GOODBYE COLUMBUS BICENTENNIAL- HELLO NEW DOWNTOWN VENUES!

SAY GOODBYE TO THE 200COLUMBUS BICENTENNIAL

AND HELLO TO ENJOYMENT OF FUTURE RESULTS

Columbus' 2012 bicentennial brought people together with foreword thinking ideas who combined hopes and blazed trails that should spawn greater economic prosperity in the future.  The success of this year’s commemorative efforts will give cause for future Columbus celebration forever.

As this year’s bicentennial unfolded, a spotlight began to focus on a number of finalized community embellishments.  There is an impressive list of public improvement projects Columbus unveiled during celebration of the city’s 200 years of existence. These are physical forms of evidence that show a great deal of faith in the future of Columbus and they are the results that will have lasting beneficial impact on the quality of life enjoyed by residents of the central Ohio community in the months and years ahead. 

Major investment was made on the high visibility public enhancements that came to fruition during events in 2012. City leaders turned up the notch on self-promotion and affirmed their progressive determinations, to firmly establish Columbus as a vibrant place to live and work now and in the future.  

Big wheels used 2012 to roll out mega doses of marketing information and share encouraging news about ways future prosperity will continue to be fostered in our Capital City.

The 200 Columbus Bicentennial instigated a lot of neighborhood initiatives and prompted production of monumental history projects, and, there was a ton of celebrating done during the fun community festivals held in conjunction with bicentennial events this year. 

We now have brand new resources like the Columbus Memory Project, which is an extensive on-line archive of Columbus History; and, the Columbus Neighborhoods documentary series, which features the uniqueness and variety of neighborhoods that make up Columbus.

Those important ventures will continue to allow future residents to pay tribute to the past. These gems are keepers and one aspect of what made 2012 such a purposeful commemorative year.  Columbus also used this time to turn years of planning into reality and launch the city into a bright new future with public developments coming on line that made good on promised revitalization of downtown common space areas. 

I feel fortunate to be a benefactor of many of the constructive projects that took shape leading up to this year.  I made sure to attend several of the 2012 dedication ceremonies and watched Columbus proudly deliver new venues to the public.

My enjoyment level each time I go downtown seems to raise a thousand fold.  Among the attractions yearning for my attention and beckoning me to spend a lot more time downtown is the Columbus Commons and Bicentennial Pavilion, as well as the Scioto Mile.

The Columbus Bicentennial Pavilion was hailed as the signature capital project for the city’s 200th year of existence. It was designed by the same firm that designed other famous entertainment venues in other cities, including, the Cirque du Soleil Theater at Disney World. How cool is that?!

The Scioto Mile connects the other improved parks and is located between the east banks of the Scioto River, from the Arena District to the Whittier Peninsula. I have been entering the Scioto Mile pathway from Bicentennial Park, after spending hours playing and splashing around in the spectacular 15,000-square-foot fountain conveniently located in this area.

All of the city’s downtown park redevelopment manifests the significance of the conglomeration of efforts aimed at paving the way for future economic development.  All of these capital projects were very costly. City officials risked pursuing expenditures on public amenities despite the depressed economy. Their confidence is banking on years of positive fallout from these improvements, which is all the more being anticipated now that these additions are beginning to wow crowds.

Once the dust settles on these accomplishments and they are utilized by more and more people, profitable praise should pour in.  The prize is obvious.  Our downtown needed a face lift and these things did seriously improve the city’s appeal.  The combination of upgrades made will do a lot of future good by drawing more residents and businesses to come live and invest in Columbus in the future.

At the top of my list of favorite places to go downtown this year, is the new downtown splash park.  This wet and wild amenity was one of the best improvements made to the riverfront parks area in my humble opinion. I have had so much fun and love that it is so very inexpensive (totally free). This is one reason I am sure Columbus is now fully on course generating grandiose public enthusiasm and will be instilling a lot more pride in C-Town in the future.

The bicentennial events began winding down as the end of 2012 neared. But the public enhancement gifts Columbus received in 2012 leave behind more than enough reasons to make sure to go downtown and enjoy all there is to do there in 2013 and beyond.

I gained additional appreciation in this community while I was being highly entertained and inspired by the progressive leadership that put together each action-packed event tied to the bicentennial agenda.  Though the weather forecast is frightful, I will probably bundle up and head downtown for the 15^th annual First Night Columbus New Year’s Eve celebration.   This event moved to the Scioto Mile this year incidentally, and, should be another great party commemorating Columbus’ 2012 celebratory spirit!

Photos pictured with this blog were taken earlier this month, while I was being bedazzled during one of several visits I made to the Columbus Commons and Bicentennial Park this year. These areas will remain lit up with thousands of holiday lights through mid-January.  I highly recommend taking a trip downtown before the light show ends, to get a first-hand glimpse of the sparkling new sights that make Columbus’ shine a whole lot brighter!

The 200Columbus Organizing Committee deserves more than passing mention for achieving a lofty mission!  2012 will be remembered because of the robust and transformative commemoration this committee is credited for having pulled off.  Most importantly, the events they masterminded in 2012 very likely will prove to be the catalyst that ignites greater future economic prosperity.

I pledge to do everything in my personal power, to turn more people on to the excitement of downtown Columbus in 2013.

 

I believe in being a contributing member of society. My professional contributions are presently varied; assisting clients with real estate buying and selling transactions, as well as, performing current property value appraisals for the Delaware County Sheriff. I teach & enjoy exercise and I am a professionally certified fitness instructor at the Westerville Rec Center; I also love to write and blog! My goal is to continue making productive use of my former journalism background and public service skill by remaining active in the community. Prior expertise in zoning & development was gained working in local government. I wish to remain active in the planning arena for the rest of my life! I am always expanding on the knowledge I offer & always ready to put any of my professional skills to work for a new good cause. If you need dependable assistance- call me. I am available to be put to work immediately, so, please, feel free to get in touch with me at your earliest convenience! For Real Estate Help or Otherwise...call me. I look forward to joining you and taking care of delegated project needs. Thanks.
Need A Real Estate Check Up?

Contact me for a Healthy House Call & Professional Real Estate Consulting
Specializing in Site Acquisition; Utility & Infrastructure Assessment; Community Planning & Development; Land Use Research; Zoning Compliance; Foreclosure Mediation & Intervention; BPO Appraisal; Comparative Market Analysis. Provider of Expert Negotiation & Professional Representation for Home Buyers & Sellers!

Leslie Schultz Warthman 614.769.3816

Procure Expert Real Estate Knowledge!
Keller Williams Capital Partners
100 East Wilson Bridge Road
Worthington, Ohio 43085



SANTA ARRIVES AT THE SNOWFLAKE CASTLE

This is prime time for Santa to get out and be seen around town...there is some North Pole magic involved obviously, since he always finds a way to be in hundreds of different places simultaneously!

I caught up with him recently in Westerville.  He thrilled many tiny visitors with this year’s pre-gift delivery appearance at the Snowflake Castle, where he arrived accompanied by his number one assistant Mrs. Clause! These honorary guests sat and listened. Lists got finalized, to assure the requests of little boys and girls will be filled accurately on Christmas morning!

No matter how busy Santa is in the weeks before Christmas, he has kindly made good on the special invitation from folks at the Westerville Senior Center, who volunteer and have made this event happen each of the past 28 years.

New arrangements for the Snowflake Castle made this year even more ideally suitable for Santa to spend time visiting.

This year the Snowflake Castle event moved to the Everal Barn.  The fully restored historic barn facility provided more spacious room to spread out the cheerful activities.  Numerous instructor elves were on-hand engaging kids in hands-on ho ho holiday toy making.

The makeshift Santa workshop was equipped with wooden pieces and parts that were drilled and glued together by little hands assisted by big helpful hands.  Once a child’s selection was determined, they sat down and got to work right away fastening the wheels on toy trains, arms on teddy bears and turrets on castles.


There were plenty of safety goggles to suit up for the work; these gave groups of girls and boys the giggles, but, also taught important lessons by helping them learn about the need for wearing protective eye wear.  All the precautions I observed made perfect sense and successfully prevented flying sliver accidents while the woodworking was in progress.

Paints and painting smocks were stationed nearby.  Once all the wood pieces were put together, including, twisted pipe cleaners that were attached to look like steam rising from the choo choo trains, the toys took on their final treasured forms.  All the tots and their toy creations moved on and began applying their finishing artistic touches. Then the toys, wet to the touch with gobs of washable paint, were carefully bagged up and hands were washed off by another group of friendly volunteer elves!

Working one-on-one with this group of jolly makers makes the Snowflake Castle a very enriching event to share with your family.  My fourteen month old granddaughter was overjoyed that she could wield the hammer while making her very own wooden toy; she dug in and began splashing & splattering the paint with her fingers (She determined it was more fun to use the paint brush like a magic wand and I think she was imagining herself at the REAL North Pole  while she was waving it at the toys!).   It was almost as good as Christmas morning when we were handed the bag with her name on it with the precious gift she got to take home, featuring her own unique designs.

That was just one of the things we got to enjoy here. We strolled through the Homestead and that prompted a spontaneous game of run and catch; she chased a huge flock of geese sunning by the park’s ponds. 

We spent time outside winding down some energy, enjoying the reindeer scenery and other outdoor decorations before finishing our Snowflake Castle experience with one final highlight; I.e., we concluded the day’s events with a special visitation on Santa and Mrs. Claus’s lap! 

This cheery couple was comfortably seated in the old carriage house, which was decorated extra nice. The man in the red suit will no doubt reward the nice people who put this all together!  

There was a calming voice, something quite soothing to hear that was coming from the corner of this setting. No one was rushing and no hustle and bustle penetrated this atmosphere.  It was just perfect for each child to have ample time for an undisturbed conversation outlining the most desired items they wished Santa to bring down their chimneys this year. 

Whoever decided it would be good to allow for a quiet sit down with the Big Guy, separate from the celebratory noise in the workshop where all the other activities were underway, is a genius.  Parents, in my case a set of grandparent ears were tuned in and listening.  We heard every detail of the dialogue detailing what to get for that December 25^th delivery that will have some of our offspring convinced that Santa came through and is for real! 

There was a great turn out during the week long holiday fun of the Snowflake Castle. Hours of volunteer time took dedication and it was well worth it for guests. Those who plot all of the well-organized details know the payoff is the opportunity to watch children enjoy the special seasonal treatment provided by these offerings.  Additionally, a special craft group which prepared all the festive crafts and yummy candy that was sold during the Snowflake Castle program raised funds to gift back to the Westerville Senior Association for all their help in making these days before Christmas so much fun in Westerville every year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I believe in being a contributing member of society. My professional contributions are presently varied; assisting clients with real estate buying and selling transactions, as well as, performing current property value appraisals for the Delaware County Sheriff. I teach & enjoy exercise and I am a professionally certified fitness instructor at the Westerville Rec Center; I also love to write and blog! My goal is to continue making productive use of my former journalism background and public service skill by remaining active in the community. Prior expertise in zoning & development was gained working in local government. I wish to remain active in the planning arena for the rest of my life! I am always expanding on the knowledge I offer & always ready to put any of my professional skills to work for a new good cause. If you need dependable assistance- call me. I am available to be put to work immediately, so, please, feel free to get in touch with me at your earliest convenience! For Real Estate Help or Otherwise...call me. I look forward to joining you and taking care of delegated project needs. Thanks.
Need A Real Estate Check Up?

Contact me for a Healthy House Call & Professional Real Estate Consulting
Specializing in Site Acquisition; Utility & Infrastructure Assessment; Community Planning & Development; Land Use Research; Zoning Compliance; Foreclosure Mediation & Intervention; BPO Appraisal; Comparative Market Analysis. Provider of Expert Negotiation & Professional Representation for Home Buyers & Sellers!

Leslie Schultz Warthman 614.769.3816

Procure Expert Real Estate Knowledge!
Keller Williams Capital Partners
100 East Wilson Bridge Road
Worthington, Ohio 43085 

 

THE GRACE GIVING SEASON

The excitement is building toward the upcoming holidays. Kids everywhere (some adults too), are eagerly hoping to find the things they wished for wrapped up as presents under the tree.

Christmas gift giving is a very big business. Our many purchases are good for the economy according to the media, which tells us that a strong holiday selling season means a healthier economy in the coming year.

 

I treasure the pleasure of 'giving' more than receiving.

I experienced at an early age how good it makes me feel to give someone something as simple as a little personal attention during the holidays. I used to play cards with an elderly widowed neighbor whose spirits were low since her surviving children lived far away. My presence instantly ignited her with jolly vibes.

A perfect gift fills a special need. And it does not always come in Rudolph and Frosty wrapping paper.

I grew up seeing the correlation of doing good things and feeling good about myself. Making a difference in someone's life most assuredly makes me feel good.  Consequently, for many years now, I spend the weeks leading up to the holidays performing a mega act of kindness.  

I feel it was my destiny to discover the Living Christmas Tree production (Commonly known as LCT). I hopped on this sleigh-waggon years ago and join in delivering good cheer to hundreds of people in this way every year.

There are countless opportunities through involvement in LCT to reach masses of people whose spirits can be lifted every December . This is a large contingency of other do-gooders, and, I honestly imagine myself participating in this inspirational holiday program at Grace Polaris for the rest of my life, because it feels so worthy! 

LCT started out as a small church outreach. Performers even traveled to the former City Center for a few years, but, the show today utilizes the terrific accommodations of the massive church facilities on Lazelle Road.  This is where the electrifying excitement of the Living Christmas Trees unfolds on cue every year at this time of year.
 

It is a spectacular volunteer effort.  Most of us give our personal time on a strictly voluntary basis. It renews our spirits as we get busy and fully involved in preparations for the production that will light up all the many faces that come to see the ingenuity and merriment that is packaged in LCT. 

LCT is a holiday entertainment showcase event.

The driving force behind the whole program is the sincere desire to reach out to humanity in a good way. It never fails to provide wholesome soul nourishment. I personally go home rewarded by the experience. I cherish the giving of my time for these special performances, knowing Central Ohio audiences will enjoy the holiday season more after they came to see this.

I am someone who can't say no to any good cause, because I know how good I always feel afterwards.

For me personally, giving presents serves a purpose during the holidays. Unfortunately too many gifts get purchased in a shopping frenzy and I feel frazzled by the time my santa work is done. Some gifts generate the joyfulness I intend. Others do not.

However, this gift bearer's heart is never let down after a season of "giving my all" participating in LCT.  As soon as rehearsals start up in early October, my jingle bells ring. 

There are literally hundreds of us who reunite every season during LCT production time. Those who work behind the scenes willingly give more than our time.  We contribute individual talents. Somehow every individual's offering works in Unisom to achieve LCT's goal, which is to put on a show that shares compassionate messages filled with love for all mankind.

LCT’s success is measurable, though, the spontaneous sharing of good tidings is something so personal, that everyone of us involved receives entirely different positive returns. 

I have repeatedly reaped the greatest gift of all seeing the impact LCT has on the lives of complete strangers, as well as many of the volunteers working alongside me during the LCT season!

My life was changed forever by a few standout events that happened to me over my lifetime.  One of these was the first time I went to an LCT show. That was long ago, before I became directly involved in the magic that LCT makes happen every year.

I could write a million different reasons to go see an LCT production because I have witnessed its monumental power to transform people’s lives. I have had my hand involved in various capacities of the production since my enchantment with LCT started. 

Words do not do justice nor can I fully explain what makes LCT so special. It is a heart-pumping entertaining musical program.  But LCT offers much, much more. It is unparalleled in its ability to bring happiness to hundreds of people during the holidays.

If my review seems tainted or biased because of my affiliation, think again.

The lasting impression LCT sends new people home with every single year is outright convincing. The fact that more than half the people rise up in a packed auditorium at every performance, since they are asked to stand if they have never seen the show previously, is a true testament to the bountiful way the good news of LCT spreads!

And boy oh boy does LCT bring the goods!

LCT uses a stage but we use the entire auditorium to make the audience feel part of the action...the set changes each year and scenes typically include both modern day and settings from ancient biblical times, which are changed rapidly back and forth as the main characters journey involves a discovery that goes way back in time. 

There is fun and serious drama. The dialogue and lyrics of songs can evoke laughter and tears and touch on all possible human emotions as evidenced by amazing audience reactions at every performance.

For volunteers, involvement is a huge commitment that demands our surrendering of a lot of other things going on in our lives. Some amount of sacrifice is always required.  LCT calls us into service during the busiest hustle and bustle time of the holiday season. 

LCT binds hundreds of us from all walks of life. And when we come together and put our everyday routines on hold, we prioritize giving our best efforts to create LCT's memorable experience.   

Many lives have been redirected by LCT throughout the years.  The show as designed enlightens members of the audience. AND I have seen LCT positively effect all the people who work on and off the stage too.

Every one of us becomes an integral part of LCT. Singers and dancers and actors are the visible people featured in the cast; then there are people who step up to help with lighting, set building, sewing and prop making; all the members of the church choir and orchestra perform live; others provide hospitality and even child care for parents while they are busy on stage.

Every usher and parking attendant, people providing guest services on down to the stage hands are all critical to the LCT program. Every one of them is blessed in one way or another through doing this good service.

All of the giving that comes from the goodness of our many hearts causes something special to happen during every season of LCT.  There is something that makes LCT much greater than any one of us alone can claim credit for and it brings everything together every year.

After years of experiencing LCT first-hand, I still summarize this as surreal. It's a real-life miracle that unfolds from the chaos the week before curtain-call. Miraculously a well-choreographed program just happens when it's ShowTime!

I serve faithfully year after year because I have witnessed LCT reaching all the right places in the hearts of people who come with many needs. It touches my heart to see them leave greatly rejuvenated.

LCT is a gift that comes wrapped in the messages learned from it. It relays good will for all mankind and provides overflowing reasons to believe faithfully in GOD. 

LCT's sole shortcoming is that touting of the virtues of the Christian religious beliefs is a taboo for some people. Personal religious beliefs are a sensitive subject :)  But, we are prayful that this would NOT deter anyone from attending. Those who come with an open mind will absorb the righteousness of our presentation even though they may have different religious beliefs!

Considering that LCT is produced entirely by local church members, it is easy for someone to stereotype the show and have a preconceived vision of an amateurish Christmas Pageant.  

LCT is neither a simple pageant nor a cliché-like Christmas program.
It IS a colossal congregational organization masterpiece that will rock your soul! 

There are entire families that make their stage debuts during LCT. Moms become dancing angels; grandmas sit at the top of giant Christmas trees filled with all the other members of the live choir (There are two giant people-filled trees; these obviously are the reason for the "Living Christmas Tree" name!)

There are dads and grandpas who run the sound and light boards; teenagers and young adults who build sets inside a warehouse where everything is stored afterwards. We have had a local plastic surgeon cast in the starring Bible role for a couple of years now...

Tons of kids, including infants, are also activated in LCT! Some children may be cider servers and others horse and donkey tenders.  Others transform into little shepherds and kings attendants on stage.

It takes a large number of special individuals to bring LCT to life. Each year there are regulars along with new faces. These people enrich my experience when my life comes in close contact with theirs during our time of service in LCT.

Every show is fast-paced.  One minute it’s upbeat and then it is downright sorrowful the next.  At no point in this show is anyone delivering a lecture about religion!

LCT is a comprehensive theatrical production with a new story told each year. Each show's original script is locally written. The LCT story sends folks home with hopes restored; as the audience leaves, we hear how heavy burdens have been lifted through identifying with the heartwarming, thought-provoking storytelling. LCT provides new insights to age-old problems and conveyes the comforting news of other people's concern.

LCT includes seasoned choreography, exquisite costumes, and, cool theatrical special effects. All of this will keep even the smallest child in their seat spellbound for two hours with no intermissions.

Over a half million people’s lives have been touched since LCT’s inception in Columbus 24 years ago. It is something you have to see to believe and you have to be there in person to smell the camel dung! This is no joke which you will CLEARLY COMPREHEND if you go!

There are two MAGNIFICENT (but smelly) camels that grace the halls of the Grace Brethren Polaris Church during LCT! These animals are huge crowd pleasers. The loudest ‘oohs’ come during the two songs that these creatures walk past each row of bleachers filled with onlookers.  

We have in recent years made the camels our facility "greeters" and when busses arrive and folks unload, they can get up close and enjoy a camel ride before the show!

Every detail of this ministry operation is covered by individuals coming forward with essential skills. Somehow there is always the right combination of needed expertise.  This happens through the workings of a force bigger than any one of us. Many conversations have been struck declaring how “in awe” we all are, that LCT always comes together angelically at Grace!

There is that indescribable thing that happens when everyone brings something to give. It is something that we all say comes from a Higher Power. End of story!

By the end of twelve shows our exhaustion levels peak.  But the lingering images of great things that happen every year while doing these good deeds remain with us.  These memories will be replaced by more of the same when a new LCT season comes together the following year.

When a season of LCT is said and done, most of us who worked on LCT for months still have to pick up and put our own personal holiday preparations and travel arrangements together. But, true to LCT tradition, there is an additional volunteer call and people go back and spend time tearing down the set and refreshing the church facility.

Not long after the final curtain calls, dozens of volunteers’ line up to merrily box up the best story ever told for another year.  This cleanup is spent fellowshipping with the LCT troops. Everyone loves exchanging the stories of life altering experiences they witness each year.

The gratitude I receive for the gifts I know will delight my personal list of present receivers does not come close to the joy I will have giving of my time to LCT again this year.  By stepping in the footsteps of a person's life as documented in the bible during an LCT performance, I might be helping someone in modern day step back on the path to a better life !  

There is so much good that comes from experiencing this show it makes the price of tickets a great value.  I purchase tickets for all my real estate clients each year.  Everyone I know is offered a chance to join me for this wonderful time celebrating the season of giving!
My suggestion for THE PERFECT GIFT: TAKE SOMEONE TO SEE THE LIVING CHRISTMAS TREE!

Below are more cool (a few mindblowing) facts about LCT.  

• The set is 140 feet wide and over 25 feet high
• Over 6,000 square feet of carpet padding covers the stage
• Each Living Christmas Tree is made of nearly 5 tons of steel
• There are nearly 11,000 lights on each Living Christmas Tree
• Each Living Christmas Tree is nearly 30 feet tall
• Over 24,000 watts of amplification power the sound at each performance
• Nearly 200 microphones are used in each performance
• Nearly 2 miles of audio cable is used in each performance
• Over 100,000 watts of theatrical lighting shine on each performance
• Nearly 600 people put over 20,000 hours into each year's performances

I believe in being a contributing member of society. My professional contributions are presently varied; assisting clients with real estate buying and selling transactions, as well as, performing current property value appraisals for the Delaware County Sheriff. I teach & enjoy exercise and I am a professionally certified fitness instructor at the Westerville Rec Center; I also love to write and blog! My goal is to continue making productive use of my former journalism background and public service skill by remaining active in the community. Prior expertise in zoning & development was gained working in local government. I wish to remain active in the planning arena for the rest of my life! I am always expanding on the knowledge I offer & always ready to put any of my professional skills to work for a new good cause. If you need dependable assistance- call me. I am available to be put to work immediately, so, please, feel free to get in touch with me at your earliest convenience! For Real Estate Help or Otherwise...call me. I look forward to joining you and taking care of delegated project needs. Thanks.
Need A Real Estate Check Up?

Contact me for a Healthy House Call & Professional Real Estate Consulting
Specializing in Site Acquisition; Utility & Infrastructure Assessment; Community Planning & Development; Land Use Research; Zoning Compliance; Foreclosure Mediation & Intervention; BPO Appraisal; Comparative Market Analysis. Provider of Expert Negotiation & Professional Representation for Home Buyers & Sellers!

Leslie Schultz Warthman 614.769.3816

Procure Expert Real Estate Knowledge!
Keller Williams Capital Partners
100 East Wilson Bridge Road
Worthington, Ohio 43085