Introducing the Spring 2013 property Improvement program

The City of Westerville is now seeking nominations for the Property Improvement Program, a friendly, semiannual awards program for Westerville residents and businesses to recognize significant improvements made to homes, buildings or landscaping within the last year.

“Westerville residents and businesses continue to invest in and improve the aesthetic appeal of their properties,” said Westerville City Manager David Collinsworth. “This program will showcase these residential and commercial transformations and highlight local efforts to keep Westerville beautiful.”

Awards will be presented to commercial and residential properties based on improvement efforts in these categories:

Landscaping

• Plant materials in landscape enhance the total overview of the property.

• Landscape colors attract viewers from the street or sidewalk and harmonize the surrounding landscape (e.g., trees, shrubs and structures).

• Layout and proportions of plantings and structures are uniform.

• Design is balanced. For example, plant beds relate to scale and design of structure.

• Landscape is visually appealing and creates an atmosphere of tranquility.

• Garden beds are clean, mulched and deadheaded.

Building Design

• The general style of the original structure is improved.

Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast Celebration

Examines Community Healing

For the second consecutive year, the annual Westerville Community Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast Celebration has adopted a theme to celebrate Dr. King’s belief in stronger, more united communities.

In “Where do we go from here: Chaos or Community?” the day of honor will explore how Westerville, like many other communities across the nation, has been affected by local and national political differences as well as ever-changing social and cultural issues. Janet E. Jackson, president and CEO of United Way of Central Ohio, will be the keynote speaker. The program also features entertainment, guest speakers and awards for students and community leaders who embody the ideals of Dr. King.

Additionally, in its annual tradition of continuing the celebration throughout the day, Otterbein University will host service projects through its “Day On” community service program. In conjunction with the City of Westerville Parks & Recreation Department, the Cultural Divide will take place at the Westerville Community Center from 11 a.m.1 p.m., featuring food tastings, crafts and entertainment. This event is free.

Registration for the breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m., with the program starting at 8 a.m. The event, presented by Leadership Westerville, takes place at Villa Milano Banquet & Conference Center, 1630 Schrock Rd. Cost is $25 per adult and $15 per student; businesses may sponsor a 10-person table for $300. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/WestervilleMLK.

• Awnings, painting, paint removal or window replacement constitute improvements.

• Additions to the existing structure enhance its visual appeal.

Window Design

• Business display windows are creative and visually appealing.

• Window displays present noticeable improvements.

All nominees must own or lease property in the corporate limits of the City of Westerville, and all improvements must have been implemented no earlier than May 31, 2012. Program materials are online at www.westerville.org/PIP. All nominations must be received by the City no later than 5 p.m., Friday, May 31, 2013.

p arks & Recreation Seeking Input on Master p lan

The Parks & Recreation Department is hosting a series of focus groups in January to get community input on the Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Master Plan, which establishes programs and priorities for the future of Westerville parks, recreation facilities and services.

Focus Groups will take place on the following dates from 7-8:30 p.m. Interested residents and workers employed in Westerville can participate by sending a RSVP to pam.betts@ westerville.org or by calling 614-901-6509.

Monday, Jan. 14: Westerville Community Center

Tuesday, Jan. 15: Westerville Community Center

Wednesday, Jan. 16: 64 E. Walnut St.

Thursday, Jan. 17: Westerville Community Center

Monday, Jan. 21: 64 E. Walnut St.

Tuesday, Jan. 22: 64 E. Walnut St.

Wednesday, Jan. 23: Westerville Community Center

Thursday, Jan. 24: Westerville Community Center

Monday, Jan. 28: 64 E. Walnut St.

Tuesday, Jan. 29: 64 E. Walnut St.

Wednesday, Jan. 30: Westerville Community Center*

Thursday, Jan. 31: Westerville Community Center*

*public meeting