Concord Counseling is planning a huge bash Saturday, Sept. 10, to celebrate its 50th anniversary with the Westerville community.

Founded in 1972, the mental health agency will mark its golden anniversary with ConcordFest, a festival celebration to be staged in in the parking lot of Concord’s Westerville offices at 700 Brooksedge Blvd.

“We’re celebrating the last 50 years and how we want to move into the next 50,” said Linda Jakes, Concord’s Executive Director.

From 2-6 p.m., ConcordFest will feature live music, food trucks, face painting and games, a photo booth, and a special exhibit of art for sale by members of the He’ART of Concord, a group of clients who create original artwork as part of their therapy.

A giant tent will be erected in the parking lot to permit the event to proceed rain or shine.

The live music will come from two outstanding local acts: soul and jazz singer Ka Tanya Brewer from 2-4 p.m. and the ‘60s and ‘70s cover rock band Avec Amour (formerly Midlife Crisis) from 4-6 p.m.

All of Westerville is invited to ConcordFest,“to celebrate 50 years as your behavioral health ally in the community,” Concord’s invitation to the event reads.

Jakes said the mission of Concord is to “instill hope and serve with heart.” It’s a mission that’s brought the agency to grow organically in offered services over the years. 

Named Executive Director in 2020, Jakes said she has worked at Concord for 35 years. Many of the nearly 100 employees – counselors, psychiatrists, case managers, vocational specialists, and support staff – have been with Concord for 10-plus or 15-plus years.

Moving for Mental Health
A special fund-raiser is being held as part of the 50th anniversary and will conclude with recognition for participants at ConcordFest Sept. 10.

Moving for Mental Health is a challenge event that will run Aug. 11 through Sept. 8.

Participants are asked to walk, run, or bike a total of 50 miles to raise awareness for mental health between those dates. They are asked pledge at least $1 per mile, and encouraged to seek sponsors for their physical activity.

T-shirts and prizes will be awarded at the ConcordFest Sept. 10.

Read more about the fundraiser and register to participate at CharityFootprints.com/Concord.

Facts about Concord
CounselingAccording to its website, ConcordCounseling.org, Concord was formed in 1972 by a group of volunteers – Westerville residents working with students, faculty, and administrators from Otterbein College. They saw the need for an organization that would help students and others in the local community deal with mental health issues.

Today Concord serves people as young as age 3 and as old as age 98 and every age in between. It treats more than 4,000 individuals and families annually.

“Dedicated to healing people in mind and spirit with programs and services that change lives,” Concord is a lead provider agency for the Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health (ADAMH) Board of Franklin County.

It also provides services for the City of Westerville, the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging, and to students and staff in several Central Ohio school districts – Westerville, New Albany, Gahanna, Groveport and South-Western.

In Westerville
Counseling Services 
As a Community Partner with the City of Westerville, Concord provides an array of services to city residents, including some that are free of charge.

Up to 10 outpatient counseling sessions are provided for free to uninsured or underinsured residents. They can include teaching coping skills, understanding feelings and behaviors, or helping to change behaviors. Call Concord’s Trish Schnell, SWA, at 614-882-9338, ext. 205 for more information on this City of Westerville-funded program.

Senior Support Program
To help keep seniors (ages 55 and older) active, Concord provides a range of free services to residents of Westerville and New Albany (Zip codes 43081, 43082 and 43054), in partnership with the City of Westerville and Franklin County Senior Options.
The agency’s Senior Support Team provides free:

• Linkage to Supportive Services
• Once a week transportation, and
• Peer to Peer Connection

To request a ride or find out about the other senior services, call Concord’s Lisa Clark, MSW, at 614-882-9338, ext. 230.

​Find out much more about Concord Counseling, its history and the services it offers at its website, ConcordCounseling.org or Facebook page.

Uptown’s Green Haven Living is taking its eco-friendly game up another notch, with the opening of a “Refill Shop” within its store on Saturday, July 23.

For the seriously environmentally concerned, the cozy little shop – located in an historic Uptown building at 20 W. Main St. – already is one of the coolest destinations in town.

Whether you’re looking for a neat gift for someone special, or really working to lessen the footprint of your personal impact on the planet, Green Haven Living is packed with options.

“Everything here is sustainable or eco-friendly,” says shop owner Angie Scheu. The shop’s website describes it succinctly: “Sustainable + Eco-Friendly + Zero Waste,” reads the headline, followed with a sort of mission statement: “Thoughtfully curated inspiration for your journey to live and give more sustainably.”

Products in the store are nontoxic, sustainable, and where possible, locally sourced – from body and hand soap, to glass cleaner and dishwasher gel, to flea repellent for dogs and fizzy toilet bombs that remove stains from ceramics.

The packaging is reusable or recyclable. And that’s where the new Refill Shop within Green Haven comes in. 

Another trim of the waste stream
Customers can now bring back their empty bottles of eco-friendly shampoo or face wash and have them refilled. Reuse cuts a whole side off the recycling triangle, or trims the stream of single-use containers entering the waste stream. If you walk in without a container, you can head over to the super cool “Jar Bar” to find a suitable, reusable vessel for just about any product in the store.

In either case, you then head to the Filljoy digital scale to weigh the empty container, and obtain a tag that will list the container’s “tare weight” – otherwise known as the unladen weight. 

Then visit to the carboys or other large containers full of product, fill up your container, and return to the checkout counter. A second scale weighs the filled container, subtracts the tare weight and produces a second tag to charge just for the product in the vessel.

Scheu says a majority of the refillable products are sourced locally (in Ohio), from makers whose values align with Green Haven Living's environmentally friendly ethos. 

In step with the mission
The refill service is just the latest eco-step for Green Haven Living, which has become an Uptown Westerville community hub for those who are serious about sustainability. Since opening in its first location at 12 W. College in 2018, the store has prided itself on being a destination for unique, thoughtfully made gifts and home goods. Think upcycled, reclaimed, and vintage-made-new items.  

Scheu said she set out from the start to prove everyday products could be designed and made in a more eco-friendly way by offering those alternatives in the store. But the small business has evolved and expanded since those early days. Following a three-month closure during the pandemic, during which “free front porch delivery” kept the business going, it opened in August 2020 at 20 W. Main, in the space formerly occupied by the Westerville Visitors Bureau.

Bags to benches, electronics recycling
Other services available at Green Haven Living include recycling drop-off programs. 

Green Haven Living has been the primary drop-off point for the Plastic Recycling Program started by the Westerville Lions Club in the spring of 2021. Every 500 pounds of collected plastic grocery bags or other film plastic nets a nifty recycled plastic bench. Six of the benches now grace the Uptown streetscape, including one outside Green Haven Living, two at Barrel & Boar, one at the J. Carmen Salon, and two at Middlefield Bank.

In June of 2022, Green Haven Living launched an electronics recycling drop-off program in collaboration with TDR Total Computer Recyclers, based in Pataskala. More details, with a list of accepted items (including cables and cords, lithium batteries, computer components and much more), are available at greenhavenliving.org.

Refill Party to open Refill Shop
​The refill shop at Green Haven Living is being introduced Saturday, July 23, during a Refill Party. The store will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the public is invited to learn more about the refillable products and service. 

​Amish Originals plans party to celebrate 30 years Uptown
Amish Originals is throwing a big bash this week to thank customers and mark the 30th anniversary of opening in Uptown Westerville.

“Thirty years is a long time, and we couldn’t have done it without our great customers,” said Beth Allen, who runs the custom furniture store with her sister Kelly Winbigler and their partner Mike Derringer.

“It’s going to be fun. It’s kind of a thank you” to customers and the community to celebrate the milestone.

Amish Originals opened its doors in historic Uptown on June 8, 1992, as one of Ohio’s leading suppliers of handcrafted Amish furniture. Originally located in the old theater at 8 N. State St., it expanded to its current location at 38 N. State in 2013.

Allen invited residents to bring their whole families to the celebration in the Amish Originals showroom. They can enjoy corn dogs and beverages both days, delicious funnel cakes on Saturday, and much more. As part of the anniversary – on Friday and Saturday only – the store’s accessories and floor models will be on sale. 

Visitors attending Friday or Saturday also can enter a drawing to win a beautiful Amish-crafted patio table and chairs. Find more details on the shop’s Facebook page at facebook.com/AmishOriginals
 
More about the store’s goods, also available at amishoriginals.com:
Amish Originals works closely with families throughout Ohio’s Amish heartland who provide quality furniture for every room of the home.

All of our furniture is made from responsibly harvested, kiln-dried American hardwood. The quality materials are matched with outstanding craftsmanship — fine, classic detailing that produces heirloom-quality furniture that cannot be matched or replicated. 

​Each piece of furniture is custom made, allowing you to select the style, size, wood species, and finish that will complement your décor.

​Pizza in Uptown Westerville
 
We are fortunate to have two incredible pizza places in Uptown Westerville.
 
DiCarlo’s Famous Pizza
The first is a hall of famer and as historic as pizza can get in Ohio but is new to Uptown: DiCarlo’s Famous Pizza. Founded in 1945, DiCarlo’s is the first pizza shop to get a license in the state of Ohio. Located at 20 South State Street, a building which coincidentally was erected the same year DiCarlo’s was founded. 
 
DiCarlo’s pizza is double baked to give it a unique steamed taste. Provolone cheese goes on at the end, so it’s cold. DiCarlo’s taste profile is hot, crunchy pizza with cold toppings. If melted cheese is mandatory for your taste buds, DiCarlo’s pepperoni rolls are a must-have.
 
Westerville resident and franchisee Mike Carlson chose where he lives, specifically Uptown, for the latest location for the family’s venture. “We wanted to bring our favorite pizza to town, so that we could have it more frequently, but also share the pizza I love so much with the people who live here and have it become a local favorite, like I grew up on,” he said.
 
This is the third central Ohio location, of which all are run by the original or extended family. The Uptown location will have an event room called The Ria Room, a play on pizzeria, and a brick patio with outdoor seating within the DORA boundaries.
 
“Our family of six loves everything about Westerville,” Carlson added. “We plan to be very involved in the community supporting and giving back!”
 
DiCarlo’s can be found on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
 
Cardinal Pizza
Established in 2019, Cardinal Pizza was the first pizza shop on the Uptown scene and quickly became a Westerville favorite. Owner Bob Williamson was born and raised in Westerville and has maintained a strong presence in the community, including serving on the Board of Directors for Uptown Westerville Inc., and Cardinal Pizza sponsoring athletics at Otterbein University.
 
Nearly all of Cardinal Pizza’s menu is from scratch, made fresh daily. Serving both “Columbus” and “New York” style pizza, their menu also includes wings, salads, subs, appetizers, and a full bar - all of which can be delivered to local residences.
 
“I knew I wanted to be a chef since I was 11 years old,” Williamson shared. “Since then I knew I would have a restaurant in Uptown. After spending 20 years working in fine dining, both locally and across the country, the time was finally right. Now I get to feed my neighborhood while spending time with community members and getting to know them even better. It is truly a dream come true.”
 
Located at 10 E. Main Street, Williamson describes his business as “local, driven and engaged.”
 
“Westerville has changed a lot in my time, but one thing that has not changed is the vibe. Westerville is always welcoming, proud of its history and growing in better ways. Westerville is the type of community that has everything a person needs." Williamson added.
 
Cardinal Pizza can be found on Facebook and Instagram.

Tell Us a Bit About Yourself, Including Your History in Westerville?
I was first introduced to Westerville in 2001 when I started with the Westerville Parks and Recreation Department. I moved into the community in 2009 and became more involved with different organizations. I joined the Westerville Sunrise Rotary Club in 2013, where I’m currently the club secretary.  I recently became the vice-chair for Leadership Westerville after serving on their board for the past five years. Through these organizations, I have been involved with a variety of service projects throughout the community. I recently obtained my MBA through the University of Dayton and enjoy lifelong learning. A friend from Rotary told me that they believed I was the Kevin Bacon of Westerville because of the six degrees (or less) of separation and how my name somehow comes up in various circles.
  
If Someone Asks You "Why Westerville?", What Do You Say?
​Westerville is connected through its over 45 miles of leisure paths allowing people to get out and see all parts of the city. It's a welcoming and friendly community that brings people together at events throughout the entire year, and the Uptown is alive with a variety of shops and restaurants.   

What Are You Most Proud of or Excited for for Uptown Westerville Inc.?
As a new board member, the Saturday Farmers Market has become one of the best markets in a short amount of time. Looking forward to the events that are held throughout the year and provide a variety of activities, such as Fourth Friday and Uptown Untapped.   

When You Think of Uptown Westerville, What Comes to Mind?
The history of Uptown is quite unique from how our community was part of two amendments (18th and 21st) to the bustling of the sidewalks as more people discover all that it has to offer. Once you park, you can safely stroll through Uptown, where you will always see a friendly face.  

What's Your Favorite Thing About Uptown?
The history of prohibition through Uptown and how Westerville was considered the “war machine of prohibition”. The book, Westerville: The War Machine on Prohibition, is very informative and educational to learn everything that has happened in the past and now being able to look at some of the landmarks and their place in our community.  

Tell Us a Bit About Yourself, Including Your History in Westerville?
I’m originally from Wilmington Delaware and moved to Circleville, Ohio at 14. I attended The Ohio State University and Franklin University. I’m an ex-wrestler and former nightclub DJ at many of the top night clubs in the 80’s and early 90’s. I’ve been married for 27 years and have a son who is a freshman at Ohio University and a daughter who is a sophomore at Big Walnut High School. I opened the first office of Edward Jones Investments in Westerville in 1993. I’ve been in Uptown Westerville since then. I’ve served as president of WUMA and led the Uptown Review Board under the leadership of both Rich Kite and Bassam Batar. I’m a past president of Sertoma and The Rotary Club of Westerville. I’ve also been actively involved with the Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce over the years.
 
If Someone Asks You "Why Westerville?", What Do You Say? 
This answer has changed over the years. When my mom first came to visit in the early 90’s, I described Westerville as being like Mayberry. No sooner did I say that when officer Dick Foster walked by twirling his baton and looking to mark tires. Now I say Uptown Westerville is the envy of all the surrounding communities. It's a destination rather than quaint little Mayberry. The uniqueness of the shops, the variety of the restaurants and the variety of activities available across the city make it a great place to be.
 
What Are You Most Proud of or Excited for for Uptown Westerville Inc.?
I think Uptown Westerville inc is the continuation of things that were started long ago. From the old Uptown Merchants sidewalk sales and farmers market, to the development of the 941 and the coordination between the city and service clubs to hold citywide events, UWI consolidates, coordinates and executes many of these things. UWI has upped the quality and size of almost all of these things.
 
When You Think of Uptown Westerville, What Comes to Mind?
A clean, pleasant place to spend the day or build your business. Like an updated cooler version of Mayberry.
 
What's Your Favorite Thing About Uptown?
It's safe. It's clean. It's home.

Tell Us a Bit About Yourself, Including Your History in Westerville?
My family moved to Westerville for the schools when my sister was 6 and I was 2 (go All-Stars, Huskies and Wildcats!) After graduating from Ohio University I came back to Westerville, which my sister affectionately nicknamed my "bubble," and in 2013 I moved Uptown, where community involvement became very important to me. I'm a founding board member of Uptown Westerville Inc., a board member of Westerville Habitat Partnership and on the leadership team for 100+ Women of Westerville.  Even after all this time my love for The Bubble continues to grow and evolve.

If Someone Asks You "Why Westerville?", What Do You Say?
Westerville is home. It's where you can go Uptown for a drink and they remember what you like. Or catch the bike trail just a couple blocks from your house. It's a big enough city to have a variety of activities to do, but small enough to run into friends. Such a great balance.

What Are You Most Proud of or Excited for for Uptown Westerville Inc.?
I'm most proud of Uptown Westerville Inc. for how much we've engaged the community in the short time we've been an organization. We saw the potential for Uptown being a space to bring us all together for a variety of fun, positive events and programs, and now people are excited to see what we'll do next. I just love that!

When You Think of Uptown Westerville, What Comes to Mind?
When I think of Uptown I think of positivity. I feel happy and excited to shop, eat, drink, or even just walk around. Uptown is a place that lifts you up. 

What's Your Favorite Thing About Uptown?
My favorite thing about Uptown is the people. It's easy to chat it up with a business owner or find myself in a conversation with someone I've never met before. The people here will bring a smile to your face. Guaranteed!

Tell us a little about StoneyPoint Counseling:
The StoneyPoint Story: The name StoneyPoint comes from a special place from my childhood where I developed some of my favorite memories with my family growing up. Now, as generations change family structure, I share it with my husband and children and our friends and family. It’s where I first learned how to swim and took that first leap of faith by jumping off the dock and taking my first plunge into the water.  I visit this place each year for connection with family, renewal, friendship and love.  When someone asks the question, what is your favorite place in the world, StoneyPoint always comes to mind.  Years ago, when my now 16 year old son was about 5 years old, we drove down the wooded lane to the beautiful old cabin, he got out of the car and said, “this place smells like happiness”.  It was one of those moments that reminded me how special this place is for so many and why I knew the name StoneyPoint was the perfect name for my work here.

What we do: StoneyPoint Counseling is dedicated to helping clients understand, manage and cope through their mental health journey.  At StoneyPoint we focus on trauma recovery, depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, parenting skills, and communication.  Our mission is to help individuals, couples and families effectively navigate day to day challenges and find balance to thrive in all aspects of life. 

Why did you choose Westerville and what is your favorite thing about Westerville?
My husband and I, along with our two youngest boys (16 and 5) moved to Westerville in June 2017.  We immediately fell in love with our community and our neighbors. We had never seen anything like 4th Friday and the way the community in Westerville comes together during different events locally, nationally and globally. We’ve been able to meet so many people in a few short years and it really feels like home.  I wanted to start my counseling practice in the community where I live in order to be able to serve individuals, couples and families here.

What is one thing your business is known for? ​Presently, I am providing individual, family and couple’s therapy. I hope to engage the community in other initiatives as well as I grow my practice.  Providing counseling is more of a calling for me than a job or career. Everyone, at some point in life, experiences a challenge they struggle to overcome. Sometimes we need to learn new and more effective ways to manage those life challenges.  I am here to help when that happens. 

Describe your business in 3 words: FIND YOUR BALANCE

Where are you located? 10 E. College Avenue, Westerville, OH 43081; We are located upstairs above the antique store on the corner of State Street and College Avenue.  If you take the stairs over the Skin Oasis overhang, you will find me at the top

Check Out StoneyPoint Counseling on Facebook at: StoneyPoint Counseling