By JOE MEYER | For Uptown Westerville Inc –

If shopping and dining in Uptown feels like family, it’s no wonder. Family ties are common across the small independent businesses that dot the historic district.

Husband and wife. Mother and daughter. Cousins. And in at least one notable case, nephew and uncle.

Mike Deringer is the owner of Amish Originals Furniture Co., 38 N. State St.

He’s also the nephew of Dave Deringer, who is known as “Uptown Dave” for being omnipresent in Uptown, especially around the Espresso Air coffee shop, 25 N. State St.

Uptown Dave is an Uptown fixture that predates many of the existing tenants occupying space in Uptown in 2026. He’s lived in an apartment above the same Uptown business since 1970, and is happy to talk over the changes he’s seen over a cup of coffee.

Holding court from a chair along the south side of Espresso Air’s limited inside dining space, Dave is quick with a greeting to any customers who walk in, and he’s even more certain to bid goodbye as they exit.

“You have a good day. Be safe,” is a common refrain.

Does he know all those who stop by? “A good number of them,” Uptown Dave says. “I don’t know names. You get old and that happens,” adds the 83-year-old, who has made hanging out in Uptown a big part of his routine the last 14 or 15 years. Originally from Sandusky, he came to Westerville in 1960 to attend Otterbein.

He used his Class of 1964 degree in Education to teach for several years in the Sandusky area, before moving back to town and getting his masters to pursue work in other fields.

Uptown Dave not only knows the clientele at Espresso Air – he sings the praises of owner Talip and baristas Juliette and Elli, “who put up with me” – he pretty much knows the back-story on all the district’s business owners.

“There’s a lot of good people up here,” he says. “Good people who are involved and (have) helped Westerville grow.”

Through the window: Family, and growth

Uptown Dave sees family ties everywhere as he surveys State Street through the large windows at Espresso Air. There’s A Gal Named Cinda Lou at 20 N. State, owned by mother Debbie and daughter Julie Bennati, with Debbie’s husband Jim helping out since his retirement. The shop, Uptown Dave knows, is named after Debbie’s grandmother, Cinda Lou.

Then there is the “coming soon” Little Sparrows Baby and Pet Boutique at 34 N. State, which will be one of three Uptown shops owned by Amy Cabilovski, along with the recently relocated and expanded Stone and Sparrow shop into the former Morgan’s Treasures building at 31 N. State and Edwin Loy Home store at 33 N. State.

And of course, Dave says, Amy is married to Tony Cabilovski, owner of the Uptown Deli & Brew, 41 N. State, who is busy expanding as well.

Next to A Gal Named Cinda Lou’s is the Pure Roots Boutique & Gallery at 18 N. State St. Nicole Harrison, owner of Pure Roots, is the cousin of Alexandra Paoline, owner the recently expanded Blue Turtle Tea & Spice Co. at 13 E. College.

Next to Pure Roots is the Asterisk Supper Club, 14 N. State, another Uptown family operated business. It’s owned by Megan Ada, along with the Ampersand Asian Supper Club, opened last year at 32 W. College Ave., where Megan’s husband Joshua Cook is the chef.

The long list above isn’t close to comprehensive. Even more businesses within sight of Espresso Air’s windows in the old Holmes Hotel building are run by families.

The changes don’t escape Uptown Dave’s attention, and he attributes the boom in nice restaurants and a more active streetscape to Westerville no longer being “dry.” He’s not quick to pronounce whether the dry Uptown he met as an Otterbein undergrad is inferior or superior to today’s “wet” Uptown, with its large DORA (Designed Outdoor Refreshment Area).

But he’s all right with alcohol sales today. “It’s OK. As long it’s controlled … and we don’t have drunks,” he said. And police are always nearby in case there’s a problem.

He likes the growth and vibrancy of the historic district today. And he likes the family involvements.

The new and the old is OK in Uptown Dave’s book. This Wednesday evening, he will get a lift from a friend to enjoy pizza at Pasquale’s Pizza and Pasta House, 558 W. Schrock Rd. Pasquale’s was an old Uptown favorite operating where Uptown restaurants operate today with alcohol sales. But a weekly trip down Schrock Road is worth it, he says, to find another old Uptown family … and that great pizza.

 PHOTO CAPTIONS

ABOVE: “Uptown Dave” Deringer (left) and his nephew Mike Deringer are flanked by Espresso Air baristas Elli and Juliette.

BELOW: Blue Turtle Tea & Spice Co. owner Alexandra Paoline (left) gets a hug from her cousin Nicole Harrison, owner of the Pure Roots Boutique, at the reopening of Paoline’s Blue Turtle on East College Avenue in 2025.

Make a sweet start to the Uptown Westerville walking events season as you munch your way through the 2026 Cookie Walk Saturday, March 7.

The Uptown Cookie Walk – the first Walking Tour for the new year in our historic Uptown Westerville commercial district – will be staged from noon to 4 p.m. March 7.

Stops on the self-guided tour are 24 Uptown shops and businesses. At each tour stop, participants can pick up a delicious Cheryl’s Cookie or chocolate treat as they browse the merchant’s wares.

Purchase tickets here. A Cookie Walk ticket ($28) gets you a 2026 Cookie Walk tote bag, and the chance to collect 24 gourmet treats.

Again this year, the Cookie Walk is a “Chocolate Invasion Edition.” Fifteen varieties of Cheryl’s Cookies will be available, as well as Chocolate-Covered Oreos, Crispy Treats, Grahams, Marshmallows, Buckeyes and more.

Check in to pick up your canvas tote bag and start the Cookie Walk March 7 at North High Brewing, 250 S. State St., You also will receive a map of the participating Uptown businesses.

Then enjoy a spring stroll Uptown as you visit the 24 businesses and pick up a treat at each stop!

Don’t dally on ordering your ticket, as the Uptown Cookie Walk has sold out the last two years because supplies of the treats are limited!

The 2026 Uptown Cookie Walk is presented by The Mike McCoy Team/REMAX Realtors, with supporting sponsorships by Salaita Orthodontics and Inniswood Health & Rehabilitation.

Brought to you by UWI

The Uptown Cookie Walk and several other Walking Tours in the Uptown District throughout the year, are presented by Uptown Westerville Inc., a Main Street America association. UWI is a nonprofit, private-public partnership comprised of Uptown merchants and property owners, residents, and representatives of major institutions in Westerville – the City, the School District, Chamber of Commerce, Westerville Public Library and Otterbein University.

The aim of the group is to create a unified, coherent image for Uptown, to rally community support and establish deeper collaboration, to produce positive impacts on Uptown, and ultimately all of Westerville.

Other Walking Tour events throughout the year include Uptown Clue, The W Files, Uptown Ghost Tours and Holidays in Uptown.

Please come out to the 2026 Cookie Walk to support Uptown and enjoy Westerville’s wonderful historic business district!

Participating 2026 businesses

1. Westerville Florist
2. Good Vibes Winery
3. Press Nail Studio
4. Edwin Loy
5. Stone & Sparrow
6. Daylight Artist Collective
7. Amish Originals
8. Fattey Beer
9. Westerville Antiques
10. Asterisk Supper Club
11. Ampersand Asian Supper Club
12. Pure Roots Boutique
13. Whit’s Frozen Custard
14. DeJaVu
15. David Myers Art Studio & Gallery
16. Blue Turtle Tea & Spice
17. A Twist on Olives
18. COhatch Westerville
19. The McCurdy Team Howard Hannah
20. Megan Lee Designs
21. Meza Wine Shop
22. Overgrown
23. My Cousin’s Cottage
24. Columbus Running Company

If you’ve built up an appetite from all that snow shoveling Sunday, or a burning desire to get out of the house after being stuck at home for the winter storm, you’re in luck: It’s Restaurant Week in Central Ohio.

Just as the snow stops you can, “Enjoy 3-course meals for a fraction of the cost at some of Columbus’ best restaurants all week long,” courtesy of the area-wide event staged by 614 Magazine and 614now.com.

You won’t have to go far, either. Three Uptown restaurants are participating, including two of its newest – Ampersand Asian Summer Club, Asterisk Supper Club, and High Bank Distillery.

Here’s a rundown of their Restaurant Week bargain offerings. See the slideshow below for images of the several of the dishes.

AMPERSAND ASIAN SUPPER CLUB, 32 W. COLLEGE AVE.
$30 per diner (beverage, tax and tip not included)

1ST COURSE (choose one):

• SPAM & PICKLE STEAM BUN
  Crispy delicious Spam on a pillow-like steam bun. With delicious house pickles and spicy mustard
• POBLANO CRAB RANGOONS
  This delicate version of rangoons will be filled with a mixture of charred corn & goat cheese Sriacha Cream
• NORI FRIES
  Crispy thin fries tossed in nori, salt and white pepper. Spicy chili mayo.

2ND COURSE (choose one):

• ZARZUELA STYLE RAMEN
  Rich Saffron-tomato dashi broth, calamari, shrimp. octopus & Patagonia scallops.
• JEREMY TSO’S CHICKEN RICE BOWL
  Chef Jeremy’s twist on a classic! Medium level spicy sauce. Karaage, green beans, carrots and rice.
• MISO GLAZED SALMON RICE BOWL
  Seared salmon glazed with miso yuso glaze, green beans & togarashi roasted carrots.

3RD COURSE (choose one):

• VEGAN CHOCOLATE TORTE
  Smooth chocolate torte, raspberry sauce.
• MATCHA CHEESECAKE
  Green tea vibes! Honeydew gastrique.

ASTERISK SUPPER CLUB, 14 N. STATE ST.
$35 per diner (beverage, tax and tip not included)

1st Course (choose one):

• JAMBALAYA (GF)
  A hearty Louisiana classic made with seasoned rice simmered in a rich blend of spices, tomatoes, and the “holy trinity” of onions, celery, and bell peppers. Finished with chicken, andouille sausage, shrimp, and bold Creole flavor.
• GUMBO
  A slow simmered Cajun stew built on a deep, dark roux, loaded with savory chicken, andouille sausage and crab meat, vegetables, and traditional spices, served over warm rice.
• MUFFULETTA FRITTERS
  Golden fritters inspired by the famous New Orleans sandwich. filled with chopped cured meats, cheese, and olive salad for a tangy, savory bite.

2nd course (choose one):

• SHRIMP PO’ BOY
  Crispy fried shrimp piled onto a soft French roll and dressed with fresh lettuce. tomato. and creamy remoulade sauce for a true New Orleans street food favorite.
• BOUDIN SAUSAGE ON A ROLL
  Traditional Cajun boudin sausage made with seasoned pork and rice, served warm on a soft roll for a flavorful and comforting classic.
• CRAWFISH ETOUFFEE (GF)
  Tender crawfish tails smothered in a rich, buttery sauce made with onions, celery, bell peppers, and Cajun spices. Served over steamed rice.

3rd Course (choose one):

• BEIGNETS
  Light, pillowy squares of fried dough, dusted generously with powderod sugar and served warm in classic New Orleans style.
• BREAD PUDDING WITH WHISKEY SAUCE
  A comforting Southern dessert made with custard, soaked bread baked until golden, topped with a smooth, buttery whiskey sauce for a warm and indulgent finish.
• BANANAS FOSTER (GF)
  Sliced bananas sauteed in a rich brown sugar and butter sauce with warm spices, finished with a splash of whiskey and served over creamy vanilla ice cream.

HIGH BANK DISTILLERY CO., 29 S. STATE ST.
$35 per diner (beverage, tax and tip not included)

1st Course (choose one):

• PEPPERONI PIZZA ROLLS
  Crushed tomato sauce, pepperoni, mozzarella, provolone, fresh basil, spicy ranch dressing.
• APPLE AND SWEET POTATO SALAD
  Mixed greens, red onion, granny smith apples, feta, dijon vinaigrette, crispy sweet potatoes.
• CRAB RANGOON DIP
  Lump crab, cream cheese, mozzarella, crispy wonton, sweet chili sauce.

2nd Course (choose one):

• FISH AND CHIPS
  Beer battered white fish, crystal remoulade, red pepper slaw, lemon, fresh parsley.
• PESTO PASTA
  Fresh linguine, basil, roasted roma tomatoes, pine nuts, parmesan, bread crumbs.
• FRENCH ONION BURGER
  Brioche bun, smash patty, caramelized onion, gruyere, crispy onion straws, smoked garlic aioli, beef au jus.

3rd Course (choose one):

• MILK AND COOKIES
  Chocolate chip cookies, sea salt, creme anglaise.
• APPLE TART
  Granny smith apple, puff pastry, caramel (a la mode +$2).

More choices nearby

Several other Westerville-area restaurants are participating in Restaurant Week 614 as well, including 101 Craft Kitchen, Bru Burger, Eddie Merlot’s, Marcella’s Polaris, Polaris Grill, and Rusty Bucket,

For the full list of participating restaurants and their discounted Restaurant Week offerings, visit Eat614.com.

In 2025, Uptown Westerville Inc. continued to strengthen the heart of Westerville through events, placemaking, small business support, and regional destination marketing — delivering measurable results for the community and our partners.

2025 Highlights

$6.14 Million
Total regional economic impact generated through Uptown events, programs, and visitation

174,450
Total event attendees across 62 community events

40%
Of visitors traveled from outside Westerville, representing 111 communities statewide and beyond

$2.34 Million
Economic impact from the Fourth Friday Festival Series alone

$1.2 Million+
Economic impact supporting local food producers through the Westerville Farmers Market

What This Impact Means

Uptown Westerville’s programs are more than community events — they are economic drivers that support local businesses, attract regional visitors, and strengthen Westerville’s identity as a vibrant place to live, work, and invest.

From signature festivals and the Farmers Market to year-round promotions and digital outreach, UWI connects people to place while delivering strong returns for sponsors and partners.

Professional Reach & Visibility

UWI’s digital platforms continue to outperform regional and statewide Main Street benchmarks, expanding Uptown’s reach well beyond city limits and reinforcing its reputation as a premier destination for dining, arts, shopping, and community experiences.

Our growing professional audience includes:

• Business owners and executives
• Civic and regional leaders
• Developers and economic development professionals
• Community partners and sponsors

Explore the Full 2025 Impact Report

The full report provides a deeper look at:

• Event and market performance
• Regional tourism impact
• Digital reach and engagement
• Small business support and partnerships

👉 Download the 2025 Impact Report (PDF)

Partnership Opportunities

Uptown Westerville’s success is made possible through strong partnerships with businesses and organizations that believe in investing in place, people, and community vitality.

If you are interested in sponsorship or partnership opportunities, we would welcome a conversation.

👉 Contact Us | Email KThompson@UptownWestervilleInc.com

Kris Thompson
Operations and Development Director
Uptown Westerville Inc.
📍 27 E. Home Street, Westerville, OH
🌐 UptownWestervilleInc.com

The North High Westerville Taproom stepped up for the Westerville community this year, and the restaurant’s peers noticed.

North High’s Westerville location was honored with the statewide Community Partner of the Year award from the Ohio Restaurant Hospitality & Alliance, during the Alliance’s annual awards banquet held Dec. 8 in north Columbus.

The Community Partner award was for North High and its neighboring COhatch coworking facility, volunteering to host the Westerville Saturday Farmers Market in 2025, when the Westerville City Hall construction project left the Market without a home.

Owners of the 2.3-acre campus that hosts both North High Westerville Taproom, 250 S. State St., and COhatch Westerville, in the fully renovated Westerville Armory building at 240 S. State St., offered their site as a new home for the Market.

Uptown Westerville Inc., the nonprofit coalition that runs the Market, gladly accepted.

North High Westerville Head of Restaurant Operations Brad Guy and Tyra Pouncy, now General Manager of North High Brewing Dublin, attended the Dec. 8 awards banquet to pick up the hardware, at the Villa Milano Banquet & Conference Center.

“Tyra and I attended the awards dinner last night and were excited to accept (the award),” Guy said on Dec. 9.

“This is a significant honor for both North High Brewing and COhatch Westerville. It means so much because it reflects the values we hold closest: community, collaboration, and hospitality.”

Lynn Aventino, Executive Director of Uptown Westerville Inc., congratulated North High on the award.

“North High and COhatch stepped forward at a critical moment for our community, ensuring the Farmers Market could continue without interruption,” Aventino said. “Their willingness to lead with solutions exemplifies the kind of partnership that strengthens Uptown and supports local farmers and small businesses.”

With the City Hall construction project stretching into a second year – and its rear parking lots remaining unavailable to host the Market well into summer 2026 – the Market will remain on the North High-COhatch campus for its 2026 season.

The Westerville Saturday Farmers Market brings Central Ohio grown food and farm products to the Westerville community from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. The 2026 season will take place, rain or shine, from May 16 through Sept. 26.

Shoppers visiting historic Uptown this Small Business Weekend will find a vibrant district brightened by redevelopment projects up and down State Street.

Uptown Westerville Inc. invites residents to Shop Small and Support Local businesses both Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 29-30.

A number of special events are planned Sunday, with a new expansion of Small Business Saturday into a second day – and into a full Small Business Weekend. And the weekend will kick off a whole season of activity, under the Holidays in Uptown banner.

New in old Uptown

Visitors can’t help but notice recent reinvestment in the city’s historic Uptown commercial district by business owners, with three primary examples:

Fox in the Snow, 79 S. State. The popular Central Ohio café and bakery group expanded into Westerville Oct. 11, opening its fifth location in Uptown. It is located in the former Fusion sushi shop, adjacent to Fattey Beer Co., at the southwest corner of State and Park Streets. The welcome from Westerville has been amazing, said Scott Ciocca, Director of Operations for Fox in the Snow.

“It’s been a wonderful community to be in and be part of,” he said. “I’m amazed at how active it is.” Ciocca invited residents not yet familiar with Fox in the Snow to stop by, for “pastries and coffee and the best egg sandwich you’ll ever have.”

Stone and Sparrow, 31 N. State, has expanded into the former Morgan’s Treasures building, at the northwest corner of State and Main streets. Locally owned by Amy Cabilovski, the renovation of the new location included restoring its stamped tin ceilings and adding bands of bright-green paint on the brick exterior, to better blend with the Cabilovski’s neighboring Uptown business, Edwin Loy Home.

She invites shoppers this weekend to check out the new digs in the restored 1870s building. “It’s more open, it’s spacious and bright,” she said. “It’s very welcoming and you have room to browse and shop and two new changing rooms to try on clothes.”

The restoration also installed new flooring, completely rebuilt a historic transom window that was too far gone to restore, and exposed an interior brick wall. Also added is all new lighting, highlighted with chandeliers, “to make it feel cozy and warm, kind of like our old space,” she added. The former Stone and Sparrow at 34 N. State now will be transformed into Cabilovski’s third Uptown business – the Little Sparrows Baby and Pet Boutique.

Birdie Books, 79 N. State, has completed its renovation of the former Gathering Place space at the northwest corner of State and Home streets. The book and gift shop now has expanded into the entirety of the historic Culver Art and Frame building, with its original space at the east side of the building now comprising just the children’s section. A café and beverage bar in the front part of the building will open in the future.

Small Business Saturday … and Sunday

In a special themed event first launched in 2023, Uptown businesses have pulled out all the stops to create a holiday destination in the heart of Westerville. And Frank Capra’s fictional Bedford Falls in It’s a Wonderful Life hasn’t got anything on our real, historic Uptown.

Please come out to enjoy the festive decor and support our local merchants.

Through the sponsorship of RWM Wealth Advisors, Visit Westerville, Kiddie Academy and UWI, the 2025 Holidays in Uptown kicks off with Small Business Weekend Nov. 29 and 30.

Weekend events and more planned through New Year’s will include:

• 29 — Small Business Saturday— Many Uptown shops open under their extended holiday hours for the national event.
• 30 — Small Business SUNDAY— A local expansion of the event by Uptown Westerville Inc. Grab a free Holidays in Uptown tote (while supplies last) and check out the Gingerbread Obstacle Course and Snowman Bounce House at State and Home streets, from noon-3 p.m.
• 7, 14 and 21 — Good Medicine Productions present Uptown Scrooge Abridged —three performances each Sunday.
• 1-8 —Snowflake Castle at Everal Barn, two times daily.
• 2, 4, 6 — Christmas Open House at Hanby House.
• 5 — City Tree Lighting ceremony and Parade of Lights — 6:30-8 p.m.
• 6 — Return of the Westerville Christmas Parade, staged by Good For Westerville. From St. Paul’s Church to Walnut Street, 10 a.m. Pictures with Santa after the parade at COhatch, 240 S. State St.
• 6 — Santa & Mrs. Claus at Howard Hanna/The McCurdy Team (42 N. State St.)
• 7 — Westerville Lions Club 5k Rudolph Run/Walk and Winter Fest, 1:30-4:30 p.m. at the Westerville Sports Complex.
• 7 — Handel’s Messiah Sing-A-Longc Join the Westerville Symphony at the second annual Messiah sing-along at St. Paul Church, 313 N. State St. — 7 p.m.
• 12 — Progressive Christmas Concertfor Habitat at local churches, 5-9 p.m.
• 14 — Ugly Sweater Snack and Stroll 2025, noon to 4 p.m.
• 19 — WUMA Ice Sculpture Tour— Sculptures outside 30 historical Uptown buildings to be in place by 6 p.m.; Self-guided tour continues until they melt!

For more information on all these events and many more, check the Uptown Westerville Inc. calendar here.

Traveling or too busy? Grab an Uptown Gift Card

If you’re traveling this holiday weekend, or too busy with hosting family to shop this Small Business Weekend, consider purchasing an Uptown Gift Card instead.

Available in any amount you choose, and honored at 29 participating Uptown restaurants and shops, you can leave the shopping to your Gift Card recipient! Click here for more details.

Local craft distillery lands a total of 17 awards at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, including more accolades for its Whiskey War line of blended whiskey.

Residents don’t have to search hard these days to find world class booze.

Just head to the High Bank Distillery in Uptown, 28 S. State St., and you can find a truckload – including the 2025 World’s Best Vodka and runners-up in Best Blended Whiskey in America and World’s Best Ready to Drink spirit product.

Opened in 2018, High Bank operates its craft distillery in Grandview, and companion “elevated distillery pub” restaurants in Grandview, Westerville, and Gahanna.

High Bank’s Westerville location is in the historic former Westerville Post Office building in the heart of Uptown, across the street from Westerville City Hall. The building was constructed during the Great Depression with Works Progress Administration (WPA) funding.

Company leaders, including Co-Founder and Master Distiller Adam Hines of Westerville, are just back from a dominant performance at one of the top juried tasting contests for distilled spirits in the world – the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

The conclusion of the competition was the Top Shelf Awards banquet Nov. 9, honoring the Best of Class and Best in Show winners from across the world. More than 5,500 entries were submitted from distilleries big and small, across the globe.

“The 2025 Top Shelf Awards highlight the pinnacle of quality and artistry in the world of spirits and RTDs. These accolades not only celebrate remarkable producers but also guide consumers toward the most outstanding products in the market today,” The Tasting Alliance said in a released statement.

Most horses in the championship field

High Bank was the only distillery with four lines in the running for top recognition at the Top Shelf Banquet Nov. 9: Its vodka, blended whiskeys in two different categories, and Ready to Drink product.

Winning the top award for the vodka came as a pleasant surprise, Hines said.

“I would not have thought we would come home with the Best Vodka award,” Hines said.

Since opening in 2018, High Bank quickly has become renowned for its blended whiskeys, capturing the SFTA Best in Class award for its Whiskey Wars line three years in a row – 2021, 2022 and 2023. This year, the line finished as top runner-up in the category.

High Bank also released extended remarks from Hines about this year’s San Francisco competition:

“Winning Best in Class with Whiskey War three years in a row has been an incredible accomplishment for our team. But when we heard High Bank Vodka had been named Best Vodka in the World, we were genuinely shocked — and deeply honored,” he said.

“Considering the number of iconic, long-established vodka brands that enter this competition from around the globe, having our vodka rise to the top is truly humbling.

“We’ve spent years honing our craft in whiskey, and we’re proud of the national recognition Whiskey War continues to receive. Now, to see our vodka stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in the world reinforces that our commitment to quality extends across every spirit we make.

“We’re proud to represent Ohio on the world stage, grateful for the team that makes these wins possible, and more excited than ever for what’s ahead,” Hines said.

Buy it Uptown

All High Bank’s lines of spirits are on sale by the bottle in liquor stores across Ohio, in retail “shops” inside its restaurants, and online.

The recently honored World’s Best Vodka is now prominently featured in restaurant shop displays, where it is offered in 1.5L bottles available only in the shops. High Bank is one of 28 Uptown businesses where residents can use their UWI Gift Cards for purchases.

See the full list of winners in the 2025 San Francisco Spirits Awards here.

PHOTO (ABOVE) CAPTION:
Image courtesy of The Tasting Alliance, by Katelyn Tucker Photography. 
High Bank Distillery Co. executives celebrate their wins at the San Francisco Spirits Awards Top Shelf Gala Nov. 9. From left are: Adam Hines, Co-Founder; Paul Heintzman, Director of Sales; Jenna Fisher, Director of Marketing; Jeff Ireland, Co-Founder; and Tony Thomas, Creative Director. 

Matthew Van Slyke has hung out his Licensed Massage Therapist shingle on State Street.

Operating from Suite G of the historic Westerville Medical Center building at 100 S. State, Van Slyke has established his own massage studio, MRV Your LMT.  The business operates within the Massage Medic offices on the lower level of the building.

Van Slyke, 34, said he wants to use his medical massage practice to help people remain in peak health, even as their bodies naturally age and change.

“Longevity … I want to instill the idea you don’t have to be an athlete, actor or dancer to want to make your body function like you want it to function.”

Van Slyke’s interaction with actors and dancers led him to the career choice. He earned degrees in theatre for both Acting and Stage Management from Ohio University in 2013, then bounced around gigs in regional theater up and down the East Coast.

“COVID pushed me back to Ohio,” he said. He grew up in the area through the age of 10, attending St. Paul School, before his parents relocated their family to Mason, Ohio. During his college years, they returned to retire in Westerville, where his mother was born.

College and his work in theater that brought him to “the whole idea of self-care,” and led him to launch the massage therapist career, he said.

“I loved working with the dancers and actors, who were super body-conscious,” he said. At some stops, theater companies had trainers backstage, to help cast members work out ailments or address any body issues that felt out of kilter after performances.

That’s the kind of service he hopes to provide clients of his new Westerville business now.

After returning to school to study Medical Massage Therapy at the American Institute of Alternative Medicine in north Columbus, he was certified in October by the State of Ohio as a Licensed Massage Therapist.

Van Slyke aims to build a clientele of health- and body-conscious people. Massage can promote recovery from injuries and illness, and therapy can achieve progress to avoid the need for surgery.

He’s looking for clients, regardless of age, to buy into a mindset of self-care, body awareness, and working to remain at their best. As people age, through maintaining a healthy body, they can “continue to do the things they love to do and function at their peak,” he said.

The name of the practice – MRV Your LMT – comes from his own initials, Matthew R. Van Slyke, and his goal of being “Your Licensed Massage Therapist.”

Bookings can be made through his website at MRVYourLMT.com. They also can be paid for with Uptown Westerville Inc’.s new Gift Card, which Van Slyke accepts along with more than 20 other Uptown shops and service businesses.

With a wet Halloween in the rear-view mirror, get ready for a packed holiday season across historic Uptown. The entire community is invited to visit to shop local, celebrate together and make memories in Uptown Westerville this holiday season.

Beginning on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 29, Uptown Westerville Inc. is rolling out festive programming designed to celebrate the season and create special moments for families and friends.

Uptown Westerville Inc., a nationally accredited Main Street America organization, is proud to promote this annual observance in partnership with Main Street America and American Express. Many Uptown businesses offer expanded holiday hours through the holiday season; however, hours vary by location, so visitors are encouraged to check individual business websites or social media pages for holiday hours.

In fact, Uptown is extending Small Business Saturday national observance to a whole weekend to support shopping local in Westerville. Be sure to visit the stores, shops and restaurants Uptown on Small Business Sunday Nov. 30.

Kick off your Small Business Sunday holiday shopping Nov. 30 with:

• 500 “Holidays in Uptown” canvas shopping totes will be available to shoppers Nov. 30 – free while supplies last – beginning on “Small Business Sunday” Nov. 30 – Uptown’s expansion of the national Small Business Saturday into an entire weekend push to shop local, shop small, and shop Uptown. Visit the Uptown Westerville Inc. tent in Rotary Park, at the southeast corner of Home and State streets, to pick up your Holidays in Uptown tote. 
• The Gingerbread Obstacle Course and Snowman Bounce House for kids and families will be set up Nov. 30 in the parking lot adjacent to Columbus Running Co., 50 N. State St. Hours for the bounce house and obstacle course will be noon-3 p.m.
• Uptown Gift Cards: If you want a little Uptown flexibility in your gifts this year, think about the new Uptown Gift Card. Available to purchase online here, the cards are honored at more than 20 Uptown shops and restaurants – from A Twist on Olives to Whit’s Frozen Custard. The cards can be bought in any dollar amount from $5 and up. Load some up for your family members, and let them decide where to do the shopping.

• Good Medicine Productions troop members will get a little Scrooge-y, presenting their seventh annual “Uptown Scrooge: Abridged” production on Sunday afternoons Dec. 7, 14 and 21 inside Java Central, 20 S. State St. What happens when A Christmas Carol collides with improv, comedy, music, and a dash of audience mischief? You get Uptown Scrooge: Abridged! — a lightning-fast, laugh-packed Westerville holiday tradition. Three performances will take place each Sunday. Get tickets online here.

And that’s just the start! The season continues with beloved community traditions:

• City Tree Lighting Ceremony: Enjoy a night of holiday festivities in Uptown Westerville from 6:30-8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5, at Westerville City Hall, 21 S. State St. The city’s Festival of Lights featuring city vehicles decked out with holiday cheer will run from Home Street to Park Street, with an appearance from Santa at City Hall.
• Return of the Westerville Christmas Parade, at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Staged by a new group this year, Good For Westerville, the parade will step off from St. Paul Church, 303 N. State St., and conclude at Walnut Street, said Good for Westerville  Executive Director Rhi Bailey said. Bailey asked that, as residents attending the parade bring along canned or dry good food donation for the Westerville Area Resource Ministry food pantry. Hot cocoa stations and donation boxes for the food donations to WARM will dot the parade route. Santa will ride on a vintage fire truck at the end of the procession, and families are invited to get photos with Santa afterward at COhatch Westerville, 240 S. State St.

Note: The 2025 Westerville Christmas Parade will take place on Saturday, Dec. 6 – not Sunday as in years past.

• The Westerville Lions Club Rudolph 5K Run/Walk and Winterfest: This family-encouraged 5K event will take place from 1:30-4:30 on Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Westerville Sports Complex (325 N Cleveland Ave, Westerville, OH 43082). Santa, food trucks, and activities for families and spectators will be featured. The Rudolph Run/Walk 5K will generate funds to benefit Westerville area organizations. Register here.
• Handel’s Messiah Sing-A-Long: Join the Westerville Symphony for the second annual Messiah sing-along inside the beautiful St. Paul Church, 313 N. State St. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30. Tickets are $30/$25 for seniors with an additional $15 charge for copies of the score – or you can bring your own score from home.
• Ugly Sweater Snack & Stroll: Get out your funkiest holiday sweater and proudly show it off Uptown. It’ll be a great day to enjoy historic Uptown and again “Shop Small” to support local businesses. The fun will take place all across the Uptown district, from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14. Businesses throughout will welcome the be-sweatered with holiday snacks. Stroll the shops to wrap up your holiday shopping, grab a meal at one of Uptown’s great restaurants or pubs … and check out all the other ugly sweaters on display Dec. 14.
• Ice Sculpture Tour: Presented by the Westerville Uptown Merchants Association, the ice sculptures will be installed outside many shops by 6 p.m. Dec. 19, continuing through Dec. 20 – and as long as the weather allows the ice to hold up!
• Uptown Westerville Inc. Calendar: Be sure to check the UWI events calendar here for other holiday events going on in historic Uptown and individual shop events.

The final Fourth Friday Street Festival of 2025 is set for this week, and madness will reign across historic Uptown – in a good way.

Uptown Westerville Inc.’s special Midnight Madness version of the Mount Carmel St. Ann’s Fourth Friday – our annual prelude to Halloween – is set for 6-9 p.m. Oct. 24.

Festival-goers young and old are encouraged to dress up in their Halloween costumes. Many of the approximate 100 street vendors at the Fourth Friday will have candy for early trick-or-treating.

Many Uptown merchants also will be decked out in their ghoul-iest best, and offering extended shopping hours for the Midnight Madness Fourth Friday.

As usual, State Street will be closed for the street festival between Walnut and Home streets. Live entertainment and specialty interest areas again will dot the whole Uptown historic district.

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Highlights Oct. 24 will include

• Westerville BMX Club members will show off their bikes with demonstrations near the Music & Arts Store, 43 N. State St.
• An Amped up Science Street will set up along State Street between the Westerville Public Library and Dairy Queen. The Courts Family with Boo Bubbles and an Electrostatic generator, curbside COSI Connects and the Westerville CHAT (Community Health Action Team) will be on hand for interactive science lessons for students. Science Street is sponsored by The Westerville Fund.
• Westerville Symphonymembers will set up and perform near the northwest corner of West Main and State streets. For the Midnight Madness Fourth Friday, the symphony setlist will includes tunes from Wicked and Halloween favorites.
• The Otterbein Band will perform at 6:15 and 7 p.m. near Rotary Park and the Church of the Messiah, 51 N. State St.
• The Uptown Westerville Inc. tent will be giving away Midnight Madness trinkets, including a Halloween finger light and lighted floral crowns. Look for the UWI at the corner of Park and State streets, near Hanby Elementary.
• The Hanby School front patio, 56 S. State St. will feature DJ Matt Ryan and a Monster Mash Dance Party. No lighted dance floor will be featured this year due to a lack of space, but DJ Matt is bringing special lighting!
• Westerville Public Library – The library’s Wizards and Wands Festival will be in full magical bloom. Stop by at 126 S. State St. to catch special activities inside the library and on the lawn outside.
• Generations Performance Arts Center students will present dance performances from 6-9 p.m. in front of the studio, 11 W. College Ave.
• Balloons bonanza: Entertainers from PhilUP Balloons will twist wows for kids and festival-goers near Jimmy V’s Grill & Pub, 1 S. State St.

Presented by Mount Carmel St. Ann’s Hospital, Fourth Fridays are staged by Uptown Westerville Inc. from May to October each year.

Don’t miss the Midnight Madness action from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24 across the historic Uptown District.