Uptown Westerville is a Place to Honor Community Service

Congratulations to WUMA member, Renee Kropat, of Gallery 202 (38 N. State St., Upstairs).

Renee is the recipient of the Rotary Club of Westerville's 2008 A. Monroe Courtright Award. The Courtright award honors one Westerville resident each year who emulates the principles of community involvement and service that Monroe Courtright lived by daily.

Monroe Courtright, 1977 president of the Rotary Club of Westerville, was the owner/editor of the Public Opinion (now the Westerville News and Public Opinion) -- or as everyone in Westerville referred to it, "the P.O." Courtright put a tremendous effort into supporting the community and Uptown Westerville.

Gallery 202 features local artists (Westerville is home to some tremendously creative people) and focuses on community art and art education for children. The gallery also features an eclectic collection of merchandise in the gift shop. Like the gallery, the gift shop is ever changing, so well-worth a regular visit.

Renee's accomplishments include fueling the energy and creativity of the Uptown murals, the Uptown holiday season window decorating contest, involvement in the Chamber of Commerce Music and Arts Festival and the Westerville Uptown Merchants Association, along with her continuous efforts to support community and art in its spirit and essence.

Speaking of community events, Gallery 202's Think Pink is coming up on May 18th! Click here for more!

To read more about Renee's award, check out Bret Liebendorfer's story in the May 7, 2008 issue of Westerville News and "P.O."

To read more about the A. Monroe Courtright Award, check out the Rotary Club of Westerville's website.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for A New Farmers' Market Season

It's time for the 2008 Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market!

The market is from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. each Wednesday through October 29th in the Church of the Messiah, UM parking lot at N. State and E. Home.

This year, we are opening with a record 16 market vendors, with more to come throughout the season.

This week look for feature produce: aparagus, lettuces, and swiss chard.

Check the Farmers' Market website: http://www.uptownwestervillefarmersmarket.com and the blog: http://uptownwestervillefarmersmarket.blogspot.com regularly!

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market is presented by the Westerville Uptown Merchants Association. Remember to shop Uptown Westerville when you visit the market each week.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Serving Our Seniors

Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 17, 2008 as the Westerville Division of Police and WCPAAA* present: Serving Our Seniors (S.O.S.) Senior Safety Day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Westerville Central High School, 7118 Mt. Royal Ave.

Focusing on health awareness, safety, and crime prevention for seniors and caregivers, guests can visit exhibitor booths (they are adding new exhibitors daily!), participate in break-out training sessions, listen to keynote speaker WCMH's Mike Bowersock, enjoy a free lunch, and win door prizes!

The list of Exhibitors is updating daily, so check back for updates - so far:

- AARP
- ABCO Fire Protection
- American Red Cross of Delaware Co.
- American Red Cross of Greater Columbus
- Arthritis Foundation
- Better Business Bureau of Central Ohio
- Castle Security Inc
- Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging
- Choices, Eliminating Domestic Violence
- CME Credit Union
- Columbus Law Firm of Kincaid, Randall and Craine
- Columbus Police Strategic Response Bureau
- Concord Counseling Services
- Council for Older Adults of Delaware Co.
- Delaware Co. Sheriff’s Office
- Edgewood Manor of Westerville
- Edward Jones Investments
- FirstLink - Retired and Senior Volunteer Program
- Franklin Co. Office on Aging
- Franklin County Probate, Judge Larry Belskis
- Genoa Twp. Fire
- Genoa Twp. Police
- Guardian Medical Monitoring
- Guernsey Bank
- Heartland Bank
- Helpline of Delaware and Morrow Counties, Inc.
- Home Depot
- Interim Health Care
- Juice Plus +
- Mt. Carmel Cardiac & Pulm.
- Mount Carmel Hospice
- Mount Carmel Senior Services
- Office of the Ohio Treasurer
- Ohio Consumers' Counsel
- Ohio Dept. of Aging
- Ohio Health
- Ohio Seniors Health Insurance Info. Program
- Ohio State Attorney General, Consumer Protection
- Ohio State Patrol (Delaware)
- Ohio State Treasurer’s Office
- Professional Hearing Care
- Public Utilities Commission of Ohio
- State Farm, John Nicholson
- Suicide Prevention Services/NCMHS
- U.S. Postal Service
- Vision and Vocation Services
- WCPAAA*
- Westerville Animal Control
- Westerville Central High School
- Westerville Police and 9-1-1
- Westerville Public Library
- Westerville Senior Center
- Westerville Sertoma Club
- Westerville Visitor's Bureau
- Your Support Nurse

Break-Out Training Sessions:
Identity Theft
Maintaining Your Drivers License in Your Senior Years
Personal Safety
Mail Scams
Fire Prevention and Fire Extinguisher Demos

No Pre-registration required.

Free parking. For more information click here or call 614.901.6472

Thanks to Sponsors:

ABCO Fire Protection, Alternatives for Seniors, American Medical-ID, Amish Originals, BMI Credit Union, Cashland, Charlotte F. Myles, Choices, Eliminating Domestic Violence, CME Credit Union, Columbus Law Firm of Kincaid, Randall and Craine, Concord Counseling Services, Dairy Queen, Edgewood Manor of Westerville, Edward Jones Investments, Federal Trade Commission, Franklin Co. Office on Aging, Great Harvest Bread, Guardian Medical Monitoring, Guernsey Bank, Heartland Bank, Helpline of Delaware and Morrow Counties, Inc., Home Depot, John Nicholson - State Farm Ins., Juice Plus +, Kenneth A. Pikor, Inc., Larry & Barb Reoch, Meijer, Mount Carmel Hospice, Mount Carmel Senior Services, National City Bank Ohio Department of Aging, Ohio Health, Ohio Health/Mt Carmel, rofessional Hearing Care, Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, Salon Schools Group, Talbotts Flowers, Tim Hortons (North), U.S. Postal Service, Union Savings Bank, WCPAAA*, Westerville Central High School, Westerville Police, Westerville Public Library, Westerville Senior Center, Westerville Visitor's Bureau, Wild Birds Unlimited, Your Support Nurse

*Westerville Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Smart Parking

Uptown Westerville has free on-street and lot parking. And, when you visit Uptown Westerville or park your vehicle anywhere, the Westerville Uptown Merchants Association encourages you to Park Smart.

Carrie Ryan of the Westerville Police Department offers this sage advice to avoid the theft of valuables from your vehicle:

"Just a reminder to keep valuables out of plain site in vehicles and keep vehicles locked. With the nicer weather, we often get more of these types of crimes. We've had several thefts out of vehicles during the day at public places such as the: library, community center, soccer complex, Everal Barn, Giant Eagle, and other high traffic areas.

Places such as these, with large parking lots, become targets for criminals because they know they often can go undetected and they have a lot of opportunity of to steal valuables.

Hot items seem to be: GPS units, any electronic equipment, CD cases, cell phones, purses, laptops, sporting equipment, etc."

When you Shop Uptown Westerville -- enjoy every moment of your visit and park smart!

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Good Deeds for and with Good Friends

A special note from The Westerville Uptown Merchants Association --

Saturday night (May 3rd)... on the third floor of The Old Bag of Nails Pub... 24 N. State St., from 6 to 11... It's Earlene's Celebrity Event!

Admission is FREE and proceeds from sales for this event go to Earlene Wandrey's American Cancer Society Relay for Life Team.

This is a great cause and last year the event was super big fun and raised a lot of money for Earlene's team.

So, stop by The Old Bag of Nails pub, get together with friends, have a great time, and contribute!

For more information (including the list of celeb servers!) check out the flyer (click here!).

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Fashion Redux

The Westerville Uptown Merchants Association welcomes:

DeJa Vu
Women's Consignment Store.
11 N. State St.
614.890.1150

Deja Vu carries name brand, gently used merchandise. You’ll want to visit Deja Vu on a regular basis!

dejavu@wowway.com

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Clean Clothes

The Westerville Uptown Merchants Association welcomes:

Westerville Cleaners
40 W. Main
614.882.2233

Westerville Cleaners provides cleaning and laundry services including draperies, AND has a convenient drive through window for drop-offs and pick-ups! Westerville Cleaners also has a mobile pick-up and delivery service.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Legal Services

Uptown Westerville is a more than shopping -- Uptown Westerville also features select service professionals.

The Westerville Uptown Merchants Association welcomes new member:

Hollern & Associates Law Offices
Edwin J. Hollern
77 N. State St. at W. Home
614.839.5700/fax 614.839.4200

Hollern & Associates is a trial and appellate practice in the areas of Insurance Defense and Insurance Coverage, Uninsured Motorist Coverage, Professional Malpractice, and Product Liability. http://www.ejhlaw.com/

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Home-Made, Home-Grown on Wednesdays

Look for our ad in the May 1 ThisWeek Westerville!

That's right, the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market starts next week, on May 7th.

3 p.m. - 6 p.m. at the NE corner of N. State and E. Home in the Church of the Messiah parking lot. On-street and in-lot, parking in Uptown Westerville is free.

To keep up with the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market visit http://www.uptownwestervillefarmersmarket.com/. And, check out our blog! http://uptownwestervillefarmersmarket.blogspot.com/

Need directions? Just click here!

The Farmers' Market vendors are looking forward to a fresh, fabulous 2008 Season. Each week should have something new! Visit often!

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Good Reading

First, congrats to Kriss Rogers of Outside Envy -- Outside Envy is featured in the May/June 2008 issue of Westerville Magazine!

And, Columbus Monthly May 2008 edition is hitting newsstands and mailboxes as you read this -- look for the special section on the City of Westerville, featuring an article about Uptown Westerville.

Happy Reading!

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Fourth Friday!

Tonight, April 25th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., is the first Fourth Friday Celebration in Uptown Westerville!

Sponsored by WUMA Member, the Westerville Visitors and Convention Bureau, Fourth Fridays are a family-friendly community gathering on the streets of Uptown Westerville. Enjoy the features of each Fourth Friday theme including extended hours from merchants, live music and performances, Westerville Fire and Police Department exhibitions, the Westerville Public Library Reading Swing, the Sertoma Brat Wagon and more.

When you come uptown tonight, enjoy the flowering trees along the uptown streets and the tulips blooming in front of City Hall. Come uptown for dinner, enjoy Fourth Friday, and stay for dessert!

This year, Fourth Friday runs through September 26th. For more information, be sure to visit the Fourth Friday page at the Westerville Visitors and Convention Bureau website or call 614.794.0401. Parking uptown (on street and in public lots) is always free!

Logo courtesy of the Westerville Visitors and Convention Bureau. (c) 2008 Westerville Visitors and Convention Bureau. All rights reserved.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for an Outdoor Oasis

Congratulations to WUMA member Kriss Rogers of Outside Envy for her recent mention in The Daily Reporter. Here's the article:

Westerville store owner expects growth during her first spring in business

RICK ADAMCZAK
Daily Reporter Staff Writer
04/17/2008

After more than 25 years in the corporate world, Kriss Rogers last year decided to combine her hobby and her career to open a new store in uptown Westerville that sells outdoor accessories such as wind chimes and glass ornaments.

Outside Envy, located at 15 N. State St. in Westerville, opened last August, but is now gearing up for what Rogers said she hopes will be the store's busiest time of the year.

"We're looking at the next three months as being about half of our business," Rogers said.

People are starting to spend more time outside and therefore starting to decorate their outdoor areas, she said, noting that her store offers buyers a variety of pottery items, art glass and wind chimes to create unique outdoor spaces.

"I always had been an avid gardener and loved the outdoors. I was looking for a niche and felt that I have one," said Rogers. "I didn't want people to come in here and be able to say, 'Oh, I could get that anywhere.'"But she did study ideas from other retailers as she envisioned what she wanted at her own store.

"I took parts of three to four other retail outlets and incorporated those into my concept," Rogers said.

She said that so far the reception from customers has been positive."People have really liked it. Sales have been strong," Rogers said.

The most popular items so far have been the art glass. She said she started with two or three different styles, but now carries more than four dozen.

"It's definitely been one of the strongest categories," Rogers said.

The store also tries to feature as many items from local artists as possible. "We're always on the lookout for local artists and we're hoping that they'll be coming to us through word-of-mouth. I think people have a real interest in that," said Rogers.

The store also may benefit from the high gas prices as people are taking fewer vacations and instead spending money on their homes."There are a lot of people adding three-season rooms or sunrooms. They're traveling less and want to get a lot of enjoyment out of their back decks or patios," Rogers said.

After a long career in a variety of positions, including as a buyer with such large retailers as JCPenney and Value City, Rogers decided nearly two years ago that she wanted to go out on her own.

"It's something I had though about for the last 10 years ... finally I took that leap of faith," she said. "If I was going to keep working hard, I was going to do it for myself. It's a lot more fun when you're doing it for yourself."

That experience in the corporate world - especially her background in dealing with manufacturers - has been a big help so far in her entrepreneurial venture."I learned about the buying process and try to understand what the customers want and what they're willing to pay for," said Rogers.

"The item has to be unique and it has to be affordable." In that vein, the store does offer products at in a wide range of prices.

One of her main challenges now is spreading the word about her store and she said she's learning "how to get noticed outside the community."So far, about 60 percent of her customers live in or around Westerville, but she said she's also seeing more shoppers coming from the New Albany, Worthington and Sunbury areas, too.

She spent nearly nine months looking all over Central Ohio for a location and finally landed the Westerville location, with a little luck involved. Scouring Westerville one day to watch traffic patterns and other characteristics of the uptown area, she spotted a lease sign in a storefront that hadn't been there before. She immediately called about the lease and when another potential leasee's appointment ahead of hers was canceled, she met with the owner and decided she had found the spot she'd been wanting.

"I had been looking at a lot of different locations and for some reason always kept getting pulled back to uptown Westerville," Rogers said. "I'm so happy with the location. I don't really think I could have done any better."

The Westerville Uptown Merchants Associations encourages you to shop Uptown Westerville and stop by Outside Envy.

OUTSIDE ENVY
Art of the Garden, Deck, and Patio
Unique Gift Shop
15 N. State St.
Westerville, OH 43081
614.895.3689
outside.envy@sbcglobal.net

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Fresh Air Shopping

Mark your calendars -- the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market opens on Wednesday May 7th!

The market, sponsored by the Westerville Uptown Merchants Association, will, like last year, be open every Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the corner of N. State St. and E. Home St., in the Church of the Messiah parking lot, and runs through October 29th.

Your favorites are returning:

▪ Arjay Gourmet Foods ▪ Bildsten Landscape ▪ Bird’s Haven Farm ▪ Bridgman Farm ▪ Carousel Watergardens & Cathy’s Tasty Treats ▪ Doran’s Family Farm ▪ Flying J Farm ▪ Malabar Acres ▪ Mockingbird Meadows ▪ Northridge Organic Farm ▪ Pleiades Maple Products ▪ Sue’s Kitchen ▪ Varley Valley Products

And welcome new vendor:

▪ Frijolito Farm

For more information, check out the WUMA Uptown Farmers' Market Page, the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market Vendor Directory, and the Farmers' Market Blog!

A couple shopper's tips: first, if you want pie, come to the market early and second, be sure to check out all the action with the Uptown Westerville merchants and shop Uptown Westerville! Uptown Westerville is an original town center, open since... 1858!

See you at the Uptown Farmers' Market!

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Artisanship in Glass

Kriss Rogers at Outside Envy is celebrating National Art Glass Month!

This spring Outside Envy is featuring one of the largest collections of hand blown Kitras Art Glass in Central Ohio.

Kriss invites you to celebrate the close of National Art Glass month by attending Outside Envy's Open House the weekend of April 26th and 27th.

One lucky customer who stops by the Open House that weekend will win a Kitras Art Glass Spirit Ball valued at $200!

Visit Outside Envy 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays thru Saturdays and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.
For additional information, call 614.895.3689 or e-mail Kriss at outside.envy@sbcglobal.net

Outside Envy – Art of the Garden, Deck and Patio, 15 North State Street, in Uptown Westerville, An Original Town Center, Opened 1858!

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Personalized Service

The Westerville Uptown Merchants Association welcomes its newest member:

The Sullivan Co.
Wear. Brand. Matters.™
130 Graphic Way
614.898.9971
614.898.0882 Fax
www.wearbrandmatters.com

The Sullivan Co. features in-house screen printing, promotional products, gifts & apparel, embroidery, chef & restaurant apparel

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Know How the Garden Grows! With Style!

Congratulations to Kriss Rogers of Outside Envy for her recent feature in The Columbus Dispatch's Shop Talk.

Click here to read the article.

Or... check it out right here:

SHOP TALK

A weekly chat with a store owner or clerk in central Ohio

Kriss Rogers
Thursday, April 10, 2008 6:55 AM

Kriss Rogers, owner of Outside Envy in Westerville
52, owner of Outside Envy, 15 N. State St., Westerville

Describe your store.
We say that we have accessories for any outdoor space, or any space where you want to create an outdoor atmosphere.

And you carry everything from garden sculptures and glass ornaments to candles.
It's an eclectic collection of unique gifts at affordable prices. . . . It's no fun if you can't afford it.
We've got tickets in the store that are $400 but also things that are $10. So there's something for everybody.

You opened in the fall -- near the end of gardening season -- so that you'd have a few months to get to know your customers and what they wanted before spring rolled around. Now that it's here, what have you found they want?
They love any kind of unique gift. . . . And categories? I think art glass and wind chimes have been strong.

They really like your area artists, too. Talk about Tammy Stewart's work, which you carry.
She's called the concrete gardener. She actually casts things in concrete, then paints them. (Rogers picks up a large, painted leaf that illustrates Stewart's work, then points to round oil lamps.) Her kind of signature pieces are these oil lamps.

You've spent years in retail, for places such as Schottenstein's and JCPenney. What do you like about owning a store?
Oh, gosh, . . . I think it's just -- it's fun. When you work in the corporate world, it's compartmentalized. I like the "whole picture" part of the job (in a gift store). You just see everything start to finish.

-- Kristy Eckert keckert@dispatch.com

TRY THIS: Dennis East wine-bottle-stopper candelabras ($7.50 to $14.50)

Outside Envy is a delightful oasis full of just very nice touches for home, patio, deck, and garden. And, a perfect place to buy memorable, thoughtful gifts for all occasions for friends and family... or yourself!

Stop by Outside Envy, 15 N. State St., on your next trip uptown.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Personalizing Spring

Great style is personal, so welcome this spring and summer your own special way!

Amy Robinson says It's All In The Name is featuring some great new items this Spring.

Amy shares: "We are actually adding new albums for wedding, shower, and birth announcements to our store. We also have fun spring and summer flip flops, coozies and sunglass cases that are personalized."

Stop by It's All In The Name, 20-K S. State St., on the Brickwalk, 614.890.1332, lisaandamy20@sbcglobal.net

Uptown Westerville is a Place for A Good Cup of Coffee

New This Spring at Java Central....

New Spring hours:

Monday -Friday: 6:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Saturday: 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m.– 5 p.m.

Early Bird Special (weekdays before 9 a.m.):

Jump start your morning with a cup of gourmet coffee for $1.00

Meetings and Events:

Are you looking for a nice and cost effective place to hold your formal or casual meetings and events? Do you need gourmet coffee, specialty drinks, or pastries to energize your meetings and events? Reserve Java Central's Library, Parlor, or newly renovated Meeting Room. With plenty of comfy seating and free WiFi, Java Central will make your meetings or events a great hit.

It's the Goods:

Java Central roasts their coffee beans and sells their gourmet coffee beans whole, ground, and brewed. They have a full range of specialty drinks, including a variety of espresso based drinks, coffee based and cream based ice blends, spiced Chai, and a wide selection of tea. (You can can even "indulge" in guilt-free vanilla or caramel-flavored lattes at 90 calories!)

Ask about Java Central's Organic, Fair Trade selection.

Java Central features an amazing selection of fresh bagels and pastries that can easily become a part of your daily routine!

A Surprise Inside!

Java Central also features a dazzling line of unique gifts from around the world -- beautiful, hand-made Egyptian cotton scarves, jewlery, mugs, candles, beaded bags, ceramics, accents, and more -- treat yourself, surprise a friend, and... perfect gift basket ingredients. With plenty of comfy seating and free WiFi, Java Central is a great place to enjoy a delicious drink or pastry, meet with friends, or shop the boutique.

Java Central says Thanks to its Uptown Neighbors:

Since opening last October, many uptown merchants and residents have come to Java Central to sample or buy their products, and refer customers. Java Central says thank you to the Uptown community for its support and business. Ed Shadi says, "It has been exciting for us to be part of the Uptown Westerville Community. Thank you all for being part of our success!"

Check out Java Central's website for more information, including their menu.

Highly recommended!

Java Central is located right across from City Hall at 20 S. State, Westerville, 614.839.0618, info@java-central.com

Uptown Westerville is a Place for New Business

Welcome to new WUMA member: Brown Tax Accounting (18 W. College).

Owner Julie Brown offers services that include all personal income tax returns, IRS E-File, IRS problems, prior-year returns, business & non-profit tax returns & bookkeeping.

Contact Julie Brown at 614.882.4482 or e-mail: jbrown@browntaxaccounting.com

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Fine Jewelry

Bill and Shelley Morgan of Morgan's Treasure announce their brand new website:

http://www.morganstreasure.com/

Add this site to your favorites! Bill is a tremendously talented, creative jeweler and customer service is a Morgan's Treasure hallmark. Check out the website, stop by the store!


Morgan's Treasure, The Uptown Jeweler, 12 W. Main St., Westerville, OH, 614.882.4401, info@morganstreasure.com

Photo courtesy of Morgan's Treasure. ©2007 Morgan's Treasure. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Saving the Date

Saturday, May 31, 2008.

That's the Garrett Wonders Memorial Bike Race sponsored by Westerville Bike Shop.

Westerville Bike Shop owner, Kurt Lehmkuhl explains:

This is a non-profit race put on in honor of Garrett Wonders, a former employee of the Westerville Bike Shop, former president and cyclist for the OSU cycling team, member of the Armed Forces cycling team, and Olympic hopeful. He was tragically struck by a car while on a training ride in South Carolina. Because of his enthusiasm for developing new riders and for the sport of cycling, we put this race on every year with all proceeds being donated to the Garrett Wonders Memorial Fund, a 501C(3) organization which provides a collegiate cycling scholarship to an OSU student every year as well as promoting cycling awareness.

Details soon. Right now, for more information contact Kurt at Westerville Bike Shop.

Westerville Bike Shop, Bicycles, Accessories, Care & Repair, 29 W. Main St.. Westerville, Ohio, 614.891.5654, westervillebike@hotmail.com

Click here more information about Garrett Wonders and Share the Road.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Getting Personal.

Welcome to new WUMA member:

It’s All In The Name (20-K S. State) each item is unique when it’s personalized!

Unique gifts and everyday items can be personalized with embroidery and print details.

To learn more, contact owners Amy Robinson and Lisa Herrmann at 614.890.1332 or email: lisaandamy20@sbcglobal.net.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Sitting in the Great Outdoors

Amish Originals Furniture Co. announces new outdoor furniture options!

▪ Amish-crafted cypress deep seating with Sunbrella® cushions. Accents include coffee and accent tables. Comfy and stylish. Purchase pieces separately or create a conversation group.

▪ Amish-crafted Adirondack seating in a selection of vibrant colors: Jamestown Red, Zook Cream, Barn White, Pequea Green, Minuet (pink), Freshwater (light blue), Black, and Mocha. Mix or match.

▪ Amish Originals continues to carry its popular poly and treated-pine outdoor furniture: Adirondack Chairs & Ottomans, Gliders, Side and Accent tables.

Your outdoor furniture choices are made-to-order, so stop by today.

Amish Originals Furniture Co. is located at 8 and 38 N. State St. 614.891.6257 customerservice@amishoriginals.com

Get the inside scoop about furniture, home accents, and more. Sign up for the Amish Originals eNewsletter.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Special Recognition

2008 is Westerville's 150th Anniversary!

This May, Columbus Monthly magazine will be featuring Westerville in a special section.

If you don't already subscribe, keep an eye out for the May 2008 issue of Columbus Monthly at your favorite bookstore or newsstand.

WUMA member City of Westerville, 21 S. State, Westerville, Ohio, 614.901.6400.

Celebrate Westerville continues, visit www.celebratewesterville.org

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Good Advice

Debbie Bennati, owner of WUMA member A Gal Named Cinda Lou, 24 E. College off Haywood Alley, starts the business day by adding a thought of the day to a chalkboard that sits outside the store.

The morning Westerville started getting hit by recent record snowfall, the 'Cinda Lou' chalkboard coincidentally observed: "Soon life will become more interesting."

'Cinda Lou' is an absolute find -- featuring an imaginative collection of vintage handbags, jewelry, t-shirts (Choonimals and Wowch), gift items, candles, art, accents, and furnishings. 'Cinda Lou' also features CDs and t-shirts from Debbie's son, Adam's band, Early Man. A Gal Named Cinda Lou has recently been featured in Columbus Alive! and The Columbus Dispatch's Shop Talk column.

Visit Debbie and daughter Juli at A Gal Named Cinda Lou often (click here for hours) -- you never know what new merchandise you might find or what tidbit of wisdom will be on the chalkboard today!

Photos courtesy of Brickstreet Communications. ©2008 Brickstreet Communications. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Honoring Good Dogs

Mayor Anne Gonzales and the Westerville City Council recently honored WUMA member Suite 59's Gerry & Joan Domanik's Irish Setter, Killian; Killian recently retired as a therapy dog.

As a healing presence, Killian has a special ability to offer gentle solace to patients in palliative care, connect with people with alzheimer's, and brighten residential care & rehab facilities.

Thank you to Killian and to Gerry & Joan for their random acts of unconditional kindness.

There are some simple truths... and the dogs know what they are. -- Joseph Deumer

Suite 59 Hair Design is located at 59 E. Home St., Westerville, OH, 614.891.HAIR.

Photo courtesy of City of Westerville. ©2008 City of Westerville. All rights reserved.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Value

Artful. Beautiful. Useful. Amish-Crafted.

Amish Originals Furniture Co. is currently featuring floor model markdowns.

Click here to view Amish Originals Floor Model Price List.

An experience for the senses -- next time you're Uptown, stop in -- beautiful furniture and, from soy candles to distinctive wall art, accents and features that help make your house a home.

Visit Amish Originals online.

Get the inside scoop about furniture, home accents, and more. Sign up for the Amish Originals eNewsletter.

Amish Originals Furniture Co. is located at 8 and 38 N. State St. 614.891.6257 customerservice@amishoriginals.com

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Snow!

This is what Uptown Westerville looks like this afternoon on March 8th!!

Sheriff's departments have issued both Level 2 and Level 3 travel advisories, depending on where you live.

Stay Safe. Be Safe.

Westerville Uptown Merchants Association members The Old Bag of Nails Pub and Pasquale's Pizza are both open tonight.

Call, e-mail, or check the websites and blogs of your Uptown favorites first, they may be closed!

Photo image courtesy Brickstreet Communications. (c) 2008 Brickstreet Communications. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for a Great Cup of Coffee

WUMA member Java Central 20 S. State) is now open Sundays and announces special discounts!

Are you an Otterbein College student or staffer? Work for the City of Westerville? A member of WUMA? Flash your i.d. or biz card and you’ll save 10% on your order!

And... Java Central now serves egg sandwiches! Click here for details.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Expression

WUMA member Gallery 202 (38 N. State) has 2 upcoming events.

First, Jan. 28th - Feb. 9th: Central Ohio Home School Art Show. Reception Feb. 2nd, 5 p.m. thru 8:30 p.m. and...

Home Party Extravaganza Open House. Feb. 10th, noon - 6 p.m. Check out the website to download a 2 for 1 admission ticket ($1 per person).