I love meeting new people; some may even call me a social butterfly. So I was ecstatic when the thought crossed my mind to get out and talk to residents about why Gahanna is their city of choice. Gahanna-ites, meet Amanda and Tamara!
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Friday, August 10, 2012
City Welcomes ‘Guest Bloggers’, Invites Others To Submit Stories
It all started when Angela Payne reached out to the City of Gahanna's Public Information Manager Brian Hoyt with a simple idea; would the City be interested in a resident being a guest blogger. After meeting, Payne and Hoyt thought it would be a unique idea to publish blog posts about what she and her family do in Gahanna and why they love living here.
Soon after Payne’s first submission, ‘Summer, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways’, was posted, another resident contacted Hoyt and offered to do the same.
"Although many employees of the City live here, nobody can tell the story of Gahanna better than residents who live here and people who work here," Hoyt said.
The City of Gahanna's blog was started in 2010 to provide an informal outlet to share information, stories and photos about Gahanna. The addition of guest bloggers only serves to expand that mission.
"Angela told us that her family moved to Gahanna last year and that she loves to write," Hoyt said. "She thought it would be fun to share some stories and photos of the activities and events her family enjoys in Gahanna."
So the City has decided to ask more residents and members of the business community to contribute to the City's blog.
Residents and those who work, play, visit or worship in Gahanna are invited to submit stories and/or photos of what they do in Gahanna. Articles can be as short or as long as writers want them to be.
"It's a pretty simple idea... Tell us a story and let us share it with everyone," Hoyt said.
Those interested are asked to submit their blog post or photography to information@gahanna.gov and to include their name, contact information and a short description about themselves. Submissions that are selected will be published at www.blogspot.com/CityofGahanna as well as on Facebook and Twitter.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Guest Blogger: A Triple Scoop of Cool
In a word, the last few weeks have been HOT! With temperatures soaring into the mid-90s almost daily, now’s the perfect time to treat your palate to some fun-flavored frozen desserts (say that three times). Luckily, Gahanna has its fair share of cool-treat eateries around town, and I felt it was my civic duty to try a few! From frozen yogurt to creamy custard, here are some must-haves:
Whit’s Frozen Custard -- 121 S. Stygler Rd
This is our personal fave! Simple in its selections, Whit’s only offers vanilla, chocolate and a special weekly flavor. BUT, don’t be fooled by the simplicity. Any combination of custard and fruit, nut or candy topping creates something pretty special…and tasty. The strawberry cheesecake Whitser is a dream!
Spoon Me -- 4691 Morse Rd
This unique establishment serves up frozen yogurt in a fun and eco-friendly way. With six self-service machines, Spoon Me rotates 50 different flavors, including best sellers Natural Tart, Vanilla, and Birthday Cake – a flavor explosion of epic proportion. Careful not to get carried away piling on any of the 36 toppings, as size does matter; patrons pay $.45 per ounce for their selection…and might I say, it’s worth every penny!
Rita’s -- 200 Granville Street
How can you not love a place where the mantra is: ice. custard. happiness .In addition to the obvious Italian Ice and custard, Rita’s also offers blended treats like a Gelati, Misto and Blendini to satisfy those who like the best of both worlds. Grab your treat to go or stick around and relax on the patio. Either way, you’ll be glad you stopped!
Or, take your pick from 31 flavors at Baskin Robbins; get serenaded by the Cold Stone Creamery crew when you leave a tip; stick with an enduring favorite, Dairy Queen; or, buy local at Graeters.
Leave a comment with your favorites!
Till next time…
About Angela: A self-proclaimed summer fanatic, Angela Payne is a communications professional in the Columbus area and a Gahanna resident. Angela will be blogging this summer about all things Gahanna – restaurants, parks, festivals and more.
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Editor’s Note: Angela Payne is a Gahanna resident who offered to submit pieces for the City blog and we are excited that she did. From time to time Angela will offer her insights and experiences as a Gahanna resident, wife and mom. If you would like to submit a photo, story or idea for the City blog, please email us at information@gahanna.gov
Monday, July 16, 2012
Guest Blogger: Happy Trails
My goal for the year: to become a runner. Yep, an aspiring runner. Jackie Joyner-Kersee I’ll never be, but I’ll settle for being able to complete a 5K with enough energy leftover to do a toe-touching jump for joy at the end.
One of Gahanna’s greatest draws is its natural beauty. After a hectic workday, I took to the trails of Academy Park to contrast the day’s commotion. My first step hit the pavement and I was off for two miles of freedom. The winding, tree-lined path took me up inclines, down tiny hills and pass nature in its purest form of beauty. Again I was reminded of why I press forward in my journey to become a runner.
Trails have personalities, you know? Contemporary and lively like Creekside Park. Quiet and composed like Academy Park. Playful and charming like Woodside Green Park. Gahanna has quite a few, and I intend to traipse along as many as I can.
Be it a subtle stroll or a swift sprint, I invite you to do the same.
Till next time…
About Angela: A self-proclaimed summer fanatic, Angela Payne is a communications professional in the Columbus area and a Gahanna resident. Angela will be blogging this summer about all things Gahanna – restaurants, parks, festivals and more.
______________________
Editor’s Note: Angela Payne is a Gahanna resident who offered to submit pieces for the City blog and we are excited that she did. From time to time Angela will offer her insights and experiences as a Gahanna resident, wife and mom. If you would like to submit a photo, story or idea for the City blog, please email us at information@gahanna.gov
Friday, June 22, 2012
Guest Blogger: ‘Blues & Jazz Fest’ didn’t miss a beat
Despite the sweltering temperatures and periodic drizzles, the family and I ventured over to Olde Gahanna for the Creekside Blues & Jazz Fest – so glad we did! After all, nothing beats a funnel cake nice family outing close to home (gimme a break, I changed it).
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Jeni’s ice cream truck – yum!
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In the quaint setting of Creekside, where contemporary architecture meets picturesque nature, festival-goers strolled up and down Mill St. greeting familiar faces, browsing the goods at vendor tables and snapping their fingers to music heard in the distance.
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Schmidt’s of German Village
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After we filled our bellies, it was time to check out the vendors. Goodies were aplenty, but one of the most novel was a business called “The Dudes” Pant-Planters, where the owner “dresses” pots in pants, shoes and a belt (visit the website for photos). Love it!
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Brats and sausage at Giant Concessions
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We rounded the day out with some heartfelt blues and soulful jazz. Ranging from rising stars to seasoned musicians, the talent was amazing. Sorry, no pics. Note to self: Arrive early for a seat up front.
The serene setting, delicious vittles and quality entertainment secured our attendance at next year’s festival. For you music lovers still needing a fix, pack a picnic basket and check out the ‘Music in the Park’ series every Friday at Friendship Park.
Till next time…
About Angela: A self-proclaimed summer fanatic, Angela Payne is a communications professional in the Columbus area and a Gahanna resident. Angela will be blogging this summer about all things Gahanna – restaurants, parks, festivals and more.
______________________
Editor’s Note: Angela Payne is a Gahanna resident who offered to submit pieces for the City blog and we are excited that she did. From time to time Angela will offer her insights and experiences as a Gahanna resident, wife and mom. If you would like to submit a photo, story or idea for the City blog, please email us at information@gahanna.gov
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Newest Piece of Public Art to be Unveiled at “Friday After Five”
Gahanna Lincoln High School student pairing up with local artist to design piece
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Student artist Staci Alatis and Artist Steve Bush
present her sculpture concept to the committee |
The first piece of public art in Gahanna, Three Creeks, commissioned by the Gahanna Parks and Recreation Foundation (GPRF), is going to have a second piece joining it in Creekside Park.
The Foundation’s Public Art Steering Committee is once again working with Steve Bush, owner of SmART Works and the creator of Three Creeks, in order to build this year’s piece. For 2012 the committee decided to take a new and innovative approach by partnering with Gahanna Lincoln High School student to design the piece. Bush will then construct the winning piece based off the winning high school student’s designs.
Student artist Staci Alatsis was one of two students to present a proposal to the Committee and Blacklick artist Steve Bush in May.
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Assistant City Administrator and committee member
Brandi Braun stands with Director of Parks & Recreation Tony Collins to recognize Alatsis during a City Council meeting. |
“I wanted something that everyone could enjoy, whether they’re a child or adult,” Alatsis said.
Alatsis’ piece, which features three fish, was chosen as the winning art piece and was recognized at a City Council meeting in early June.
This newest public art piece will debut at the 2012 Gahanna Parks & Recreation Foundation “Friday After Five” fundraiser on Friday, Sept. 21 in Creekside Park.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Guest Blogger: Summer, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways
By Angela Payne The summer months are by far my favorite time of year (next to Christmas, of course). Basking in the warmth of the sun, spending long evenings on the patio, and enjoying the sweet aroma of backyard barbeque – summer days are here!
Fellow summer enthusiasts will probably agree that this time of year is reminiscent of your youth -- vibrant, carefree… curious, even. Remember what that last day of school felt like? Watching the hands on the classroom clock tick by, eager for the final minutes of the school year to pass. With the lyrics of Alice Cooper’s 1972 School’s Out playing through my head, summer officially began and the next three months were pure adventure.
I’ve now realized that life happens more and summer happens less. Without warning, the priority of leisure diminishes. Not only am I determined to take back my summer, my “playground” will be right here in Gahanna! I’ll be blogging about Gahanna’s tasty eats and treats, lively nights on the town, simple family fun and more.
With any luck, I’ll ignite the interest of visitors to come check-out Gahanna and reintroduce long-time residents to the forgotten gems of this great city.
DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince said it best in their 1991 hit, Summertime: “It’s summer, summer, summer time / Time to sit back and unwind.”
Till next time…
About Angela: A self-proclaimed summer fanatic, Angela Payne is a communications professional in the Columbus area and a Gahanna resident. Angela will be blogging this summer about all things Gahanna – restaurants, parks, festivals and more.
______________________
Editor’s Note: Angela Payne is a Gahanna resident who offered to submit pieces for the City blog and we are excited that she did. From time to tome Angela will offer her insights and experiences as a Gahanna resident, wife and mom. If you would like to submit a photo, story or idea for the City blog, please email us at information@gahanna.gov
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