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).

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Voice your Opinions

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

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

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

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Grow Your Business

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

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

Uptown Westerville is a Place in the News

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

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

Learn more about....

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

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

Uptown Westerville truly a Place for Business People!

Uptown Westerville is a Place Suitable for Framing

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

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

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Upgrades

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

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

Here's the details from the Franklin County Engineer:

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

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

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

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

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Celebrate Prizes!

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

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

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

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

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Instant Replay

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

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

Heard about it and sorry you missed it?

Worry Not!

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

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

Happy 2008! Happy 150th, Westerville!

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

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Celebrate on State!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Come Home for the Holidays

Welcome to Uptown Westerville.

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

West Side of State St., South to North…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

East Side State St., North to South…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Holidays!

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Cool Holiday Values!

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

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

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

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

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Decorate

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Holidays!

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Welcome the Holidays

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

Friday, November 30th

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

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

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

Sertoma Free Hot Chocolate and Cookies in front of City Hall

Uptown Shops Open Extended Hours

Saturday, December 1st

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

Sunday, December 2nd

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

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

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Community

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

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

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

Gellner Insurance Services
103 Commerce Park Dr., B
614.882.3332

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

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

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

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

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

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

Uptown Westerville is a Place for the Holidays

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Welcome New Neighbors

The Westerville Uptown Merchants Association welcomes three new members:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Smart Online Shopping

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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