Traffic Alerts

Cleveland Avenue Reopens
Southbound Cleveland Ave. has reopened between Mt. Vernon Ave. and Spring St. after a closure due to sewer installation.

SID Notes

Downtown Dodgeball League
If you haven't registered for the Downtown Dodgeball League yet, what are you waiting for? The deadline to register is February 3, so sign up soon! Capital Crossroads SID and the Downtown YMCA are sponsoring the Downtown Dodgeball League, a great way to beat back the winter blues. The League runs on Thursday nights at 6 p.m., February 10 - March 17. A second session will be held March 24 - April 28 if there is sufficient interest. Play will take place at the YMCA, where parking is available for just 1.00 in the Marconi garage. Teams must consist of a minimum of six people and the team entry fee is 235.00. For more information, rules and a registration form, visit http://www.downtowncolumbus.com/experiencing/downtown-dodgeball. Mail your registration form and check payable to Downtown YMCA, attention Lisa Cline, Program Director, Downtown YMCA at 40 W. Long St., Columbus, OH 43215. If you have questions, contact Lisa Cline at lcline@ymcacolumbus.org or Melissa Fast at mlfast@sidservices.com.

Capital Crossroads Encourages Downtown Recycling
If your downtown office does not yet have a recycling program, Capital Crossroads offers information and tools to help implement a program. A newly launched website, located athttp://www.downtowncolumbus.com/recycling, offers educational tools, waste hauling resources, videos demonstrating what can be recycled and a workplace Recycling Toolkit. Capital Crossroads encourages downtown businesses to implement a recycling program and hope this website will help businesses achieve that goal. The website was developed by Capital Crossroads with support from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio. http://www.downtowncolumbus.com/recycling

Winter Pearl Market
If you have not stopped by the Winter Pearl Market, which is held Tuesdays and Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. through February 25, we have another reason for you to stop by. In addition to fresh seasonal produce and a wide range of other goods, such as handcrafted soaps, delicious jams and jellies, fragrances, jewelry, clothing and baked goods, the Market offers weekly giveaways. Just drop your business card in the fishbowl at the Welcome Table and you are entered to win fantastic prizes, including Market goods and tickets to downtown arts events such as CAPA's Tony & Tina's Wedding. If you want to know more about the weekly specials, sign up to receive the Right Now Downtown newsletter which highlights each week's deal plus any other special events or goods you'll find at the Market that week. You can sign up at http://www.downtowncolumbus.com/sign-up.

If you wish, leave your cash at home, because credit cards and the Ohio Directions Card are accepted. The Winter Market is in its second year of a two-year grant from the USDA Farmers' Market Promotion Program. Check it out and get more information at http://www.downtowncolumbus.com/pearlmarket.

You can become a fan of Pearl Market on Facebook or follow PEARLMARKET on Twitter.

A Friendly Reminder
Capital Crossroads asks that you to consider becoming a Friend of Pearl Market. By doing so, you will help CCSID and their partner organizations operate the popular Winter and Summer Pearl Markets, including staff, special events, entertainment, marketing and education. There are benefits for you too, including one Pearl Market reusable shopping bag (with the option to purchase additional bags for 5.00); a listing as a Friend of the Market on the Pearl Market Website; sneak peeks of the Market videos and email updates from the Market Manager; and "Fresh from the Pearl Market" postcards that keep summertime freshness close to the heart, even in the winter. Whether you want to become a Cherry Tomato Friend or a Beefsteak, there is a level of support that works for everyone.http://www.downtowncolumbus.com/pearlmarket/friends

News and Notes

MORPC Housing Counselor
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission is offering housing counseling every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon for those at risk of default. Scheduled appointments are encouraged but walk-ins are welcome. Grant funds are available to assist with mortgage payments for homeowners in Franklin County living outside the Columbus city limits. For details or to schedule an appointment, call 614.233.4177 or email homeownership@morpc.org.

SWACO Recycling Update
The Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio announced that Franklin County recycled at a record volume in 2010. Last year's total of 15,924 tons was more that 5 percent better than 2009, with December 2010 setting a record for the highest monthly collection with 1,469 tons.

Corporate Caring Awards Deadline Approaching
Nominations for Columbus Business First's Corporate Caring Awards are due for submission by January 31. These awards honor for-profit companies for their financial contributions, volunteer and board service and other unique contributions to Columbus' charities and nonprofit organizations. http://www2.bizjournals.com/columbus/nomination/5921

MORPC Seeks Award Nominations
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission is now accepting nominations for the Regional Leadership Award and the William C. Habig Collaborative Achievement Award. The Regional Leadership Award recognizes individuals in a 12-county region, including Franklin, who make extraordinary efforts to ensure the future viability of central Ohio and its communities. The William C. Habig Collaborative Achievement Award is a new honor created in honor of William C. Habig who served as MORPC's director for 34 years. This award recognizes individuals who have achieved an effective and/or innovative collaborative effort in central Ohio. The honoree(s) will have demonstrated success in developing a specific initiative or entity that addressed key challenges facing the region. Nominations must be received by February 1. The nomination form is available online at http://www.morpc.org. For more information contact Amy Lowe at 614.233.4135 or alowe@morpc.org.

Special Events

Time-Sensitive
Now through January 29
OSU Urban Arts Space
ROY G BIV Gallery for Emerging Artists presents Time-Sensitive, a juried exhibition featuring ephemeral artwork that faces, disappears or simply "ends" due to the materials or time that they inhabit. This is no-cost and open to all. uas.osu.edu

Third Eye
Now through February 11
OSU Urban Arts Space
City Center presents Third Eye, a collection of artwork from ten Columbus-based artists who question, revolt against and embrace photography's impact on perception within contemporary culture. No cost and open to all. http://www.uas.osu.edu

MadLab Presents Love in the Time of Comedy
Now through February 12, Thursday, January 20, 8 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m.
MadLab Theatre and Gallery
227 N. Third St.
Tickets cost 10.00, 8.00 for students or seniors and 6.00 for members. http://www.madlab.net/MadLab/Buy_Tickets.html

Crossing the BLVD: strangers, neighbors, aliens in a new America
Now through March 26
OSU Urban Arts Space
The artists started this project in 1999 when they began conducting workshops for new immigrants to recount their experiences. Eleven years later, Crossing the BLVD has grown into a multifaceted documentation, consisting of an award-winning book, CD, website, performances, public radio documentaries and traveling exhibition. This exhibit is no cost and open to all. http://www.uas.osu.edu

Orchid Forest
Now through April 3
Franklin Park Conservatory
The Orchid Forest brings the Conservatory's Tropical Rainforest to life with warmth and color in the midst of winter. Enjoy waves of colorful, tropical orchids complimented by lush, green foliage and water features. Architectural orchid displays in vibrant hues are featured in the Show House. View colorful photographic images by Columbus artist Julia McLemore and sculpted glass flowers by Conservatory Hot Shop glass artists Daniel Schreiber and Caleb Mroczka in the Atrium Gallery. http://www.fpconservatory.org/orchids.htm

Seventh Dream of Teenage Heaven
January 27 - March 12
Columbus College of Arts & Design
Seventh Dream of Teenage Heaven explores what it means to long for a return to the vitality and glory of an idealized past. The exhibit, curated by James Voorhies, investigates how once-glorified and lyrical pasts - physical, mental, material and spiritual - can be again claimed in present and future moments. http://www.bureauforopenculture.org/seventhdream.html

Artist Talk with Judith Sloan
January 28, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
OSU Urban Arts Space
Bring your lunch and get an inside perspective on the multi-faceted exhibition from Crossing the BLVD documentary artist, Judith Sloan. She will take guests through the making of Crossing the BLVDand the histories it presents. http://www.uas.osu.edu

Artist Talk and Demonstration with Emily Moorhead
January 28, 3 - 4 p.m.
OSU Urban Arts Space
The OSU Urban Arts Space invites you to attend a special event with multimedia artist, Emily Moorhead who will be maintaining her ephemeral work, Deconstructing Polarities 2 in the Time Sensitive exhibition. Using the installation as a platform for engagement, the artist will answer questions and welcome conversations about the work. This event is no cost and open to all. http://www.uas.osu.edu

Breakfast with Business First
January 28, 7 - 9 a.m.
Ohio Statehouse
At this no cost networking event, you can tour the historic Ohio Statehouse and network with Central Ohio business professionals, pitch story ideas to Business First, register for door prizes and receive special discounts at the Statehouse Museum Shop. Complimentary parking and breakfast provided. Register online or contact Cat Bauman at cbauman@bizjournals.com or 614.220.5484.http://www2.bizjournals.com/columbus/event/30061?mp=3

Crossing the BLVD and Third Eye Reception
January 28, 5 - 7 p.m.
OSU Urban Arts Space
Visit the OSU Urban Arts Space as they celebrate two exhibitions, Crossing the BLVD: strangers, neighbors, aliens in a new America and Third Eye. The event is no cost and open to all; light refreshments will be provided. http://www.uas.osu.edu

Understanding the Other - An Interactive Workshop
January 29, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
OSU Urban Arts Space
Come participate in this interactive workshop focusing on "Understanding the Other" with Judith Sloan, co-author and co-creator of Crossing the BLVD: strangers, neighbors, aliens in a new America.http://www.uas.osu.edu

Columbus Young Professionals Club: A Date 2 Remember
January 29, 7 - 11 p.m.
The LC Pavilion
Plan to attend what Columbus CEO Magazine called the "Best Charity Event in Central Ohio." This charity auction and fashion show features members of the Central Ohio community "making a date" - one that combines a live date auction with a fashion show. All proceeds raised will benefit two local non-profits: A Kid Again and Flying Horse Farms. Enjoy cocktails, appetizers and desserts, a beer sampling booth and other exciting surprises. Attire is cocktail or dressy/casual. Tickets are 25.00 in advance or 35.00 at the door. Presale tickets may be purchase at http://www.date2remember.org.

Grande Winter Ball
January 29, 7 - 9 p.m.
Ohio Statehouse Atrium
Individuals of all ages are invited to attend the Grande Winter Ball, part of the Ohio Statehouse Sesquicentennial celebration, hosted by Civil War re-enactors. Come dance or watch and learn to reel or waltz, dressed in attire of the Civil War period or come as you are. This event is no cost but registration is required due to limited space at http://www.ohiostatehouse.org.

Black History Month at the Ohio Statehouse
February 1 - 28
Ohio Statehouse
The Ohio Statehouse will celebrate Black History Month throughout February with a special display, no-cost historical performances each Tuesday at noon and special tours of the George Washington Williams room. Visitors can also enjoy a special soul food menu at the Capitol Cafe each Wednesday in February. http://www.ohiostathouse.org

CYP CLUB Speaker Breakfast with Amber Mikesell, Actress and President of the Mid Ohio Filmakers Association
February 1, 7:30 - 9 a.m.
Arena Grand Movie Theatre
Establish new connections and get to know other business professionals in a casual, career-focused setting at the monthly CYP CLUB Speaker Breakfast. Everyone will have the opportunity to introduce themselves and what they do, then listen to the guest speaker offer information and advice on business, careers and other topics. The event includes breakfast muffins, fruit and coffee and the cost is 5.00 in advance online and 10.00 at the door. Everyone who attends this event will receive a no-cost ticket to attend the Arnold Fitness Weekend. http://www.cypclub.com/events/2011/256

Dr. Ruzabe Matic': The Inside of the Outside: Portraits of the Soul
February 2 - March 11
Fresh A.I.R. Gallery, 131 N. High St.
This solo exhibition will kick of the New Year at Fresh A.I.R. Gallery and will feature 27 original paintings by the artist who captures the soul of a person she is painting and emancipates their spirit onto the canvas. http://www.southeastinc.com/freshair

MORPC Prospective Homebuyers Classes
February 2, 9 and 16, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
111 Liberty St.
Prospective homebuyers will learn about budgets, mortgages, credit and home inspections at three homeownership classes. The certificate received after attending all three classes can be used to help qualify for area down payment assistance programs and qualifies eligible buyers to purchase newly renovated homes available through the Franklin County Neighborhood Stabilization Program. For details or to register, call 614.233.4176 or email homeownership@morpc.org.

Global Health Spending: Learning to do More with Less
February 3, 11:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Athletic Club of Columbus
Dr. Nandakumar ranks among the most coveted experts to the study of global health and development. A consultant to the World Bank, the World Health Organization and assistant professor at Harvard University, Dr. Nandakumar has published extensively and he is extremely interested in developing methods to track resource flows to understand the efficiency of health spending. http://www.columbusworldaffairs.org/events

Monthly Anime Adventure: Anime as an Art Form
February 3, 6 - 8 p.m.
OSU Urban Arts Space
The Monthly Anime Adventure is a series of talks, discussions and multimedia events centered on Japanese animation. This meeting will cover trends in Anime that transcend general media and enter the realm of art. http://www.uas.osu.edu

Second Annual Endurance Sports Expo
February 3, 6 - 8 p.m.
The Athletic Club of Columbus
Join other sports enthusiasts for this expo where you can pick up race schedules, speak to experts, check out the latest apparel and enjoy discounts and deals good this night only. The event is no cost and open to the public. If you are already an ACC member, join Team ACC and reap additional benefits. http://www.accolumbus.com

MadLab Presents 3 in 30: Home
February 4 - 5, 10 p.m.
MadLab Theatre & Gallery
The latest edition of MadLab's 3 in 30 is Home. 3 in 30 will present three original 10-minute plays based on a common theme. Ticket prices are 5.00, 3.00 if you come see Love in the Time of Comedy at 8 p.m. http://www.madlab.net

Third Eye Artist Talk
February 5, 1 - 4 p.m.
OSU Urban Arts Space
City Center Gallery invites you to attend its monthly artist talk with Third Eye curator Ryan Walters and Third Eye artists Frank Castanien, Elina Khachaturyan, Justin Luna, Cameron Sharp and Clifton Stommel. The event is no cost and open to all. http://www.uas.osu.edu

Jazz Arts Group: Inside Track Concert Series
February 5
Lincoln Theatre
The next concert in the Inside Track Series features Dave Douglas and his electronic sextet Keystone. Two-time Grammy-nominated jazz musician Dave Douglas is arguably the most prolific and original trumpeter-composer of his generation. His solo recording career began in 1993 with Parallel Worlds and he has since released more than 30 recordings. This year brings a new collection of work with his electronic sextet Keystone entitled Spark of Being. http://www.jazzartsgroup.org/insidetrack

Perpetuating the Senses: 2011 Art Scholars Juried Exhibition
February 5 - March 31
OSU Urban Arts Space
While smells fade, visions fall and sounds trail off and become silent, how can we prolong our sensations and feelings to make them immortal? This year, the Arts Scholars Juried Exhibition explores Perpetuating the Senses, an exhibition that features work from high-achieving Ohio State University students from all years of study who share a joint interest in the Arts, including music, visual arts, design, dance and theatre. http://www.uas.osu.edu

Pecha Kucha
February 10, 6 p.m.
Columbus Museum of Art
Each presenter will follow the international Pecha Kucha format of showing 20 images and speaking about each image for 20 seconds. Presenters include Julia Applegate, Alex Bandar, Caleb Ely, Heidi Dambitsch, Christian Long, Heidi Madsen, Tim Lai, Tristan Seufert, Amy Turn Sharp and Jeff Sims. Guests will have access to the Museum?s galleries, members of the OSU New Music Collective will perform during intermission, and CMA's Palette Cafe and Pattycake Bakery will sell refreshments and a cash bar will be available. Suggested donation is 2.00.http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=172664106109220

Africa to America? The Journey Continues
February 11, 7:30 p.m. and February 12, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
The Lincoln Theatre
Tickets are 20.00 for reserved seating and are on sale now. http://www.judahperformingartscenter.com

PBJ & Jazz Series: Mary McClendon and Friends
February 12, 11 a.m.
Lincoln Theatre Complex, Ballroom
The Jazz Arts Group of Columbus presents the Jazz Academy's PBJ & Jazz concert series, hour-long interactive concerts designed to introduce jazz and American music to young children. Mary McClendon is a local vocal treasure. Cost is 5.00 per person at the door with a 20.00 family maximum. http://www.jazzartsgroup.org

In Love with Nature
February 12, 7:30 - 10:30 p.m.
Grange Insurance Audubon Center
In Love with Nature is a unique Valentine's weekend celebration filled with extravagant desserts, drinks (cash bar) and dancing. Single admission with one drink ticket is 20.00; couple admission with two drink tickets is 30.00. Young Professionals members receive 5.00 off admission and an extra drink tickets. RSVP at 6147.545.5483 or tstrickland@audubon.org

Planes, Trains & Automobiles: Sustainable Global Transportation in the 12st Century
February 15, 12 - 1:15 p.m.
The Columbus Foundation
Robert Skinner, Executive Director of the Transportation Research Board shares the latest research outlining global transportation options to enhance energy security and mitigate greenhouse gases. The cost to attend is 30.00 http://www.columbusworldaffairs.org

Columbus Chamber 2011 Annual Meeting
February 23, 7 a.m. (doors open); 7:30 a.m. (full breakfast and networking); 8 - 9 a.m. (program)
Greater Columbus Convention Center
Hear the Columbus Chamber share what's ahead for the region's economic growth and development. This year's meeting will focus on the attraction of talent, infrastructure and the retention and expansion of business, all with the goal of bringing jobs and businesses to the area. The tickets are 75.00 for members and 90.00 for non-members. http://www.columbus.org

Restaurant Reminders

Breakfast Options Downtown
If you head out the door in the morning without a good breakfast in your stomach, don't worry, there are some spots downtown offering the most important meal of the day. Consider The Pickle (88 E. Broad St.), Lynnally's (72 Lynn St.) and Spinelli's Deli (50 N. High St.) all of which have great breakfast offerings.

Plantain Cafe
77 E. Gay St.
614.464.2822
Plantain Cafe wants to remind you that they offer a variety of coffee beverages to keep your caffeine buzz going all day. Stop in for Cuban coffee, cappuccinos, lattes and espresso.http://www.plantaincafe.com

Retail Notes

The Peanut Shoppe
46 N. High Street
614.221.8837
The Peanut Shoppe has announced City Employee Appreciation Week, January 25 through January 31. City employees can enjoy 10 percent off one half-pound or more from the nut and candy cases.

Arts Calendar

January 26; CAPA: Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles; Palace Theatre; http://www.capa.com

January 26; Gallery Reception For Painter Steven Riggs; Spinelli's Deli; http://www.spinellisdeli.com

January 27 - April 17; Exhibit: Here's Looking at You: New Portraits by Ohio Artists; Ohio Arts Council's Riffe Gallery; http://www.riffegallery.org

January 27 - March 12; Exhibit: Seventh Dream of Teenage Heaven; Columbus College of Art & Design Canzani Center; http://www.ccad.edu

January 27; The Columbus Symphony: Lang Lang; Ohio Theatre; http://www.columbussymphony.com

January 28; CAPA: Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo; Palace Theatre; http://www.capa.com

January 28; Carpe Diem: Baroque to Big Band; Harrison Park Community Center; http://www.carpediemstringquartet.com

January 28; Family Friday Night; COSI; http://www.cosi.org

January 29; Grande Winter Ball; Ohio Statehouse; http://www.ohiostatehouse.org

January 29; Headliner Magic Show; Veterans Memorial; http://www.magifest.org

January 29; The Columbus Symphony: Soldiers' Chorus of the United States Army Field Band; Ohio Theatre; http://www.columbussymphony.com

January 29; The Limousine Scavenger Hunt; Front Street Tavern and Sports Bar; http://www.dimensionalentertainment.com

January 29; Understanding the Other - An Interactive Workshop; OSU Urban Arts Space; http://www.uas.osu.edu

January 30; Cathedral Organist Rex Rallanka from Sacramento's Blessed Sacrament Cathedral; Saint Joseph Cathedral; http://www.saintjosephcathedral.org

February 1 - 28; Black History Month at the Ohio Statehouse; Ohio Statehouse; http://www.ohiostatehouse.org

February 1; CAPA: Drumline Live; Palace Theatre; http://www.capa.com

February 2 - 20; CATCO: I Am My Own Wife; Studio Two Theatre, Riffe Center; http://www.catco.org

February 2; The New Administration of a Fine Arts Education: Michael Mercil; Columbus College of Art & Design; http://www.ccad.edu

February 3 - 20; Columbus Children's Theatre: The Elevator Family; Park Street Theatre; http://www.colschildrenstheatre.org

February 4 - 13; BalletMet: Cinderella; Capitol Theatre, Riffe Center; http://www.balletmet.org

February 4 - April 24; Exhibit: Shared Intelligence: American Painting and the Photograph; Columbus Museum of Art; http://www.columbusmuseum.org

February 4; Opening Night Dinner; Hyatt on Capitol Square; http://www.balletmet.org

February 4 - 5; The Columbus Symphony: Russian Masters - Rachmaninoff Paganini Rhapsody; Ohio Theatre; http://www.columbussymphony.com

February 5; Cinderella's Tea Party; Hyatt on Capitol Square; http://www.balletmet.org

February 5 - 12; Exhibit: Object Lessons; OSU Urban Arts Space; http://www.uas.osu.edu

February 5 - March 31; Exhibit: Perpetuating the Senses: 2011 Art Scholars Juried Exhibition; OSU Urban Arts Space; http://www.uas.osu.edu

February 5; Love & Laughter; Palace Theatre; http://www.ticketmaster.com

February 6; Sunday at Central: The Canaletto Ensemble; Central Presbyterian Church; http://www.sundayatcentral.org

The Downtown News Network e-alert is sent to Downtown Columbus business and property contacts intended for re-distribution to downtown employees, residents and others. Content is collected and managed by Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District for its member property owners and their tenants.