Uptown Westerville is a Place for Parades

Westerville says Happy Birthday America!

A few raindrops did not diminish in anyway the enthusiasm for the parade! Uptown Westerville was full of colorful umbrellas and lots and lots of people!

Humorist Erma Bombeck once said: You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism.

Truly, The Land of the Free Because of the Brave!

The Westerville 4th of July Parade was a real celebration of America -- old and young, families, friends, and neighbors, individual & group efforts, active military, veterans & civilians, marching bands, color guards, floats from businesses, civic groups & churches, gymnasts, dancers, cheerleaders, skateboarders, scouts, ball players, martial artists, dogs, cars, super soakers, candy, Blue Jackets hockey players, politicians, community outreach, American flags, food collection for W.A.R.M., and cookies from Westerville's own Cheryl's Cookies.

Thank you to the Rotary Club of Westerville for a great July 4th parade.

Thank you Hanby School's own Christopher Tedeschi, a fourth grade student, for your winning parade theme.

Thank you Westerville!

Pictured: WUMA Member Amish Originals Furniture Co. says Happy Birthday to America!

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Enjoy Independence Day

Tomorrow is the Fourth of July and the Westerville Uptown Merchants Association wants to join you in wishing America a Happy Birthday!

This Friday, Westerville begins the holiday weekend early in the day:

The Rotary 5k Run/Walk starts from Alum Creek Park at 8 a.m.

Visit Uptown Westerville for the Parade (starts at 1:30 p.m. at Heatherdown & S. State, runs north to St. Paul's)

The Symphony performs at the Sports Complex (325 N. Cleveland) at 9 p.m. Look for the red & white tent.

Throughout the weekend, Celebrate Westerville! brings us Ohio Chautauqua, peforming at various locations around the city.

And... Fireworks off Schrock (Alum Creek Park South) at 10 p.m.!!

Check the Rotary Club of Westerville and Celebrate Westerville! websites for details.

Look for parade entries from A Gal Named Cinda Lou and Amish Originals Furniture Co.

These Uptown Merchants have special July 4th hours...

▪ Atattooed (16 N. State): Opens at 11 a.m. and will be open most of the day -- if you don't already have an appointment, just call or email ahead. 614.392.2304 atattooed16@yahoo.com

▪ Dairy Queen (84 S. State): 10:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.

▪ Java Central (20 S. State): Will be open, they are not sure when yet! They will definitely be open during parade hours and just give them a call or email. 614.839.0698 info@java-central.com

▪ Morgan's Treasure (12 W. Main): Opens 10 a.m. and will be open most of the day -- thinking about stopping by later in the day, just call ahead. 614.882.4401 info@morganstreasure.com

▪ Outside Envy (15 N. State St.): 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Closed for sure: A Gal Named Cinda Lou, Amish Originals Furniture Co., Encircle, Sullivan Co.

Your Uptown favorites not on this list? We recommend you call or email ahead.

Click here for the WUMA Member Directory.

Have a safe, happy holiday weekend!

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Shopping Before the Fourth

When you visit uptown and the farmers' market this week, you may see no parking signs and orange cones along State Street.

Because you are driving and your eyes are on the road, you may not notice right away that those no parking signs are only for Friday, July 4th.

So on-street and lot parking as usual uptown except on Independence Day.

Thank you for Shopping Uptown Westerville!

Have a Safe, Happy July 4th Weekend!

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Prep for the Fourth at the Farmers' Market

The Westerville Uptown Merchants Association encourages you to keep the Westerville Uptown Farmers' Market in mind as you are shopping for the Fourth of July holiday.

How cool will it be to share market stories with friends and family as you grill and serve up your best summer dishes at holiday gatherings this weekend.

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market convenes each Wednesday through October 29th from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at N. State and E. Home.
Buy fresh, buy green, buy local:

Conventional and organic produce, eggs, meats & poultry, baked goods, spicy mustard, wing sauce, chutneys, spreads, jams, milk, cheese, maple products, coffee, rubs and spices, honey, and flowers.

And, while you're uptown for the market -- you can shop Uptown Westerville!

Uptown parking -- on-street and lot -- is free.

See you Wednesday at the Market!

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Celebrate Westerville!

The City of Westerville invites you to Celebrate Independence Week 2008 and Celebrate Westerville!:

Independence Week 2008 Full of Family Fun

To many Westerville natives, Independence Day celebrations are the event of the year. But with Westerville celebrating its 150th anniversary of incorporation this year, there are so many activities planned around July 4, 2008, that it will take an entire week to fit everything in!Aside from the normal activities, which will include Rotary's July 4th Fun Run, Independence Day Parade, Westerville Symphony Orchestra concert, and yes, the fireworks display, Celebrate Westerville will play host to the week-long 2008 Ohio Chautauqua festivities, bringing Ohio history to life through actors who impersonate historical figures.

The 2008 Chautauqua theme is "Inventions and Innovations." Independence Week activities will even include an old-time baseball game on July 5th at 2 pm, as the Ohio Village Muffins take the field against some Westerville residents for a gentlemanly day of leisure at the Sports Complex. Teams will be decked out in full baseball attire from the 1860s, allowing everyone to witness how America's Past-time used to be played.

Old-time baseball, parades, fireworks, and fun runs…Westerville Independence Week 2008 will be a premium blend of Westerville's past and present. See below for a list of Independence Week activities and visit http://www.rotaryclubofwesterville.org/ or http://www.celebratewesterville.org/ for more information.

*Location Codes:
ACPN = Alum Creek Park North, 221 West Main St.
WCC = Westerville Community Center, 350 N. Cleveland Ave. (Rec center)
WPL = Westerville Public Library, 126 South State St.
WSC = Westerville Senior Center, 310 West Main St.
Under the Tent = OHIO CHAUTAUQUA Tent at Sports Complex, 325 N. Cleveland Ave., across from WCC (soccer fields)

Wednesday, July 2
10:00 am Becoming Edison, Youth Program with Hank Fincken, *WPL
11:00 am Mary McLeod Bethune & the Black Women’s Movement, Adult Program with Dorothy Mains Prince, *WSC
1:00 pm Edison: The Past at Present , Adult Program with Hank Fincken, *WSC
3:00 pm A Day at the Daytona Normal and Industrial School, Youth Program with Dorothy Mains Prince, *WCC
Under the Tent...
6:30 pm Musical Entertainment: Dwight Lenox - Lenox Avenue Express
7:30 pm Inventor Alexander Graham Bell

Thursday, July 3
10:00 am The Plant Doctor, Youth Program with Paxton Williams, *WPL
11:00 am The Gospel of Wealth, According to Carnegie, Adult Program with George Dauler, *WSC
1:00 pm Dr. Carver’s Contemporaries, Adult Program with Paxton Williams, *WSC
3:00 pm Making and Using Steel, Youth Program with George Dauler, *WCC
Under the Tent...
6:30 pm Musical Entertainment: IIdletymes Bluegrass Band
7:30 pm Educator Mary McLeod Bethune

Friday, July 4
6-7:45 am Registration for Rotary 5K Fun Run and Walk, *ACPN
8:00 am Rotary 5K Fun Run and Walk, *ACPN
9:00 am Rotary Kid Runs, *ACPN
1:30 pm Rotary Independence Day Parade, on State Street
Under the Tent...
6:30 pm Musical Entertainment: Brass Nickel Quintet
7:30 pm Inventor Thomas Edison
Westerville Symphony performance will follow immediately

10:00 pm Rotary Fireworks (Schrock Rd. at Park Meadow)

Saturday, July 5
10:00 am Children and Grandchildren at the Table with Mr. Bell , Youth Workshop, *WPL
1:00 pm Mothers of Invention, Adult Program with Michael Hughes, *WCC
2:00 pm Ohio Historical Society Muffins vs. Westervillians Old-time baseball game, at Sports Complex
Under the Tent...
6:30 pm Musical Entertainment: Ain’t Misbehavin’ Dixieland Band
7:30 pm Industrialist Andrew Carnegie

Sunday, July 6
Under the Tent...
6:30 pm Musical Entertainment: Trinity Baptist Church Men’s Choir
7:30 pm Inventor George Washington Carver

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Stand Together

Friday, June 27th, Uptown Merchants took a few moments out of their day to honor Captivating Canines' Bruno. Captivating Canines (31 N. State) owner, Gordon Solomon is standing by our favorite concrete guard dog bruised and battered, by the vandals who tried to steal him.

Morgan's Treasure (12 W. Main) owner, Bill Morgan told the group:

Thanks for coming, we are here to remember as he was, our faithful mascot and guard dog Bruno.

As you know someone tried to steal Bruno Saturday night, but Bruno fought back and chased off the group of immature adolescent thieves and dog nappers. Bruno has ended up with a cauliflower ear and a broken
vertebra, but he’s a fighter and vows not to give up.

With everybody's help we will get Bruno through this and make Uptown Westerville a place free of such childish behavior.

R.I.P........................Repairs in progress!

Our best to Bruno and our Thanks to Gordon.

No matter the neighborhood, let's help Bruno "take a bite out of crime" and continue to keep eyes and ears open and fingers dialing -- Westerville police: 882.7444

Uptown Westerville is a Place for People.

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Support Your Neighbor

Sadly, WUMA member Captivating Canines owner Gordon Solomons came to work Monday morning to find the ever faithful Captivating Canines concrete bloodhound, Bruno, smashed and lying in front of the store.

Not only does Bruno welcome customers to Captivating Canines, but Bruno brings a smile to the faces of Uptown Westerville shoppers as they pass by and little kids love him! Bruno gets big hugs and little pats on a daily basis.

Westerville Police, so far, have determined through witnesses that a group of people tried to steal Bruno from in front of the store late Saturday night and in the process of the theft, dropped Bruno. The case is still under investigation.

The damage to Bruno has been one of several incidents over the last several months involving damage or theft at and to Uptown Westerville businesses. Merchants are diligent in their efforts to file police reports and we appreciate alert eyes and ears and dialing fingers (Westerville police: 882.7444).

Bill Morgan, of Morgan's Treasure is inviting Uptown merchants, residents, and friends to join in a ceremony to honor Bruno in front of Captivating Canines, 31 N. State St., at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 27th.

Bill shares, "We are so sorry to hear of Bruno’s shattered experience. We are inviting the Uptown Businesses and friends/patrons to come to a simple “service” on Friday @4:30 and bring your best wishes, flowers, etc. to lay at his broken feet. United we may wish Bruno the best of recovery (as can be expected) but also to show our unity in helping to prevent more undo vandalism to our favorite friends and to Uptown."

The Westerville Uptown Merchants appreciate the patronage, loyalty, and support of Uptown shoppers, visitors, business-owners, and residents in Westerville.

For more information on honoring Bruno, contact Bill Morgan, Morgan's Treasure, 12 W. Main St., 614.882.4401, info@morganstreasure.com

Anyone with information about what happened to Bruno on the night in question (June 21st) should contact Westerville police at 614.882.7444.

Pictured: Bruno in happier, safer days.

Photo courtesy Brickstreet Communcations. (c) 2007 Brickstreet Communications. All rights reserved.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Someone Else's Drama

Otterbein College Summer Theatre's 2008 Season begins June 26th.

This year's performances:

June 26 - 29 and July 10 - 12: The Ohio premiere of Indian Blood.

July 17 - 20 and July 24 - 26: Proof

July 31 - August 3, August 7 - 10, and August 14 -16: My Way

All plays are performed in the lower level of the Campus Center at 100 E. Home.

For details and box office information, contact the Otterbein College Summer Theatre Box Office 614.823.1109.

Enjoy the summer!

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Celebrate the Land of the Free...

... Because of the Brave is this year's 4th of July Rotary Club of Westerville parade theme. Congratulations to Hanby School's own Christopher Tedeschi, a fourth grade student, for his winning theme.

2008's Independence Day is Friday, July 4th.

In Uptown Westerville, the day begins with the Rotary Club of Westerville Annual 5k Rotary Run. The 5k Run/Walk begins at 8 a.m. at Alum Creek Park, North (on W. Main) and the Children's Run begins at 9 a.m. For more information, including a downloadable brochure/registration form, visit The Rotary of Westerville website. (Registration and arrival is from 6 a.m. to 7:45 a.m.)

The Rotary Club of Westerville 4th of July Parade begins at Heatherdown and S. State (heading north through Uptown Westerville) at 1:30 p.m. The parade heads North on State Street from Heatherdown Drive through town to St Paul’s Church parking lot just north of Uptown Westerville.

The Rotary Club estimates that the parade will run approximately 3 hours. (Just a reminder for both humans and pets.... Keep Cool! Bring water!)

During the day on July 4th, as part of Celebrate Westerville! Ohio Chautauqua will be performing under the tent at the Sports Complex at 350 N. Cleveland Ave. Visit Celebrate Westerville! for the performance schedule. By the way, Ohio Chautauqua will be in performing in Westerville from July 2nd through July 6th.

The Westerville Civic Symphony will be performing this year at the Sports Complex at 350 N. Cleveland Ave., start time is 9 p.m.

Fireworks will commence at 10 p.m. along Alum Creek off Schrock Road at Park Meadow.

Have a Safe, Happy Holiday!

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Celebrate Expression

Save the Date for the 2008 Westerville Chamber of Commerce's Music and Arts Festival.

Saturday, July 12th, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday, July 13th, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Heritage Park at Cleveland & W. Main.

While you're visiting the festival, add a visit to Uptown Westerville to your day.

Parking is free in surrounding lots on W. Main and Cleveland.

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Be Safe

Can it be nearly the end of June already?

This Friday, June 27th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. is the Westerville Visitors and Convention Bureau's Fourth Friday and it's... Safety Fest!

Car seat safety, tornado safety, public health, bike safety, fire safety, crime prevention and much more!!

So, bring the family (dogs welcome, too!) and come on Uptown!

For details, visit the Westerville Visitors and Convention Bureau online. (Click here.)

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Farm Fresh

This week is the 8th week of the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market -- each Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the corner of N. State and E. Home.

And, while the location remains the same, certainly the market fare literally grows from week to week.

The market features new vendors (Blue Jacket Dairy's delicious specialty cheeses and Snowville Creamery's fresh milk are the newest market vendors) and and as gardens grow, so does the produce selection.

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market features All-Ohio, Home-made, and Home-grown produce, features, and products, and include both organic and conventional methods.

Visit these market vendors:

▪ Arjay Gourmet Foods and Rohini's
▪ Bildsten Landscape
▪ Bird’s Haven Farm
▪ Blue Jacket Dairy
▪ Bridgman Farm
▪ Buckeye Mustard
▪ Carousel Water Gardens &
Cathy’s Tasty Treats
▪ Doran’s Family Farm
▪ Flower Power Gourmet
▪ Flying J Farm
▪ Frijolito Farm
▪ The Heritage Bakery
▪ Malabar Acres
▪ Mockingbird Meadows
▪ Northridge Organic Farm
▪ Pleiades Maple Products
▪ Snowville Creamery
▪ Taste of Seattle Coffee Company
▪ Varley Valley Products

Shop the market with friends, visit with the market vendors, try new tastes, buy fresh, delicious foods for your table -- and just enjoy!

And... while you're uptown... Shop Uptown Westerville!

Buy Local!

Take a photo tour of the 2008 Market -- click here!

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Outdoor Artisans

WUMA member Kriss Rogers of Outside Envy shares...

Outside Envy will feature expanded offerings from four local artists at the store at 15 N State Street on Saturday, June 28th from noon to 4 pm. The featured artists will include:

Steel Sculptures by Pat Belisle – unique abstract steel sculptures that will add interest to any landscape.

The Concrete Gardener is Tammy Stewart – creator of original garden art cast from concrete and beautifully finished.

Candle makers Richard and Alice Altman – true “Green” artisans who create hand rolled, 100% beeswax candles accented with natural floral and ocean stones.

Pottery by Jim Jennings – both functional and whimsical pieces including Toad Houses, beautifully glazed and fired.

Outside Envy – Art of the Garden, Deck and Patio, 15 North State Street, in Uptown Westerville. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday thru Saturday with expanded store hours on Fridays, open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. For additional information, call 614.895.3689

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Market Fresh

Today is THE perfect day to visit the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market.

Located at the corner of N. State and E. Home, the market is open today from 3 p.m to 6 p.m.

We are starting to seeing some produce, even thought it's a bit early in the growing season, so stop by Bird's Haven Farm, Flying J Farm, Northridge Organic, and Frijolito Farm to see what's market fresh today. Market produce is both conventionally and organically grown and the market also features fresh chicken and an organic meat selection.

And, of course there are fresh-baked goods, fresh-baked breads, fresh eggs, fresh-roasted coffees, chutneys and spreads, mustards and sauces, honey, natural personal products, flowers, and more.

Want a food adventure? Many market vendors have samples of their delicious fare. The market is a great place for kids to try new foods and flavors.

See you today at the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market.

Want more information about the market? Check the market blog, just click here.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Otterbein College Seniors and Alum

Westerville, Ohio is home to Otterbein College.

Each June, Otterbein College not only hosts graduation for its seniors and degree recipients and their families, but it hosts a series of Otterbein Alumni reunions.

On Otterbein Commencement and Alumni weekend, June 13th, 14th, and 15th, Uptown Westerville invites Otterbein Seniors and Alum to visit our shops and restaurants and get a special discount!

Look for an Otterbein College pennant on display in local shop windows, show your valid Otterbein College student, faculty, or alumni ID and... get a deal!

Congratulations Class of 2008!!

Welcome Alum!! We hope you have The Time of Your Life!

Participating Restaurants:

▪ Dairy Queen, 84 S. State
▪ Dog Joint, 59 S. State
▪ Java Central, 20 S. State
▪ Michael's Pizza, 15 E. College
▪ The Old Bag of Nails Pub, 24 N. State
▪ Pasquale's Pizza and Pasta, 14 N. State
▪ Pizza Primo, 10 E. Main

Participating Merchants:

▪ A Gal Named Cinda Lou, 20 N. State
▪ Amish Originals Furniture Co., 8 & 38 N. State
▪ Checkerberries, 8 E. Main
▪ Deja Vu, 11 N. State
▪ DJ's Feed Store, 41 N. State
▪ Encircle, 30 N. State
▪ Gallery 202, 38 N. State, Upstairs
▪ Hearts Content, 9 N. State
▪ Hey Diddle Diddle, 38 N. State
▪ It's All In the Name, 20K S. State
▪ Lola Belle, 46 N. State
▪ Meza, 48 N. State
▪ Morgan's Treasure, 12 W. Main
▪ My Cousins Closet, 16 E. College
▪ Old Skool Skate Shop, 11 E. College
▪ Outside Envy, 15 N. State
▪ Ruth Reed Antiques, 21 E. College
▪ Sample 'n' Gift, 21 N. State
▪ Uptown Cigar Company, 33 N. State
▪ Westerville Antiques, 2 N. State

Go Cardinals!!



Bold = Member, Westerville Uptown Merchants Association. Offers will vary per business.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Food and Flora

This Wednesday is market day at the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market, from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. at the corner of N. State and E. Home in the Church of the Messiah parking lot.

While we may see rain in the early a.m., the meteorologists are telling us that tomorrow afternoon will be market weather.

This year's market features a record number of market vendors selling a wide variety of foods, plants, and products.

While you're Uptown, stroll south on State from the market and visit the shops and restaurants in Uptown Westerville.

Truly a pleasant, relaxing, fun shopping experience.

Pictured: Market vendor Carousel Water Gardens (c) 2008 Brickstreet Communications. All rights reserved.

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Race Bikes and Honor Friends

It's life in the fast lane this Saturday in Uptown Westerville!

The 5th Annual Garrett Wonders Memorial Bike Race is Saturday, May 31st from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Sponsored by WUMA member, Westerville Bike Shop, the race honors Garrett Wonders, an Olympic cycling hopeful struck by a car on a training ride and killed in 2004. Garrett's interest in racing started with Westerville Bike Shop and he went on to the Buckeye cycling team at The Ohio State University.

All proceeds from the non-profit race are donated to the Garrett Wonders Memorial Fund established by his family to promote cycling safety and fund an Ohio State University cycling scholarship.

To learn more about Garrett Wonders, click here.

Participate in the race or visit Uptown Westerville to watch (it's pretty cool) and make a morning of it. While part of State Street is closed for the races, Uptown businesses are open, so this is a fun opportunity to shop Uptown Westerville!

There are races for all skill levels and ages!

Registration begins at 7 a.m. in front of city hall (21 S. State) or you can pre-register via TrueSport.com or call Westerville Bike Shop at 614.361.9047

By the way, safety first -- helmets required for all races!

Reminder: the Red Cross will be at the 5th Annual Garrett Wonders Memorial Bike Race for blood donations.

For Directions to Uptown Westerville, click here.

Note: The streets used for the race route will be closed in Uptown Westerville for the duration of the race: S. State St. (at the DQ), north to E. College, east to Summit, south to E. Park, west to S. State. Free on-street and lot parking in Uptown Westerville.

Photo images courtesy Brickstreet Communications. © 2007 Brickstreet Communications. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Honor and Remember

This weekend is the observed Memorial Day weekend.

The Westerville Uptown Merchants Association encourages you to enjoy your weekend with family & friends and... shop Uptown Westerville this weekend.

And, on Monday, May 26th, take a moment to remember and to honor:

True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.
-- Arthur Ashe

From ThisWeek Community Newspapers:

American Legion Plans Memorial Day Activities

Wednesday, May 14, 2008 7:37 AM

By LIN RICE
ThisWeek Staff Writer

The Young-Budd Post 171 of the American Legion has planned Memorial Day activities May 26 that will include a parade and services at several cemeteries.

The festivities will begin with a parade along State Street, according to Memorial Day committee chairman Thomas Poulton. The procession, which will include the Westerville South High School band and other civic organizations and community groups, will start at 9:45 a.m. at the intersection of South State Street and College Avenue. Those taking part in the parade will meet in the parking lot behind City Hall at 9 a.m.

The procession will briefly stop at the veterans' memorial plaque at Heritage Green Park in front of City Hall, and will proceed to the veterans' memorial in front of the National Guard Armory on State Street for the placement of a memorial wreath, according to Poulton.

The parade will continue along Bishop Drive and Knox Street to Otterbein Cemetery for a memorial service that will include the reading of the names of Post 171 members who have died during the last year, a speech by Westerville South High School principal Dr. Keith Rose, a 21-gun salute and the playing of "Taps."

According to Poulton, American Legion members and veterans from Westerville and surrounding communities are invited to join the ranks and march during the Memorial Day parade. Members and other veterans who are unable to march are encouraged to join the proceedings at the cemetery.

After services at Otterbein Cemetery are completed, the American Legion's color guard and firing squad will participate in a ceremony at the Blendon Township Central Cemetery, at the corner of Hempstead and Dempsey roads, at 11 a.m.

Brief ceremonies at Pioneer Cemetery, 865 S. State St., and at Northlawn Cemetery, 7060 State Route 3, will conclude the day's events.

Link: http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/westerville/stories/2008/05/14/0515wvamlegion_ln.html?sid=104

Arthur Ashe quotation from bellaonline.com

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Grand Openings

At tonight's Fourth Friday, stop by A Gal Named Cinda Lou, 20 N. State St.

'Cinda Lou recently moved to bigger digs and now has even more room for their fabulous jewelry, accessories, gifts, new and vintage clothing, pop culture touches, decor, and home accents & furnishings.

Every visit to A Gal Named Cinda Lou is an adventure!

Be sure to pop in and join the grand opening celebration -- look for the vintage VW van in front of the store!

And, each trip Uptown, check out Cinda Lou -- hmmmm -- wonder what daily touch of wisdom will show up on the store's chalkboard today....

Congratulations, owners Debbie and Juli Bennati on Cinda Lou's continuing success.

Peace. Out.


A Gal Names Cinda Lou formerly at 24 E. College, now takes over the old spot of Sour Records Uptown. Phone number, e-mail, and web address is still the same!

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Outdoor Shopping

Yum.

Home-made. Home-grown.

It's a beautiful May Wednesday. Perfect for visiting today's Uptown Westerville Farmer's Market, open 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the corner of N. State and E. Home in the Church of the Messiah parking lot.

Click here for more information.

The Uptown Westerville Farmer's Market is presented by the Westerville Uptown Merchants Association and runs through October 29th. On-street and lot parking is always free in Uptown Westerville.

While you're at the market, take a few minutes to Shop Uptown Westerville and visit our merchants and restaurants.

Oh, and those fabulous cinnamon rolls are from Sue's Kitchen at the market!

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Fourth Friday Celebrations

Get "Back to Nature" at this month's Fourth Friday!

This month's event features all sorts of Eco-Interesting exhibits and features, including exhibits from the Columbus Zoo and Sharon Woods Metro Park. A super event for the whole family. And... Uptown Westerville is dog-friendly!

Click here to visit the Fourth Friday's webpage for more information.

Uptown Westerville is a great place to shop, live, work, eat, meet and play! Shop Uptown Westerville.

"Back to Nature" Fourth Friday is May 23rd from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Fourth Fridays are presented by WUMA member, Westerville Visitors and Convention Bureau.

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Help Others

An important message from Kurt Lehmkuhl of Westerville Bike Shop:

Dear Friends,

This year's tragic accident on the TOSRV (Tour of the Scioto River Valley), where another cyclist was struck and killed by a car, serves as a reminder that at any time one of us may be involved in an accident where we may need to go to the hospital and may even need a blood transfusion.

I have received several after being involved in an accident and it is something that is easy to take for granted... you just assume that hospitals have blood available.

Now however, is a tough time for the Red Cross with demand for blood increasing during the summer months.

Please help out and sign up to give blood at the Garrett Wonders Memorial race coming up on May 31st in Uptown Westerville.

We need a few more names and phone numbers to make it happen so if you or anyone else you know can do it, please call me with any questions at 614.361.9047.

Thanks for your help.

Take Care,

Kurt Lehmkuhl
Westerville Bike Shop

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Open Air Shopping... Under an Umbrella

This week's Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market is tomorrow (May 14th) from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the corner of N. State and E. Home Streets.

The weather forecast calls for rain, but it's also Central Ohio, so you never know! But just in case, bring an umbrella in-tow.

We've heard from Sue Renner of Sue's Kitchen and Jane Varely of Varley Valley Products -- both women are amazingly talented bakers. Sue's baked goods are delightful and she'll be bringing cinnamon rolls again this week... sweet! (Always get there early for pie!) Jane's breads (she sold out last week) and spreads are total comfort -- delicious fresh, moist breads full of flavor and elegant spreads (the wild blackberry jam is supreme) and the challah loaf is... fantastish!

The market currently features 16 market vendors so you can shop for flowers, seed plants, fresh eggs (get there early for the eggs!), spicy mustard and wing sauce, coffee, chutneys and spreads, honey products, maple products, spring produce, organic dorset wool yarn, and order fresh meats and chicken. The market features both conventional and organic foods.

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market is presented by the Westerville Uptown Merchants Association and opens for business each Wednesday through October 29th from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m at the corner of N. State and E. Home in the Church of the Messiah parking lot.

Buy Local! Home-made. Home-grown. Add the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market to your Wednesday Shopping list.

While your Uptown... Shop Uptown Westerville!

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Home-made and Home-grown

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market celebrated a great Week 1!

A record 16 market vendors opened the 2008 season.

Special thanks to Rev. Stan Ling of Church of the Messiah, U.M. for the market blessing.

Check out the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market blog for market news, to meet the market vendors, and for photos of last week's market.

The Uptown Westerville Farmers Market is sponsored by the Westerville Uptown Merchants Association. Home-made and home-grown, the market is open each Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. through October 29th at N. State and E. Home in the Church of the Messiah parking lot.

On-street and lot parking is free in Uptown Westerville.

Check out the market webpage and directory.

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Think Pink!

Are you ready on Sunday, May 18th for Think Pink?

That's right, it's Gallery 202's second annual Pink Flamingo Festival!

Click here to learn more about this very fun, very pink event!

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Internet Safety

The Westerville Police Department invites you to a Parent Internet Program on Wednesday, May 21st from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. in Westerville City Council Chambers at 21 S. State.

This one-night seminar is designed for adults only and will focus on presenting parents' and care-givers with tools to help prevent our children from becoming victims of online predators. A live, unedited, on-line interaction with predators will be established and discussed.

For more information regarding this program please contact: Lt. Jeff Gaylor @ 901-6495 or Officer Randy Bailey@901-6472

Important Disclaimer: If graphic language or photos offend you, you should not attend this presentation. Because of the content, this is an adult-only seminar. No one under 18 years of age will be permitted.

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!