn tennis like his older brother, Beth discovered a profound lack of consistent programming for individuals with developmental disabilities. What began as a weekend clinic has flourished into Buddy Up for Life, a national organization with over 20 chapters serving more than 800 individuals with Down syndrome and engaging approximately 1,800 volunteers.

The magic of Buddy Up lies in its one-to-one pairing system, matching each athlete or student with a dedicated volunteer buddy. These relationships often evolve into meaningful friendships that address a critical social gap many individuals with Down syndrome experience – having plenty of acquaintances but lacking deeper connections. The organization's "Connections" program specifically nurtures these relationships through social outings during summer months.

From its tennis origins, Buddy Up has expanded to meet diverse needs: circuit training when families wanted fitness options, summer camps when schools were closed, and comprehensive life skills classes covering communication, finance, technology, cooking, and personal safety. This holistic approach serves individuals from age five through adulthood, recognizing that people with Down syndrome benefit from consistent, year-round programming with plenty of repetition and routine.

Beth's retail planning background at Express provided a surprisingly relevant foundation for building this nonprofit – from testing programs before scaling, to creating consistent processes, to managing budgets effectively. The organization operates primarily through donations, with their annual gala serving as their largest fundraiser, complemented by grants and community partnerships.

Ready to get involved? Visit BuddyUpForLife.org to register as an athlete, volunteer, or donate to support programming that's raising the bar and creating opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome to develop skills, build relationships, and thrive. As Beth's son Will demonstrates through his football career and current studies at Vanderbilt University – where there's a Will, there's always a way.

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From driving a 1998 Toyota Corolla long after he could afford an upgrade to opening his first orthodontic practice during the 2009 recession with a baby on the way, Dr. Jeff Shirck's journey exemplifies calculated risk-taking and unwavering financial discipline.

Dr. Shirck takes us behind the scenes of building Shirck Orthodontics from a single Pataskala location to five thriving practices throughout the Columbus area. With refreshing candor, he credits much of his financial wisdom to his wife Zhenya, who immigrated from Ukraine at age nine with just $300 to her family's name. Their partnership demonstrates how clear financial boundaries and thoughtful decision-making create both business success and family stability.

As a father of three active children, Dr. Shirck shares his evolving philosophy on parenting in today's complex world. He discusses the delicate balance of keeping kids engaged in activities without overwhelming them, finding appropriate mentors beyond parents, and teaching financial literacy in an era where spending opportunities are endless. His approach includes requirements like piano lessons (despite protests from his children), maintaining good grades, and staying physically active – creating structure that builds discipline regardless of natural inclinations.

The conversation explores the fascinating evolution of youth sports from seasonal activities to year-round commitments, with Dr. Shirck questioning whether early specialization truly benefits children's development. His experiences coaching youth sports despite having no prior experience highlight how community involvement creates unexpected connections and opportunities to positively influence young people beyond one's immediate family.

Through stories about exploring Ohio with his family, participating in New Albany community events, and watching the thoughtful development of the area, Dr. Shirck reveals how business success and genuine community engagement create a fulfilling life rooted in relationships rather than material possessions.

Join us for this insightful conversation that will inspire you to reconsider your approach to financial decisions, parenting challenges, and community involvement. Subscribe now and share your thoughts on what resonated most with you from Dr. Shirck's journey!

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Dave Mirgon's entrepreneurial journey reveals how a lifelong desire to help others evolved into creating spaces where businesses and people flourish. As the co-founder of Brickhouse Blue, Dave brings the same philosophy to coworking that made his youth basketball program a national success: building excellence brick by brick.

"I was always thinking what else do I want to do while helping these people," Dave explains, reflecting on his 20-year corporate recruiting career. This question led him and business partner Cid Romberg to launch Brickhouse Blue in 2016, creating environments where entrepreneurs could escape everyday constraints and think differently. The name itself carries rich symbolism—"brick" representing methodical building and solid foundations, while "blue" signifies innovation, expansive thinking, and limitless possibilities.

What sets Brickhouse Blue apart from typical coworking spaces is their deliberate approach to creating community. "A lot of spaces just plug and play. It's a current space, paint the walls, slap some furniture in there, put somebody at the front desk and let's hope it works. That's just not who we are," Dave emphasizes. This attention to both physical environment and human experience has fueled their expansion to four locations, with more on the horizon in Hilliard, Lancaster, and potentially downtown Columbus.

The recent partnership with Innovate New Albany represents a perfect synergy, combining Brickhouse Blue's expertise in creating productive environments with Innovate New Albany's established programming for technology startups. Meanwhile, Dave's parallel success with Midwest Basketball Club—growing from one team to nearly 200 across multiple states—demonstrates how his brick-by-brick philosophy creates sustainable growth whether in business or youth development.

Ready to experience how the right environment can transform your business? Visit any Brickhouse Blue location to discover spaces designed for innovation, community, and success—built one brick at a time.

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What happens when we create a childhood oasis free from the constant ping of notifications and glow of screens? In this enlightening conversation, Colleen reveals how she transformed her passion for education into The Schoolhouse—a revolutionary early learning center in New Albany that's deliberately technology-free.

From her beginnings as a college student working at a local daycare to owning multiple schools, Colleen's journey reflects a deep commitment to childhood development rooted in traditional, hands-on experiences. "I promise you they'll have plenty of technology someday," she explains, describing how her students engage in messy art projects, outdoor play regardless of weather, and community exploration instead of screen time. This refreshingly old-school approach addresses parents' growing concerns about digital saturation while preparing children for academic success.

The Schoolhouse stands apart through its intentional alignment with New Albany's school curriculum, ensuring seamless transitions for children entering kindergarten. Students practice with the same handwriting worksheets and phonics systems they'll encounter in elementary school, often reaching kindergarten-level reading before they leave preschool. Colleen's perspective as both an educator and mother of four children in the district gives her unique insight into creating this educational bridge.

Community connection thrives through the school's partnership with local businesses for field trips, including veterinary visits where children perform "surgeries" on stuffed animals and garden experiences where they grow vegetables prepared by the school's dedicated chef. As a long-time PTO president across multiple New Albany schools, Colleen has helped unite resources across the district, demonstrating how educational leadership extends beyond classroom walls.

Whether you're a parent concerned about balancing technology in childhood, an educator looking for alternative approaches, or simply curious about New Albany's educational landscape, this conversation offers a compelling vision for nurturing young minds through real-world experiences, community engagement, and deliberate simplicity.

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Amy Wagner and Jessica, the dynamic duo behind Animals Are Special veterinary practice, bring warmth, humor, and professional insight to this engaging conversation about caring for New Albany's beloved pets since 2011.

Their journey parallels New Albany's remarkable growth—from when a Giant Eagle was the commercial highlight to today's bustling landscape with "two Chipotles." As the community expanded around them, their practice evolved from well water to city utilities, symbolizing how seamlessly they've integrated into the fabric of New Albany life.

The veterinary team shares hilarious mishaps (like birds escaping during COVID lockdown) and touching stories that reveal the heart behind their practice. While they primarily treat cats and dogs, their occasional adventures with "pocket pets," chickens, and even a turkey named Bentley Snook demonstrate their flexibility and dedication to all animals—though they're quick to joke about their comfort zones!

Beyond medical care, Amy and Jessica emphasize their deep community connections. As avid runners participating in local 5Ks and supporters of community initiatives, they've created relationships that extend far beyond the examination room. They offer valuable advice for New Albany pet owners about preventative care, noting the unique challenges created by the community's beautiful preservation of wildlife and green spaces.

Jessica's passion for canine massage therapy highlights the practice's specialized offerings. This therapeutic approach provides significant benefits for working dogs, show competitors, and pets with orthopedic issues—though some energetic pups struggle to remain still long enough to receive the full benefits!

Whether you're a longtime New Albany resident or new to the area, Animals Are Special welcomes you with their self-described "organized chaos" of good music, staff pets, and genuine care for both animals and their humans. Ready to experience veterinary care that truly makes you feel part of the community? Your pet's health adventure awaits!

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Ever wondered what happens when productivity meets playfulness? In our exploration of New Albany's newest workspace innovation, Community Manager Nia takes us inside BrickHouse Blue's Water's Edge location - a coworking concept where business professionals can transition from hosting clients in elegant meeting rooms to unwinding with zombie dodgeball in their sports simulator.

Founded in 2019 and now expanded to four distinctive locations, BrickHouse Blue has evolved from its Bridge Park origins to create an elevated experience specifically designed for the New Albany community. The Water's Edge name perfectly captures the workspace's integration with its natural surroundings, positioned alongside a scenic pond that creates a tranquil backdrop for productivity and collaboration.

What stands out in our conversation is the thoughtful variety of spaces available to members - from the cozy, snack-filled Bluebird room perfect for informal meetings to the Newport space featuring that unexpected sports simulator where kickball breaks can refresh your creative thinking. This isn't your typical office environment; it's a carefully crafted ecosystem where work and wellbeing coexist. With flexible membership options ranging from private offices to daily coworking passes, BrickHouse Blue has created a welcoming hub for entrepreneurs, remote workers, and established businesses alike.

Perhaps most compelling is how BrickHouse Blue embodies what makes New Albany special. As Nia so eloquently puts it: "The community here is unlike no other. Once you're in, you're fully invested in and you can invest in other people as well." It's this spirit of mutual support and presence that infuses everything at Water's Edge - from the shopping adventures that created its distinctive interior to the daily interactions that make it more than just a place to work. Subscribe now to hear more stories about the businesses and innovations making New Albany such a vibrant community.

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"Welcome to the premiere episode of White Fence Living! In this introduction, we dive into the heart of what makes this podcast unique—celebrating the people, places, and stories that bring New Albany to life. Meet your host, get a sneak peek at what’s ahead, and discover why this is the perfect listen for anyone curious about the charm and spirit of our community. Let’s start exploring New Albany together!"

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