Uptown Westerville is a Place to Voice your Opinions

The W. Main St. bridge over Alum Creek is going to be replaced and the City of Westerville and The Franklin County Engineers office would like to hear from you.

There are 3 proposed bridge designs, and the county is looking for input about the designs and your perception of how the bridge is being and will be used. You can download a questionnaire from the county website. The last pages of the questionnaire show the three bridge designs.

Click here to download the county’s questionnaire. You’ll need to mail in your questionnaire by 2/1.

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Grow Your Business

Welcome to new WUMA member and Uptown Business: Atattooed Ltd. (16 S. State). Attatooed (pronouced ‘attitude’ -- yes, very cool) features services that include tattoos, body piercing and permanent cosmetics.

To learn more contact tattoo artist and owner Nadine Morris at 614.392.2304 or e-mail: atattooed16@yahoo.com.

Uptown Westerville is a Place in the News

Check out the January/February 2008 issue of Westerville Magazine and you'll meet members of the Westerville Uptown Merchants Association:

Suite 59 Hair Design (59 E. Home St.) owners Gerry and Joan Domanik's Irish Setter, Killian in featured in Paws and Effect. Killian recently retired after a distinguished career of service as a therapy dog. In 2007, Killian was the first non-human recipient of the Alzheimer's Association of Central Ohio's Volunteer of the Year award. To learn more about Killian's compelling story and about therapy dogs, check out Paws and Effect.

Learn more about....

Roy Lawson, Mike Daffin and the Uptown Cigar Company (33 N. State) and...

The Shadi family and Java Central (20 S. State, http://www.java-central.com/).

Uptown Westerville truly a Place for Business People!

Uptown Westerville is a Place Suitable for Framing

Retired AP Photojournalist and Westerville resident, Gary Gardiner, has started a project to compliment Celebrate Westerville capturing a year-in-the-life in Westerville framed through the lens of his camera.

Check out Westerville Life online and you'll find a new photo each day painting a picture of how we live, work, learn, and play day-to-day in our community.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Upgrades

Did you know that the W. Main Street bridge over Alum Creek is going to be replaced? Did you know that in 2008 and 2009 Uptown Westerville will see some changes?

This Wednesday, January 16th, the Franklin County Engineer's office and City of Westerville are hosting a community meeting at the Senior Center, 310 W. Main, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. about the W. Main St. bridge.

Here's the details from the Franklin County Engineer:

Franklin County , Ohio --- Dean C. Ringle, P.E., P.S., Franklin County Engineer, announces that a public meeting to discuss the proposed replacement of the West Main Street Bridge over Alum Creek in Westerville will be held on Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at the Westerville Senior Center, 310 West Main Street.

The meeting will be conducted in an open-house format, from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., so that the public can attend anytime at their convenience. There will be no formal presentations, but engineers representing Franklin County will be present to discuss the project and to solicit opinions regarding design of the new bridge.

“This is an outstanding opportunity for the public to learn about this important project and to provide input by submitting written comments on forms that will be available during the event,” said Dean Ringle. “We are urging all interested persons to attend.”

Check the City of Westerville website or check back regularly as the WUMA blog updates regularly with information.

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Celebrate Prizes!

Celebrate Westerville's Celebrate on State! may be a fond memory, but we now have prize winners for the Celebrate on State! History Hunt.

Uptown Merchants, including WUMA Members, glady contributed gifts, gift baskets, and gift certificates for the History Hunt Prize Packages!

Click here and visit Shop Uptown Westerville for the winners and prize details.

Click here to view some great photos from Celebrate on State! on New Year's Eve.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Instant Replay

Did you enjoy the amazingly fabulous New Year's Eve Music and Light Show and would like to see it again?

Didn't get a chance to see it, but would like to?

Heard about it and sorry you missed it?

Worry Not!

The Celebrate on State! Music and Light Show will be repeating through January 6th -- Evenings at the beginning of each 1/2-hour from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. The music & light show lasts about 15 minutes.

Tune in! Music is available uptown on low-frequency FM position 94.1.

Happy 2008! Happy 150th, Westerville!

Celebrate Westerville continues with Independence Week and Labor Day Weekend activities. For more information visit the Celebrate Westerville website.

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Celebrate on State!

It's New Year's Eve and in a few hours 2007 becomes history and 2008 starts brand new!

The City of Westerville will celebrate its 150th Annivesary in 2008 and tonight, we kick off nearly a year of celebrations!

Celebrate on State! begins at 8 p.m., until 12:30 a.m., with all sorts of great activities including horse-drawn wagon rides, art activities for kids, a History Hunt, a party hat center, and entertainment.

Select Uptown Merchants, including restaurants, will be open including Amish Originals (7 p.m. to 10 p.m.) and Morgan's Treasure (hot chocolate).

At 10:00 p.m. State Street will close from Walnut to Home and at 11:45 p.m., Uptown Westerville will be transformed as a music and light show begins to welcome the New Year begins (they ran a preview last night and it is gorgeous and fun!) -- then at one minute to midnight -- gather at College and State for a Times Square-style New Year's Eve ball lighting!

Admission is free and there is plenty of parking available, including a Park & Ride shuttle service and disability parking (25 W. Home, but enter off W. Main). (Hint: all Otterbein Campus parking lots are available).

Be a part of History!!! Join in the fun! Celebrate on State!

For more information, including a schedule and parking information, visit Celebrate Westerville online.

Happy New Year!! Happy 150th Westerville!! WooHoo!

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Come Home for the Holidays

Welcome to Uptown Westerville.

Shop Uptown Westerville Home for the Holidays weekend and throughout the Holiday Season

West Side of State St., South to North…

W.g.Grinders • 79 S. State • Open until 10 p.m. on November 30th, Coupons, Open December 1st until 10 p.m., and December 2nd until 9 p.m.

City Tree Lighting Ceremony November 30th, sponsored by Westerville Parks and Rec and Westerville Chamber of Commerce • City Hall, 21 S. State • Music starts at 6:45 p.m., Ceremony starts at 7 p.m., Santa visits at approximately 7:20 p.m.

Sertoma • Hot Chocolate and Cookies in front of City Hall for Tree Lighting

Westerville Uptown Merchants Association Free Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides • Station at Corner W. College and S. State St., 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Carriage rides sponsored by: Amish Originals Furniture Co., Edward Jones Investments, Gellner Insurance Services, Joe’s Automobile Repair, The Old Bag of Nails Pub, Suite 59 Hair Design, Uptown Pharmacy, Westerville Commercial Savings Bank, and Westerville Dental Associates.

Guest judges include Westerville Mayor Diane Fosselman and her husband, Doug Fosselman, Westerville Economic Development Coordinator Julie Colley, Westerville Parks and Recreation Program Manager Laura Horton, Westerville Police Chief and Mrs. Morbitzer, Westerville Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board Mike Borowitz, and Westerville Uptown Merchants Association president Tim Bullock.

Hearts Content • 9 N. State • Open Extended Hours November 30th

Outside Envy • 15 N. State • Extended Hours November 30th, Enter a drawing for a beautiful holiday gift basket by making a donation of canned goods or money to benefit W.A.R.M. (Winner to be drawn December 21st), Featuring contemporary salt-fired ceramics by local artists Sarah Reid, Carolyn Baginski, and Beth Suellenthrop.

Sample ‘n’ Gift Shop • 21 N. State • Open Extended Hours November 30th

Uptown Pharmacy • 23 N. State • Open until 9 p.m. November 30th

Special Holiday Hours for Hanby House • 160 W. Main • Open House Tuesday, December 4th, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m., December 8th and 9th, 1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Westerville Inn Bed & Breakfast • 5 S. West St. • A Shop 'til You Drop with Chocolate, Too weekend theme for guests. The Westerville Inn is listed on Polaris and Easton’s sites and Westerville Inn has VIP passes to both places.

Photography by Shirlene • 22 W. Main • Open throughout the holidays for pet and family portraits

Morgan’s Treasure • 12 W. Main • Open till 9:00 p.m. on November 30th, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on December 1st, and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. December 2nd. Morgan’s Treasure is open extended hours throughout the holiday season.

Edward Jones Investments • 39 N. State • Open Extended Hours November 30th, Christmas music

DJ’s Feed Store • 41 N. State • Open Extended Hours until 9 p.m. November 30th

East Side State St., North to South…

Hey Diddle Diddle • 38 N. State • Special Holiday Sale, Open Extended Hours November 30th

Gallery 202 • 38 N. State • Open House November 30th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Refreshments, Hands of Harmony performance, Strolling Cellist Mike Ingalls, Silent Auction

Amish Originals Furniture Co. • 38 N. State • Extended HoursNovember 30th, Serving warmed cider and cookies

Encircle • 30 N. State • Open Extended Hours November 30th

The Old Bag of Nails Pub • 24 N. State • Open Regular Hours, Tom and Dave performing upstairs

Sour Records • 20 N. State • Open until 9 p.m., 50% off used items November 30th

Uptown Strings • 18 N. State • Open Extended Hours, Guitar Raffle November 30th

Amish Originals Furniture Co. • 8 N. State • Extended Hours November 30th, Serving warmed cider and cookies

Pasquale’s Pizza & Pasta • 14 N. State • Open regular hours until 10 p.m.

Fusion Fitness & Wellness • 2-1/2 N. State St. • Open November 30th until 8 p.m.

A Gal Named Cinda Lou • 24 E. College, off Haywood Alley • Celebrating Our 1 Year Anniversary! 10% off your entire purchase from Nov. 23rd to Dec. 3rd.

Old Skool Skateboards • 11 E. College • Holiday decorations and a Holiday Sale

Foul Play • 27 E. College • Open Until 6:00 p.m.

Ruth Reed Antiques • 23 E. College • Open Extended Hours November 30th

Java Central • 20 S. State • Open Extended Hours November 30th and Open Sunday before, during and after the Parade. Holiday Drink Flavors. 15% off all purchases of $20 or more.

Westerville Fire Division • November 30th: Bringing a Special Holiday Guest to City Hall!!

Happy Holidays!

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Cool Holiday Values!

Congrats to WUMA member A Gal Named Cinda Lou featured in the November 22, 2007 Gift Idea issue of Columbus alive!

Cinda Lou's Choonimals t-shirts are featured in Columbus alive!'s Holiday Gift Guide in 20 for $20.

Stop by to check out these really unique, locally-inspired t-shirts along with all the other Cinda Lou signature off-the-beaten path clothes, accessories and accents.

A Gal Named Cinda Lou is located at 24 E. College (off Haywood Alley behind Amish Originals). Phone: 614. 599.0308. http://www.cindalou.org/.

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Decorate

Uptown Westerville’s Home for the Holidays Carriage Route Residence Decorating Contest

On Friday November 30th, Uptown Westerville welcomes the holiday season when the Westerville Parks and Recreation Department, Westerville Chamber of Commerce, and the Westerville Uptown Merchants Association present the city tree lighting ceremony and Uptown’s Home for the Holidays weekend.

The Westerville Uptown Merchants Association is presenting free horse-drawn carriage rides from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. And, WUMA has invited uptown residents living on the carriage route to chime in on the seasonal festivities and decorate their homes.

First and second prize residences will be awarded Westerville Uptown Merchants Association Gift Certificates good at any WUMA uptown member merchant. First prize is a $100 certificate and second prize is a $50 certificate.

Carriage route residences must enter to win and can sign up and obtain a contestant number by visiting Amish Originals Furniture Co. at 8 N. State Street.

The carriage ride station is on West College Avenue at State Street. The carriage route heads south on S. State Street and west on W. Park Street, from W. Park Street, north onto S. Grove Street and, then from S. Grove, east oton W. College., taking visitors through local neighborhoods and past Otterbein College’s Towers Hall.

Carriage riders will receive ballots and vote for their favorite decorated homes along the carriage route.

Additionally, guest judges including Westerville Mayor Diane Fosselman, Westerville Economic Development Coordinator Julie Colley, Westerville Parks and Recreation Program Manager Laura Horton, Westerville Police Chief Joseph Morbitzer, Westerville Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board Mike Borowitz, and Westerville Uptown Merchants Association president Tim Bullock will vote for their favorite holiday decor.

The Westerville Uptown Merchants Association thanks Home for the Holidays sponsors: Amish Originals Furniture Co., Edward Jones Investments, Gellner Insurance Services, Joe’s Automobile Repair, The Old Bag of Nails Pub, Suite 59 Hair Design, Uptown Pharmacy, Westerville Commercial Savings Bank, and Westerville Dental Associates.

While the carriage rides are just Friday night, the Home for the Holidays weekend continues Saturday, December 1st with Shop Uptown Westerville! and Sunday, December 2nd with the Annual Sertoma Christmas Children's Parade at 1 p.m.

Happy Holidays!

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Welcome the Holidays

Here is the Home for the Holidays Weekend at-a-glance:

Friday, November 30th

Free Carriage Rides, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Carriage route home decorating contest

City Hall Tree Lighting 7 p.m.
Featuring Westerville Community Band and Kinderchor

Santa Arrives!
Santa will visit with children and the Church of the Messiah Bell Choir is entertaining

Sertoma Free Hot Chocolate and Cookies in front of City Hall

Uptown Shops Open Extended Hours

Saturday, December 1st

Shop Uptown Westerville!
Check Out the New Uptown Shops Along with What’s New at Your All-Time Favorites!

Sunday, December 2nd

Annual Sertoma Christmas Children's Parade 1:00 p.m.

Ongoing: Gallery 202 Window Decorating Contest vote for your favorite participating Uptown window with non-perishable food to be donated to W.A.R.M.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Community

The Westerville Uptown Merchants Associations Thanks These Fine Businesses for their Sponsorship of Home for the Holidays:

Amish Originals Furniture Co.
8 & 38 N. State Street
614.891.6257
http://www.amishoriginals.com/

Edward Jones Investments
39 N. State St.
614.882.1131
http://www.edwardjones.com/

Gellner Insurance Services
103 Commerce Park Dr., B
614.882.3332

Joe’s Automobile Repair
80 N. State St.
614.882.9965

The Old Bag of Nails Pub
24 N. State St.
614.794.6900
http://www.oldbagofnails.com/

Suite 59 Hair Design
59 E. Home St.
614.891.HAIR

Uptown Pharmacy
23 N. State St.
614.882.2392
http://www.uptownrx.com/

Westerville Commercial Savings Bank
17 N. State St.
614.890.7832
http://www.csbanking.com/

Westerville Dental Associates
Dr. Brian Stickel
Dr. Gretchen R. Zody
877 Eastwind Drive
614.882.1135
http://westervilledental.infosaic70.com/

Uptown Westerville is a Place for the Holidays

Home for the Holidays Illuminates Uptown Westerville’s 2007 Holiday Season Uptown

Westerville lights up to welcome the 2007 holiday season with the city tree lighting, Santa Claus, free carriage rides, and extended shop hours. Sponsored by Westerville Parks and Recreation and the Westerville Uptown Merchants Association, Home for the Holidays weekend begins Friday, November 30th at 7 p.m., with the city tree lighting, and culminates with the annual Sertoma Christmas Children’s Parade at 1 p.m. on Sunday, December 2nd.

On Friday November 30th, visitors are invited to take in the sights and sounds of the holidays with the city tree lighting ceremony sponsored by Westerville Parks and Recreation and the Westerville Chamber of Commerce. The ceremony will feature music from the Westerville Community Band and Kinderchor. And, Westerville Sertoma is serving free cookies and hot chocolate in front of City Hall.

After the tree lighting, the Westerville Fire Department will be escorting a very jolly, very special Uptown Westerville guest: Santa Claus. Santa will be visiting with children throughout the evening and the Church of the Messiah bell choir will be performing to entertain guests waiting in line to see Santa.

The Westerville Uptown Merchants Association is presenting free carriage rides from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The brick street carriage route takes visitors through local neighborhoods and past Otterbein College’s Towers Hall.

Carriage riders can vote for their favorite decorated homes along the carriage route. Guest judges include Westerville Mayor Diane Fosselman, Westerville Economic Development Coordinator Julie Colley, Westerville Parks and Recreation Program Manager Laura Horton, Westerville Police Chief Joseph Morbitzer, Westerville Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board Mike Borowitz, and Westerville Uptown Merchants Association president Tim Bullock. The merchants association is awarding Uptown Westerville gift certificates to first and second place residences.

Uptown merchants have decorated their windows and shops for the season and will be open extended hours November 30th and all day December 1st. Many shops are offering holiday flavor, specials, and refreshments. In addition to shopping at the perennial uptown favorites, the Westerville Uptown Merchants Association invites visitors to check out the new uptown merchants.

Strike up the band on Sunday, December 2nd at 1 p.m., for the annual Sertoma Children’s Christmas Parade. This seasonal favorite moves north on State Street from Huber Village Boulevard, through Uptown Westerville.

WUMA member, Gallery 202 is sponsoring its annual Holiday Window decorating contest. Uptown windows are painted by Gallery 202 artists and uptown visitors can vote for their favorite window by dropping non-perishable food items off at each participating merchant throughout the holiday season. Food contributions will be donated to W.A.R.M. Additionally, Home for the Holidays visitors can contribute directly to W.A.R.M. on November 30th during carriage rides.

The Westerville Uptown Merchants Association thanks Home for the Holidays sponsors: Amish Originals Furniture Co., Edward Jones Investments, Gellner Insurance Services, Joe’s Automobile Repair, The Old Bag of Nails Pub, Suite 59 Hair Design, Uptown Pharmacy, Westerville Commercial Savings Bank, and Westerville Dental Associates.

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Welcome New Neighbors

The Westerville Uptown Merchants Association welcomes three new members:

Java Central
20 S. State St., 614.839.0698, http://www.java-central.com/; info@java-central.com

This friendly, relaxed neighborhood coffee shop is the perfect place to order a cappuccino, find a comfy chair, and curl up with a good book or meet up with friends for great conversation over coffee and scones as you watch the world go by on State Street!

Whether gifts for friends, little indulgences for you, or the perfect ingredients of a unique gift basket for the special people in your life, Java Central features unique gifts including, gorgeous Egyptian cotton scarves, beaded bags, coffee mugs, and It's All About Me jewelry. And, more than just a cup to go -- pick up a package of Java Central's House Blend and Java Blend coffees to make at home.

Java Central features internet access and a library with conference table you can reserve for meetings.

Outside Envy
15 N. State St.,614.895.3689, outsideenvy@sbcglobal.net

It's a beautiful summer's day year round in Outside Envy. Step inside to experience a warm, welcoming display of year-round garden, deck, and patio delights! Fountains, wind chimes, sculpture, candles, ceramics, and a beautiful assortment of truly imaginative accents for your favorite indoor and outdoor spaces.

When you stop by, be sure to check out the unique collection of ornaments and holiday decor and Outside Envy says "Go Bucks!" with a selection of fun Ohio State garden features.

Uptown Cigar Company
33 N. State St., 614.392.2302., Coming soon: http://www.uptowncigarco.com/

Featured recently in Westerville News and Public Opinion, Uptown Cigar Company is the kind of store that invites you to stop in a stay for a while. Uptown Cigar features a "club chair atmosphere" with comfortable furniture, plasma-screen television, free wi-fi, and plenty of room for gatherings like card games and great conversation. Uptown Cigar features an assortment of quality cigars, accessories, books, magazines, and gifts.

Visit these new Uptown businesses when you stop Uptown to shop your favorites!

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Smart Online Shopping

The Westerville Police Department is passing this valuable information on from the FBI about holiday shopping online:

‘TIS THE SEASON...FOR ONLINE SHOPPING How to Avoid Getting Grinched
11/26/07

Happy "Cyber Monday!" We hear the Monday after Thanksgiving is now one of the busiest days—if not the busiest day—of the year for online shopping. That's why some retailers are calling it "Cyber Monday" or even "Black Monday."

And that’s why we’d like to start your online shopping off right with some words to the wise.

Here's our specific advice for shopping safely on the Internet:

- Do your homework on the web retailer. Make sure you're buying items from a reputable and legitimate company. Don't judge the business by its website. Make sure the site has a physical address and a working phone number. Check consumer websites for information about the company.

- When using your credit card for purchases, make sure the website is secure. Look for the tiny padlock icon that symbolizes (but doesn’t necessarily guarantee) a higher level of security. Also, check out the site’s security or encryption software.

- Be very cautious when responding to special offers (especially those that come via unsolicited e-mail) and when dealing with companies or persons outside the country.

- If you’re participating in an Internet auction, read the fine print. Before you bid, learn as much as you can about how the auction works, what your responsibilities are as a buyer, what the seller’s obligations are, and what actions the website takes if a problem occurs. Learn as much as you can about the seller. And don’t give out your social security number or driver’s license number to the seller.

Also, make sure your computer has a firewall and the latest anti-virus software.

And we can’t repeat this enough: don’t open unknown e-mail attachments, including those contained in recent messages that appear to come from the FBI.

What should you do if you think you've been scammed?

Go online and file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center run by the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center.

You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and contact your local police. We also recommend that you file a complaint with the retailer.

For more information tips on avoiding fraud and protecting your family from crime, visit our Be Crime Smart webpage.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Scarecrows?

Tonight is the Westerville Uptown Merchants Association annual boo-fest -- that's right, Midnight Madness is finally here!! From 6 p.m. to midnight!!

The streets of Uptown Westerville are already starting to fill with fright-filled sights!!! With more to come as the midnight hour draws nigh....

Scarecrows! The scarecrows are already making their way to storefronts and window displays -- look for the headless Brutus Buckeye riding a giant horse in front of Amish Originals at 38 N. State or the ScareCow at DJs Feed Store or the Headless Customer at Suite 59 Hair Design!!

Vote for your favorite Scarecrow! For more information: Check out Gallery 202's website.

The Night of 100 Pumpkins has commenced!! The pumpkin display on W. Main St. has welcomed its first arrivals.

The Horse-Drawn Wagon Ride Station is at Rotary Park at E. Home and N. State from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Stalk the streets of Uptown Westerville ducking from store-to-store if you dare and find all sorts of treats, specials, and surprises. And, Avast! Look for the talking ghost pirate ghost!!

Don't forget the Westerville Visitors and Convention Bureau's Fourth Friday vendors will be hovering about all through Uptown Westerville!

Come up! Enjoy! Bring a pumpkin!!

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Kindness and Caring

If you've gotten this week's ThisWeek, you'll see a front page story on WUMA Member Gerry Domanik (Suite 59 Hair Design) and his Irish Setter, Killian.

Just click here to read Lin Rice's article online.

Killian is a therapy dog and after his 1,000th visit is officially retiring.

Earlier this year, Killian was recognized by the the Alzheimer's Association of Central Ohio as the first non-human recipient of their Giving from the Heart annual volunteer award.

Thank you, Killian. Thank you, Gerry and Joan.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Community

WUMA Member Edgewood Manor of Westerville, 140 N. State St., extends an invitation to join them at their 3rd Annual Halloween Party! Thursday, October 25th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Look for their ad in this week's Westerville News and Public Opinion (2A)!

Costumes encouraged! Along with refreshments and costume judging, Edgewood Manor is planning Pin the Nose on Jack, Donut Bobbing, Pumpkin Patch Picking, Pinatas and more!!

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Shopping Madness!

This year's Midnight Madness event on October 26th from 6 p.m. to midnight in Uptown Westerville includes over 80 Westerville Visitors and Convention Bureau Fourth Friday street vendors.

Look for street vendors all along State Street from City Hall (21 S. State) North to E. Home St., including E. College and the Church of the Messiah parking lot at E. Home and N. State.

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Start Traditions like... The Night of 100 Pumpkins!

Could 2007 be the first year of the Midnight Madness annual pumpkin display? You can help us find out!!

The October 2007 issue of Country Living Magazine featured a story on Keene, New Hampshire and the Keene Pumpkin Fest.

What we really liked about the article we saw were the photographs of rows of pumpkins, decorated by the citizens of Keene, on display in "uptown" Keene. We thought it might be fun to see if we could make a community pumpkin display a part of WUMA's annual Boo-Fest!

While Keene has 1000s of pumpkins and even a pumpkin tower!! This year, we are hoping that the first annual Midnight Madness pumpkin display will feature 100 pumpkins from Westerville residents and merchants.

Midnight Madness is this Friday, October 26th from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. in Uptown Westerville.

The 1st Annual Midnight Madness Pumpkin Display will be located in the parking lot on W. Main, between Morgan's Treasure (12 W. Main) and the Westerville Visitors and Convention Bureau (20 W. Main).

Pumpkin drop-off times on October 26th:

Noon to 4 p.m.

6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Horses and Wagons

This Friday, October 26th, is the Westerville Uptown Merchants Association's Midnight Madness.

This year is very exciting because there are a record number of participating merchants -- as you go from store-to-store, you'll enjoy lots of treats, specials, and surprises.

So a whole lot of Fun Boo going on Uptown!

One of this year's features is the WUMA sponsored horse-drawn wagon rides. The wagon rides are FREE from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and departure and arrival take place at Rotary Park at the corner of E. Home and N. State Streets.

The wagon route goes east on Home Street (look for the scarecrow on the front porch of Suite 59 Hair Design!!) South on Vine, West on Winter Street, and North on State Street back to Rotary Park.

A great way to enjoy family fun or take a cozy, romantic autumn tour of Westerville's historic neighborhoods.

Uptown Westerville is a Place that's Spooktacular!!!!

Westerville Uptown Merchant Association’s
Midnight Madness
Friday, October 26, 2007, 6 p.m. - Midnight


Here is a shop by shop guide to.... the Madness!!!!!

West Side State St., South to North…

The Dog Joint • 59 S. State, in the parking lot • Sneak Preview Sampler of their Menu!!

Westerville Police Department • 29 S. State • Police Car on Display, Glow Sticks, and Treats

Sounds Educational Center • Performances • City Hall, 21 S. State

Sertoma Brat Wagon • Corner W. College & S. State

Generations Performance Arts Center • 11 W. College • Open House • Performances

Brown Tax Accounting • 18 W. College • Scarecrow

Hearts Content • 9 N. State • Look for the… Scary Lady in the Chair!

Outside Envy • 15 N. State • Scarecrow & Decorated Pumpkin, Free Tulip bulbs to the first 100 customers, “Register-to-Win” on Some Great Items like Pottery and Baskets.

Westerville Bike Shop • 29 W. Main • Scarecrow

Embroidery Deluxe • 39 W. Main • Red Hat Society Victorian Bouquet Bangers and Strummers (7 p.m.), Corbin Saloon display, Pumpkin, Scarecrow

Westerville Visitors & Convention Bureau • 20 W. Main • Scarecrow

Westerville Uptown Merchants Association First Annual Pumpkin Display • 2007 Goal: 100 Pumpkins! • Parking lot on the north side of W. Main between Morgan’s Treasure at 12 W. Main and WVCB at 20 W. Main. n Pumpkin Drop-Off: Friday, October 26th: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Morgan’s Treasure • 12 W. Main • Refreshments & Scarecrow

Edward Jones Investments • 39 N. State • Music & Scarecrow

DJ’s Feed Store • 41 N. State • “Scare-Cow,” Hot Chocolate, Cookies & Treats • Pumpkin Bowl Drawing for Discounts from 10% to 30% off

East Side State St., North to South…

Westerville Uptown Merchants Association Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides • Station at Rotary Park, Corner E. Home and N. State, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Suite 59 Hair Design • 59 E. Home • Scarecrow

Hey Diddle Diddle • 38 N. State • Open at 7:00 p.m.

Gallery 202, Partners In Art, Inc. • 38 N. State • Opening at 7:00 p.m., Scarecrow Special Children's Activities, including Take-Home Art! ($1 Entry Fee for Children’s Activities Only)

Amish Originals Furniture Co. • 38 N. State • Decorated Pumpkins on Display starting 7:00 p.m., Refreshments

Encircle • 30 N. State • Open, Visit Encircle’s New Store

The Old Bag of Nails Pub • 24 N. State • Scarecrow, Refreshments

Amish Originals Furniture Co. • 8 N. State • Decorated Pumpkins on Display starting 7:00 p.m., Refreshments

A Gal Named Cinda Lou • 24 E. College, off Haywood Alley • Scarecrow, Refreshments & Treats, Decorated Pumpkin, Surprise Midnight Madness Visitors

Westerville Public Library • Magical Reading Swing • Gazebo on E. College

Foul Play • 27 E. College • Smoking Cauldron Punch Bowl

Ruth Reed Antiques • 23 E. College • Joe & Ish Jazz Duo in the Gazebo

Michael’s Pizza • 15 E. College • “Fourth Friday Pizza-by-the-Slice”

Barstow’s • 4 S. State • Treats and Spoooooky Music!

Schneider's Bakery • 6 S. State • Hot Glazed Doughnuts at 9 p.m.!

Java Central • 20 S. State • Spooooky Music, Classic Horror Films, Halloween Candy

It's All In The Name! • 20 S. State, Suite K on the brickwalk • 10%-off your total purchase during Midnight Madness

Westerville Fire Division • 44 S. State at Union Savings • Firetruck on Display

Uptown Westerville is a Place for the Final Uptown Farmers' Market of the Season

This is the last Farmers' Market Wednesday of 2007.

It has been a wonderful season and much thanks to both vendors and shoppers! Truly a wonderful community experience. A true cornucopia!

The Farmers' Market is the perfect place to stop for your Midnight Madness pumpkin! Pick it out today, decorate it tomorrow, drop it off at the community pumpkin display on Friday!

Thanks to the 2007 Uptown Farmers' Market Vendors:

Arjay Gourmet Foods, Ltd.
Birds Haven Farms
Blidsten Landscape Service
Carousel Watergardens and Nursery/Cathy's Tasty Treats
Cracker Cottage
Jim Doran
Flying J Farm
Gillogly Orchard
Landrum Cottage Designs
Malabar Acres
Mockingbird Meadows
Northridge Organic
Payne Family Farm
Pleiades Maple Products
Reds Wings
Sue's Kitchen
Taste of Seattle
Varley Valley Baked Goods/Droolin' Good Dog Treats
Zenjiro Gardens

And, Uptown Merchants stayed open extended hours on Wednesdays, during the season, including WUMA members:

A Gal Named Cinda Lou, 24 East College 614-766-1409
Amish Originals, 8 and 38 N. State St., 614-891-6257
Encircle, 30 North State Street 614-8891-1355
Gallery 202, 38 N. State St. Upstairs, 614-890-8202
Morgan's Treasures, 12 West Main Street, 614-882-4401
Ruth Reed Antiques, 21 East College Ave, 614-891-6202

Special thanks to....

The City of Westerville for its support, especially with the wonderful Uptown Farmers' Market banners. Much appreciated!!

Renee Kropat and Gallery 202 for the Farmers' Market logo and the Uptown Farmers' Market webpage.

Extra special thanks to Church of the Messiah, United Methodist for providing the excellent corner location.

One more thanks... Uptown Farmers' Market vendors donated weekly to WARM. Thank you for that extra touch of kindness and care. As we approach the holidays, especially, for more information about WARM and its place in our community visit the WARM website.

If you are interested in becoming a Farmers' Market vendor for 2008, keep an eye on the Uptown Farmers' Market webpage, print out an application form, or contact Doug Winbigler.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for the Annual Big Boo... Midnight Madness!!

Spooktacular activities, Halloween treats, scarecrows, wagon rides, pumpkins, and surprises await all those who dare visit Uptown Westerville, 6 p.m. to midnight, on October 26th for Midnight Madness. Sponsored by the Westerville Uptown Merchants Association, this perennial family favorite celebrates the spirit of the season.

With a full moon in the forecast, the atmosphere in Uptown Westerville will transform into a fun and lively seasonal affair.

Visitors can take part in the frightful festivities by contributing a decorated pumpkin or scarecrow to a community display. Then, take in the flavors of the season in a horse-drawn wagon and explore Uptown Westerville to find all sorts of thrills for the senses.

Whether “haunting” for bargains, looking for refreshments, or checking out uptown shops for the first time -- treats, specials, and Halloween surprises are in store!

From fire trucks to entertainment to gobs of kid-friendly activities, curious visitors will find an endless number of enchanting interactive exhibits, including wares and goods from over 80 street vendors.

Participating uptown merchants include Generations Performing Arts Center, Hearts Content, Outside Envy, Morgan’s Treasure, Westerville Bike Shop, Embroidery Deluxe, Westerville Visitors and Convention Bureau, Edward Jones Investments, DJ’s Feed Store, Suite 59 Hair Design, Gallery 202, Hey Diddle Diddle, Encircle, The Old Bag of Nails Pub, Amish Originals Furniture Co., A Gal Named Cinda Lou, Ruth Reed Antiques, Michael’s Pizza, Barstow’s, The Westerville Public Library, and more.

For additional information on Midnight Madness and Uptown Westerville check out http://www.uptownmechants.com/ or http://www.visitwesterville.org/

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Autumn Pumpkins

It's Farmers' Market Wednesday in Uptown Westerville.

This is the next to the last week for the market and a great place to stop for Halloween pumpkins.

Stop by the parking lot at E. Home and N. State Streets in the Church of the Messiah parking lot from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. today.

Check out: fall harvest produce, jams, jellies, chutneys, baked goods, tomatoes, corn, honey, pet treats, fresh flowers, and more!

Select uptown merchants are also open extended hours on Wednesdays.

Add Uptown Westerville to your Wednesday shopping list!

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Football Traditions

This weekend is Otterbein College Homecoming and WUMA member Otterbein College is inviting the community to join in the festivities.

On Saturday, October 13th, the Homecoming Parade begins at 10 a.m. at College and Grove. WUMA members, Renee Kropat (Gallery 202) and Linda Foor (Brickstreet Communications) will be judging floats along with Assistant Westerville Fire Battalion John Bokros and Otterbein College Vice President of Student Affairs, Robert Gatti.

Along with reunions, tailgating, tours, greek activities, and the dedication of the new communications building, there are tons of activities and fun.

And, ALL Otterbein athletic activities, including the football game, are FREE!!

Here are a few of the family-friendly activities:

Otterbein 160th Anniversary Birthday Tailgate (Admission: $5 adults/kids 12 and up/$3 kids 6 to 11, kids 5 and under free)

Otterbein Games, including cornhole and pin the tail on the cardinal

Women's Volleyball (OC v. Muskingum and Hiram)

Football! OC hosts the Heidelberg Student Princes. Go Cards!

Women's Soccer (OC v. John Carroll)

Black Homecoming Family Potluck

A free Dept. of Music Concert at Battelle Arts Center

Otterbein Days at Magic Mountain and Family Bowling (see website for details)

Otterbein Theatre presents Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? at the Campus Center

And, we are supposed to have great fall weather this weekend!

O-C!! O-C!! O-C!! O-C!! O-C!!.......

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Big Events so Save the Dates!

Uptown Westerville is looking forward to much ado about fun and festivities between now and New Year's Eve -- so, please, mark your calendars and save these dates.....

First, Wednesday, October 17th and Wednesday, October 24th are the last two Uptown Westerville Farmers' Markets. Sponsored by the Westerville Uptown Merchants Association, the Farmers' Market is a great source of fresh, home-grown, home-made fall flavors. A great place to pick up squash, apples, pumpkins, and... pie!

Friday, October 26th, 6 p.m. to midnight -- the Westerville Uptown Merchants Association's annual Boo-Fest -- Midnight Madness! This year has record merchant participation (lots of Halloween treats and surprises in-store!!), some of our favorite traditions, and some new features -- including horse-drawn wagon rides and a community pumpkin display.

Friday, November 30th, Saturday, December 1st, Sunday December 2nd -- Westerville Uptown Merchants Assocation's Home for the Holidays weekend. This weekend kicks-off the Uptown Westerville holiday season and starts off Friday with the annual tree lighting festivities at City Hall (21 S. State) co-sponsored with Westerville Parks and Rec and the Westerville Chamber of Commerce. Then Saturday enjoy a great day of Uptown Westerville shopping, with all sorts of fun features, including carriage rides. And, then Sunday, it's the Sertoma Annual Christmas Parade!!

Monday, December 31st, New Year's Eve -- Nothing like it before in Westerville!! Join Celebrate Westerville for Celebrate on State! 8 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. Uptown Westerville will be filled with activities, entertainment, and an awesome light show celebration including.... a fabulous ball ascension at midnight to welcome 2008, Westerville's 150th Anniversary!!

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Autumn's Bounty

If it's Wednesday in Uptown Westerville -- that means Farmers' Market Day.

And... today you can check out Autumn's bounty. Choose organic and conventionally farmed produce -- apples, squash, sweet corn, tomatoes, and melons.... The usual home-made, hom-grown choices are there, too -- pie, jellies, chutneys, jams, honey, pet treats, cookies, and more!

And, the Cub Scouts are there selling.... popcorn!!

And remember, select Uptown shops have extended Wednesday hours!

This year's Farmer's Market, at the corner of N. State and E. Home in the Church of the Messiah parking lot, runs through October 24th. That's 2 days before Uptown Westerville's Annual Big-Boo: Midnight Madness. This year, you can add a decorated or carved pumpkin to a community display (on W. Main, between 12 W. and 20 W. Main) -- you can pick out your pumpkin on Wednesday at the Farmers' Market, and bring it back up for the community display Friday night!

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Alfresco Shopping

If it's Wednesday, it's the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market!

Located at the corner of N. State and E. Home, in the Church of the Messiah parking lot, the Farmers' Market offers a fabulous fare from baked goods to your favorite fruits and vegetables -- all home-grown and home-made!

And, a day like today -- ahhhhhhh, a perfect day to enjoy outdoor shopping.

Hours are 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. each Wednesday through October 24th.

Add the Farmers' Market to your Wednesday shopping list!!

And, remember, select uptown shops are open extended hours on Wednesdays.