Uptown Westerville is a Place for Miriam's Journal

The latest installment of Miriam's Journal is on the Amish Originals Furniture Co. blog.

Just click here to connect.

Uptown Westerville is a Place Where School is In Session

Welcome back Otterbein College students! Happy 2010!

With holiday breaks over for our area students from Kindergarten to College, just a reminder to adjust your driving accordingly!

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Best Holiday Wishes

The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each others' burdens, easing other's loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of Christmas. -W. C. Jones

The members of the Westerville Uptown Merchants Association wish You, Your Friends, and Family a Joyous, Safe, Happy Holiday Season!

Image: Amish Originals Furniture Co. snowfall window in Uptown Westerville courtesy of Linda Foor.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Last Minute Holiday Shopping

All signs point to shopping in Uptown Westerville for... The Uptown Gift Card!

The Uptown Gift Card is a stored-value, any-amount, reloadable gift card, just like the major retailers.

Welcomed and sold at 15 select Uptown Westerville merchants, the Uptown Gift Card is perfectly practical, great for the enthusiast, and just right for creating memories and even new traditions.

Shop Uptown Westerville and pick up The Uptown Gift Card at any of these Uptown Westerville merchants:

▪ A Gal Named Cinda Lou, 20 N. State
▪ Amish Originals Furniture Co., 8 & 38 N. State
▪ Captivating Canines, 31 N. State
▪ Deja Vu, 11 N. State
▪ Hey Diddle Diddle, 38 N. State
▪ It's All In The Name, 13 W. College
▪ Java Central, 20 S. State
▪ Joe's Service Automobile Repair, 80 N. State
▪ Meza, 48 N. State
▪ Morgan's Treasure, 12 W. Main
▪ Outside Envy, 15 N. State
▪ Ruth Reed Antiques, 23 E. College
▪ Serendipity Ice Cream & Coffee House, 33 E. College
▪ Westerville Antiques, 2 N. State
▪ Westerville Bike Shop, 29 W. Main

Click here to learn more about the Uptown Gift Card feature merchants.

Look for the merchant displaying the Uptown Gateway Sign.

Uptown Place is a Place for Vintage Taste

Tatjana and Jason Brown at Meza, 48 N. State, send holiday greetings!

Dear Friends of Meza,

We are sure that you are just about ready for Christmas! For those of you doing some last minute shopping ( much like we will be this year), we are going to be open our regular store hours on Monday December 21st to give you another opportunity to stop in and finish up gifts or to get your holiday wine!

So stop in and see us....whether you need a wine to take to a party or a gift basket of goodies for a friend, we have you covered!

Remember - Stock up and Save for the Holidays! We offer 10% off case purchases - and you can mix and match!

Meza Holiday Store Hours:
Open Monday December 21st (11 a.m.-7 p.m.)
Open December 24th (11 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
Closed December 25th and December 26
Open December 31st (New Years Eve) 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Closed January 1st (New Years Day)

Jason and I would love to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza....... Either way - it doesn't matter what you may celebrate. We just want to wish you all the best during the holidays.

We have had the privilage of getting to know many of our customers this year - we have enjoyed meeting and spending time with you at our tasting events and we have enjoyed making some not only great customers, but also great friends.

We want to thank you all for your support - without you there would be no Meza and we would not be able to continue to push forward with this concept.

We look forward to bringing to Westerville more and more unique wines, more tasting events, more opportunities for you to learn about, taste and enjoy good wine.

We love what we do - which makes it less like a job and more like being home and surrounded by friends every day. Happy Holidays to all of you....and Cheers (or "Ziveli") as we say in Serbian!

Jason, Tatjana and Laila Brown

Meza Monthly Wine Club
Start Receiving your Wines in January!

Looking for a way to become familiar with new wines from varying regions? We are excited to offer you the opportunity to try wines that are truly unique, outside of our in store assortment with the launch of our

Meza Monthly Wine Club! Chose from "The Discovery" membership ($30/month plus tax) or "The Enthusiast" membership ($60/month plus tax)

For additional information contact us at vinomeza@gmail.com or 614.264.7244.

Who Doesn't Love a Little Bubbly......

Looking for the perfect sparkling wine or Champagne for the holidays??

Stop by Meza and let us help you find a wine to fit the occasion!

Domaine Bott Geyl Cremant d'Alsace - $18.99

Hand made, small production, top quality. You cannot find a more elegant sparkler for this price on the market.

Segura Viudas "Aria" Cava - $10.99

Great for your holiday gatherings and parties. Clean, crisp and elegant.

Banfi Rosa Regale - $19.99

Sweet, red and bubbly with notes of fresh ripe strawberry. Perfect way to end dinner - perfect with chocolate!

Marc Herbrart Cuvee Brut - $46.99

There is lovely depth and complexity in the generous Pinot fruit with a persistent streak of minerality that frames the wine beautifully. 91 Points - Wine Advocate. This is considered a "growers Champagne" - small production and attention to detail.

Meza Gift Giving Guide

Meza offers a variety of gift giving options that they are sure to love. Choose from some of our pre made gift basket options or let us help you customize your own! We offer a variety of basket options and can work with your budget to customize a beautiful, thoughtful gift.

Meza Gift Certificates also Now Available! Try our 6 Wine Bottle Carrier - Chose 6 beautiful wines that they can enjoy throughout the holidays or for year round occasions! (prices vary).

We may be done with our tasting events for 2009 - but just wait! We are welcoming 2010 with a bang! Join us for some great wine tasting events that are planned for the winter months and keep an eye out for bonus events.....wine and cigar night.....wine dinners......wine education classes......So many exciting things in store at Meza!

January 2010 Tasting Schedule

Charles Smith Tasting
Friday, January 8 (6:30 - 9:00 pm)

Owner-winemaker Charles Smith with his big hair, kick ass attitude and bold packaging arrived in the Walla Walla Valley following eleven years in Scandinavia managing rock bands. Originally hailing from northern California, he has been involved with wine personally and professionally his entire life. Recently he was named American Winemaker of the Year in 2009 by Food and Wine Magazine. His modernist, relaxed approach to wine and wine making is a breath of fresh air. Come check out some of his innovative wines. We will be tasting Eve Chardonnay, Boom Boom Syrah, The Velvet Devil Merlot, Chateau Smith Cabernet Sauvignon and
the K Vintners Viognier.

Cost of this tasting is $10 per person for 5 wines and light tapas.\

Best Pizza Night Wines
Friday, January 15 (6:30 - 9:00 pm)

Wine doesnt have to be pretentious. It also doesnt have to be for special occasions or fancy dinners only! We will be tasting some easy to drink, full of flavor wines that are the perfect edition to your Friday night pizza night. Dont believe us? Taste for yourself! We will be sampling these great value wines along with small samples of some local pizza you be the judge!

Cost of this tasting is $10 per person for 5 wines and pizza samples.

Small Production Wines
Friday, January 22 (6:30 - 9:00 pm)

One of the great opportunities of attending a wine tasting is that you are able to taste wines that are not readily available at the big box retailers. Small production or boutique wines are big.many of these small producers are making top quality wines where quality is key. Join us for this tasting with James Uttley from Purple Feet Distribution where we will be tasting some boutique wines that are truly unique and not what you will find at Giant Eagle.

Cost of this tasting is $10 per person for 5 wines and light tapas.

Lighten Up with Whites
Friday, January 29 (6:30 - 9:00 pm)

Looking to lighten things up while the weather is still cold and dreary? Stop in for this white wine tastings where we will pa rouse through Rieslings, Torrontes, Malvasia, Pinot Gris and more!

Cost of this tasting is $10 per person for 5 wines and light tapas.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for New Eats

Welcome Thai Grille! 15 E. College Ave. in Uptown Westerville. Now Open!

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Best Wishes from The Sullivan Company

The Sullivan Company, 130 Graphic Way, Wishes You and Yours Best Wishes for the Holidays!

Holiday Hours:

December 24th: Closed

December 25th: Closed

January 1st: Closed

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Amish Originals Holiday Hours

Amish Originals Furniture Co., 8 & 38 N. State, wishes you a Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for the New Year.

Amish Originals Holiday Hours:
Christmas Eve: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
December 25th & December 26th: Closed

December 31st: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
New Year's Day: Closed

January 2nd: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Click here to visit the Amish Originals Furniture Co. Blog.

Click here for the latest issue of the Amish Originals Furniture Co. eNews, our December 2009 Holiday Gift Guide.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Christmas Eve Worship

Church of the Messiah, United Methodist, 51 N. State, always has a beautiful and memorable Christmas Eve service.

Here is Messiah's Christmas Weekend Schedule:

Christmas Eve:
▪ 4:00 PM Family Service, Child Care
Message by Wendy Lybarger
▪ 5:30 PM Lessons/Carols, Child Care
Message by Stan Ling
▪ 7:30 PM, Lessons/Carols, Child Care
Message by Stan Ling
▪ 9:15 PM, Lessons/Carols
Message by Stan Ling
▪ 11:00 PM, Lessons/Carols and Holy Communion
Message by Stan Ling

▪ 6:30 - 10:30 Holy Communion available in the Chapel

Regular weekend schedule for December 26th & 27th:
▪ Sat. 5:30 Message - Stan Ling
▪ Sun. 8:15, 9:30, 11:00 Message - Stan Ling
▪ 11:00 The Celebration in McVay - Message, Wendy Lybarger
▪ 9:45 at Minerva Park Campus on Cleveland Av. Message by Wendy Lybarger

For more information, contact Church of the Messiah online (www.messiahumc.net) or at 614.882.2167.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Library Holidays

Visit the Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State, and check out the holiday books, music, and DVDs. Whether the Grinch, George Bailey, or Tony Bennett, the library is a very affordable holiday entertainment option.

This Saturday, December 19th at 2 p.m. the Friends of the Library present Music in the Atrium for the holiday season on acoustic guitar from John Morgan. John will be playing holiday music and selections from his new album, Music for December. Admission is free.

Stumped for last-minute holiday ideas? Stop by the Friends of the Library Gift Shoppe for literary-themed gifts or Adopt-a-Book in someone's name! Click here to learn how to Adopt a Book!

Library Holiday Hours:
The library will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, at 6 p.m. on New Year's Eve and New Year’s Day.

Photo courtesy of Westerville Public Library.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Uptown Cigar Holidays

Uptown Cigar's Holiday Wishes and Specials.

All cigars and gifts 10% off now, through Christmas. 20% off for all Locker Members!

Cigar Samplers Galore: Great for that special person, including yourself (if you shop like Roy, that would be one for you and two for me)

▪ CAO Soprano Sampler - 4 Great Sizes
▪ CAO Champions - 10 of the best cigars including travel humidor
▪ CAO Nicaragua - Honduras Sampler & DVD Included
▪ Oliva Series Sampler - # 1 Seller last year
▪ Nub Sampler
▪ Oliva Variety Pack
▪ Rocky Patel Sampler & Excalibur

▪ New shipment of Xicar and Vector Lighters

▪ Large selection of Humidors, Catalytic Lamps (beautiful way to send a wonderful aroma through your home), and last minute stocking stuffers

Future Events:

January - Texas Hold Em
February - Special Cigar Event
March - Special Tournament Game Nite

Uptown Cigar, 33 N. State

Hours - Tues - Fri 11 - 7
Sat - 10 - 6
Sun - 1 - 7
Call for other special time arrangements 614.392.2302

From all of us, Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We appreciate your business and friendships!

Looking for an innovative way to entertain clients, friends, family? Schedule a party in your favorite store - after hours times available.

- Roy Lawson and Mike Daffin

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Holiday Wishes from Suite 59

Joan & Gerry Domanik and the Staff at Suite 59 Hair Design, 59 E. Home, wish you Peace and Joy this Christmas Season.

Suite 59 Holiday Hours:
December 24th: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Closed December 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th
Resuming Regular Hours on Tuesday, December 29th

Suite 59 Gift Certificates make great gifts!

Call Suite 59 to make an appointment or to find out more about purchasing a gift certificate. 614.891.4247.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Sweet Memories

Guaranteed smiles! Debbie and Juli Bennati of a Gal Named Cinda Lou, 20 N. State, have some great stocking stuffers for kids of all ages! Nostalgic, fun, and yummy retro candy!

Uptown Westerville is a Place for ESPN

ESPN is televising tonight's high school match up between Columbus' own and Ohio's #1 ranked Northland High School and Henderson, NV Findlay Prep (Pilots) at Otterbein College's Rike Center at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $10 and are available through ticketweb.com or at the Rike Center. (4 p.m. ticket update. Rike Center Box Office opens at 5 p.m. Online presales are done.)

The Vikings feature Buckeye commitments, J.D. Weatherspoon and Jared Sullinger (pictured).

Go Vikings!

In Westerville for the game? Uptown Westerville has good eats and shopping just steps away from the Rike. Click here for the WUMA Member Directory.

Photo courtesy of www.buckeyebanter.com

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Body Art

Happy Holidays from Atattooed! Nadine Morris of Atattooed, 16 S. State, tells us:

We're celebrating our 2 year anniversary in Westerville. So to celebrate we are doing 2 for Tuesdays. Every Tuesday with the first piercing you get the second of equal or lesser at half price.

We have a large selection of body jewelry and also a line from England that features some very unique designs in "English Pewter" which is the highest grade of pewter. (Meaning our pewter has no lead in it; some standard pewter does.)

Atattooed features tattoos, permanent cosmetics, hypnosis, reiki, and tarot services.

Stop by Atattooed or contact Nadine (atattooed16@yahoo.com) to purchase Atattooed Gift Certificates.

And, Congrats to Atattooed, featured in the December 2009 issue of industry standard, Pain Magazine! Click here for article.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Family Business

Westerville Uptown Merchants Association member Pasquale's Pizza & Pasta House, 14 N. State, is in this week's ThisWeek:

Pasquale's keeps family tradition in Uptown Westerville

Wednesday, December 16, 2009 1:51 PM

By JENNIFER NESBITT
ThisWeek Staff Writer

Editor's note: This story is the third in a five-part series examining what makes Uptown Westerville unique and highlighting selected businesses there.

When Sylvia Francisco wanted to retire from her job as a baker and cake decorator with Kroger, her husband decided to help her open her own restaurant in Uptown Westerville.

Twenty-two years into their venture, Pasquale's Pizza & Pasta, 14 N. State St., is still going strong and prides itself on being the oldest independent restaurant in Uptown.

"We're the old goats of Uptown," Jim Francisco said. "We've been here the longest."

The restaurant got its start in 1988, opening in a small storefront on Main Street, formerly called Alley Pizza. Sylvia Francisco filled the menu with family recipes and recipes she took from her time working at her aunt's pizza shop on Morse Road.

The popularity of the homemade pasta, pizzas and desserts took off, leading the restaurant to gradually increase its size.

"Little by little, we started expanding the little hole in the wall that Alley was," Jim Francisco said.

The Franciscos began by adding 50 seats, then a 25-seat party room. Last year, they expanded to 115 seats and created a prominent entrance on State Street.

In its 22 years in Uptown, Pasquale's also has seen Westerville make the transition from being a traditionally "dry" town to one where alcohol can legally be sold and served.

The restaurant began serving beer and wine in 2006, though Francisco said he was hesitant to seek a liquor option for his business.

"I thought we'd lose our family business by putting beer and wine in," he said.

The result, however, was that Pasquale's began seeing its typical family crowd around 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. with a later crowd of people looking to enjoy drinks with their dinners around 8 p.m.

"It's still kept that family atmosphere but gave us another influx of later customers," he said.

Francisco said he believes Pasquale's family atmosphere has kept the restaurant a success in Uptown.

His own family plays a big part in creating that atmosphere. Though the restaurant began as an outlet for his wife, Francisco began working there after he retired, and their two children, Lisa and Anthony, have become active in restaurant operations.

"The family's been with it the whole way," he said. "Now I have grandkids busing tables, so I guess it's going to stay a family restaurant."

The resurgence of foot traffic to Uptown, for which Francisco gives credit to the city, the Westerville Visitors and Convention Bureau and the Westerville Uptown Merchants Association, also has helped the restaurant.

"You could see Uptown Westerville was turning into a nonentity. There just wasn't a lot of Uptown traffic," he said. "All of a sudden, it just became a diverse Uptown market, which creates traffic."

And of course, he said, his wife, Sylvia, gets much of the credit for the restaurant's success, since it's her cooking that keeps customers coming back.

"She still makes, to this day: The pasta's homemade, the sauce is made every day, the meatballs are homemade, the bread is homemade," Francisco said. "And people know, they can taste the difference."

Read the article in ThisWeek online, just click here.

Read Part 2 in this series, Encircle, 30 & 34 N. State, click here.

Read Part 1 in this series, Amish Originals Furniture Co., click here.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for a Military Personnel Fitness Discount

The City of Westerville is inviting Westerville Military Personnel to visit the Community Rec Center, 350 N. Cleveland, at a discount over the holidays:

Westerville Parks and Recreation Offers Community Center Discounted Rates for Westerville Resident Military Personnel

Thank you for your service to our country! If you would like to use the Westerville Community Center during your stay, we have a few options while on leave. All of the following options include access to the fitness room, track, pool and gymnasium during normal operating hours.

If your stay is shorter than two weeks, you may purchase a daily Multi-Port Pass for a discounted rate of $6.00 each visit. Otherwise, a 2 week PASSport is available for $30 or a 30 Day PASSport is $40.

If you would like to use these available options, please visit the Westerville Community Center front desk with your leave papers, along with a driver’s license showing your Westerville address. Once you have gone through the registration process and you will be using the fitness room, please check in with a fitness staff person who will complete your orientation.

Additional questions can be directed to Mike Herron, Fitness/Wellness Manager, at 614.901.6524.

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Mull Over Your Hoiday Wine Choices

Tatjana and Jason Brown present the Meza Minute. Visit Meza at 48 N. State in Uptown Westerville.

Dear Friends of Meza,

Thank you to those of you that came out to Meza last friday for our Wine and Chocolate event! It was our biggest turnout at a tasting and a great time was had by all! Thank you to Victor, owner of The Chocolate Octopus for providing samples!

If you enjoyed that tasting, then we hope you are looking forward to our special event this Friday evening! We will be sampling all sorts of bubbles....from Cava to Prosecco to Champagne! Perfect timing with Chrismas and New Years right around the corner!Sparkling and Champagne Tasting Event, Friday December 18 - 6:30 - 9:00 pm

Who doesn't love bubbles?! This is one not to miss! Taste Champagne, Prosecco, Cava and other sparkling wines from all over the world! Find the perfect sparkler for New Years!Cost of this tasting is $12/person for 5 sparkling wines and light tapas.

Champagne makes the perfect, elegant gift! Try one of our Champagne gifts - includes a bottle of Perrier Juet Champagne, two inscribed Champagne flutes, a hand poured soy candle and a brick of milk chocolate!($75)

Looking forward to more events at Meza?? We are too! Below is our updated tasting schedule for January! It's right around the corner and we look forward to seeing you there!Remember - Stock up and Save for the Holidays! We offer 10% off case purchases - and you can mix and match!

Looking for the perfect winter warmer to serve at your holiday party?

A little bonus for you.....Meza's Holiday Mulled Wine Recipe

Good Red Wine of your Choice
Mulling Spices (cinnamon sticks, cloves, orange peel)
Sugar
Water

Based on the number of guests you have, you will want to measure out 1/2 glass of red wine and 1/2 glass of water per person. Pour water and wine together into a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add in 1 tablespoon of sugar per person.Place mulling spices ( about 1 tablespoon full) into a mesh cheesecloth and tie with kitchen twice. Drop into saucepan.Cook all ingredients together on the stove top - bring to a boil and allow to boil for about a minute.Remove from the heat. Discard mulling spices. Serve hot - with a cinnamon stick in each glass.Happy Holidays!!

New! Meza Monthly Wine Club - Start Receiving your Wines in January!

Looking for a way to become familiar with new wines from varying regions? We are excited to offer you the opportunity to try wines that are truly unique, outside of our in store assortment with the launch of our Meza Monthly Wine Club!

Chose from "The Discovery" membership ($30/month plus tax) or "The Enthusiast" membership ( $60/month plus tax)

For additional information contact us at vinomeza@gmail.com or 614.264.7244.

Christmas Wines

Here are our Meza recommendations for wines to serve with your Christmas dinners or at holiday parties!

2008 Au Bon Climate Pinot Noir (Santa Barbara) ($20)
Beautiful strawberry flavors. This wine is not pretentious - simply easy to drink and delicious. Nice terxture and bright fruit - this wine will pair well with almost anything you serve.

2008 New Age White ($9)
Ever so slightly fizzy - this wine is so unique and fresh. Just sweet enough to satisfy. This will be a hit at your holiday party! Add a festive touch - a couple of raspberries to your glass for added excitment!

2007 Marchesi Biscardo Valpolicella Ripasso ($20)
This Italian gem can only be described in one way - VELVETY. Serve this with Chrismas dinner - perfect accompaniment to a roast.

Sinskey Late Harvest Pinot Gris ($29)
This wine is ripe, gold and luscious, but bright, like very ripe peach. The beautiful spice lingers behind the fruit - and will intensify after a few years in the bottle. Beautiful to serve with a cheese platter - a wonderful combination of sweet and savory. Also, serve with dessert. A beautiful ending to a holiday meal.

Olympic Cellars Winery - Cranberry Jubilee ($15)
A special edition wine by Olympic Cellars - a small, women owned and operated winery from Washington State. This full bodied wine is perfect for the holidays - fruit filled, tart and just a little bit sweet! The busy little elf on the label makes it the perfect gift for the season!

Meza Gift Giving Guide

Meza offers a variety of gift giving options that they are sure to love. Choose from some of our pre made gift basket options or let us help you customize your own! We offer a variety of basket options and can work with your budget to customize a beautiful, thoughtful gift.

Meza Gift Certificates also Now Available!

Try our 6 Wine Bottle Carrier - Chose 6 beautiful wines that they can enjoy throughout the holidays or for year round occasions! (prices vary)

January 2010 Tasting Schedule

Charles Smith Tasting: Friday, January 8 (6:30 - 9:00 pm)

Owner-winemaker Charles Smith with his big hair, kick ass attitude and bold packaging arrived in the Walla Walla Valley following eleven years in Scandinavia managing rock bands. Originally hailing from northern California, he has been involved with wine personally and professionally his entire life. Recently he was named American Winemaker of the Year in 2009 by Food and Wine Magazine. His modernist, relaxed approach to wine and wine making is a breath of fresh air. Come check out some of his innovative wines. We will be tasting Eve Chardonnay, Boom Boom Syrah, The Velvet Devil Merlot, Chateau Smith Cabernet Sauvignon and the K Vintners Viognier.

Cost of this tasting is $10 per person for 5 wines and light tapas.

Best Pizza Night Wines: Friday, January 15 (6:30 9:00 pm)

Wine doesnt have to be pretentious. It also doesnt have to be for special occasions or fancy dinners only! We will be tasting some easy to drink, full of flavor wines that are the perfect edition to your Friday night pizza night. Dont believe us? Taste for yourself! We will be sampling these great value wines along with small samples of some local pizza you be the judge!

Cost of this tasting is $10 per person for 5 wines and pizza samples.

Small Production Wines: Friday, January 22 (6:30 - 9:00 pm)

One of the great opportunities of attending a wine tasting is that you are able to taste wines that are not readily available at the big box retailers. Small production or boutique wines are big.many of these small producers are making top quality wines where quality is key. Join us for this tasting with James Uttley from Purple Feet Distribution where we will be tasting some boutique wines that are truly unique and not what you will find at Giant Eagle.

Cost of this tasting is $10 per person for 5 wines and light tapas.


Lighten Up with Whites: Friday, January 29 (6:30 - 9:00 pm)

Looking to lighten things up while the weather is still cold and dreary? Stop in for this white wine tastings where we will pa rouse through Rieslings, Torrontes, Malvasia, Pinot Gris and more!

Cost of this tasting is $10 per person for 5 wines and light tapas.



Photograph courtest of Meza by Andrew Plant photography

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Support our Library

Our nationally recognized Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State, is looking for community support:

As the year 2009 concludes, we invite you to show your support of the Library with a financial contribution.

Reductions in state funding for public libraries -- a 32% loss, or $980,000, for our library this year -- have forced substantial cuts in the Westerville Public Library budget.

The impact? Closed Sunday hours; 13 open library positions that cannot be filled; a book budget cut in half; and many more behind-the-scenes reductions.

Below are four ways you can help your Westerville Public Library.

-- Support the Westerville Library Foundation Annual Appeal:

http://www.westervillelibrary.org/foundation/appeal

-- Adopt a Book:

http://www.westervillelibrary.org/adopt-a-book/

-- Become a Volunteer:

http://www.westervillelibrary.org/volunteer/

-- Join the Friends of the Library:

http://www.westervillelibrary.org/friends/

Great libraries don't just happen -- they are possible because of the involvement and generosity of patrons.

Thank you in advance for your continuing support of our community treasure!

The Westerville Library Foundation

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Learn About Cultures

The latest installment of Miriam's Journal is on the Amish Originals Furniture Co. blog.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Holiday Gifts

The Amish Originals Furniture Co. (8 & 38 N. State) 2009 Holiday Gift Guide is now online.

Cool and Affordable Holiday Decor and Fabulous Gift Ideas abound!

Click here to check out Amish Originals December eNews!

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Holiday Wines

The lastest Meza Minute from Jason & Tatjana Brown at Meza, 48 N. State, is out:

Many of you are busy buying gifts, decorating, baking, wrapping......we too are keeping busy with all those things, and throwing in a wine tasting or two for good measure!

We love this time of year......getting together with friends and family and drinking good wine!

We are really looking forward to our next two tasting events coming up on Friday Dec. 11 and Friday Dec. 18th. Our wine and chocolate pairing featuring wines from the Chocolate Octopus here in Columbus will be a great night and what better way to kick of Christmas week than with a sparkling wine and champagne tasting! We hope to see many of you over the next two Fridays!

While you are here if you need help selecting wines for your Christmas or Hanukkah dinners, holiday parties or for New Years, please let us know. We will help you find wines that will fit your budget and that will make your holiday memorable!

Wine and Chocolate Pairing Event
Friday December 11 - 6:30 - 9:00 pm

Nothing sounds more festive than wine and chocolate. Grab some friends and head down to Meza for a truly decadent evening!

Sparkling and Champagne Tasting Event
Friday December 18 - 6:30 - 9:00 pm

Who doesn't love bubbles?! This is one not to miss! Taste Champagne, Prosecco, Cava and other sparkling wines from all over the world! Find the perfect sparkler for New Years!

Champagne makes the perfect, elegant gift!

Try one of our Champagne gifts - includes a bottle of Perrier Juet Champagne, two inscribed Champagne flutes, a hand poured soy candle and a brick of milk chocolate! ($75)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Private Holiday Wine Tasting

Only a few slots open! Can't fit it in before the holidays? Move your gathering out to January and enjoy friends and family without the stress of the holidays upon you!

email us at vinomeza@gmail.com or call us at 614.259.3101 during business hours for information about how you can host your own private wine tasting!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New!

Meza Monthly Wine Club

Looking for a way to become familiar with new wines from varying regions? We are excited to offer you the opportunity to try wines that are truly unique, outside of our in store assortment with the launch of our
Meza Monthly Wine Club!

Chose from "The Discovery" membership ($30/month plus tax) or "The Enthusiast" membership ( $60/month plus tax)

Receive wines that you won't find in our in store assortment that are top quality, along with wine pairing suggestions and information on the wines.

Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to explore new wines or to grow your personal collection. Meza Wine Club memberships also make great gifts!

For additional information contact us at vinomeza@gmail.com or 614.264.7244.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hanukkah Wines

Here are our Meza recommendations for wines to enhance your Hanukkah celebrations this year!

2007 Foxglove Chardonnay ($15)

This vibrant, un oaked Chardonnay is crisp, clean and fruity. The perfect compliment to potato latkes.

2005 Matchbook Tinto Rey ($13)

This is a fabulous red blend that is full bodied and smooth. Serve with brisket and sauteed spinach for a out of this world pairing.

2007 Cascina Castlet Moscato d'Asti ($17)

What better way to end a meal than with some bubbles and a touch of sweetness. Serve your apple spiced Rugelach with a beautiful bubbly Moscato to end your meal in a memorable way and make your guests feel extra special.

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Meza Gift Giving Guide

Meza offers a variety of gift giving options that they are sure to love.

Choose from some of our pre-made gift basket options or let us help you customize your own! We offer a variety of basket options and can work with your budget to customize a beautiful, thoughtful gift.

Meza Gift Certificates also Now Available!

Try our 6 Wine Bottle Carrier - Chose 6 beautiful wines that they can enjoy throughout the holidays or for year round occasions! (prices vary)

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Enrich, Enlighten, Enhance and Enjoy

Read this week's feature on Encircle, 30 & 34 N. State, in ThisWeek Community Newspapers Westerville:

Community support leads to success for Encircle

Wednesday, December 9, 2009 12:48 PM

By JENNIFER NESBITT
ThisWeek Staff Writer

Editor's note: This story is the second in a five-part series examining what makes Uptown Westerville unique and highlighting selected businesses there.

Amy Heath is the owner of Encircle, located at 30 N. State St. in Uptown WestHeath said she credits the Westerville community with for the success of her business, which sells American-made crafts and clothing.

When Amy Heath purchased The Bibelot Shop, an American craft gallery in Uptown Westerville, she knew she was taking a leap.

"I saw The Bibelot Shop for sale, and I just did it -- a leap of faith," said Heath, who was then employed as a case worker.

In the seven years since, Heath has turned The Bibelot Shop into Encircle, 30 N. State St., which she expanded into two Uptown storefronts two years ago.
She said she credits the Westerville community with making her business, along with the many others in Uptown, successful.

"It's definitely the people in Westerville," Heath said. "They want to support downtown. They're always up here."

The two stores in one at Encircle sell only American-made craft goods. One side of the shop features crafts to wear -- such as jewelry and sweaters -- while the other features crafts for the home.

Some of the artists presented in the store are holdovers from its days as The Bibelot Shop, Heath said. But she said she's modernized and brought in works by many new artists.

Some artists whose work Encircle sells work on a larger scale, she said, but some are local artists whose work she sells on consignment.

Which items are the biggest sellers for the stores changes with the seasons, Heath said. As the holiday approaches and the winter chill begins to set in, she said candles and sweaters become the hot items.

"It's cyclical. It's always changing," she said. "Sometimes it's jewelry and sometimes it's pottery and sometimes it's glass."

One thing that doesn't change is the type of items available in her store, Heath said. She said all are meant to be works of art that are high-quality, useful and affordable.

"I really focus on quality and cost," Heath said. "I focus on functional art pieces of good quality that are affordable."

Heath said Uptown Westerville has been the right place for her shop because of the small-town feel and the support she sees from the customers.

"Uptown Westerville is very nice, and I love, love Westerville," she said. "The people in Westerville are wonderful, and they support their downtown. It's like a small town, but we're in the city."

The support of customers is growing, Heath said, as is evident from people determined to shop locally during the recession, even if they're spending less and purchasing smaller items.

"We're getting a lot of people this year saying, 'We don't want to shop in the mall any more,'" Heath said. "(The recession's) not hitting us that hard. There's certainly a difference, but it's not that hard."

Click here for the online article in ThisWeek.

Read Part 1: Amish Originals Furniture Co., click here.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Farewells

The Westerville Uptown Merchants Association is saddened to report that Uptown favorite The Dog Joint has closed.

Thank you to Linda & Mike Meeks and staff for the way they celebrated the classic Chicago-style hot dog Uptown... with relish!

We will miss you and wish you all the best as you move forward.

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Care

Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy.

-- Francis Pharcellus Church, The New York Sun, September 21, 1897

Looking for a way for you, your family, or your business to help others? Sponsor a child for Christmas through Westerville Caring & Sharing.

Call Westerville Caring & Sharing at 614.470.4320 for a Christmas Wish List, Shop, and Drop-off Gifts from December 7th through December 12th.

Adopt a local family for Christmas through the Westerville Area Resource Ministry (WARM). Visit warmwesterville.org to contact WARM.

Happy Holidays!

Uptown Westerville is a Place for People

Read about Uptown Westerville in this week's ThisWeek:

Businesses bring a new feel to Uptown

Wednesday, December 2, 2009 3:10 PM

By JENNIFER NESBITT
ThisWeek Staff Writer

The atmosphere has changed in Uptown Westerville over the last few years as more and more independent business owners open shops peddling a variety of goods and wares.

"Uptown continues to try to get out from under the impression that it's just three little blocks of antique shops," said Kriss Rogers, president of the Westerville Uptown Merchants Association and owner of Outside Envy, which specializes in home and garden décor. "There's all kinds of eclectic businesses."

Many of Uptown's cornerstone businesses, such as the Déjà Vu consignment store, Amish Originals Furniture Co. and the Uptown Pharmacy, still serve customers. But over the years, new businesses have moved in, offering a variety of novel retail opportunities, such as The Blue Turtle Tea and Spice Co., Encircle and the Uptown Cigar Co.

Coffee shops abound, but Rogers said each offers a different experience.

"There's so much personality up here," she said. "I think of Uptown Westerville as our very own eclectic shopping mall."

Westerville City Council chairwoman Diane Fosselman said there are traditional elements that draw people to Uptown: the historical feel of preserved streets and buildings, as well as building signs, street signs, benches and flowers.

In addition to that atmosphere, Fosselman said the main draw to Uptown is the newfound variety offered by the locally owned businesses.

"As far as shopping goes, you can find things in Uptown that you can't find any place else," Fosselman said. "All of that just helps create this atmosphere of 'community-minded' and just gives people a real positive sense about Westerville."

And Uptown is continuing to draw businesses as well as shoppers.

As businesses move out, new ones line up to take their spots, Rogers said. "Right now, we have the problem of finding open storefronts on State Street," she said.

What makes Uptown in demand in addition to the mix of businesses and the historical feel, Rogers said, is the supportive community, from residents who shop Uptown to business groups and city leaders who band together to support the business district.

"You can't invent this stuff," Rogers said. "It's been here for a long while."

Jeff Hartnell, executive director of the Westerville Visitors and Convention Bureau, said those partnerships among businesses, community groups and city leaders have led to the shift in Uptown's atmosphere over the last few years.

"It's unbelievable the effort has gone to (revitalize) the energy behind this Uptown area," Hartnell said. "I'm so overwhelmed with what's happened the last three years that I've been here."

In addition to attracting new businesses headed by passionate entrepreneurs, Hartnell said the shift has drawn more people to Uptown in his three-year tenure at the visitors and convention bureau.

When he first took over his post, he said Uptown events put on by the bureau had an average attendance of fewer than 1,000 people. Now, he said the bureau's summertime Fourth Friday events host around 100 vendors and attract an average of around 6,000 patrons.

"All of this has brought a brand new energy to the community," Hartnell said. "This is a great community. This Uptown district is full of energy. It's full of new things."

That energy gives Uptown Westerville the edge over the many historical suburban shopping districts around central Ohio, he said.

"I wouldn't trade our Uptown area for any of them," Hartnell said. "It's really an amazing area."

jnesbitt@thisweeknews.com

To read this article online at ThisWeek, Click here.

Uptown Westerville is Place for Community Business

Amish Originals Furniture Co. is featured in this week's ThisWeek!

Amish Originals finds home in city's Uptown

Wednesday, December 2, 2009 3:12 PM

By JENNIFER NESBITT
ThisWeek Staff Writer

Editor's note: This story is the first in a five-part series examining what makes Uptown Westerville unique and highlighting selected businesses there.

Amish Originals Furniture Co. has been peddling heavy, handmade, wooden furniture in Uptown for 17 years.

The store has expanded three times, first adding wings to each side of its original location at 8 N. State. St., then adding an additional location at 38 N. State St.

"We just ran out of room, I guess," owner Doug Winbigler said of the expansions. "I think we're done now."

Winbigler said he opened his furniture store in 1992 with encouragement from his father, who owns a lumber yard in Ashland County. At the time, Amish men in the area were beginning to make and sell furniture.

"It was my dad's idea to open here," said Winbigler, who was working for The Limited at the time and was looking for a new career opportunity. Uptown Westerville was chosen because Winbigler said he liked the hometown feel of the area.

"We were raised near a small town," he said. "We were drawn to the charm, the look of (Westerville)." The location was secured when Winbigler spotted a "for rent" sign in a storefront window.

"It was serendipitous, I guess," he said. "It all just fell into place as we worked on it."

Since then, the furniture store has thrived, selling office furniture and tables at the original location and bedroom furniture at the store farther north up State Street.

Amish Originals attracts shoppers from surrounding communities to Uptown, Winbigler said, and customers visiting the store have shipped purchases to many points across the state and country. International businessmen working in central Ohio also have shipped items to Europe and Asia.

Winbigler said he believes the shop has been a good fit for Uptown Westerville because its sturdy, Ohio-made products sold in an independently owned business speaks to people's values.

"The values of our products are consistent with the values of the community," he said.

The store also does well, he said, because in 17 years, the business has become part of the community, supporting local schools and community groups.

The employees, who are trained to not pressure customers into buying items, also attract return customers.

"We're successful because we've been blessed with the people who work here," Winbigler said. "Nobody's ever going to push. No one's on commission. We still run this like a small-town store. I think that's why we fit in."

With the success that he and other business owners and Uptown have seen, he said he still knows his business depends on local customers.

"If the community enjoys Uptown, they need to support Uptown," Winbigler said.
Even if residents don't buy anything, he encourages them to head to the Uptown area to browse the many stores.

So far, he said, he has found widespread support in the community, seeing local customers return when they're ready to make new furniture purchases.

"We still see our very first customers from the first year we were here," Winbigler said. "We have the same people in here every year, every two years."

jnesbitt@thisweeknews.com

To read the Amish Originals story online, click here.

Miriam's Journal and more, visit the Amish Originals blog, click here.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Holiday Fun

What a wonderful holiday season in Uptown Westerville!

The official city tree is installed, the Uptown Star is hanging above Main & State, and if you look closely, you'll notice the new trees lining State in Uptown Westerville are sporting mini-lights! The only thing left to do is flip the switch!!

Enlightening!

Friday, December 4th -- the City Tree Lighting Ceremony at 7 p.m. at City Hall.

Select Uptown merchants and food establishments are open both before and after the tree lighting, so when you come Uptown for the tree lighting, shop Uptown Westerville!

A Gal Named Cinda Lou (20 N. State), Dairy Queen (84 S. State), Deja Vu (11 N. State), Serendipity (33 E. College), and Westerville Antiques (2 N. State) are open extended hours.

Meza, 48 N. State is featuring an Interesting Italians Wine Tasting from 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. Cost is $10/person for 5 wines and chocolates.

En Garde! Stop by Profencing, 13 1/2 E. College, for a free evening of fencing.

Historic.

The Children's Classic Carol: Up On The Housetop was written by Westerville's Benjamin Hanby.

December 5th & 6th Enjoy a Hanby House Open House this weekend. For details, click here.

Family Fitness and Fun.

December 6th 5k Rudolph Run, Sertoma/Jaycees Children's Christmas Parade.

And, while you're Uptown for the parade... stop by Uptown Cigar Company and visit with Santa Claus! 33 N. State from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Entertaining.

December 5th Generations Performing Arts Center Christmas Spectacular at Westerville Central High School. Call 614.794.3298 for more info or to order tickets. www.gen-pac.com

December 7th - 11th. Snowflake Castle at the Westerville Senior Center, call for schedule 614.901.6560, 310 W. Main St. Admission: $2 per child. Preschoolers and Kindergarteners can enjoy a movie, puppet show, toy trains, face painting, gift shop and a visit with Santa!

Poetic.

Monday, December 7th, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Sarah’s Corner at the Courtright Memorial Library (at W. Main & S. Grove) at Otterbein College presents J. Patrick Lewis, children’s poet and former professor. Books written by J. Patrick Lewis will be available for sale and refreshments will be served. This event is free and open to the public.

Shop.

Shop Uptown Westerville.

Uptown Gift Card.

Enjoy.

The holiday season is a perfect time to stroll through Uptown Westerville. Explore shops you've never been in before. Have an ice cream or a coffee and sit outside or walk about. Visit with shopkeepers. Take in the holiday lighting and the windows. Just enjoy.

For more Holiday details, including Music, click here.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Great Gift Ideas

Check out Columbus Alive's 20 Gifts Under $20 for 2 great suggestions you can find in Uptown Westerville!

Visit a Gal Named Cinda Lou, 20 N. State, for "stylized portraits" by Julia Rad -- an original work for just $10 per person. A fun way to pose for a family portrait!

and...

Shop Meza, 48 N. State, for great pantry and wine cellar small indulgences.

Shop Uptown Westerville!

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Personal Expression

Some 2009 Midnight Madness memories on Westerville Life!

Click here to visit the Westerville Life Madness Photo Gallery.

Thanks to Gary Gardiner for these great shots!