Capital students are often provided with the opportunity to take place in a number of activities on or around campus that are university sponsored: they see flyers on the walls and chalk drawings on the pavements, or read about them in weekly stall talks. However, students tend to miss out on the events the city of Bexley hosts.
Sam Metcalf, Bexley communication coordinator and 2017 Capital graduate, has been tasked with bridging the gap between Bexley residents and Capital students, and creating events that are welcoming to both groups.
“I handle a lot of the main line communication [for the city],” Metcalf said. “Capital is one entity that I get to work with a lot. We try to do things on Capital’s campus to be more visible, hosting events that students would actually want attend.”
Here is a list of the ongoing and upcoming Bexley city events that encourage Capital student attendance:
- Balance Bexley – The city and Bexley Yoga have teamed up to offer five free yoga classes for the community. There are two classes remaining, and they will take place at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 1 and Oct. 8 at the fountains.
- Farmer’s Market – Every Thursday through the months of September and October, the corner of Dawson and Main Street, which is right across from Capital’s athletic center, is converted into a market for local farmers to sell their harvested goods and allow consumers to buy fresh and organic ingredients.
- Annual Taste of Bexley – Returning for its ninth year, the Taste of Bexley allows for local business to garner attention and buzz by offering samples of their products. In the past, this event was held at the Franklin Park Conservatory, but this year it is set to be held at St. Charles High School.
- Harvest Festival – Hosted at the Jeffery Park and Mansion from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 13, this jam-packed night will be full of face paintings, hayrides, and live music. Don’t forget to bring your sweet tooth, as there will be a pumpkin dessert cook-off judged by fellow Capital students.
- Candidates Forum – From 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Oct. 19 at Bexley City Hall, there is an opportunity to meet the four candidates campaigning to fill three vacant city council positions. Get to know their views on issues and their plans for the city before election day Nov. 7.
Metcalf said that the best way for students to get involved with these current events, or any future programs, is by volunteering their time.
“Coming to events is a huge help,” Metcalf said. “Showing that Capital students want to do the things that the city thinks that they do. And if they don’t, reaching out to me or the mayor … giving us fresh ideas that allows us to do something new and innovative, so if there’s something that we are doing that isn’t working, we’d love to know.”
Another way for students to get involved is by showing off their Bexley pride, Metcalf said.
“You can do this by wearing t-shirts,” Metcalf said. “I have ‘I ♥ Bex’ buttons at city hall if people want one. They can call or come by my office to pick one up.”
For more information about the city’s events, visit the online calendar at www.Bexley.org/events, which has the details for every meeting and event. Those interested can also contact Metcalf by email at smetclf@bexley.org, or by phone at 614-559-4255.
“For us, the best thing Capital students can do is voice a concern or even a praise if they have it so that we can know what it is we are doing good and what it is that we aren’t,” Metcalf said.
