Congratulations to the 2013 Excellence in Service Award Winners Bassem Bitar, Senior Planner, Planning & Development M a r k B o y d , M e t e r Te c h n i c i a n , Westerville Electric Division Chris Monacelli, Utility Finance Manager, Westerville Electric Division Linda Obbish, Administrative Secretary, Department of Administrative Services To m P a t t e r s o n , P r o c u r e m e n t Coordinator, Department of Administrative Services Mike Phillips, Recreation Administrator, Parks & Recreation Phyllis Self, Recreation Superintendent, Parks & Recreation Katie Siroky, Facilities Operations Manager, Parks & Recreation Sam Watkins, Metering Supervisor, Westerville Electric Division
The City of Westerville also recognizes departments that demonstrate excellence year-round in the award category. From creating a culture of safety to encouraging health and wellness to saving public dollars, these awards recognize the collective efforts of staff and management in collaboration, creativity and coordination. The sixth annual Safety Matters Award: Westerville Electrion Division The first Wellness Award: Westerville Electric Division The first WeSave Department of the Year: Westerville Parks & Recreation The first WeInnovate Department of the Year: Information Systems Congratulations!
Health & Wellness Profile
Walk or Run: A 5K for Your Health How are you doing on your New Year’s resolution(s)? Whether you resolved to lose weight, be more active or try something new, one way to motivate in the third and fourth months of the year may be to take part in a local or regional 5K race. Most of the 5K events in the City include walkers and runners. A 5K course is 3.1 miles (“K” stands for “kilometer,” which is equal to 0.62 of a mile). Typically, these races are family-friendly and include an option for kids. They also often allow jogging strollers (check with the event host to confirm). Just signing up and getting on a 5K course can be a healthy move that’s not overly intimidating, said Westerville Parks
& Recreation Fitness Manager Mike Herron. “One of the great things about a 5K is that they are pretty accessible to most people. Even if you’re not conditioned to run it, there are usually plenty of walkers,” he said. “At an average pace, you can walk a standard 5K in a little more than an hour. And what a great way to commit to something that will keep you moving toward a finish line for that amount of time.” With Westerville’s expansive parks system, 5Ks are popular and plentiful in Westerville. And there are several websites that list 5K events throughout central Ohio and across the state. Do a simple website search to view options.
Mark Your Calendars Public Service Complex Dedication Tuesday, March 18, 5 p.m. Dedication at 6 p.m. 350 Park Meadow Rd. The Public Service Department will host a dedication of the new building that now expands space for the street maintenance, utilities, environmental maintenance and fleet maintenance divisions. Administrative offices have relocated to the site as well. Westerville City Council will officially dedicate the building and tours will be offered of the vehicle storage structure and salt storage facility. Income Tax Filing Due Tuesday, April 15 Income tax forms are available on the City of Westerville website for 2013 income tax, due Tuesday, April 15. Visit www.westerville.org/incometax or look for links from the front page of the site to access forms and helpful links. The Income Tax Department offers assistance to all filers, including form preparation, expanded office hours and e-filing services. Extended office hours will be offered Saturday, April 12, 8 a.m.-noon and Tuesday, April 15, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information, contact the department or stop by the office to speak with a representative. 64 E. Walnut St. Phone: 614-901-6420 Fax: 614-901-6820 Email: incometax@westerville.org Regular Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Two of spring’s most popular community events are just ahead. Mark your calendars now to participate in the Bunny Hop 5K Run/Walk at Alum Creek Park North followed by the Spring Eggstravaganza at Highlands Park (baseball fields) on Saturday, April 19. The third annual Bunny Hop 5K goes in and around Alum Creek Park North (221 W. Main St.), including portions of the leisure/ bike paths. The scenic route is good for walkers and runners alike and is family-friendly, so participants may bring jogging/walking www.westervillemagazine.com
strollers. The adult race begins at 8 a.m. and the youth race ($10 with participating adult) starts at 9 a.m. Registration fees are $30 ($25 early registration, which ends March 17) and $35 the day of the race. Each participant receives a T-shirt, a finisher’s medal, prizes, coupons and refreshments. The top five male and females finishers will win gift cards to Fleet Feet Sports. The Bunny Hop benefits the Westerville Parks Foundation Scholarship Program, which provides financial assistance to Westerville residents for Parks and Recre-
ation programs and activities. The event is presented by the Westerville Parks Foundation and Premier Sports and sponsored by Mount Carmel St. Ann’s Hospital. Registration is online at www.premierraces.com. Following the race is the annual Spring Eggstravaganza egg hunt, sponsored by the Westerville Lions Club. Colored eggs and special prizes are spread throughout the fields for an 11 a.m.-sharp dash. Arrive early to find the right field – kids line up according to age – and bring a basket. The event is held rain or shine, so dress for the weather. 13
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Popular Spring Events to Move Locations