Uptown Westerville is a Place to Start School

Today is the first day of school in Westerville and throughout Central Ohio.

Four life saving words: Pay Attention. Slow Down.

See how slow you can go by respecting speed limits in school zones and neighborhoods and when the school bus is stopped, please stop, too. Been a while since you took the test for your temps and not sure what to do? Click here for the Ohio revised code on stopped school buses.

Be safe.

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Honor and Remember

Please Save the Date for Friday, September 11, 2009 in Westerville.

The World Trade Center steel for the Westerville Firefighters Memorial: The Crossing arrived in Westerville on August 19th. The 4,000 pound piece of steel is from the face of the North Tower (Piece C-40) just above the point where Flight 11 hit the building.

Westerville Paramedic/Firefighter Tom Ullom recently told The Columbus Dispatch: "It stands for all that day wrought. But it survived, and it calls to mind the good that came from that day, too: all the people that came to someone else's aid, the humanity that was shown."

The first public viewing of the steel will be during a procession on September 11th up State St. at 10:30 a.m. The steel will be in front of the fire station at 400 W. Main for a noon ceremony.

The procession will begin at Huber Village Blvd. and move north through Uptown Westerville, turning onto W. Main to the firestation.

A September 11th Observance will take place at noon:

Opening Music: Westerville Firefighters’ Pipes & Drums

Welcome: Chaplain David C. Hogg

Presentation of the Colors by the Westervile Fire and Poice Honor Guards

Music: Westerville Firefighters’ Pipes & Drums

The National Anthem: Chaplain David and Darlene Murdoch

The Pledge of Alleigance: Chaplain Harold Steindam

Prayer: Chaplain Harold Steindam

First Responders' Park: Firefighter/Medic Tom Ullom, Police Officer Corey Baker, Communications Supervisor Alan Fish

Comments: Chaplain James Meacham

Police Officers' Prayer: Lt. Jeff Gaylor

Comments: Chaplain David C. Hogg

Firefighters' Prayer: Inspector James Tharp

Moment of Silence followed by the Ringing of the Bell

Retirement of the Colors by the Westerville Fire and Police Honor Guards

Closing Prayer: Chaplain David Murdoch

Closing Music: “Amazing Grace,” Westerville Firefighters’ Pipes & Drums

To learn more or to contribute to the memorial fund, visit http://www.wffmemorial.org/.

To read Holly Zachariah's article from The Columbus Dispatch, click here.

Click here to access a printable PDF of the 09.11.09 observance from the City of Westerville.

Healing is a matter of time, but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity. Hippocrates

Uptown Westerville is a Place for America's Best

Otterbein College is ranked No. 14 on U.S. News and World Report's Best Colleges!

For details, click here.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Pups

Every Fourth Friday in August Uptown Westerville goes to the dogs!

It's the Westerville Visitors and Convention Bureau's Dog Days of Summer: a celebration of our canine pals!

2009's Dog Days of Summer is Friday, August 28th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Click here for event details or visit the WVCB at www.visitwesterville.org

By the way, Uptown Westerville merchants love dogs, but not all shop environments can accommodate canine guests. This sign in the window should help!

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Come Home

This Sunday, August 23rd, the city of Westerville is hosting the first annual Coming Home Celebration.

The event runs from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and home base for the event is Alum Creek Park North at 221 W. Main.

Coming Home is presented by the Westerville Education Foundation, Westerville Symphony, Westerville Chamber Foundation, and the Westerville Parks Foundation.

The day's schedule includes:

8 a.m.: 5k Heritage Run

9 - 11 a.m.: Pancake Breakfast

1 p.m.: Meet William "Pussyfoot" Johnson (a historical re-enactment of the famed figure from the Anti-Saloon League)

1 p.m. - 8 p.m.: Taste of Westerville

1 p.m. - 4 p.m.: Arts & Crafts Activities as well as Temperance Row Walking Tours and a Punch Party at 131 W. Park St.

2 p.m.: Tricycle Races and an Ice Cream Social

2 p.m. - 4 p.m.: Central Ohio Plein Air Society

4 p.m.: Alum Creek Duck Race
Tickets be on sale all day (8.23) at the "Duck Booth" at the festival. The ticket purchaser with the number of the duck first to cross the race course on Alum Creek will split the pot 50/50, with the balance to local educational foundations.

4 p.m. - 5 p.m.: Westerville Community Band Concert

6 p.m. : Home Town Heroes Recognition

6:30 p.m.: Westerville Symphony Concert

Read more online:

Westerville News and Public Opinion
Columbus Dispatch
ThisWeek Community Newspapers

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Wednesday Outdoor Shopping

It's Market Wednesday in Uptown Westerville! 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. N. State and E. Home.

For this week's market report visit the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market blog, just click here.

Remember while you are Uptown for the market to Shop Uptown Westerville!

See you at the market!


Photo: Fresh Sweet Corn from Doran's Family Farm. (c)2009 Brickstreet Communications. All rights reserved

Uptown Westerville is a Place for a Sale at Cinda Lou

A Gal Named Cinda Lou, 20 N. State St., has a sale through August 31, 2009! Debbie Bennati and Juli Bennati share:

Back-to-school sale! 25% off all furniture during the month of August. A great place to shop when looking to furnish your new apartment or dorm room.

Uptown Westerville is a Place to "Paws" to Celebrate Dogs

Outside Envy, 15 N. State is hosting a special book event beginning 6 p.m. on August 28th during Fourth Friday's Dog Days for a very good cause!

Outside Envy's Kriss Rogers shares...

The evening's activities benefit The Capital Area Humane Society, and we are hosting the author of The Dog Days of Charlotte Hayes, Marlane Kennedy, who will be giving a reading/signing at the Otterbein College Library (4:30 p.m. in Sarah's Corner on the lower level of the Courtright Memorial Library at W. Main & N. Grove) . We hope to raise enough money to giveaway upwards of 100 copies of The Dog Days of Charlotte Hayes based on contributions from the business community and private donations.

The whole community seems excited by the possibilities: Otterbein College has given us the venue for the reading; members of the Westerville Uptown Merchants Association are participating in the event and the Westerville Visitors and Convention Bureau will help us promote it. The local press has also expressed interest in covering the event.

Our purpose is twofold: first to get books in the hands of kids; second to raise awareness of Animal Rescue, and the plight of animals. As Mahatma Ghandi said: "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."

In the current economic climate, not only people are suffering, but so are their companion animals. People are having to make the difficult choice to give up their pets. Some dogs and cats are abandoned or dumped. Shelters are overcrowded. The Dog Days of Charlotte Hayes addresses the issue of finding the 'right' home for a dog in ways that are educational, heartwarming, and humorous. Its audience may be middle school readers, but the lessons are there for us all.

The beneficiary of the book donations will be the Capital Area Humane Society, which not only provides education about adoption, health, spay/neuter, etc., but offers opportunities to volunteer, gives help with training animals, and generally raises awareness of a number of animal issues (including abuse). It is an advocate for animals, and investigates instances of animal cruelty. It's clearly a worthy cause. We're trying to promote reading as well as awareness. When you have an informed and empathic audience (and when you reach them as children), both animals and children benefit--you end up with responsible pet owners. Books, children, and animals--that's an unbeatable combination!

We plan to give the books (signed by Marlane Kennedy at the event) to kids who bring a donation to rescue. We're asking for monetary donations as well as new dog toys, leads, bowls, biscuits, crate pads, blankets, etc.

Thank you for considering a donation and we hope you'll be able to help us out. Donations should be received by August 12th, 2009 to assure that your sponsorship is recognized at the event. Any donation amount would be greatly appreciated and we will list sponsors at these levels:

$25 to $49 Bronze Sponsor
$50 to $99 Silver Sponsor
$100 to $249 Gold Sponsor
$250 + Platinum Sponsor

The Dog Days of Summer will be held on August 28th. We can be reached at the Outside Envy outside.envy@sbcglobal.net or 614.895.3689.

Sincerely,

Kriss Rogers,
President, Westerville Uptown Merchants Association
Owner, Outside Envy

Candy Canzoneri
Adjunct Professor of English and Integrative Studies, Otterbein College

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Shadows and Light

Photographer, Gary Gardiner is featured at Java Central, 20 S. State...

Java Central Coffee House, 20 South State Street, will host an Artist Reception for renowned Westerville photographer Gary Gardiner on Tuesday, August 18, from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.. It will showcase dozens of select photographs, all of which are available for purchase. The public is invited to meet Gardiner and view his work.

This is a rare display of Gardiner’s excellent work – only his second show ever and the first in eight years. Gardiner will periodically have a series of art shows at Java Central, each with a different theme. This initial show will feature Nature and outdoor scenes, primarily in the Westerville area. His show will continue on display until mid-September.

Gardiner is a well-known and recognizable fixture at every Westerville event, activity and location, as he captures the moment on camera. In addition, his prior professional background is very impressive and extensive, including 27 years as a top Associated Press photographer. He has covered events around the world, including presidents, national election campaigns and conventions, Apollo launches, natural and man-made disasters, the Olympics, kings, queens and Popes – and the Buckeyes!

Java Central Coffee House is a popular local destination with a multi-room facility seating over 50. It features custom roasted coffees, frozen drinks and a variety of baked goods, including gourmet desserts by Mozart’s Bakery. Since March, 2009, it has expanded into an arts venue, as well, featuring paintings and photographs by local area artists and live music performances on Fridays and Saturdays.

Take a look at Gary's photo tours around Westerville: www.westervillelife.com

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Family Stories

The lastest installment from Miriam's Journal - a look at life in an Amish family is now posted on the Amish Originals blog.

Click here to read Miriam's latest entry.

Also, Business First Columbus featured a Shop Talk mention of Amish Originals blog and Miriam's Journal. Click here to read!

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Fresh Ground Music

Java Central, 20 S. State, shares their weekend plans!

Last Friday's Open Mic was missing some regulars, but Chris returned (from Korea!), Ricky C. and Robert played again, and we added several newcomers – our thanks to Cindy and Bryant from Grandview (aka Rockbridge Crossing), and Annie from
Marengo.

R U Bound (bluegrass trio) did another outstanding job and packed the place! Thanks again to Gary Puckett, Adam and Jeff. We would like to have a Bluegrass Night every month – and they will be definitely be back.

Here is the Live Music lineup for this weekend:

Friday 8/14 - Acoustic Open Mic (7 -10 p.m.)
Open to everyone. Join our regulars and add a fresh voice!

Saturday 8/15 - John LaFollette (7 – 10 p.m.)
John returns for another show at Java Central. He is an exceptional singer/guitarist who used to front rock bands and now does great solo work – pop, rock, oldies (primarily 50s, 60,s 70s).

Later this month is Jazz Night and next week we will feature Gary Puckett on banjo with his students (of all ages - singing and playing a variety of acoustic instruments.)

Artist Reception:

Don’t forget that Java Central will host an Artist Reception for longtime Westerville Photographer Gary Gardiner on Tuesday, August 18, from 7 – 9 PM. The public is invited to this rare show (only his 2nd show ever!) by one of Westerville’s finest artists. His chosen photographs will be on display and all are available for purchase.

Diane and Adel
Jane and Ralph
info@java-central.com
614.839.0698

Take a video tour of Java Central thanks to WOCC-TV's Walking Westerville.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Opportunity

Lola Belle Boutique, 46 S. State, is for sale. Partner, Scott Briley shares these details:

The price is $29k and includes all inventory, fixtures, and computers. The lease is good for 1.5 years at $1515 per month. All offers will be considered, of course. The retail value of the inventory is approximately $45k. For more info or if you are interested in making an offer for Lola Belle Boutique, contact Scott Briley at 614.519.9626.



Photo: Lola Belle Boutique exterior in Uptown Westerville by Linda Foor. ©2009 Brickstreet Communications. All rights reserved. Used with permission only.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Best Fans

Well, it's official. Westerville, Ohio is the 2009 Money Magazine/facebook fan favorite.

Westerville surprised Money and facebook because ultimately the city gained 3,831 new facebook fans (3,449 during official polling).

Comments of residents past, present, and future give us much to be proud of!

Westerville, Ohio is truly a community and truly a place for people.

Click here to read Money's follow up article.

Uptown Westerville is a Place Where One Woman's Old-Fashion is Another Woman's New-Fashion

Take a video tour of Deja Vu, 11 N. State, a women's clothing consignment shop!

Visit, shop, browse... or resell!

Click here to view Walking Westerville at Deja Vu on WOCC-TV.

Accessories. Shoes. Clothing. Small Indulgences. You'll want to make Deja Vu a regular stop to see what's new!

Want to know more about selling your clothing at DeJa Vu? Stop by or call 614.890.1150.


Photo: Deja Vu in Uptown Westerville by Linda Foor. ©2009 Brickstreet Communications. All rights reserved. Used with permission only.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Your Garden Oasis

Outside Envy, 15 N. State, is now on video!

Click here to check out Walking in Westerville: Outside Envy from WOCC TV.

Outside Envy is a breath of fresh air no matter the season with an off the beaten path collection of personal touches for garden, deck, patio, home, and front porch! Stop by and visit with owner, Kriss Rogers, browse, shop, or take in a touch of calm and serene in a bustling day.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Outdoor Adventures in Shopping

It's Market Wednesday in Uptown Westerville!

Check out today's market details on the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market blog.

Photo: Fresh pie from Sue's Kitchen at the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market by Linda Foor. ©2009 Brickstreet Communications. All rights reserved.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Sinfully Sweet Wines

Meza, 48 N. State, is hosting a Friday Wine Tasting on August 7th from 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.:

Sinfully Sweet Wines

$10 for Tasting: 5 wines & light tapas.

To attend, contact Meza's Tatjana Brown: vinomeza@gmail.com or call 614.259.3101

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Support the 3/50 Project

The Westerville Uptown Merchants Association encourages the 3/50 Project.

3/50 is a grassroots concept posed by retail consultant Cinda Baxter on her site www.alwaysupward.com that focuses on saving the brick & mortars our nation is built on.

As Cinda observes, "Survival isn't a solo act."

3/50 is a simple philosphy that can build community. Your decisions and your purchases have a long-term impact on local small businesses and marketplaces...

3 What 3 independently owned businesses would you miss if they disappeared? Stop in. Say hello. Pick up something that brings a smile. Your purchases are what keeps those businesses around.

50 If half the employed populations spent $50 each month in locally owned independent businesses, it would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue.* Imagine the impact if 3/4 of the employed population did that.

68 For every $100 spent in locally owned independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures. If you spend that in a national chain, only $43 stays here. Spend it online and nothing comes home.

1 The number of people it takes to start a trend... you.

Pick 3. Spend 50. Save your local economy.

The members of the Westerville Uptown Merchants Association appreciate our community and your continuing support. We encourage you to think about the 3/50 concept, learn more, maybe try it for a month or two or more. Like a pebble tossed in a pond, the impact you'll continue to have on your community, now and for the future, will prove to be immeasurable.

Click here to view the Westerville Uptown Merchants Association member directory.

Click here to check out the 3/50 Project.

Thank you for Shopping Uptown Westerville!

*Employment statistics courtesy U.S. Department of Labor 2.6.09. Graphic images courtesty of the350project.net.

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Support Community Events

The 16th Annual Cops & Kids Day is coming up Sunday, September 13, 2009, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Hoff Woods off McCorkle.

Sponsored by the Central Ohio Peace Officers and Westerville Police Division, Cops & Kids Day features...

▪ Free Admission

▪ Free Refreshments

▪ Free Prizes

▪ Music
▪ SWAT Displays

▪ Helicopters

▪ DARE Cars

▪ Mounted Patrols

▪ K-9 Units
▪ “Dunk-A-Cop” Tank

▪ Souvenir Gift to the 1st 1200 Kids

If you or your business are interested in being a sponsor of Cops & Kids Day, click here for more information.

Click here to view event flyer.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Honoring Friends

This Saturday, August 8, 2009, Uptown Westerville will be the site of the 6th Annual Garrett Wonders Memorial Bike Race.

Event coordinator Westerville Bike Shop's Kurt Lehmkuhl tells us:

The 6th annual
Garrett Wonders Memorial Bike Race will be held on Saturday, August 8th from 8 a.m. -12:30 p.m. in Uptown Westerville.

The event will bring hundreds of the top cyclists from across the Midwest to the heart of Westerville to race and enjoy what Uptown has to offer.

The event is named after Garrett Wonders, a 25-year-old aspiring elite cyclist who was tragically struck by a car while on a training ride. Garrett began his cycling career with the Westerville Bike Shop racing for the OSU Cycling Team.

In memory of Garrett and his enthusiasm for the development of young cyclists, Garrett's family set up the Garrett Wonders Memorial Fund. The Garrett Wonders Memorial Bike Race honors Garrett's memory and raises money for the promotion of cycling safety and helps fund a collegiate cycling scholarship at Ohio State University.

The races start at 8 a.m. with road races for beginners, and run through the morning. After the Elite mens race at 11:00 is a community fat tire race open to anyone at noon. The day concludes with childrens street sprints at 12:25 down State open to all children ages 2 to 12 years of age with ribbons, ice cream, and more for all children who enter.

Parking & Restricted Street Closures for Uptown Westerville

The start/finish line for the race will be on State Street, near the State/Winter intersection. The racer's route will be State St. turning left onto Park, then left onto Summit, left onto College, and finally left onto State.

State Street, between W. College and Park, will be closed from 8 a.m. - 1p.m. on race day. Area residents will be able to gain access to this portion of State Street from the nearest officer on duty, who will allow area residents in and out privileges before the races begin and during breaks in between races. Those who are attending weddings at nearby churches will also be able to get through by finding an officer on duty, but should expect some delays.

Other roads on the route will be closed from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. on race day; however, as with State St., area residents will be able to gain access to these other roads that are part of the race course from the nearest officer on duty, who will allow area residents in and out privileges before the races begin and during breaks in between races.

There will be no parking allowed along these sections from Midnight (12 a.m.) on Friday, August 7th, through completion of the event. Note: All vehicles not removed from the route will be towed starting 7:30 a.m. on August 8th.

Parking Arrangements

Parking can be found in the following areas:
▪ By the Westerville Bike Shop on 29 West Main,
▪ Behind the City municipal complex on State St.
▪ Behind the Westerville Public Library On State Street
▪ In the City Park and Ride Lot on Main Street

Questions & More Information

▪ For Questions concerning parking and street closures, contact the Westerville Police Department at 614.901.6453.

To pre-register for the event or for more info about the races, go to http://www.garrettwondersrace.com/.

If you would like to help, stop by or contact the Westerville Bike Shop at 29 West Main St. or contact Kurt Lehmkuhl at 614.361.9047.

For more about Garrett go to http://www.sharetheroadmagnets.com/

Come and enjoy the race and take some time to visit the Saturday Uptown Market and the many unique restaurants and shops in uptown Westerville that help make events like this possible.

The bike race is a fun event and very family friendly -- so come on Uptown to eat, shop, and watch the bike races.

Click here for the Race Poster.

Click here for the Event Press Release.