Uptown Westerville is a Place for Faith

may my heart always be open to little

birds who are the secrets of living

e.e. cummings

6-year-old Faith Pruden lives in Westerville with her family, living an everyday 6-year-old's life. 

Faith is also living day-to-day with a brain tumor, that right now, cannot be helped by medicine.

Faith is a child with unfathomable riches because Faith is surrounded by the love of her family, friends, and community. 

Faith and her family inspire all of us to savor each moment of life more richly as she embraces the opportunity to pack a whole lot of life experience into a few months' time.

Join us as we embrace Faith and her example with hope and love.

Click here to visit Faith's Wish list online.

Follow Faith on twitter.

Donate to help with Faith's medical bills.

Read more about Faith in Westerville Magazine, click here.

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Honor WWII Vets

Saturday, June 26th is the 2010 Honor Flight Pancake Breakfast.

Stop by the American Legion at 393 E. College (east of Otterbein Ave.) between 7:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. for a pancake and sausage breakfast.

Admission is just $6 for adults.

To learn more about the Honor Flight, click here.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Otterbein Uptown!

The merchants of Uptown Westerville say Congrats to Otterbein College's Class of 2010 and welcome to family, friends, and alumni!

This is an Otterbein Uptown Pennant Weekend!

Click here to visit our web page for details!

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Never Forget

As Memorial Day approaches, the Westerville Sunrise Rotary is presenting the Field of Heroes over Memorial Day weekend (May 29th - 31st).

Field of Heroes is an installation of 2000 American flags to honor those who have and do sacrifice and serve. The Field of Heroes is located not far from Uptown Westerville at County Line Road and Cleveland Avenue, across from the Community Rec Center.

This year, the installation will also feature the Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall.

On May 27th, escorted by Westerville Police and the Ohio Patriot Guard Riders Motorcycle Brigade between 9 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., the Moving Wall will arrive in Westerville on a route that rolls south on State Street from Polaris Parkway, through Uptown Westerville, west on Schrock Road and north on Cleveland Ave. Organizers are encouraging folks to stand along the procession route to honor the veterans, the wall, and the holiday.

You may be interested in attending or know someone who would be, so please pass the word if you will.

The Westerville Firefighters Memorial Bike Tour is Saturday, May 29th.  For more information click here.

Westerville's Memorial Day parade begins Monday, May 31st at 9:45 a.m. at State & College in Uptown Westerville.

Best Wishes from the members of the Westerville Uptown Merchants Association and have a safe, happy Memorial Day holiday.


Photo of 2009 Field of Heroes courtesy of City of Westerville.

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Get Back to Nature

The Westerville Convention and Visitors Bureau's May 2010 Fourth Friday is this Friday, May 28th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

This month's theme is Back to Nature!

To learn more, visit the WVCB Website (just click here).

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Good Taste

From South America to farm fresh to your own back yard, Meza's wine tastings for May:

- Chile/Argentina with Banfi Imports, Friday, May 14th (6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.): Clay Shelton of Banfi Imports will be joining this special tasting of South American wines. $10/person for wines and light tapas.


- BBQ and Picnic Wines, Friday, May 21st (6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.): Meza's brunch, picnic, and grilled-food friendly wines. $10/person for wines and light tapas.

- Fourth Friday Value Wines Tasting, Friday, May 28th (6:00 p.m. - 9 p.m.): A Fourth Friday favorite at just $1 per tasting.

Market Wednesday Tastings.  Uptown for the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market on Wednesday afternoons?  Stop by Meza for market-themed tastings at just $1 per tasting, pairings, and serving suggestions.

Visit Meza at 48 N. State in Uptown Westerville.

Schedule a private wine tasting party at Meza, just contact Tatjana and Jason at 614.259.3101 or vinomeza@gmail.com

Uptown Westerville is a Place for An Evening on the Patio

The 3rd Thursday of each month May thru October, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. join Uptown Cigar for an evening on the patio at Jimmy V's, 1 S. State St.

Mike Daffin and Roy Lawson invite you to, "Enjoy your favorite cigar while relaxing with Jimmy V's excellent selection of wines, whiskeys, etc."

Uptown Cigar Company is located at 33 N. State. Hours: Tuesday - Friday, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Call for special time arrangements 614.392.2302.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Otterbein Uptown!

Otterbein College welcomes High School sophomores and juniors and their families this weekend -- May 7th and 8th. It's an Otterbein Uptown! Pennant Weekend, Special Edition!


For more information about Otterbein Uptown! including participating merchants, click here.

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Parry

Profencing, 13-1/2 E. College, is announcing both May sessions (starting this week) and Summer Camps.

Youth Sessions:

May 1st . 4 Sessions of one hour each. Saturdays from 4:00-5:00pm. $75.00

May 3rd . 4 Sessions of one hour each. Mondays from 7:00- 8:00pm. $75.00

May 5th. 4 Sessions of one hour. Wednesdays from 4:00- 5:00 pm. $75.00

Adult Intro Sessions:

May 1st. 4 Sessions of one hour. Saturdays from 8:00-9:00pm. $75.00

May 3rd. 4 Sessions of one hour. Mondays from 8:00-9:00pm $75.00

May 7th. 4 Sessions of one hour. Fridays from 6:30-7:30pm $75.00

Summer Camp 2010

The Profencing Summer Day Camp is a great chance for kids ages 7 to 14, to combine mornings of entertaining educational activities with afternoons engaged in the exciting, fast-paced sport of modern fencing.

Cost: Each week (5 days) $300 for members & $350 for non-members. 10% discount if application & $100 non-refundable deposit are received by 5/20/2010.

Note: Camps are held at the Dublin Sport Fencing Center, Dublin Village Shopping Center 6561 Dublin Center Drive, Dublin, Ohio 43016

Click here to download the Summer Camps flyer PDF (includes application).

or visit online: http://profencing-proesgrima.com/146056.html

Profencing on facebook! Click here.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Upgrades

A heads up from WPL! This Tuesday, May 4th, the library is installing a new phone system, so if you can't connect, be patient.

WPL online is a great resource anytime!

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Marching Bands, Flags and Floats

Mark your calendars! The 2010 Independence Day celebration is Saturday, July 3rd.

The day starts with the Rotary Run- a 5k walk/run.  There's a children's run, too. The run starts at 8 a.m. and registration begins at 6:30 a.m.  There is an entry fee of $25 if you enter before June 20th and $30 after (including July 3rd).  For more information on the Rotary Run, click here.

The Rotary Club of Westerville Independence Day Parade theme this year is Freedom -- The Best Gift of All.  Start time for the parade is 1 p.m.

If you plan on a parade float or entry, the fee is $75 before June 18th and then $100 after.

Click here to connect to the Rotary Club parade application.

Check back with the blog for the rest of the Independence Day details, including fireworks!

Photo of the 2009 parade courtesy of Rotary Club of Westerville.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Theatre, Music and Dance

Otterbein College Theatre Department presents...

Dead Man's Cell Phone

A comedy by Sarah Ruhl

Directed by Ed Vaughan

April 29-May 1, May 7 & 8

Campus Center Theatre, 100 W Home St., Westerville

An incessantly ringing cell phone in a quiet cafe. A stranger at the next table who has had enough. And a dead man with a lot of loose ends. So begins Dead Man's Cell Phone...

and coming soon...

Magic To Do! The musical Pippin.

Book by Roger O. Hirson / Music & Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz / Adaptation from the Italian by Mario Fratti

Directed by Dennis Romer / Musical Direction by Lori Kay Harvey / Choreography by Stella Hiatt Kane

May 20-23, 27-29

Cowan Hall, 30 S Grove St., Westerville

Once upon a time, the young prince Pippin longed to discover the secret of true happiness and fulfillment. He sought it in the glories of the battlefield, the temptations of the flesh and the intrigues of political power. In the end, he found it in the simple pleasures of home and family. This hip, tongue-in-cheek, anachronistic fairy tale captivated Broadway....

For more information or to order tickets, visit the Otterbein College Theatre Department online.

After the play, walk a few steps east and dine, drink, and shop Uptown Westerville.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Food for Fashion

Lesa Halliwell tells us Deja Vu, 11 N. State, is holding a special Sale and Benefit event:

Deja Vu will be hosting its first annual "Food for Fashion" Sales Event on Friday, May 14th from 10 a.m, to 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 15th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

There will be savings up to 50% off and everyone who brings in a canned or non-perishable food item will be entered into a drawing for a $50.00 gift card.

All food items collected will benefit W.A.R.M. (Westerville Area Resource Ministry)

We are asking for specifically, canned chili, tomato products, and canned fruit & juice products.

So raid the pantry and stop by Deja Vu and everyone benefits!

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Say "Thanks, Mom!"

From restaurants to shops, Uptown Westerville is a place to find uncommon and thoughtful gifts for Mother's Day.

Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State: Stop by the Friends of the Library Gift Shoppe for library logo-ware, jewelry, candles, and gifts for your favorite avid reader.

Dairy Queen, 84 S. State, 899.2253: Pick up a DQ Gift Certificate for a bit of sweet indulgence or a personalized ice cream cake.

Attatooed, 16 S. State: Body art including tattoos and henna, jewelry, tarot card readings, reiki, and gift certificates.

Profencing, 13-1/2 E. College: Adult Intro to Fencing Sessions are registering now.  Fencing gifts and gift certificates available in the Pro Shop.

Ruth Reed Antiques, 23 E. College: Find a special gift with a touch of history.

Serendipity, 33 E. College: Clay Mamma Pottery hand made coffee mugs & pottery, Jess' Bee Natural lip balm, hand-made Buckeye accessories, and gift certificates so Mom can stop for her favorite cup of coffee whenever she wants to!

Fusion Fitness and Wellness, 23 Israel: Personal training, yoga, wellnesspre- and post-natal services and training, half-marathon training, and pilates.

Westerville Antiques, 2 N. State: Find a favorite childhood memory or retro decor just for Mom.

Amish Originals Furniture Co., 8 & 38 N. State: More than beautiful, hand-crafted furniture, Amish Originals is a place to make a house a home, featuring unique gift items from Switchables nightlights to art to jewelry armoires.

Pasquale's Pizza and Pasta House, 14 N. State: Take Mom out for a special meal made with love by the Francisco family or pick up a gift certificate.

Uptown Strings, 18 N. State: Stringed instruments, accessories, and music lessons.

A Gal Named Cinda Lou, 20 N. State: Retro fashions and furnishings along with jewelry and original art. 

Old Bag of Nails Pub, 24 N. State: Take Mom out to dinner or pick up a gift certificate.

Encircle, 30 & 34 N. State: American style homewares, art, jewelry, decor, small, thougtful gifts, and clothing.

Hey Diddle Diddle, 38 N. State: Kid-focused clothing and gifts

Gallery 202, 38 N. State, Upstairs: Original art and art-related gifts

Meza, 48 N. State: Fabulous wines, pantry fare, gift baskets, and gift certificates. Buy Mom a Meza wine tasting event.

Suite 59 Hair Design, 59 E. Home: Hair care and design, favorite products and gift certificates for a personal care indulgence.

Otterbein College: The Otterbein College bookstore in the Campus Center at 100 W. Home features all sorts of cool Cardinal gear for Mom's with Otterbein spirit or contact the Otterbein theatre department for tickets to May's Dead Man’s Cell Phone, a comedy by acclaimed playwright Sarah Ruhl, at 8 p.m. on May 7th and 8th at the Campus Center Theatre (tickets cost $15), the musical Pippin on May 20th thru 23rd and May 27th thur 29th, or Otterbein Summer Theatre. Call 614.823.1109 or visit www.otterbein.edu/theatre.

DJ's Feed Store, 41 N. State: Bird feeders and seed, special horse and pet related gifts.

Captivating Canines, 31 N. State: Great gifts for a Mom with a passion for pups! Captivating Canines has gift certificates, too.

Morgan's Treasure, 12 W. Main: Beautiful custom jewelry, art, jewelry care and repair.

Westerville Bike Shop, 29 W. Main: For a Mom that loves to cycle, bikes and accessories.

Outside Envy, 15 N. State: Beautiful touches for home and garden, including gift certificates.

DeJa Vu, 11 N. State: Consignment fashion and accessories.

The Uptown Gift Card: Welcomed and Sold an any or all of 15 select Uptown Merchants.

One of the best gifts you can give: time with Mom. We highly recommend taking Mom Uptown to dine, shop, browse, linger over a cup of coffee, visit, and make great memories in Uptown Westerville.

Happy Mother's Day and Thanks, Mom! from the Westerville Uptown Merchants Association.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Reclaimed Style

You know it's spring in Uptown Westerville when you see folks enjoying their ice cream sitting on this season's Amish-crafted outdoor furniture in front of Amish Originals Furniture Co. at  8 & 38 N. State.

Amish Originals selection of natural cypress, pine, and colorful poly Adirondack outdoor furniture is now available. Come by, sit a spell, buy!

New! Barnwood Furniture occasional tables are now part of the Amish Originals Furniture Co. accent table selection. These rustic Ohio-made occasional tables are made of reclaimed barnwood with repurposed slate shingles.

Miriam's journal, news, tips and more... visit the Amish Originals blog, click here.

Sustainable. Click here to check out Amish Originals April 2010 eNews. To sign up for Amish Originals eNews, click here.

Visit Amish Originals Furniture Co. on facebook.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Garden Art

Outside Envy's Spring Open House is this weekend, April 24th and 25th at 15 N. State in Uptown Westerville.

As part of the open house, on April 24th, Outside Envy is presenting a gold buy-back event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A garden oasis, Outside Envy features a selection of imaginative and personal touches for your garden, deck, patio, and home.

Visit Outside Envy online, click here.

Outside Envy is now on Facebook and Twitter.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Shredding

Too much paper? Worried about protecting your identity? Shred it!  Bring your shredding to Hoff Woods Park, 556 McCorkle from 10 a.m. to noon on April 24th.

From the City of Westerville:

Shred-It Day in Westerville

Recycle and protect your privacy.

As part of Westerville's recycling and conservation efforts, the Parks and Recreation department has partnered with Fireproof Record Center to offer residents a chance to dispose of their documents in a safe manner. Fireproof will have their mobile shredding truck on-site to dispose of your documents. There is a limit of five (5) boxes per household. This is a FREE service.

Stay up-to-date with Westerville activities on facebook.  Click here.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Pleats, Darts, and Fashion

Sunday, May 2nd, join Henry the dog of A Gal Named Cinda Lou (20 N. State) and Stinky the cat of Westerville Antiques (2 N. State) for their For Pleat's Sake vintage fashion show.

Henry and Stinky are hosting two shows at 2 p.m. & 4 p.m. in the 3rd floor banquet room at the Old Bag of Nails Pub, 24 N. State.

Admission is $5 with raffles and treats.

Last year's event was big fun.

Proceeds this year benefit Citizens for Humane Action.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at either merchant location.

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Honor and Remember

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

Memorial Day is Monday, May 31, 2010. The Sunshine Rotary Club of Westerville is again sponsoring the Field of Heroes flag display at the southwest corner of Cleveland Ave. and County Line Rd. from May 29 - 31. This simple and touching tribute is really something to behold. To learn more, including how to purchase a flag, click here.

As part of the Memorial Day weekend, the Westerville Fire Fighters Memorial Bike Tour takes place on Saturday, May 29th at 9 a.m. You can participate in a 25, 50, or 75 mile bike tour around Westerville and surrounding areas and registration is $25 (check or cash). This event is open to all ages and all skill levels. To learn more or to register, click here.

The Memorial Day parade is May 31, 2010, details to follow, so check back with the blog (normally the parade is in the a.m.). When you come up for the parade, allow time to follow the parade on its route past the Armory to Otterbein Cemetery -- it's just something people do on their own, just to honor - a truly heartfelt tradition.

By the way, updating your American flag? The red, white, and blue retired flag collection boxes are located at the back entrance of City Hall (21 S. State) and the back entrance walkway into the Westerville Public Library (126 S. State).

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Celebrate, Remember, and Fight Back

May 7th (starting at 6 p.m.) and 8th, Otterbein College is hosting Relay for Life.

Click here for Relay for Life Otterbein on facebook.

Click here for the ACS Relay for Life Otterbein College page.

The Westerville Relay for Life is June 25th (starting at 6 p.m.) and 26th (at Westerville Central).
 
And, mark your calendar for the Earlene's Fighting Team fundraiser at The Old Bag of Nails Pub, 24 N. State, May 14th from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Old Bag's 3rd floor (always a fun event).
 
Click here for the Westerville Relay facebook page.
 
Relay for Life - Start a team. Join a Team (Otterbein and/or Westerville!). Participate in the Survivor's Lap. Donate.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Market Wednesdays

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market season begins on Wednesday, May 5th at 3 p.m. at N. State and E. Home Streets in the Church of the Messiah, UM parking lot.

Market favorite vendors are returning for another season and the market's added some new vendors, too. The market is open for business every Wednesday, May through October, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Home-grown. Home-made. All Ohio.

The market meets rain or shine (within reason and with common sense -- in the case of lightning, market activity will supsend (to resume once the storm passes) and at that point, it's every man, woman, and child for themselves!!) and all market vendors have canopies.

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market has a new web address this season (still working on the updated web site: right now, we have the home page and market directory): http://www.marketwednesday.com/ and email address: info@marketwednesday.com

The blog is the same: http://uptownwestervillefarmersmarket.blogspot.com/

UWFM has a new logo: The logo with the ginkgo leaf represents the market seasons from spring to fall and Uptown Westerville. Besides the big, beautiful ginkgo tree at City Hall, State Street is lined with young ginkgo trees. The ginkgo tree is an ancient tree that represents resilience, longevity, prosperity, wisdom, hope, and peace. We couldn't think of a better symbol for the community or the market.

WARM (Westerville Area Resource Ministry) and the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market are teaming up for year 3 of the WARM Fresh Green Program.
 
Through the WARM Fresh Green Program market vendors accept Fresh Green vouchers so anyone in greater Westerville (the Westerville City School district) can purchase healthy fresh produce, fruit-bearing plants, and artisan foods no matter their need. In 2009, market vendors honored $2,470 in WARM Fresh Green vouchers and every eligible market vendor participated!
 
If you would like to donate to the WARM Fresh Green Program, contact WARM via http://www.warmwesterville.org/ or email: info@warmwesterville.org or phone: 614.899.0196.
 
Make Market Wednesdays a part of your summer routine -- dine Uptown Westerville for lunch, shop, visit, browse Uptown Westerville, and bring some farm-fresh home for dinner from the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market.
 
See you at the market!

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Otterbein College Founders' Days

Otterbein College is bringing back Founders' Days on April 24th, 25th, and 26th.

Activities include the Spring Plunge (a community service day that starts at 9 a.m.), Scrap Day (a 5k "Donut Run" that benefits WARM and old-school games (tug of war, cornhole, water balloons...) and a River Frolic with free kayaking on Alum Creek), and Convocation (historical music and reenactments and a reception that includes a "lost Otterbein" self-guided tour -- no classes during Convocation, btw!)

Otterbein's Living History: You can record your own memories of Otterbein College (Cardinal Tales) this month. Click here for the schedule and to learn more.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Serving Our Seniors

Saturday, April 24th, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Westerville North High School, 950 County Line, mark your calendar for Serving Our Seniors Safety Day sponsored by WPD and WPCAAA.

This event is free and there is plenty of parking.

Designed for Seniors and Caregivers, SOS Day features exhibitors and presentations that focus on health, safety, and crime prevention including 2 special sessions presented by the Ohio AG's office: 1) Plan Well/Live Well and 2) Identity Theft/Scams.

WMNI will be providing the music and there is a free lunch and door prizes (while supplies last).

The Westerville Senior Center has transportation to the event (check with the center ahead of time for details).

For more information, contact Carrie Ryan at carrie.ryan@westerville.org or 614.901.6490.

Click here to check out the SOS web page (including pictures from last year's event).

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Fourth Fridays

April 23rd marks the beginning of the 2010 Westerville Visitors and Convention Bureau's Fourth Friday season.

Fourth Fridays happen in Uptown Westerville from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m on the Fourth Friday of each month, April through September, and are family, kid, and pet friendly, a great way to check things out Uptown from food to shopping.

Want to know more about shopping or dining Uptown Westerville? Visit the Westerville Uptown Merchants Association website: http://www.shopuptownwesterville.com/.

Come up for dinner, enjoy the evening, shop, visit, and pick up dessert before you head home!

The 2010 Fourth Friday Schedule:

April 23rd: Uptown Alive

May 28th: Back to Nature

June 25th: Safety Fest

July 23rd: World Bazaar

August 27th: Dog Days of Summer

September 24th: School Daze

Uptown Westerville is a Place for the Best Of

Wake the kids, phone the neighbors, e-mail your family and friends... Columbus Monthly's Best of Columbus 2010 Ballot is now open (through April 30th) for your participation.

Click on the link in the previous sentence or visit Columbus Monthly online: http://www.columbusmonthly.com/

Categories include Shopping and Services, People, Restaurants, Media, Drink and Entertainment, and miscellaneous categories like Best Farmers' Market, Park, Public Artwork, Furniture Store, Marching Bands, Suburb, and Neighborhood.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for High Speed Google

You can nominate the City of Westerville to participate in a test program with Google!

Google Fiber-in-the-Home is about to start a fiber optics communications test project (they expect online speeds to be 100X faster) and Westerville can be a part of it!  But, in order to be consider, the City of Westerville needs to be nominated.

All nominations must be in by March 26, 2010.

Click here to visit the nomination page (you do need to register or be registered with Google to nominate).

Click here to learn more about the fiber optics program.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Nostalgic Value

Save $100 on any purchase of $500 or more with Amish Original's classic coupon!

Amish Originals Furniture Co., 8 & 38 N. State, brings back a classic: The customer favorite Home and Garden Show Save $100 on $500 or more coupon.

March 4th and March 11th, Amish Originals is running ads featuring the Home and Garden classic coupon in select This Week Community Newspapers.

Present the coupon beginning March 15, 2010 through April 3, 2010 and Save!

Check newspaper ads or... Click here to get your coupon!


Additional information: Coupon must be presented at time of purchase, including any furniture order. Coupon offer applies to any purchase of $500 or more at 8 N. State or 38 N. State Street locations. This offer valid only with coupon. This online coupon offer valid from March 15, 2010 to April 3, 2010. 25% deposit required on all furniture orders. Limit one coupon per household. Offer not valid on previous purchases and cannot be combined with any other offer. Offer not valid for gift certificates or gift cards. Some restrictions may apply. Contact Amish Originals Furniture Co. or see store for details and specific questions. Offer expires April 3, 2010.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for the Repurposed Garden

Kriss Rogers of Outside Envy, 15 N. State, announces...

Plant Nannies are back, use your recycled wine bottles & Plant Nanny Stakes together to water your plants.

Great for vacation watering!

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Matthew Christopher and Laura Jayne

This weekend, March 6th and 7th, at Bella Laccio Bridal, 46 N. State:

Save 15% on all Matthew Christopher and Laura Jayne gowns and hair accessories!

info@bellalacciobridal.com
614-735-1165

Uptown Westerville is a Place with Good Taste

Tatjana and Jason Brown of Meza, 48 N. State, share the current Meza Minute....

Dear Friends of Meza,

We have a feeling it won't be much longer until spring is here! It has been a long winter and we are excited for all the events coming up in the spring months as well as all the new wines and changes at Meza!

We have been having a great time at our weekly wine tasting events - even the snow hasn't slowed people down! We hope you continue to come see us each Friday, chat for a bit, taste some great wines, find new favorites. Tastings are a great way for us to find out what our customers like. When we chose wines for our shelves, we taste them and make sure they fit in our assortment. Many times though, we look to what the big favorites are at the tasting events to determine what will stay on our shelves! So be sure to give us feedback, and let us know what wines you love!

Our calendar this month is filling up very quickly with private tasting events! If you are looking for a venue for a networking opportunity, birthday party, or casual gathering of friends, simply e mail or call us and set up a private wine tasting! Leave the planning to us. Just show up and enjoy!

In other news, we are very thankful to our friends at Capital Style for featuring Meza in the new March issue in their "Uncorked" Section! Even Laila got a mention for her hard work at the shop! Hope you all pick up a copy - it will be featured online next week.

Looking forward to seeing you all in March!

Tatjana and Jason Brown

What is New on our Shelves?!

2007 The Squid's Fist (Shiraz/Sangiovese) ($24)
Those of you attending the Australian tasting this week will be excited to taste this wine! All we can say is WOW. Powerful, lush, and enticing. This is a wine you will try and never forget.

2009 Corvidea "Mirth" Chardonnay ($13)
We loved this Chardonnay because of the quality for this price. From the renowned Owen Roe winery, this Chardonnay is crisp and refreshing. Loads of green apple flavor with only a slight creamy texture. No big oak explosion here.

2009 Barnard Griffin Riesling ($10)
The 2008 vintage of this domestic Riesling made the Wine Spectator Top 100 list for 2009! This winery is known for their consistent quality in wines from year to year. Fruity but dry, this Riesling is a great food wine that would compliment Thai food or sushi or is also a great wine to enjoy on its own.

March 2010 Tastings

Amazing Australians with Vine Street Imports
Friday, March 5 (6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)

We are excited to present some of Australia's best boutique and artisan wines in this tasting. The innovation in their wine making techniques, blends and interesting labels makes this a tasting event you will not want to miss!

$10/person for wines and light tapas

Exploring Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris
Friday, March 12 (6:30 p.m. – 9:00 pm)

Explore this grape varietal and the different variations - from light, crisp Pinot Grigio of Italy, to fruity and clean Pinot Gris from Oregon, to the ever popular Pinot Noirs of the West Coast.

$10/person for wines and light tapas

Wines of Washington State
Friday, March 19 (6:30 p.m. – 9:00pm)

Washington is producing more and more top quality wines and has emerged as a leading wine region. We here at Meza are personal fans of Washington State wines and are looking forward to sharing our favorite selections with you.

$10/person for wines and sample

March "Malbec" Madness
Friday, March 26 (6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)

Malbec is HOT right now! Great flavor and affordable prices are propelling this grape varietal to new heights! Stop in and taste a range of different styles and see what fits your palate.

$10/person for wines and light tapas

April 2010

Wine and Cheese Pairing with Blue Jacket Dairy

Please RSVP to this event by e mailing us at vinomeza@gmail.com

Friday April 2 (6:30 p.m. – 9:00pm)

We love this local dairy for their amazing selection of hand made cheeses! Now see what wines to pair them with as we feature a mix of reds and whites - both domestic and imported.

$10/person for wines and cheese samples

Wines of Sonoma
Friday April 9 (6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)

Based on its coastal geography, climate and rich resources, Sonoma County is one of the premier areas in the US, and in the world, for wine making. Join us in tasting some of the wines that this area has to offer.

$10/person for wines and light tapas

Affordable Bubbles…..Just Because
Friday April 16 (6:30 – 9:00pm)

Why bubbles?? Because it's Friday. Because it's spring time. Just because. Affordable bubbles you can enjoy anytime......from wedding showers to Sunday brunch to a relaxing Saturday afternoon. Not just for special occasions anymore!

$10/person for wines and light tapas

Fourth Friday ($1/per tasting)
Friday, April 23 (6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)

Join us for the Uptown Westerville Fourth Friday series - Meza is open until 9 pm and we will be doing $1 tastings of 4 great value wines. Stop in and see us!

Relax and Pamper – Wine and Mini Massage Night!

Please RSVP to this event by e mailing us at vinomeza@gmail.com

Friday, April 30 (6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)

Thinking you need a way to relax and unwind? What better way than with wine and mini massages!! We will have a masseuse in house giving you some one on one treatment and we will be pouring a mix of whites and reds that will help you unwind from your busy week!

$15 for wines and mini massage session

Follow us on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Westerville-OH/Meza-Specialty-Gourmet-Food/43160127688?ref=ts

Follow us on Twitter
http://twitter.com/mezaonstate


Photo courtesy of Meza.

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Welcome Otterbein College Guests

A very special Otterbein Uptown Pennant Weekend!

This weekend Otterbein College welcomes 175 prospective students and their families for a visit to campus.

That like seems a great reason to welcome them to Westerville with a special Otterbein Uptown Pennant Weekend!

Otterbein students, faculty, alumni, and staff flash their OC i.d. at participating Uptown Westerville merchants and get a deal!

Otterbein guests have a special flyer they can present (and keep) or mention and they get a deal! 

Participating Merchants....

Dinner, Drink & Dessert

Dairy Queen, 84 S. State
Graeter's Ice Cream, 1 N. State
Java Central, 20 S. State
Jimmy V's Grill & Pub, 1 S. State
The Old Bag of Nails Pub, 24 N. State
Pasquale's Pizza & Pasta, 14 N. State
Pizza Primo, 10 E. Main
Serendipity, 33 E. College
Thai Grille,15 E. College

Shops & Services

A Gal Named Cinda Lou, 20 N. State
Amish Originals, 8 & 38 N. State
Atattooed, 16 S. State
Blue Turtle Tea & Spice Co., 2 S. State
Captivating Canines, 31 N. State
Colonial Music, 43 N. State
Deja Vu, 11 N. State
DJ's Feed Store, 41 N. State
Embroidery Deluxe, 39 W. Main
Encircle, 30 & 34 N. State
Five Star Staffing, 133 S. State
Gallery 202, 38 N. State, Upstairs
Heart's Content, 9 N. State
Hey Diddle Diddle, 38 N. State
It's All In The Name, 13 E. College
Meza, 48 N. State
Morgan's Treasure, 12 W. Main
My Cousin's Closet, 16 E. College
Old Skool Skate Shop, 11 E. College
Outside Envy, 15 N. State
Ruth Reed Antiques, 21 E. College
Sample 'n' Gift, 23 N. State
The Sullivan Co., 130 Graphic Way
Union Savings Bank, 44 S. State
Uptown Cigar Co., 33 N. State
Uptown Strings, 18 N. State
Westerville Antiques, 2 N. State

To link to these merchants, visit the Otterbein Uptown! Pennant Weekend web page. Offers vary and are at the discretion of each business. Regular business hours apply.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Your Logo Here

The profit is in the details and it's easy and affordable to add a personal touch to your event or brand right here in Uptown Westerville.

Wear Brand Matters: located at 130 Graphic Way, near the WPL, The Sullivan Company features promotional fashions and apparel, restaurant and chef apparel and promotional products and gifts.

Add memorable pizzazz to your next event! Owner, Dave Duhl says, "Planning a golf outing? You'll need logo shirts, golf balls, and tees. And we can provide them!"

From sport teams to chefs, Sullivan Company services include graphics, embroidery and screen printing.

Contact Dave and the team at Sullivan Company at 614.898.9971 and follow Sullivan Company on twitter: www.twitter.com/TheSullivanCo.

Uptown Westerville is a Place to be Well-Read

While closed today, February 16th, due to our near-record February snowfall (and the month's not over!), The Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State, is a hub of free or affordable activity Monday through Saturday.

Pop up to the library to read your favorite magazines or take part in special events like this cool, wintery family event: puppet adaptations of kids favorite stories. This month, WPL is featuring The Mitten, Porcupining & There Was a Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow on February 18th at 2:30 p.m. and February 20th at 11 a.m. The puppet shows last about 30 minutes. Contact the library to register ahead 614.882.7277

WPL is a true community center -- find a good read, find resources for your job search, learn about local history, play a video game, participate in an activity, surf the web (wifi) or scheduling a meeting. The library even features a Starbucks kiosk and gift shop run by the Friends of the Library.

Visit the library online: http://www.westervillelibrary.org/ (you can reserve books!)

Follow the library on twitter: www.twitter.com/westervlibrary

Check out the library events calendar: http://host4.evanced.info/westerville/evanced/eventcalendar.asp

And, to keep up with everything that is WPL, check out the great library facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/westervillelibrary

Westerville Public Library... worth checking out!

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Bella Laccio

Jen Romey of Bella Laccio Bridal, 46 N. State, is hosting a Wedding Industry Open House Thursday, February 25th from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Please RSVP to info@bellalacciobridal.com!

Uptown Westerville is a Place for the Light Fantastic

Amish Originals Furniture Co., 8 & 38 N. State, features home accents and accessories to compliment their selection of Ohio-made, Amish-crafted hard wood furniture, including a stylish twist on the everyday nightlight: Switchables.

Visit the Amish Originals blog to learn more and find out about a Switchables special offer.


Photo images courtesy of Switchables, LLC.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for the Flavor of Spain

Tatjana and Jason Brown of Meza, 48 N. State, want to make sure you know about 2 upcoming wine tastings....

Coming Up This Week:

Wines of the Rioja region of Spain!!! Friday, February 19 (6:30 p.m. - 9:00 pm)
Rioja is a hot hot hot region of Spain right now for wine production. We love Spanish wine..as many of you do too! Come by and taste some great wines from this exciting area of Spain!

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

Coming Up:
Blind Tasting Friday, February 26 (6:30 p.m. - 9:00 pm)

Last time we did this type of tasting it was a hit! Come test your wine knowledge and taste buds.we will put 6 wines against each other in a blind tasting. Guess the correct varietal, region or even which wine is higher in price. For those of you that love a little friendly competition, this is one not to be missed!

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

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Made in Ohio

Mike Daffin and Roy Lawson announce an Uptown Cigar Company event featuring Roxor Cigars:

Join us February 18th, 4:00 p.m. - 8:00pm
Special pricing and discounts
Experience Roxor Cigars, made by an Ohio company.

There are three types of ROXOR:
Natural - Velvety rich Venezuelan wrappers Cameroon
1991 Genuine African – sweet, and burns well Maduro
Pure Nicaraguan – filler, binder, wrapper

The Roxor Story:

The goal in establishing Perseo Cigar Co. was to create a unique blend of tobacco, combine that unique blend with high quality construction to create a new brand of cigars which are complex and have a delightful taste which is consistent and priced so that everyone can afford to indulge in smoking ROXOR daily.

We decided to go to Estelli, Nicaragua to find a manufacturer and blend. After months of experimentation with blends, soliciting opinions on variations in blends, tasting and testing and more tasting we reached our goal.

Naming the cigar: We assembled a legal team for trademark, copyright, and legal protection for the brand. We searched and searched for a name. We read history books, researched at the library, talked to anyone who would listen and brainstormed. We envisioned a Spanish or Cuban nobleman. Every name we came up with was unavailable. The mega tobacco companies had reserved and protected every name imaginable. We decided to abandon the traditional approach to our brand name and traditional packaging and develop a New, Unique Name, Label, and Packaging. This was a calculated risk but worth it.

ROXOR was born. ROXOR is a polynome which means it is pronounced and spelled the same forward and backward.

Future Events:

March - Special Tournament Game Night

Uptown Cigar Company Hours:
Tues - Fri 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sat - 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sun - 1 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Call for other special time arrangements 614.392.2302

Uptown Westerville is a Place for a Winter Wonderland

It's still snowing (although it's now consider "tail end") and so far, the slightly 25" this month is the most snow in February since 29" in 1910! (Ahhh, the good old days -- last year we had less than an inch during the whole month!)

Franklin, Delaware, and Licking Counties remain at Level 2 Snow Emergency status and there is no parking on snow emergency streets in Westerville. (Keep those plows moving!)

Due to Level 2 Snow Emergency, COTA buses are free today. For more information on COTA's Snow Emergency policy, click here.

Stay safe and check ahead! Click here to check WBNS-TV's closings, cancellations, and delays.

Otterbein College is closed today -- classes and administration, both. Follow Otterbein College on twitter at www.twitter.com/otterbein

The main campus of The Ohio State University is closed (that's right, main campus is closed!). Columbus State Community College, Franklin University, Capital University and Capital Law, CCAD, and Ohio Dominican University are all closed.

For the up-to-date "411" from the City of Westerville, visit Westerville on facebook or follow the city on twitter.

Westerville Public Library is closed today.

Westerville Parks and Rec daytime activities (before 5 p.m.) are cancelled today. Parks & Rec will announce news on evening activites today after 4 p.m.

Follow WUMA on twitter with regular updates at aplaceforpeople.

Uptown Westerville is a Place to School Snow Days

Westerville City Schools are closed on Tuesday, February 16th due to weather.

Click here for details.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for More Measurable Snow

It's beautiful to look at, fun to sled on, and in our faces again! Another February snowfall!

Even though it's a holiday for many, road conditions are a bit slick and snowcovered so as always in weather like this... be safe!

If you can't find what's up online or in the news, and you are headed somewhere, call, text, or email ahead!

For traffic updates online:
http://www.buckeyetraffic.org/

To Follow ODOT's KNOWB4UGO alerts on twitter:
http://www.dot.state.oh.us/Services/Pages/Twitter.aspx

Westerville Parks & Rec has cancelled all evening (after 5 p.m.) activities. Click here to read more. And, as of 7:02 tonight, the Rec Center is closed for the evening.

Otterbein College closed at 3 p.m. for today. All evening classes are cancelled. To read more, visit OC online, click here.

Westerville Public Library is closing at 6 p.m. tonight.

The City of Westerville has cancelled tonight's charter review commission meeting. The group will meet at 7 p.m. Feb. 22. Follow the City on twitter: www.twitter.com/tellwesterville

ThisWeek Westerville reports that COTA buses are currently running 20 to 25 minutes late. You can follow TW on twitter: http://twitter.com/TWWesterville or check Central Ohio closings on the WBNS-TV website, click here.

Franklin County is currently at a Level 1 snow emergency; Delaware and Licking Counties are Level 2. For up-to-date Snow Emergency Closings, click here.

To follow up-to-date details on this winter storm, click here to visit NOAA for greater Westerville online.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Vintage Valentines

Tatjana and Jason Brown of Meza, 48 N. State, sends us their latest update!

Best Valentines Day Wines Friday, February 12 (6:30 p.m. - 9:00 pm)

You don't want to miss this! Start your Valentine's Day weekend off right.

Looking for the perfect wine for a romantic Valentines Day? Stay in this year and snuggle up with the one you love with a great bottle of red or toast the night with a beautiful sparkling wine or Champagne. Pair a delicious and sinful dessert wine with a seductive chocolate dessert.

Chocolate gift boxes will be available for sale by the Chocolate Octopus this evening.

** we will be tasting the Trentadue Chocolate Port at this tasting. This Merlot based port is infused with natural chocolate and the result is a perfectly decadent wine to enjoy this V Day!

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

Wines to be Featured at the tasting:

Trentadue Chocoalte Port
Banfi Rosa Regale (sparkling brachetto)
Matchbook Tinto Rey
Oberon Cabernet
Chandon Riche Sparkling
.
Wines from Rioja Friday, February 19 (6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.)

Rioja is a hot hot hot region of Spain right now for wine production. We love Spanish wine..as many of you do too!Come by and taste some great wines from this exciting area of Spain!

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

Blind Tasting Friday, February 26 (6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.)

Last time we did this type of tasting it was a hit! Come test your wine knowledge and taste buds.we will put 6 wines against each other in a blind tasting. Guess the correct varietal, region or even which wine is higher in price. For those of you that love a little friendly competition, this is one not to be missed!

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

Other News

We will soon be updating our website with our Spring tasting schedule! So keep on the look out for some exciting tasting events coming in the near future!!

Looking for a great way to get your friends together or hose your work collegues?! Plan a private wine tasting event at Meza and let us do the work for you!E mail us at vinomeza@gmail.com or call us at 614.259.3101 to book a private event!

Remember to send an e mail to vinomeza@gmail.com to place your pre order for chocolate covered strawberries from the Chocolate Octopus for Valentine's Day! They will be available for pick up on Saturday February 13 after 12 pm.

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Keep Checking Ahead

This arctic front is still swirling around Central Ohio and weather reports are mentioning winds, drifting, and below zero temps.

With winter weather conditions what they are on the east coast and in the Chicago area, some flights are delayed or cancelled, so, of course, behind the wheel or in the air, just check ahead.

Westerville City Schools are closed today.

Franklin and Delaware Counties are both operating at a Level 1 Snow Emergency. For Updates, click here.

From Westerville Parks & Rec (via facebook):

Update: All evening activities with Parks & Recreation are canceled due to weather. Call the Community Center Weather/Sports Hotline for information or updates at 614.901.6888

Stay warm! Be safe!

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Check Ahead

The City of Westerville Park and Rec Department tweets:

Update: All activities this evening (2/9/10) with Parks & Rec Dept also canceled.

Not sure about business hours, an event, or class today? Just check ahead.

Follow the City of Westerville on Twitter: www.twitter.com/tellwesterville

Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State, is closing tonight at 6 p.m. due to weather.

Westerville City Schools are closed including evening activities.

Ottebein College closed at 3 p.m. today.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Cinda Lou

A Gal Named Cinda Lou, 20 N. State, announces the debut of their new renovated website!

Visit: www.cindalou.org to see what's new!

Check out the video tour of A Gal Named Cinda Lou as Channel 3's Walking in Westerville series stops by. Just click here.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Cultural Exchange

A look at the everyday life of an Ohio Amish family: the latest installment of Miriam's Journal is on the Amish Originals Furniture Co. blog.

Click here to read more.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Otterbein University

Otterbein College president Kathy Krendl announced that beginning with the Class of 2011, Otterbein College will become Otterbein University.

Otterbein, founded in 1847 as Otterbein University of Ohio by the United Brethren Church, transitioned from university to college in 1917 as its leaders wanted "to call the school by its right name." At the time its programs were focused exclusively on undergraduate liberal arts. The cornerstone of Otterbein University still remains embedded in the front of Towers Hall built in 1872 on Grove Street.

"Otterbein has the diversity of academic programs that define a university and has made enhancements to the academic structure by adding three schools, including the Graduate School," said President Kathy A. Krendl. "The alignment of our name and our mission communicates to national and international audiences that we are a comprehensive institution. Our integrative studies curriculum, award-winning community service opportunities, and study abroad programs are identifiers that distinguish Otterbein."

For more information, visit the Otterbein website - just click here.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Facebook

Are you registered on facebook?

Become a facebook fan for....

Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce! Click here.

Outside Envy! Click here.

Meza! Click here.

Generations Performing Arts Center! Click here.

Ruth Reed Antiques! Click here.

Westerville Public Library! Click here.

City of Westerville! Click here.

Westerville Mayor Kathy Cocuzzi! Click here.

Otterbein College! Click here.

Westerville Uptown Merchants Association! Click here.

Join the group for...

A Gal Named Cinda Lou! Click here.

Serendipity! Click here.

The Old Bag of Nails Pub! Click here.

Become a friend of...

Bella Laccio Bridal! Click here.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Snowy Saturdays

It's a snowy, snowy day in Central Ohio and Uptown Westerville.

The city has a series of marked snow emergency streets and when snowfall accumulates 3" or more, those streets become no parking zones (so they can be plowed).

To check out an online map of Westerville's snow emergency streets, click here.

Check Otterbein College's website for updates -- as of this moment, here on February 6th, the ACT testing is cancelled and OC Saturday classes are cancelled, all other activities right now are a go. Best rule of thumb -- check ahead of time.

As of this post, Franklin County is currently under a Level 2 Snow Emergency and Delaware County is in a Level 1. Check local news outlets for updates.

Level 1 Snow Emergency: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads are also icy; drive carefully.

Level 2 Snow Emergency: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Only those who believe it is necessary to drive should be out on the roadways. Contact your employer to see if you should report to work.

Level 3 Snow Emergency: All roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. No one else should be out during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel. All employees should contact their employers to see if they should report to work. Those traveling on the roadways may be subject to arrest.

Anywhere you have to be today, check in before you head out! Be safe!