Uptown Westerville is a Place for Understanding a Culture

In 1992, Amish Originals Furniture Co. opened in the old State Theatre at 8 N. State Street in Uptown Westerville with a new idea: reach out to northeastern Ohio's Amish community to provide a custom-crafted solid wood furniture selection that fits customers' homes and lives.

Recently, New York Times reporter Glenn Rifkin interviewed Amish Originals Furniture Co. founder, Doug Winbigler to take a look at how, like any community, the Amish community is finding ways to adapt to changing times.

To read the actual article online, click here or just read below....

January 8, 2009

The Amish Flock From Farms to Small Businesses

By GLENN RIFKIN

The Amish, the religious sect that has determinedly kept the modern world at bay, have been leaving a quiet life of farming for jobs in small businesses — all the while trying to balance their own values with the culture of the marketplace.

“Their whole intent is to not be caught up in the hustle and bustle of the modern world,” said John Swaffer, advertising manager at the Keim Lumber Company, a lumber mill in Charm, Ohio.
The Amish move into the world of commerce has been more out of necessity than desire. Over the last 16 years, the Amish population in the United States — mostly in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana — has nearly doubled, to 230,000, and the decreasing availability and increasing cost of farmland has forced many of these agrarian families, especially the younger generation, to gravitate to small business as their main source of income.

The businesses, which favor such Amish skills as furniture-making, quilting, construction work and cooking, have been remarkably successful. Despite a lack of even a high school education (the Amish leave school after the eighth grade), hundreds of Amish entrepreneurs have built profitable businesses based on the Amish values of high quality, integrity and hard work. A 2004 Goshen College study reported that the failure rate of Amish businesses is less than 5 percent, compared with a national small-business default rate that is far higher. (According to a federal study, only two-thirds of all small-business start-ups survive the first two years and fewer than half make it to four years.)

And these businesses have often partnered with non-Amish entrepreneurs to sell their wares to the public.

Doug Winbigler of Amish Originals Furniture Company, a retailer in Westerville, Ohio, has witnessed the Amish transition since he opened in 1992. “The change today is unbelievable,” said Mr. Winbigler, who is not Amish but buys his furniture from 75 Amish craftsmen in northern Ohio. “When we started, there was a hesitance because this was still a small industry and they wondered how we would treat them and represent them. They were concerned that they would be exploited. Today it has become more of a business and from a small-business angle, people are people. There are good and bad in every bunch.”

Many Amish have dealt with the collision of modern business technology and old world values by keeping their home and work lives completely separate. Though they still drive horses and buggies, remain off the power grid and wear simple, handmade clothing, some are using computers and power tools and talking on cellphones at their jobs.

Mr. Swaffer, of Keim, said that several Amish employees walk around the mill with Bluetooth cellphones in their ears, but the phones are owned by Keim and the workers shut them off when they leave work. “You won’t likely see someone on a horse and buggy talking on a cellphone,” he added.

Keim’s 120,000-square-foot showroom uses the latest computer technology and software. Given that the company’s general manager and most of its department managers are Amish, Keim had to go through a lengthy transition to get its workers to feel comfortable with the new technology.

“As a company, Keim didn’t want to violate the Amish principles,” Mr. Swaffer said. “Our owner, Bill Keim, shares the same principles, and there was a desire not to offend anyone. So it took a couple of years of education to get everybody on board.”

Kenny Troyer, who is Old Order Amish, straddles both worlds. He is the co-founder and a board member of Amish Naturals, a start-up in Holmesville, Ohio, that makes pasta, granola and sauces from Amish recipes. His co-founder, David Skinner Sr., is not Amish.

Mr. Troyer grew up on a farm without electricity, automobiles, telephones or television. His home is still without these modern conveniences but he is comfortable using a phone and computer at work. He does not drive but is willing to ride in a car. He acknowledges that some Amish churches grapple with collision of the old and the new and will not allow their members to use a phone or ride in a car, even at work. “Our community is a little more liberal,” Mr. Troyer said.

In a culture that puts a premium on families staying at home and working together on the farm, young Amish are increasingly leaving to take jobs outside the home. In a community for which time stood still in the 19th century, such changes are significant.

“For the Amish community in North America, the move from farming to small business is really a mini-industrial revolution,” said Donald B. Kraybill, a professor and senior fellow at the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania. “This is the most important and consequential change they’ve experienced since they came to North America in the 18th century.”

Professor Kraybill, who co-wrote “Amish Enterprise: From Plow to Profits,” estimates that more than half of Amish households now earn their primary income from small business rather than farming and in some Amish settlements (there are more than 400 different settlements in North America), the percentage of households earning their income from nonfarming commerce is over 90 percent.

“It is a dramatic change,” Professor Kraybill said. “It impacts the family and exposes them to the concept of competition and the need to use technology to be able to compete effectively.”
Professor Kraybill said he did not have data on how Amish businesses were faring in this current economy. He said he had heard that some had laid off employees and cut back hours but he knew of no business that had closed in the last six months. “I doubt if many will,” he said, because “the church usually comes in and takes over failing businesses before they fail.”

Like other religions, the Amish have various degrees of orthodoxy. There are many different affiliations of Amish groups, from the heavily traditional Old Order to the more progressive Amish Mennonites. Each church district has its own rules about everything from dress to use of technology. Some continue to shun extensive contact with the modern world while others are more flexible and pragmatic about embracing new technologies. Generally, each Amish community has a bishop who can decide, with the community’s input, whether or not to accept changes.

Mr. Winbigler said he had learned in his 16 years in the Amish furniture business that doing business with the Amish is all about the relationships. Real friendships have formed, and Mr. Winbigler has been invited to Amish weddings, funerals and family gatherings. “We’ve seen the intimate side of the community and it has been wonderful. But as it becomes more of a business, you lose time for some of those special things.”

Inevitably, the shift toward business amounts to a tradeoff for the Amish. According to Professor Kraybill, the Amish are generally frugal, very astute businesspeople who can outbid non-Amish contractors because they are able to keep their costs low. Amish small-business owners do not pay Social Security taxes, for example, because of an exemption granted to them in 1965. The family cares for the elderly and the local church takes care of health care expenses. All this has enabled them to increase the wealth in their communities and sustain their preferred way of life.

But the Amish struggle with the impact on the family. “The family can’t work together the way they did on the farm,” Professor Kraybill said. “If there are three teenage sons, they may each be going off to a job somewhere else. The father may be going off to work as well.”

And the more they start to accept new forms of technology, the more difficult it becomes to control outside influences. “They were able to keep the mainstream industrial revolution at bay for a century and a half,” Professor Kraybill said. “Now they can’t help but be more exposed to the outside world.”

Copyright 2009 The New York Times Company

Amish Originals Furniture Co. is located at 8 and 38 N. State Street in Westerville, Ohio. Call Amish Originals at 614.891.6257 or email: customerservice@amishoriginals.com

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Gain from Change at Vino Meza

Meza is making some changes in 2009 and you can benefit.

Fixture Sale! January 3 - 10, 2009

Meza features select specialty foods, beverages, and gift items --

hearth-warm and welcoming -- stop by today!

Meza . 48 N State . 614.259.3101 . www.vinomeza.com

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Value at Amish Originals

40% off Holiday Decor at Amish Originals Furniture Co.

8 & 38 N. State St., 614.891.6257, www.amishoriginals.com

Starting January 2nd

Uptown Westerville is a Place for January Deals at Meza

Starting January 2nd, visit Meza, 48 N. State, for great buys -- Take 50% off select Meza merchandise. For more information: visit Meza online or call 614.259.3101.

And, Meza welcomes and sells The Uptown Gift Card!

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Expression

Heather Beaver and Erin McKenna invite you to an evening of Art, coffee, and live music at Serendipity, 33 E. College, on Friday, January 2nd from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Click here to view Heather and Erin's flyer!

Serendipity welcomes and sells The Uptown Gift Card!

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Walk

Planning on adding walking to your fitness program?

You could strap on the pedometer and go for those 10,000 steps "mallercizing" (walking at an indoor mall) or consider a fresh-air alternative and Walk Uptown Westerville!

According to Google Maps the one-way walking distance from Home Street, south to Walnut Street, is .4 miles, so start up one side of State Street and head, round-trip, back up the other for an .8 of a mile walk -- that's roughly 1600 steps! And, since walking activity has a cumulative physical effect, feel free to add a few more steps browsing stores, getting to know uptown merchants, checking out the shops and businesses on Main and College, running uptown errands, or taking on the steps to Gallery 202 or to the second floor at the Westerville Public Library.

And, when you are ready to cool down, there are plenty of Uptown Westerville establishments to stop in to rehydrate and nourish.

Want to take your walks up a notch? Start Uptown and head west, to walk around Otterbein College campus (.2 of a mile from State Street) or head a few steps east on College (toward Fusion Fitness & Wellness) or Park (just .2 of a mile from State Street) and you'll find the city's hike/bike trail!

The mental and physical benefits of a simple walk each day are immeasurable, and we all know the benefits of shopping, browsing, and walking with friends!! So, keep "uptownercizing" in mind as a regular part of your fitness day!

There's plenty of free on-street and lot parking in Uptown Westerville, so it's easy to park and walk.

To check out the Westerville Uptown Merchants Member Directory, click here.


Note: You know the drill -- before starting any physical activity program seek professional guidance first and do what you need to do to properly prepare for your walking program.

Image: (c)2008 Brickstreet Communications. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Kindness

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

Throughout the year, Uptown merchants make helping others a seamless part of their lives.

Without a thought or fanfare, Uptown Merchants reach out to the people in our community who may need some extra help, like Kriss Rogers of Outside Envy who raffled a gift basket to benefit the Westerville Area Resource Ministry (WARM) during the holidays, Renee Kropat of Gallery 202 who's annual shop window decorating contest collects favorite window votes by collecting canned goods for WARM, Doug Winbigler and the Amish Originals Furniture Co. staff who contributed their time and an Amish Originals' delivery truck to haul toys collected by kids at St. Paul School to St. John's in Columbus for distribution to families in need, and the WARM/Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market Fresh Green Progam presenting farmers' market coupons to families that may have trouble affording fresh produce.

The member merchants of the Westerville Uptown Merchants Association wish you a wonderful holiday season and thank you for your acts of kindness when you help those in need and support local associations like WARM and Westerville Caring and Sharing, wherever you live.


Pictured: Students at St. Paul School help load the Amish Originals delivery truck with toys for kids in need.

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Pound the Beat

The December 22, 2008 Columbus Dispatch Metro Section front page features an article entitled Pounding the Beat about Westerville's Officer Mike Beekman.

Uptown Westerville appreciates Mike Beekman's extra efforts and WPD's support!

Besides helping merchants and residents in Uptown Westerville, Mike is also passionately involved in greyhound rescue and fostering, so meet Mike and greyhounds Juliet, Romeo, and Jade at the Dispatch Multimedia Link photo tour for Pounding the Beat (photos are by Dispatch photographer Tom Dodge).

For more information about greyhound rescue: http://www.centralohiogreyhound.org/

Thanks, Mike!

Pounding the Beat

Westerville policeman patrols the old-fashioned way: on foot

Monday, December 22, 2008 3:02 AM
By Dean Narciso
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Police Officer Mike Beekman said his familiarity with State Street's retailers and their habits helps him notice if something is amiss.

Officer Mike Beekman opens the sport-utility vehicle's door, pulls keys from the ignition and jangles them, shaking his head. "I've been known to pick up keys and leave a little note behind," said Beekman, who patrols Uptown Westerville on foot.

When he notices something unusual -- a door ajar, a forgotten set of keys -- or has an odd feeling, he checks it out. Beekman's beat is in contrast to tricked-out police vehicles and high-tech crime fighting. It's a nostalgic nod to nightsticks and shoe leather.

While his colleagues are cocooned for hours in computer-equipped cruisers, Beekman roams the streets, looking for unlocked doors, parking violators or a handshake from an old friend.

"If the merchants have a problem, they let me know," Beekman said. "They're just a thousand sets of eyes out here for me."If they see trouble, they call his cell phone, one another and 911. Quaint Uptown Westerville hasn't had many emergencies in the 10 years that Beekman has walked the beat.

He takes some of the credit. The bad guys, he says, know that it's hard to get away and blend in. "You can't get lost here in the Uptown," Beekman said.

Westerville hired Beekman in 1972 after he had spent four years in the Air Force, which took him to Vietnam with the 445th Airlift Wing. He's since served in the Air Force Reserve. He originally wanted to be a newspaper reporter, interning briefly at the Columbus Citizen-Journal.

But after he received a criminology degree from Ohio Dominican University, a law-enforcement career followed.

He declined the chance to retire in 1998, even with healthy military and police pensions. "They're dead within a year," Beekman bluntly said of colleagues who have retired and struggled to stay busy.

"I just could not think of not doing it. I like to see people smile."

Now 60, Beekman walks up and down State Street and its back alleys, leaving a trail of smiles, compliments and safety tips. It helps that he often is accompanied by three greyhounds he has rescued and now calls his companions.

"Since I love animals, and all my merchants love animals, I take them with me. I'm not sure which they love to see more, me or the dogs."

Beekman has arranged with the merchants, and his superiors, to leave the animals in their shops if he is needed in an emergency.

Lt. John Petrozzi calls Beekman "a great ambassador," whom everybody knows. "I know them all by name. I know most of their children," Beekman said. "Here, if they move a safe, I know it's gone; they change a store display, I know it's gone. I know their habits."

He was among the first to reach Michael's Pizza when a fire broke out last month. He checked the smoke-filled interior for employees and spent the day controlling traffic and helping the owner.

This month, he saw a man who seemed out of place. "I've never seen this guy, and he's hanging around a shop that's ready to open and operated by a single female," he recalled. Beekman followed him several blocks to his car. The man left before Beekman could get a plate number. "What was he up to and why did he take off so quickly? I don't know."

Besides instinct, Beekman's disarming manner and snappy repartee set him apart.

"Before I say anything, you look exceptionally beautiful today," he says to a receptionist inside the Edward Jones Investments office where he briefly pokes his head in. He passes an employee of the Amish Originals furniture store, asking about her boss: "Is Doug in there today? "Yes, he is," she replies. "Good, I've got a warrant for his arrest," he jokes.

David Chapman is relaxing inside DJ's Feed Store. "What's more public awareness than somebody walking the beat?" said Chapman, the store's newest owner.

Beekman, an associate pastor, preaches at Grace Chapel Community Church in Delaware County. He keeps his Bible on the console of his van.

"I don't know how anyone could do this job without faith in God," he said. "Every community is about each of us taking care of their brother. It's that Christian concept." His faith keeps him grounded in ethics as well, he said.

He tells business owners: "I don't want to know what your car looks like -- that's a four-hour parking lot; they know if they hand me a cup of coffee, I hand them $1.75."

Beekman helps merchants with heavy deliveries and acts as a liaison between them and city offices. If merchants have concerns about water, sewer, business signs or parking, he knows whom to call.

"It's nice to have someone other than a phone recording."

dnarciso@dispatch.com

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Holiday Hours at Morgan's Treasure

Morgan's Treasure, 12 W. Main, 614.882.4401, info@morganstreasure.com, announces special hours Christmas week:

Monday through Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Closed Christmas

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Holiday Hours at A Gal Named Cinda Lou

A Gal Named Cinda Lou, 20 N. State, 614.776.1409, cindalougal@aol.com, announces Christmas week holiday hours:

Special Holiday 2008 Hours Begin December 15th:
Monday & Tuesday: 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Closed: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Holiday Hours at Serendipity

Serendipity, 33 E. College Ave., 614.392.2352, has special hours Christmas week 2008:

Regular Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. (Open Mic Night, Sundays 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.)

Holiday Hours:
Christmas Eve: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Closed Christmas Day
December 26th: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

New Year's Eve: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Closed New Year's Day

Click here to view Menu (PDF).

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Holiday Hours at Amish Originals

Amish Originals Furniture Co., 8 & 38 N. State, 614.891.6257, customerservice@amishoriginals.com, business hours for Christmas week are:

Monday & Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Closed Sunday
Also by Appointment

Amish Originals will close at 3 p.m. Christmas Eve and is closed Christmas Day and December 26th.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for The Uptown Gift Card

"I was shopping in Uptown Westerville and..."

Look for this image on the front door of Uptown Westerville Merchants and you find the Uptown Gift Card welcomed and sold.

Good at any or all of 17 select Uptown Westerville Merchants, the Uptown Gift Card is a stored-value gift card, just like the major retailers.

Present someone with an Uptown Gift Card and you're giving them a memorable moment... an afternoon with good friends... a family outing... a keepsake purchase... a great story.

The perfect gift for the Holiday season.

The Perfect Gift Anytime.

Visit these select Uptown Westerville Merchants who welcome and sell The Uptown Gift Card.

▪ A Gal Named Cinda Lou
▪ Amish Originals Furniture Co.
▪ Captivating Canines
▪ Deja Vu
▪ The Dog Joint
▪ Flowers by Doris
▪ Hey Diddle Diddle
▪ It's All In The Name
▪ Java Central
▪ Joe's Service Automobile Repair
▪ Lola Belle Boutique
▪ Meza
▪ Morgan's Treasure
▪ Outside Envy
▪ Ruth Reed Antiques
▪ Serendipity Ice Cream & Coffee House
▪ Westerville Bike Shop

Great for Otterbein students!!

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Tabletop at Amish Originals

"I was shopping in Uptown Westerville and..."

Entertaining this holiday season? Maybe looking for the right gift for the party people in your life?

From wine storage to table runners to ironstone tabletop, Amish Originals Furniture Co. provides a host of useful and beautiful entertainment accents and accessories.

Check out these suggestions from Amish Originals' 2008 Holiday Gift Guide:

Cheese spreaders in assorted colors and styles. Set of 4, $15.99. Amish-made wood cutting boards in a variety of sizes. From $18 to $48. each

The perfect finishing touch for kitchen or wet bar sinks: Billie Joe's Homewares Kitchen Strainers, choose from themes, animals, even an Ohio State University Logo strainer. $12.99 each.

Made in Ohio, Amish-made Wood Serving Trays. Oak $20. each or Cherry $25. each.

In a rush or not sure what to pick up for your favorite people? Think about an Amish Originals Gift Certificate (just call 614.891.6257 or e-Mail customerservice@amishoriginals.com)

Amish Originals also welcomes and sells the Uptown Gift Card -- good at one or all of 17 different Uptown Westerville merchants.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Dog Lovers!

"I was shopping in Uptown Westerville and..."

Whether you are shopping for pups or people, Captivating Canines, 31 N. State, at the corner of State and Main, is the perfect "dogcentric" place to gift shop.

Captivating Canines owner, Gordon Solomons recommends anything Snoopy for this holiday season! Gordon features a full selection of Snoopy collectibles.

For a canine Christmas, check out Captivating Canines' dog breed porcelain ornament selection, too.

Captivating Canines is easy to spot -- look for "Bruno the Bloodhound" at the front door!

Got questions? Contact Captivating Canines at 614.882.8863 captivatingcanines@sbcglobal.net

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Fine Jewelry Finds

"I was shopping in Uptown Westerville and..."

Good things come in small packages at Uptown Westerville's Morgan's Treasure, 12 W. Main, 614.882.4401.

Stop by Morgan's Treasure this holiday season and meet owner, gemologist, and goldsmith Bill Morgan. Morgan's Treasure features distinctive custom-made and designed jewelry that includes rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, pendants, engagement rings, and wedding sets that can add even more sparkle and light to your holiday season.

For this holiday season, Bill recommends....

▪ Baby Bangles: child-size bracelets for special gifts and special occasions for little ones. Baby bangles feature optional gemstones and are designed to adjust as your child grows.

▪ Original Art: Morgan's Treasure is currently featuring art by Steven Walker, scherenschnitte work by Ann B. Wildman, and clay horses by Amy Foltz.

Morgan's Treasure holiday hours:
Monday through Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Closed Christmas.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Serendipity

Serendipity, 33 E. College Ave., features yummy foods, hot brews, and a welcoming linger-over-coffee atmosphere -- a perfect haven for a break from holiday shopping or to meet up with friends and family you'll see over the holidays!

From discerning diet selections to vegetarian-friendly fare to comfort foods, Serendipity's menu features....

▪ Danesi Italian Espresso and made-to-order Coffee Favorites
▪ Chai
▪ Hot Chocolate
▪ Morning Treats like muffins and breakfast paninis
▪ Panini's (Choose any combo of 4 items to build your "Personal Panini")
▪ Grilled PB & J
▪ Grilled Cheese
▪ Fried Sides like sweet potatoes, spicy pickles, and cheese
▪ Tomato Basil Soup
▪ Chili
▪ Zapp's Potato Chips
▪ Salads
▪ Hummus Platter
▪ Desserts like cupcakes and biscotti
▪ Smoothies
▪ Milkshakes
▪ Soft Serve Custard
▪ Hand-dipped Ice Cream
▪ Flavor Burst Ice Cream

Click here to view, download, or print Serendipity's Menu (PDF).



Note: Serendipity menu as of 12.20.08 may be subject to change without notice here.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Holiday Candlelight at Amish Originals

"I was shopping in Uptown Westerville and..."

Walk through the doors at Amish Originals Furniture Co. and you discover the welcoming beauty of the warm, earthy wood tones of Amish Originals' signature artisan furniture, crafted, to-order, by Amish carpenters right here in Ohio.

You'll also find a selection of distinctive finishing touches, accents, and accessories that help you make your house your home for the holidays and through the seasons.

Amish Originals accents and accessories also make thoughtful and uncommon gifts for friends and family. Imaginative. Useful. Beautiful.

Amish Originals invites you to stop in to browse and shop -- get great ideas for Christmas decorating, meet our staff, and find wonderful, affordable (gift basket size Ohio-made jellies and spreads are just $1!!) thoughtful gifts for those near and dear. Like...

Beanpod Soy Candles: 4.5 ounce ▪ 8 ounce ▪ 16 ounce, $6. to $16. each. Earth-friendly Beanpod candle fragrances include holiday favorites, nature-inspired, and classic scents. Choose from a selection of vibrant to muted colors. Made in the USA.

Bottlelabras: $11.99 each. Been trying to figure out what to do with that wine bottle you held onto that holds a favorite memory? Thinking about holiday centerpieces and lighting? Bottlelabras add life to any bottle or vase that will hold a stopper! Made of pewter-look polished cast aluminum with rubber rings to hold secure, Bottlelabras can go casual to formal and add a touch of affordable drama and fun to your tablescapes or arrangements of tealight and taper candles.

Looking for more ideas?
Click here to view the Amish Originals Furniture Co. 2008 Gift Guide.

Shop at Home in Uptown Westerville. Amish Originals Furniture Co., 8 & 38 N. State Street, Westerville. 614.891.6257 customerservice@amishoriginals.com

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Dairy Queen Specials

Stop by Dairy Queen, 84 S. State, for these delicious specials.....

▪ Holiday Log Cakes for $9.99.

▪ 2 single cheese burgers for $2.22

▪ 2 double cheese burgers for $3.33

Dine-in... Take-away... or Drive-thru!

Call us! 614.899.CAKE (2253)

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Help People

Kriss Rogers of Outside Envy, 15 N. State, wants you to know about a chance to help spread some holiday cheer:

This holiday season Outside Envy is raffling off a beautiful holiday basket filled with a set of eight whimsical reindeer mugs and dessert plates. 100% of the proceeds will go to support the food pantry at W.A.R.M.

Just stop by the store anytime between now and Monday, December 22nd to enter the drawing by making a canned food or monetary donation. One lucky customer will be chosen to win the basket on December 23rd. Outside Envy is open daily thru Christmas Eve.

For additional information, call 614.895.3689

Outside Envy – Art of the Garden, Deck and Patio

15 North State Street, in Uptown Westerville

Note: W.A.R.M. is a 501(c)3 organization, so your donation is tax deductible.

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Sample and Shop at Meza

On Tuesday, December 16th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. stop by Meza, 48 N. State, for a Shop and Sample evening!

Sample hot mulled wine or cider, coffee, local cheeses (Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market fans -- Meza carries Blue Jacket Dairy cheeses), and more!

For more information visit the Meza website: http://www.vinomeza.com/ or call Meza 614.259.3101.

Can't decide what to buy? Meza welcomes and sells The Uptown Gift Card!

Click here to view this Meza Flyer (PDF).

Uptown Westerville is a Place for the Gift of Ice Cream

Ice cream and DQ favorites as stocking stuffers? You bet!

Think of the Westerville Dairy Queen, 84 S. State, for ice cream cakes, holiday treats, and... gift certificates!

Buy $20 in Westerville DQ Gift Certificates and get a coupon for a free Blizzard to be presented on your next visit to the Westerville DQ.

For more info, stop by the DQ, at Park and State in Uptown Westerville, or call 899.CAKE (2253).

Dine-in, order take-away or drive-thru!


Note: Offer does not apply to DQ gift cards.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Sounds of the Season

Stop by the Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St. Sunday, December 21st from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. for its Music in the Atrium series presentation: An Acoustic Christmas.

Sponsored by the Friends of the WPL, An Acoustic Christmas features Celtic and American Folk music and seasonal songs played on hammered dulcimer and acoustic guitar.

Keep the Westerville Public Library in mind during the holiday season -- there are kid, family & grown-up activities, and it's the library -- so you have access to everything from major newspapers & magazines to classics, cookbooks & the latest great reads to music, audio books & DVD releases to wi-fi.

Stuck home on a winter's day? Check out the WPL online -- there are some great online activities and reads as well! (Check out the Ohio eBook collection!)

Think about the Friends of the Library's Gift Shop for gift ideas for your favorite reading enthusiast!

Uptown Westerville is a Place for A Shining Star

For decades now, it's not really, officially the holidays in Westerville until we see the Christmas Star hanging in Uptown Westerville. During the Great Depression in the previous century, to encourage Uptown residents to "buy local," the Westerville's Businessman's Association, approached the city manager with an idea and here is the history of the Westerville Star, as complied and presented by Beth Weinhardt of the Westerville Local History Research Center...

In ancient times the five pointed star, with one point straight up, represented all that is good and holy.

In the early days of this country, our forefathers used stars as a decoration to symbolize the strength of family and a deep respect and abiding love for God. The founders of our Great Nation adopted the star to symbolize the very first states on the very first flag.

The upper right and left points represent "Mother" and "Father", the lower two points represent "Children," and the top center always points toward the Heavens in reverence to the Lord our Creator. The original Christmas Star shone to announce the birth of Jesus over 2000 years ago; it's light and beacon of welcome to all who would come.

As a traditional tree-topper the star serves as a reminder of that light, the source of true Christmas joy.

In the depths of the Great Depression, the Westerville Businessman's Association led by Percy Yantis wanted to find a way to bring business to uptown and to make the holidays brighter during those difficult times. Yantis went to City Manager Ross Windom with the idea of having a large star hanging over the main intersection in the shopping district during the holidays.

Windom approved of the idea and local tinsmith George Alexander was commissioned to create the decoration. George Alexander, descended from one of the early mayors of Westerville, worked on the star with his two sons Russell and Nolan in his tin shop which was located where Green Cleaners is located today off of College Ave. George was talented not only in his work with tin but also was noted because he was the director of the Westerville Band.

The Public Opinion in its December 5, 1935 edition said, "The business section of the village has taken on a holiday appearance with the erection of the Christmas decorations. A noteworthy addition this year is a huge star electrically lighted and hanging high over the street at the corner of State and Main St. The star was made by George Alexander. Stores are now displaying their holiday merchandise and Christmas shopping will get under way in earnest in a few days. Shop at home is a slogan to bear in mind."

The star has been an important part of the holidays in Uptown Westerville ever since its debut. George Alexander, its creator, passed about in 1939 at the age of 55 after 35 years in the tinsmith business.

The Westerville Star lights the night at N. State and W. Main.

For this holiday season, the members of the Westerville Uptown Merchants Association encourage you to Shop at Home.

Best Wishes!

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Buy Local Gifts at Meza

Tatjana and Jason Brown invite you to shop local and shop Meza:

Still looking for that perfect gift for someone on your Christmas list? Shop Local!!

Try one of our signature gift baskets, or customize your own!

We carry a variety of great specialty food products produced right here in Ohio!

We offer a variety of gift options that won't break the bank!

Come on in to see us at 48 N State Street (in Uptown Westerville ), or you can place your order over the phone or via e mail! Call (614) 264-7244 or send us an e mail at mezagiftorders@gmail.com!

Click here to view Meza's latest flyer.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Free Celebrate Westerville Posters

The Westerville Visitors and Convention Bureau has Free Celebrate Westerville posters.

Suitable for framing -- the Celebrate Westerville Posters take a fun look at Westerville then... and now from the same viewpoint! My how things have -- and haven't -- changed!

Stop by the WVCB Visitor Center at 20 W. Main St. and pick up your free poster.

The VCB is open Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Monday & Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. (closed Sundays).

Pictured: the Holmes Hotel at W. Main and N. State Streets courtesy of the Westerville HistoryResearch Center.

Note: Free poster available while supplies last.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Pet Care

On the move over the holidays?

Whether out-and-about for shopping, a special occasion, holiday deliveries, or out-of-town, a pet sitter can back you up when your pets need attention while you are on the go -- even if it's a quick trip outside or a mid-day walk!

NorthStar Pet Services offers professional pet sitting services in Greater Westerville (zip codes 43081 and 43082) for your warm-blooded, indoor-only pets.

For more info, including rates and services, visit NorthStar Pet online.

NorthStar Pet is accepting new clients for holiday care through December 18th. For professional pet care in your peaceable kingdom, contact Linda Foor at info@northstarpet.com or 614.352.1144.

He is happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in his home. -- Goethe. Give a little pet care for the holidays -- order a NorthStar Pet Services gift certificiate!

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Holiday Cards

Visit It's All In The Name, 20K S. State (off the brick walk behind Java Central) for holiday greeting cards.

Right now, It's All In The Name is featuring a 2 for 1 boxed holiday greeting card special.

Stop by today!

Contact It's All In The Name at lisaandamy20@sbcglobal.net or 614.890.1332

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Holiday Hours at A Gal Named Cinda Lou

Debbie and Juli Bennati of A Gal Named Cinda Lou -- Vintage Clothing, Unique T-Shirts, Jewelry, Gifts, Accents & Furnishings -- 20 N. State St. -- announce special 'Cinda Lou holiday hours, beginning December 15, 2008:

Monday & Tuesday: 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Closed: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Contact A Gal Named Cinda Lou at:
614.776.1409
cindalougal@aol.com
http://www.cindalou.org/

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Holiday Warmth

Tatjana Brown from Meza has a way to warm up your heart and your holidays -- hot spiced cider and mulled wine...

Tatjana says...

While red wine and apple cider are the most traditional of the spiced winter warmers, you can also use cranberry juice, white wine, hard cider, or ale. All of these beverages take very nicely to mulling.

The primary spice combinations for mulled wine or cider almost always include cinnamon sticks and whole cloves. Nutmeg, allspice berries, slices of fresh ginger, orange slices, and lemon zest are also good additions. You can find all of these spices in our Holiday Mulling Spice by Victoria Taylor Gourmet here at Meza!

▪ Simply place some of the spice mixture in a cheesecloth and allow to steep in the
liquid. Bring the mixture to a very gentle simmer over low heat. Don’t let it boil: this can cause spices to turn bitter.

▪ To really allow the flavors of the spices to infuse into the beverage, you should allow the mixture to simmer on the stove top for at least half an hour.

▪ Sweeten it up with some brown sugar.

▪ It’s fine to keep the pot warm for several hours, allowing everyone to sip holiday cheer throughout the night: a slow cooker on low heat is ideal. Ladle into mugs and serve, garnished with an orange slice or cinnamon stick.

Cheers!