Downtown Living Blog

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4.  Every Wednesday In October (EWIO)

EWIO is a NON-PARTISAN, interactive candidate and issues forum to increase political education, participation and activism in the community.  The series is designed to provide the attendees an opportunity to engage candidates and issue representatives with important concerns.  The event is FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC and all are encouraged to attend.  SEATING IS LIMITED, so prompt arrival is encouraged. Refreshments available.

CULYPA Membership $30 (50% off) for those who attend these events.

Location:    COLUMBUS URBAN LEAGUE
                   (788 Mt. Vernon Avenue, 43203)
Date:           Every Wednesday in October
Time:            6:00pm -- 8:00pm

ROUND FOUR:
October 29
Presidential & U.S. Congressional Races
Final: “Get Out To Vote Rally”
For more information, call:    614.372.2291

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5.  Sign up to volunteer with United Way of Central Ohio's newest group, GenNext. On Saturday, October 25th come out and help us make a difference in the Franklinton community. Volunteers will remove graffiti, clean up abandon lots, and prepare a child care center for accreditation amongst other things. Registration begins at 10am in the Florentine parking lot. At 1pm after you've worked up an appetite join us at Columbini's for drinks and complementary lunch. Visit www.gennextcolumbus.com for more information.

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6.  The 3^rd Annual DRACie Awards, Columbus’ most glamorous and hysterical roast, will be held on Wednesday, October 29^th, at the beautiful  Dean Jeffers Auditorium inside Nationwide Plaza One. 

The DRACie Awards celebrates all that is, was, or could have been in Downtown Columbus.  Proceeds benefit the Downtown Residents Association of Columbus.  Tickets are only $35 and include great humor, appetizers, and a cash bar.  To purchase tickets online please visit www.dracolumbus.com  

For more information please contact Shyam Raj at sraj@dlz.com or at 614.329.3848 

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7.  

Oct 30, 2008 @ 5:30pm

Location: Sugar Bar  525 Park St Columbus, OH 43215 614-221-0865
Please help spread the word about LULAC Columbus Council #39005 "Candidates Night & Taste of Latin Cuisine" on Thursday, October 30th from 5:30pm-8pm at Sugar Bar & Lounge Downtown. Click on attach file for details about this non-partisan event and to see the invited Republican and Democrat candidates list.  Mark your calendars and come join this "first-of-its-kind event" in Columbus (a bi-partisan Candidates Night being put together by a Latino grassroots organization to inform the Latino Community) and enjoy savory Latino appetizers.

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8.  

HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARTY & FOOD DRIVE MIXER

Wednesday, October 29th, 6:30-9:00 p.m. @ the Garage Bar (Arena District)

The CYP Club is proud to host our 4th annual Fall Food Drive Mixer, benefiting the Mid-Ohio Foodbank. Enjoy complimentary pizza (while it lasts), drink specials, and a DJ, while socializing with other young professionals. This year, we will be adding a costume party to the event – with prizes – for those who want to mix and mingle in Halloween costumes, and hosting the party at the Arena District's newest addition: The Garage Bar.

As in past years, the admission is a donation of three canned/non-perishable food items or $5.00 at the door. Additional donations are also welcome, and ALL PROCEEDS will benefit the Mid-Ohio Foodbank. There will also be a contest throughout the event for "Best Costume," "Worst Costume," "Most Original Costume," and "Funniest Costume." Members of the CYP Club Social Committee will walk around during the event to judge the costumes, and pass out special cards to those who make it to round two. Towards the end of the event, all those with cards will be asked to come on stage allowing the audience to decide who wins each category. 

·         DATE & TIME: Wednesday, October 29th, 6:30-9:00pm

·         LOCATION: The Garage Bar, 147 Vine Street (Arena District)

·         DONATION/COST: Three canned/non-perishable items or $5 to benefit the Mid-Ohio Foodbank 

More information/Register here

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9.  

YPC VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

OCTOBER, 31 2008 - VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY 

The High Ball is a cross between Carnivale and Mardi Gras with a pinch of Halloween and a healthy splash of the Short North's artistic spirit. The evening’s festivities will include Outrageous Costume Contests (all entries are welcome!), a Couture Costume Fashion Showdown for fashion professionals, the Dogtober Howloween Procession for costume-crazed pet owners, live bands, the city's hottest DJs and $5,000 in prizes!

Calling Enthusiastic Volunteers
If you enjoy creating an awesome experience and sharing it with your city, then you've got the first ingredient to be a volunteer for HighBall Halloween. If you have some hours to help behind the scenes by serving on committees or by setting up the day of the event, then you have the second ingredient.

Volunteer Positions Include but are not Limited to...
PR, costume contest assistant, concessions, set-up, take-down, event ambassador, model, and gate monitor.

Interested?
Go online to HighBallHalloween.com to register.  Next to your last name add: (YPC)

Hannah Adkins, of Jeni's Ice Creams, and Morgan Baughman, of the Short North Business Association, are the volunteer coordinators for this event. They will contact you 2-3 days after you've signed up to let you know what shift you will be working and exactly what you will be doing. To get more information, contact Morgan at the Short North Business Association, 614.299.8050 x11 or volunteers@highballhalloween.com.

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11.  

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12.  TUESDAYS at the Mid-Ohio Food bank!

-       Mid-Ohio Food bank provides emergency assistance for more than 193,000 people per year

-       44% of clients have had to choose between food and paying for utilities

-       29% have chosen between food and rent

-       25% have chosen between food and medical care

In a nutshell, the Mid-Ohio Food bank's mission is to provide food for hungry people. And, that's where you come in!

Join the NBMBAA Columbus Chapter Community Service Committee for an evening of service as we volunteer at the Food bank.

Remember volunteering provides an opportunity for families, friends, co-workers and other groups to work and spend time together while helping others.

Mid-Ohio Food Bank

October 28, 2008 - 5:30pm - 8:00pm

1625 W. Mound Street

Space is Limited to 12 people for the October event.

Please RSVP your name, email address and phone number to columbusmba@columbusbmba.org no later than October 21, 2008

National Black MBA Association
Columbus, Ohio Chapter



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13.  Below is information on Link Worthington’s next networking event. 

FREE 1 Hour Beginners Yoga & Networking Potluck
When: November 5, 2008
Time: 5:30 to ? PM
Where: 7122 Bluffstream Court, Worthington, Ohio 43235
Website is www.squidoo.com/linkworthington
Kathy Yannucci from Katica, LLC is doing the Yoga class.  Her website is www.katicayoga.com
Contact:  Katie McCartney for more information
eMail:  Katie@KatieMcCartney.com
Phone:  614.439.1874

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15.  Columbus City Schools' is hosting its sixth annual "Principal for a Day" program on Wednesday, November 12, 2008. We are always trying to recruit new participants, especially young professionals. Any assistance you could provide in passing this information on to colleagues would be greatly appreciated. It is a full-day event from 8:00am to 3:30pm. The school visit is in the morning, and in the afternoon all "Principals for a Day" will meet at COSI for a debriefing.

We hope you can join us!

(See attached file: PFAD invitation 2008.pdf)

Krista Bower
Business Partnerships & Special Projects Coordinator
Columbus City Schools
270 E. State St.
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-365-8869
Fax: 614-365-8734
Email: kbower439@columbus.k12.oh.us

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16.  

2nd WEDNESDAY of the MONTH
IT'S ALL IN WHO YOU KNOW
Network Columbus - www.networkcolumbus.com : Outlook presents Network Columbus, a chamber of commerce for gay-owned and allied companies and gay and allied business professionals offering networking events, educational programs, business advocacy and linkages with other business and professional organizations to lead and support economic growth within the central Ohio gay community. (Ain't that a mouthful!) Relaxed business casual atmosphere, lots of prizes and free food. Come and network already! 6p-8p; free. 

Nov 12: Liquid cafe+lounge (1100 N High) hosts, with speakers: Sgts Anthony Wilson and Jackie Cote, Columbus Police Department - Diversity Recruiting

Dec 10: Outlook's holiday shindigextravaganza at Sage American Bistro (2653 N High)

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18.  SAVE THE DATE---100 Black Men 6th Annual Red Hot Gala---November 29, 2008!

Greetings everyone, 

I hope all is well.  This year, my company, JPRC has been charged with the wonderful task of coordinating the 6th Annual Red Hot Gala for the 100 Black Men of Central Ohio.  The event will take place on Saturday, November 29, 2008 from 6-12 midnight.  Tickets are $75 and a portion of the proceeds will go toward supporting the Mentoring program of the 100 BMCO and your contribution is tax deductible.

The 100 Black Men of America, Inc., is a national organization devoted to improving the quality of life of our Communities, and enhancing educational and economic opportunities for all African Americans. The 100 BMCO was established to develop and implement community service projects to invigorate Columbus' African-American community for the 21st century and beyond.

In its 6^th year, the gala has attracted a variety of influential leaders and local celebrities throughout Central Ohio. This black tie affair will feature live entertainment, music and more importantly, will salute the achievements of those individuals who have made a difference in the lives of children in Central Ohio.  

This year the 100 BMCO will be honoring:
Yvette McGee-Brown ( Center for Child and Family Advocacy at Nationwide Children's Hospital)
Clarence D. Lumpkin ( Community activist)
Eddie Harrell, Jr. ( Columbus Urban League)
Allen Huff ( The Neighborhood House)
Jerry Saunders (APDS).   

I am asking for your support in making this year's event a huge success.  One of the ways you can assist this effort will be through purchasing a ticket, advertising your church, organization or business in the program book or getting friends, colleagues and members of your organization to commit to sponsoring or co-sponsoring a table.  The cost to sponsor a table is $1,000 and includes a full page ad in the program.  If you, your company or organization is interested please let me know.  Also, I have attached an e- flyer that you may circulate or post if you wish. 

Again, thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you soon.  Have a wonderful day! 

Kind Regards,
Niel M. Jurist
JPRC
614.204.8722
info@jprc.net

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19.  You’ve Got What We Need…  Tech-Literate Volunteers Needed!

TECH CORPS Ohio, the state chapter of a national nonprofit organization committed to enhancing K-12 education by recruiting volunteers to assist schools and youth-serving organizations with their technology needs, is now recruiting volunteers for sites in Columbus.  To learn more about current opportunities, visit www.techcorpsohio.org.  Thank you for your consideration!  (Please feel free to forward this email ...)

Lisa M. Chambers, State Director
TECH CORPS Ohio
112 Jefferson Avenue
Columbus, OH 43215
614-583-9211

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20.  Our company is in the process of applying our years of job placement expertise to a new group of job seekers, with a special emphasis on Columbus' young professionals.  We recently created a short online survey to further assess the needs of our audience and to make certain that we are on target with our service offerings. With the feedback we received, we hope to begin offering career discovery, design, and development services this fall!

Can you please forward the survey link below to your Young Professionals network to get their opinions? Unless participants provide contact information, all responses are anonymous.  We can be reached at 614.298.1383 or career.discovery.design@gmail.com if anyone has any additional questions or would like more information. Thanks - we greatly appreciate all feedback!  http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e2csv3uofko6rit7/start   

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21.  Hi, I am working on a project for my statistics class.  Do you mind helping me out by completing this survey?  (Seeking good participation from the African American community.)  Also, feel free to send it on to others (preferably Ohio voters). 

Thank you!
Jason
http://FreeOnlineSurveys.com/rendersurvey.asp?sid=pfhm9ndj5k6nijf495841

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22.  

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24.  CRP is currently recruiting for Research Associate

CRP is recruiting for a Research Associate position. Below is a summary of the position description. The full description is available on the CRP website. Please feel free to circulate this to any interested and qualified individuals.

Thanks!
Bobbie Garber

Research Associate
The Research Associate is a full-time position responsible for collecting, analyzing, and presenting social, demographic, economic, and property data, and conducting qualitative and quantitative research for CRP’s community data and research projects, and developing and sustaining partnerships with data providers, data users, funders, clients, and other community organizations to further CRP’s community data and research work.

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25.  For immediate release
October 6, 2008

Contact:  Dan Williamson, Mayor’s Office 645-0849
               Cynthia Rickman, Development Department, 645-8795
               John Ivanic, City Council, 645-6798
               Tina Guegold, Nationwide Realty Investors, 857-2336

More Jobs, Housing, Offices and Retail Coming to Arena District

(Columbus) — Mayor Michael B. Coleman will ask City Council to consider legislation that would allow the City to sell property at Neil and Vine streets to make way for a $250 million investment that would bring about 1,000 new jobs, housing and office space to the Arena District. The legislation was on Council’s agenda tonight for a first reading. 

“I am pleased with growth of the Arena District, which continues to bring  together development, businesses and residents to show what can be done to bring a new generation of investment,” said Mayor Coleman. “And I’m especially excited about adding 1,000 jobs in this tough economy.”

NWD Investments will purchase the 2.4 acre lot for $2 million and plans to develop a 250 unit multi-family housing project in this area. This site, when combined with adjacent properties already owned by NWD Investments, allows for development of the northern boundaries of the Arena District and the completion of an expanded master plan that includes residential apartments, office buildings, parking garages and, through a partnership with Continental Real Estate, a Giant Eagle grocery store. 

This final phase of Arena District development will result in an additional $250 million in private investment, bringing total private investment in the Arena District to roughly $1 billion.

“With this significant project, Nationwide is continuing its long standing commitment to revitalizing the heart of our city,” said Development Committee Chair Maryellen O’Shaughnessy.  “They have a proven track record of success when it comes to understanding the challenges of urban development.”

The Arena District is located in a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District. Nationwide Reality Investors will be responsible for infrastructure costs upfront and will be reimbursed from 100 percent of available TIF funds. TIF revenue will be generated from existing Arena-area TIFs. Funding for the Giant Eagle parking structure will also come from TIF revenues. Infrastructure improvements include: Neil Avenue, Vine Street, Brodbelt, Convention Center Drive improvements and transmission lines.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to work with the City of Columbus and continue to develop in Downtown Columbus,” said Brian J. Ellis, President and COO of Nationwide Realty Investors. “This expansion of the Arena District will bring even more people to live and work in the Arena District and downtown Columbus, creating an energy and vitality that is essential for a successful downtown.”

Recent development in the Arena District includes the completion of the Condominiums at North Bank Park and an office building at 230 West Street, as well as the ongoing construction of Huntington Park.

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26. There are 10^11 stars in the galaxy. That used to be a huge number. But it's only a hundred billion. It's less than the national deficit! We used to call them astronomical numbers. Now we should call them economical numbers. -Richard Feynman, physicist, Nobel laureate (1918-1988)