Villager and parent of two young Villagers Steve Morbitzer is frequently asked how he finds fun and different things to do with his kids. Here is his list of upcoming events to share with other parents.
St. Mary Summer Camp in GV
Columbus Commons
Commons For Kids
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Friday mornings are all about kids at Columbus Commons.
This week, enjoy The Columbus Metropolitan Library Bookmobile storytime at 10:30 a.m. and then join the Columbus Clippers’ mascots, Lou Seal and Krash, and the Honey Bee for Lifeline of Ohio’s Honey Bee Kite Giveaway.
Kids can also enjoy the Reading Room, sponsored by Highlights for Children, use their creativity to build their own Imagination Playground, bounce on inflatables, and take a free spin on the carousel. The Columbus Metropolitan Library book mobile will also visit Columbus Commons from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
http://www.columbuscommons.org/happenings/event-calendar/1370232000
Franklin Park Conservatory
1777 E. Broad St.
Columbus, OH 43203
Adults $11
Children $6
Family Fun
Father’s Day
Sunday, June 16
11am to 2pm, dads and kids can try their hand at making the perfect paper airplane. Supplies and instruction included. At 2pm, juggler Matt Jergens performs with a variety of props and audience participation. Matt shares juggling tips 30 minutes before the show.
Summer Barbeque: 1–4pm. Take your dad on a short walk to the outdoor Live Fire Cooking Theater on the Community Garden Campus and sample grilled chicken wings and beef kabobs. ($2 per tasting)
Free with admission
http://www.fpconservatory.org/The-Experience/Events/For-Families
Columbus Museum of Art
480 E. Broad St.
Columbus, OH 43215
Surprise Supplies Saturday
June 15, 2013 at 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Play and experiment with unusual materials to create something amazing! This program is free with admission, no registration is requested.
Main Library
96 S. Grant Ave.
Columbus, OH 43215
Nancy Lockard – Turtle Lady & Friends
Saturday June 15, 2013
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Main
Age Group: 2-6 years, 6-11 years
Event Type: Family Storytime, Summer Reading Club
The Turtle Lady is back and ready to share her passion for . . . TURTLES! Kids will get lots of touching time with turtles and perhaps a bearded dragon and a snake or two. Ages 0-11A
lphabet Explorers!
Saturday June 15, 2013
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Main
Age Group: Birth-18 months, 18-36 months, 2-6 years
Event Type: Families
Drop in anytime between 3:00 and 5:30 on Saturday afternoons to explore exciting themes related to a new letter in the alphabet each week. Art, music, games and pretend play will be used to bring literacy learning to life!
http://www.columbuslibrary.org/
The North Market
59 Spruce St.
Columbus, OH 43215
June 16, 2013
Artisan Sunday
Columbus’ creative class of artisans and crafters converges on the farmers’ market every Sunday from May through October peddling their handmade wares.
http://www.northmarket.com/activities-and-events
Steve Morbitzer
Call or Text
Mobile: 614-329-1662
http://www.facebook.com/steve.morbitzer

It’s a first! The German Village Cupcakes beat the Muffins at the annual historic base ball game in Schiller Park. One of the players reported the defeat by saying “We were so surprised, we almost forgot to cheer.” Many thanks to Captain Kelly Clark for leading the team to victory.
The 2013 Cupcakes were:
Patrick King
Mike Conrnellis
Jim Coleman
Joe Pickens
Chris Anderson
Brian Peach
Kelly Clark
Mike and Adam Newlon
Rob Ferguson
Thanks to an amazing Freshman class from the Wellington School, our Welcome Gardens were planted in record time, by people who have not yet experienced the loss of any cartilage in their knees! But we do need the help of Friends of Schiller Park to weed, pick up litter, and deadhead the beds throughout the summer. If you can take responsibility for one of the beds…please let Katharine Moore know which bed and which week you’d like to sign up for:
Jaeger and Reinhard
First week of July, August, and September
Second week of July, August, and September
Third week of July, August, and September
Fourth week of July, August, and September
Deshler and Jaeger (and the entrance to the Recreation Center)
First week of July, August, and September
Second week of, July, August, and September
Third week of July, August, and September
Fourth week of July, August, and September
Diane’s Garden at the corner of City Park and Deshler Avenues
First week of July, August, and September
Second week of July, August, and September
Third week of, July, August, and September
Fourth week of, July, August, and September
Schiller’s Garden (inside the fence around the Schiller monument)
First week of July, August, and September
Second week of, July, August, and September
Third week of July, August, and September
Fourth week of July, August, and September
The work is easy (go on your own schedule, do a decent job of tidying up, and receive our endless gratitude) and the appreciation picnic is great fun at the end of the season!
Join us! The Friends of Schiller Park is a committee of the German Village Society, dedicated to providing support, advocacy and sweat equity for the most beloved 23 acres in the City.
If Schiller Park is where you ride a bike, walk a dog, swing a child, read a book, watch a play, catch a fish, run a lap, or take a nap, it is time to make your friendship official!
There is no charge to belong to the Friends of Schiller Park.
Log on to www.FriendsofSchillerPark.org to join
Katharine Moore
Executive Director
The Jefferson Center for Learning & the Arts The Carriage House on Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 228-7441
There are two distinct methods to propose one’s self or someone else to be considered for election to the GVS Board of Trustees.
First is the nomination process coordinated by the Organizational Development Committee (ODC).
As outlined in the GVS Bylaws and appointed by President Bill Case, the ODC is composed of three GVS Board of Trustees members (Tim Bibler, Bill Curlis, Chair Jeanne Likins) and three GVS members (Pam Bergeron, Greg Gamier, and Tracie Stamm for 2013).
Each person represents different areas of knowledge about and experience with the Society.
Each person also represents different constituencies in the community. Also, there are a variety of demographics represented by these six individuals (e.g., long time residents, newer residents, a business owner, a young parent, a variety of ages, etc.).
ODC’s purpose is outlined in the Society’s Bylaws:
Beginning with its first meeting January 6, 2013, the ODC began by reviewing its mission, timelines, and tasks. It also reviewed the variety and the breadth and depth of current GVS programs and activities, including its core mission and finances.
The skills and experiences of current board members and those who are term limited in 2014 (and therefore, will leave the board) were delineated as part of the process to identify the skills and experiences needed by potential trustees for a strong, well rounded board.
Three current board members (Beth Ervin, Brian Santin, and Mike Yarbrough) are not seeking re-election in 2013. Term limited Trustees in 2014 include: Darci Congrove, Sarah Irvin Clark, and Jeanne Likins. Nick Cavalaris and Chris Hune have the option to run for one more term in 2014.
The ODC has met five more times with assignments between meetings, including proposed amendments to the GVS Bylaws which were adopted by the GVS Board in April.
Prior to soliciting the community for potential nominees, this committee crafted a statement summarizing the responsibilities of board members and the scope of the Society’s activities. This was to ensure that anyone thinking about being a nominee could be well informed in advance. GVS Board Expectations was another item shared with those considering being on the board as well as with all interested via 4N4.
The committee also asked potential nominees to answer four questions confidentially as part of this process. In addition, the committee explored the interest of those individuals suggested as potential candidates.
The board needs identified as important for prospective trustees are:
More specifically, the needs identified for the next several years as others rotate off the board this year and next year are:
The ODC’s recommended slate of candidates will be presented to the GVS Board at its June 10th meeting. There are three nominees for the three open seats.
An alternate process, provided for in the GVS Bylaws, states that “In addition to the members nominated by the Organizational Development Committee, any Society member may nominate, in writing, a candidate for any of the seats on the Board of Trustees, subject to Section 2 of this Article IV, provided that the member or members submit a petition signed by ten (10) members who back the candidacy for the seat, together with a statement by the nominee, that, if elected, the member will serve as an active member of the Board.”
The ODC has reviewed and re-designed the petition form. Those who support a petitioner must be current GVS members per the GVS Bylaws. The petition form includes space for these ten names and signatures.
The GVS Bylaws require that those who want to petition to be on the ballot must be a GVS member in good standing for at least one year prior to the election. A petitioner must also pledge that if elected s/he will serve to the best of their ability as an active member of the board, per the GVS Bylaws.
Another section of the GVS Bylaws notes that any petitions shall be presented to the GVS Office no later than two weeks after the June Board of Trustees. That date is June 24th this year.
Petitions are available at the GVS Meeting Haus and should be returned there by 5 PM June 24. They should be addressed care of Jeanne M. Likins, Chair ODC.
ODC nominees and any petitioners will be asked to complete five questions. This is what will appear by their name and photo (head shot) on the ballot.
The final slate of candidates for the ballot is presented by the ODC at the July 8 GVS Board of Trustees meeting. Ballots will be mailed shortly thereafter. Votes must be returned to the GVS Office or post marked within three weeks of when they are distributed.
ODC has also recommended to President Bill Case three individuals to serve as the Election Board, which oversees the voting process, including the voting tally.
Newly elected trustees are seated at the October 14th Board of Trustees meeting. Officers for 2013-2014 will be recommended at that meeting by the ODC. Nominations also may be made from the floor.
Between the election and the October meeting, there will be a formal orientation to the role and expectations of board members. It will include a thorough overview of the Society’s operations to enable new board members to understand their legal and fiduciary responsibilities for the duty of care, the duty of loyalty, and the duty of obedience.
For questions or more information, please contact one of the ODC members:
Please plan to join us on June 18 at 8 a.m. at Backstage Bistro (next door to Shadowbox, 503 S. Front St.) for the Fred & Howard Award breakfast.
Backstage Bistro is throwing this celebration as a gift to the Village – so please thank them while you’re there! Don’t miss the announcement as we celebrate another Village super star!
In 1997, the GVS Board of Trustees created a new award to be presented at the Annual Meeting, honoring individual who have done the most to carry the message of German Village and the GVS to the rest of the world – bringing attention and recognition to what we do and what we have achieved. When the Board created the award, there was no question that it be named after Fred & Howard, the champion ambassadors of German Village. In 1997, the very first award was presented to Fred Holdridge and Howard Burns, who did more for the international recognition of GV than anyone. The plaque which hangs in the Meeting Haus reads:
to German Village
Submit your nominee!
Past Fred & Howard Award Winners
2008 – John Pribble & Darci Congrove
2007 – Tim Dick
2006 – John Clark
2005 – Sue Doody – Lindey’s
2004 – Terri Dickey
2003 – Wayne Owens
2002 – Hyla Griesdorn & the Share the Flavor Committee
2001 – Andrea Cambern
2000 – Pamela Edwards
1999 – Aaron Leventhal & Beth Ervin
1998 – Robert Jackson
1997 – Fred Holdridge & Howard Burns
Be a Great Recycler
Columbus, your response to citywide recycling has been great and continues
to grow. But more about that later!
If you or your neighbors still need some tips on what can and can’t be recycled,
here’s the word straight from RecyColumbus.
Recycling Tips:
* No sorting required.
* If you keep your recyclables in a plastic bag before carrying them to the cart,
don’t put the bag into the cart. Instead empty the bag into the cart, then throw
the bag into the trash.
* Lids, caps and labels can be kept on recyclable containers.
* Do not place dirty recyclables, like un-rinsed jars, in the cart.
* Reference the graphic on the lid of your blue cart if you are unsure whether or
not an item is accepted.
A Helping Hand for Our Recycling Crews
Give Them Some Space
We’ve got the easy part when we recycle. We just drop it in the blue cart and roll
it to the same location as your regular trash container on pick-up day every other
week.
That’s two weeks worth of recycling, and you and I both know that can be a heavy
load. But our recycling crews do not have to be all muscle to empty the blue carts I
nto those big white trucks.
We’ve got an “app” for that… or rather, we have an arm.
Rumpke is equipping more and more of their trucks with automated arms and front-loading
bins. The automated hydraulic arm latches on to the blue carts and tips them into a
separate front-loading bin that is attached to the front of the truck. As the bin is filled, it
gets hoisted and emptied into the top of the truck. The mechanical arm greatly improves the
safety, speed and efficiency of collection allowing Rumpke to collect more recycling over a
shorter period of time.
To help with collection, place the cart within one foot of the curb or alley, with
the arrow facing outward and at least three feet from trash or other recycling carts,
or other obstructions. This will give the arm room to maneuver.
Remember… recycling is collected in the same location as your trash and that the
blue cart must be placed out for collection by 6 a.m. on your collection day. After
collection, containers must be removed and stored within 24 hours.
Yard Waste Collection Season is Here
And just a reminder: Recycling is collected every other week alternating with yard
waste. Yard waste will continue to be collected in biodegradable bags or a separate
rigid container, not in the blue cart.
We’ve Got the Blues. And That’s Great!
Columbus has the blues, but we’re not sad. Our kind of blues makes us smile… blue
carts, that is. We’re filling them up with more and more recyclables and that’s
making us greener by diverting more waste from landfills and saving money by avoiding
landfill fees.
Here’s the latest numbers!
April saw a total tonnage of 2,517 tons of recycled materials diverted from landfills
and reused to make products. Landfill savings totaled $139,595 from your recycling
efforts.
For the year, so far, 9,841 tons of recyclables have been collected, saving a total
of $545,571 in landfill fees. That’s over a half-million dollars saved in just the
first 4 months of 2013.
Earth Day Meets the Fantastic Recycling Band!
Check out who’s layin’ down the beat with our RecyColumbus Band. Mayor Coleman sat in with
our band at the city’s annual Earth Day celebration at the downtown Columbus Commons.
City Council Member Eileen Paley was also there to celebrate our green city.
The RecyColumbus Band is a hit wherever it goes. Got an event where you think they’d be a hit
with your crowd? Let us know and we can also a supply a volunteer to pass out information on
RecyColumbus. Program questions are answered online at www.RecycleColumbus.org or
residents can call 645-3111.
One Blue Cart Not Enough?
For just $40, you can buy a second blue cart and double what you recycle! Visit
http://publicservice.columbus.gov/recycle/ to make your order.
Village Connections is a non profit subscription-based organization designed to support German Village and neighboring community residents as they age. We will provide neighbor-to-neighbor volunteer help on transportation and minor home needs as well as phone/email access to vetted service providers for home health and home maintenance. Additionally, we are planning a monthly schedule of educational, cultural, and wellness activities for subscribers.
Next week marks the anniversary of our first Village Connections Board Meeting. The German Village Society Long-Range Planning Committee worked on the concept many months prior to the actual founding of Village Connections which was initiated at our first board meeting, June 7, 2012. I’d like to share a little bit about what we’ve done in this first year and where we are going in the future.
The most important question is: When will we be able to launch. It is not unusual for the process to take some time. Of the 100 or so Villages now in operation, it took an average of about two years to get launched. For us the biggest impediment has been getting the 501(c)(3) or nonprofit designation from the Internal Revenue Service. The nonprofit designation is necessary for most private and government funders. It is also an assurance for community members that donations to Village Connections will be tax-deductible. Turmoil in the Cincinnati office of the IRS, where our nonprofit status is being evaluated, may be a contributing factor to the long delay. This is unclear. Last month, Fran Ryan, one of our board members asked Representative Joyce Beatty, a Congressperson in this area, to intervene on our behalf. In the past week we’ve seen some interest in the IRS in addressing our case and are very hopeful that we will proceed at this time.
Though we have not yet launched many significant things have been accomplished in this first year. Most of the work is being done through committee. The Executive Committee, for example, has developed a code of regulations for the organization and has set policies and procedures for the Village.
The Marketing and Membership committee has developed a brochure, folders, a website,villageconnectionscolumbus.org, a 400 subscriber newsletter, and a series of advertisements that will run at launch for Village Connections.
The Services Committee has begun to organize informational events. It has also begun identifying and vetting service providers so that members will be able to get services via one phone call or email. A list of potential services as well as an application to be a service provider is available on the website.
The Search Committee has written a job description for our future Executive Director and has identified characteristics that would be important in our leader. They have also developed a search and interview process.
The Fund Raising Committee has raised one third of the cost of our start up from the Village Connections Board. Additionally, they have identified a government funder who is willing to cover the second third of our startup cost. The Village Model is membership based so the bulk of funding comes from members. Yet memberships do not cover all needs, and particularly at start up, we will need community support.
We sincerely appreciate the support and interest that the community has given thus far to Village Connections and wish you to know that we are endeavoring daily to create an organization that will fulfill the needs of its members.
Ed Elberfeld, Board President
Columbus’s first historic review commission is celebrating 50 years in 2013. . In 1963, the Columbus City Council passed Chapter 3325 of the Columbus Zoning Code, creating the German Village Historic District.
German Village celebrated the milestone during its annual Caretakers of a Legacy Awards on Thursday night, May 16. Photos of award winners are here.
After a welcome by German Village Commission Chair Jay Panzer (click for complete remarks), German Village Society Director Shiloh Todorov shared notes on where the world of preservation stood in 1963 and illustrated just how groundbreaking the GVC was in Columbus, in Ohio and indeed in the country (click for complete remarks).
She then presented the latest vignette of the Oral History project, seen here:
AWARDS:
President’s Award – presented by GVS Board of Trustees President Bill Case Richard Eiselt (click here for full remarks)
Preservation Award – presented by GVC Commissioner Lisa Case 170 Thurman Ave., Mark and Keriann Ours (click for full remarks)
Commissioners’ Award – presented by GVC Commissioner Mark Ours 797 S. 6th St., Erin Crotty and Craig Kent (click for full remarks)
Chairman’s Award – presented by GVC Commissioner Terrence O’Donnell 899-903 Mohawk St., Michele and Danny Lavon (click for full remarks)
Certificates of Merit – presented by Jay Panzer and Bill Case, Niko’s Barber Shop and Kittie’s Hand Crafted Cakes (click for full remarks)
Special Ambassador Award – presented by GVS Vice Pres. Darci Congrove, Tom and Hyla Griesdorn
The Caretakers of a Legacy awards program was established to honor people, projects, and organizations that contribute to the preservation and enhancement of the historic fabric of German Village.
A caretaker is one who provides support, and watches over a place belonging to someone who is gone. The physical elements that make up the fabric of German Village do not really belong to those who own them legally, but instead have been left in our care. A legacy is a gift: something tangible, such as a built environment; or intangible, such as a philosophy of way of life, that is passed from one generation to the next. The immigrants who established the community known today as German Village have left us a wonderful legacy to cherish and protect for future generations.
As we care for this great gift, we will necessarily leave our imprint on the village, making our own contribution to the evolution of this neighborhood as a living, breathing community where people live, work, and play,
In celebration of Preservation Month, we honor three projects that are especially deserving of the name “Caretakers of a Legacy.” This Award program is co-sponsored by the German Village Society and Commission. Award winners are chosen by the German Village Commission in three categories:
The Preservation Award
Awarded to a property owner in recognition of an outstanding example of restoration, preservation or maintenance of a property or architectural element in German Village.
The Commissioners Award
Awarded to a property owner in recognition of a recently completed project that contributes to the architectural, historic, and aesthetic character of German Village and that shows sensitivity to the streetscape and surrounding properties.
The Chairman’s Award
Awarded to a property owner, an individual, an organization, or a business entity in recognition of an outstanding contribution to the historic, architectural, or aesthetic character of German Village and to the community’s quality of life.
Given by GVS:
The President’s Award – Awarded to a property owner, an individual, an organization, or a business entity by the German Village Society in recognition of an outstanding contribution to the historic, architectural, or aesthetic character of German Village and to the community’s way of life.
Past Recipients:
Preservation Award, 180 Reinhard Avenue
Commissioners’ Award, 684 City Park Avenue
Chairman’s Award, 145 East Sycamore Street
Special Ambassador’s Award, Brett and Andrea Cambern
Preservation Award, 157 East Deshler
Commissioner’s Award, 647 South Fifth Street
Chairman’s Award, 703 South Fifth Street
President’s Award, Parks Public Spaces & Community Events Committee
Preservation Award, 624 South Third Street
Commissioners’ Award, 188 Reinhard Street
Chairman’s Award, 731 South Fifth Street
President’s Award, Actors’ Theatre
Preservation Award, 586 South Sixth Street
Commissioners’ Award, 246 East Sycamore Street
Chairman’s Award, Beck Place Condos
President’s Award, 133 East Beck Street
Preservation Award, 133 East Deshler Avenue
Commissioners’ Award, 808 Jaeger Street
Chairman’s Award, 2007 Historic Preservation Workshop
President’s Award, 541 South Third Street
Preservation Award, 791 Macon Alley
Commissioners’ Award, 215 Whittier Street
Chairman’s Award, Columbus City Forester Jack Low
President’s Award, Michael Rosen
Preservation Award, 246 East Kossuth Street
Commissioners’ Award, 297-299 East Sycamore Street
316-318 East Sycamore Street
Chairman’s Award, Village Lights
President’s Award, Louann Irwin
Preservation Award, 595 South Sixth Street
Commissioners’ Award, 229 East Beck Street
Chairman’s Award, 548 South Third Street
President’s Award, Marshall & Connie Swain