Amy's Blog

Web site builder

Amy Laws (Century 21) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:05:17 -0500

I am excited to inform you of a great new website that is very user friendly and can help market your properties. Whether a listing, rental or even a FSBO, this site will work for anyone with just a point and a click you'll be up and running in no time. This site feeds to nine other websites maximizing your exposure on the internet. For a very minimal cost, this site will also help manage your clients. For more information and pricing options, or to get started on your free 14 day trial offer, contact me direct at 877-326-8204 ext 105

Foreclosure Prevention

Amy Laws (Century 21) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 03:50:33 -0500

As a licensed Realtor in the Central Ohio area, I am concerned for the many homeowners who are facing the very real and frightening circumstance of foreclosure. I have partnered with a leader in the foreclosure prevention industry to help you avoid the possibility of a foreclosure. Most people don't realize that it can remain on their credit for 7 years and a bankruptcy up to 10 years. Even after filing bankruptcy there's no guarantee the bank can't continue to collect the money you owe! Maybe you or someone you know could benefit from my services. Call toll free NOW!!

1-877-326-8204 ext 101

Seconds from Easton

Amy Laws (Century 21) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 17:26:53 -0600

Description

Don't miss this cozy condo with many updates, only seconds from Easton. A serene location with private fenced backyard overlooking wooded area. Brand new roof and completely remodeled interior in past eight years. 2nd story laundry adds convenience in cleaning. Large master bedroom has vaulted ceiling and long closets for plenty of storage. Keep warm with your wood burning fireplace. Kitchen overlooks living room with passthrough open to bar area. Call for your own private showing to see this gem for yourself. Make an offer and be in by the end of the year. Agent related to seller.

Gasoline #@%!! (urghhhh)

Amy Laws (Century 21) — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 13:34:28 -0500

Ok, so I just need to vent on this one. I didn't purchase gas in the morning, cause I was running late, figured I'd get it later in the afternoon. Well, wouldn't you know that by 4:30 the price had gone up 35 cents. That is a drastic increase. As an agent having to drive clients around, meeting them at houses, performing BPO's at random locations, etc., etc. This creates a major impact on our business. Has anyone else been frustrated by this issue?

Light the Night Walk

Amy Laws (Century 21) — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 13:29:46 -0500

Thank you to all who've responded to my previous post. Time is inching closer to the date, so I'm sending this request again. Feel free to forward this on to anyone you feel would like to contribute.

https://www.active.com/donate/ltnColumb/2102_alawsLTN

I have volunteered to walk in the Light the Night event in September and I need your help raising money for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. When you donate, you will be helping to fund lifesaving research and provide help and hope to thousands of families. To make an online donation or join my team and walk too, simply click on the above secure link. You will receive a confirmation by email detailing your donation. I appreciate your support, every bit helps.

Almost Autumn

Amy Laws (Century 21) — Sun, 02 Sep 2007 15:33:57 -0500

Well, today is the second day of September and the smell of Fall is in the air. Football season has officially begun. Mums are everywhere you look. I am looking forward to the upcoming holidays.

Sipping apple cider

by the bonfire,

hay rides

and last but not least

pumpkin pie.

The leaves will begin to change and the air will become brisk, perfect sweatshirt weather. Anyone else looking forward to the change of seasons? This has been an exceptionally warm summer here in Ohio.

Support Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Amy Laws (Century 21) — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 10:48:15 -0500

https://www.active.com/donate/ltnColumb/2102_alawsLTN

Survived the storm!

Amy Laws (Century 21) — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 08:37:45 -0500

Here in Columbus, Ohio we experienced yet another hail storm. The first one hit back in September and caused severe damage all over our city. We had to have new siding, gutters and screens replaced all the way around our house. It looked like someone had taken a bb gun to it. The cars were so dented, they resembled golf balls. Our work was completed in January, when we were having warmer than usual weather. Our contractor did a fabulous job, very quick and thorough. Several of our neighbors are just getting theirs completed this week, even as late as yesterday afternoon, before the storm hit. Fortunately, our area only received about pea size pieces. But other parts of town did get golf ball size ones and some people even indicated seeing a tornado. Sure has been some crazy weather, how's it been where you are?

Don't let it happen to you

Amy Laws (Century 21) — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 22:05:51 -0500

You hear it everywhere, but what are some of the best ways to avoid identity theft?

1) Secure your social security number. This holds the key to your credit information, financial information even medical records.

2) Monitor your credit reports (all three). Some people think this is an expense they can't afford or is unnecessary, but I say you can't afford not to. Some companies will do this for as little as $4.95 per month, that is only 16cents per day. You will be alerted anytime an inquiry to your credit is made.

3) Photo copy all the cards you carry in your purse or wallet and keep in a safe place. This will make it a bit easier if you do fall victim to this crime, as to whom you'll need to contact. Some of the credit reporting companies will take care of this for you after you inform them, but you'll probably pay a little more per month.

4) Shred all unwanted offers for credit and any outdated statements that show account information for credit cards, banking info utility accounts.

5) Do not give out any personal information out over the phone, unless you've initiated the call. There are currently scams out there that tricking people into giving up this information, because they think it's their provider that is contacting them. However, if you ask for a contact number to call them back, the response will give you a good indication of whether the call is legitimate or not.

6) Only make online purchases through a secure form such as paypal.

These are some ways to help you avoid falling victim to this invasive criminal act.

www.amylaws.com

National Register of Historic Places

Amy Laws (Century 21) — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 04:55:50 -0500

There is this great little site I stumbled across that I thought most people would appreciate. http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/ Be sure to check it our, you may even learn something new about your area. I've been doing a lot of posts recently about the history of different cities or towns in my area, but only ran into this site today. I think we may even turn this into some history lessons for the kids, we love taking road trips to visit historic sites. I've also just recently been introduced to geocacheing, these would be excellent places to leave items as well. Enjoy!

History of Pataskala

Amy Laws (Century 21) — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 04:45:47 -0500

This information and more can be found at: http://www.pataskalaohio.com

The first settler to the area which was to become known as Pataskala was David Heron, who was living here in 1805 when Richard Conine and his wife Sarah visited the area. Richard Conine, who was to become known as the "Father of Pataskala", liked what he saw, and when he returned home to New Jersey, he arranged to purchase 2,000 acres of land here.
    He returned to this area in 1821 to live and built the first grist mill in the area at the south end of town, and prior to 1850, platted a village which he called Conine.However, by the end of 1850, he had sold most of his land, much of it to Jess Stoneman Green, and it was Green who actually put the village of Pataskala on the map. Green laid out lots and sold them, built buildings for businesses, and donated land for schools and churches.
    In 1851, the village of Pataskala received its first Post Office, and controversy grew over the name of "Conine" until finally the name "Pataskala", which is an Indian word meaning Licking, was decided upon and from that point the village continued to grow until it was finally incorporated in 1891.
In 1994 Lima Township and the Village of Pataskala voters agreed to establish a merger commission to research a possible merger. In 1995, the citizens voted unanimously to accept the merger proposal, and as of January 19, 1997, the Secretary of State declared Pataskala to be of city status.
    The City of Pataskala encompasses 39 square miles of territory. Its boundaries begin at the Franklin/ Licking County lines on the west and extend to past Watkins road on the east. The northern boundary is south of CR. 25, Morse Road, and Jersey Township.

History of Village of Groveport

Amy Laws (Century 21) — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 13:26:28 -0500

This information and more can be found at: http://www.groveport.org

William James' little cooper shop in Rarey's Port was crowded with citizens one night in the winter of 1846-47. More than a score had already assembled but occasionally the door would open to admit a late arrival. Soon the capacity of the small one-story building on Walnut Street close to the Ohio and Erie Canal was taxed to the limit. The weak rays from a valiant coal lamp reflected the determined look on the faces of all those who were within range of the feeble light and an old pot-bellied stove in the center of the room radiated welcome warmth to those assembled. When the meeting finally got under way, there were twenty-seven citizens present who had made up their minds to "do something about it."

For several years, an argument smoldered between Jacob B. Wert and William H. Rarey. This was an argument more of action than of words. Four years previously Wert had laid out Wert's Grove and Rarey had laid out Rarey's Port with only a section line dividing the two settlements. This section line ran directly north and south down what is now College Street, but which at that time was called East Street, Wert's Grove being to the west.

Each of these men was determined that his name should be perpetuated in the naming of the village and it was with pardonable pride that each maintained his stand. In 1812, Rarey's father, Adam, an original settler in the area, had constructed a log tavern on the site where now stands the freshman school. William Rarey donated the land for the Methodist Church and in other ways had contributed to the development of the community to the east of the section line. Wert was a progressive and public-spirited businessman and the community to the west of the section line had developed largely through his efforts. In 1844, he built two brick houses on Main Street just west of College Street.

Wert did hold one advantage, however, as he was postmaster and had been for a period of eleven years or more, operating the post office in a building he constructed on the southwest corner of Main and College Streets.

Not to be outdone from this post office angle, Rarey, it is claimed, advised his friends to address their letters to Rarey's Port and many letters were received addressed in this manner. Wert, equal to the occasion, simply scratched out the address and wrote in Wert's Grove eliminating as best he could the result of Rarey's scheming. Thus raged the feud with nothing being accomplished that was in any way beneficial to the community as a whole.

Now the citizens of both settlements took matters into their own hands. Partisans of both men were present, but it is interesting to note that neither Rarey nor Wert were in attendance at the meeting in James' cooper shop that eventful night. Apparently, both were willing that the issue should be decided without interference on their part. However, when the meeting broke up late that night little had been accomplished, but it was apparent to all that a compromise name would have to be adopted and this thought was no doubt in the minds of many even before the start of the meeting. They decided to meet again a week later.

From the standpoint of attendance, the second meeting of the citizens was a little different from the first. At that time the United States was at war with Mexico, and the U.S. forces had won the initial major victory of the war at a battle fought at Palo Alto. As the battle had been fought only recently, the name of Palo Alto was proposed for the community. This proposal was given none too much consideration and finally Dr. Abel Clark suggested the name of Groveport, the derivation of which is readily apparent. Such a name, Clark pointed out, did no injustice to either Wert or Rarey. The name was readily adopted and in April of 1847, the Village of Groveport was incorporated.

An election was held on April 17, 1847 for the purpose of selecting officials for the new village. The first mayor was Abraham Shoemaker and Dr. Abel Clark was elected Clerk. J. P. Bywaters, E. M. Dutton, William Mitchell, Samuel Sharpe and C. J. Stevenson were chosen as councilmen. The first meeting of the council was held on April 29, 1847 at the Cherry Street home of Mayor Shoemaker.

After the incorporation of Groveport, Jacob Wert continued as postmaster until 1848 when Edmund Gares was appointed. Two years later Wert died and was buried in the Lutheran Cemetery in Obetz. William Rarey remained a community leader active in commerce and the Methodist Church until his death in 1877.

So it was that back in 1847 Groveport, with an approximate population of 250 was incorporated as a village. The original settlement of what is now the Village of Groveport began in the early nineteenth century. Settlers, with little except the determination to found new homes, began to arrive in the vicinity. They came from Pennsylvania, Virginia, Kentucky, Maryland and other states to the South and East. The signing of the Treaty of Greenville in 1795 ended hostilities with Native Americans and gave these hardy pioneers, traveling through the wilderness, a feeling of safety they had not previously enjoyed.

During this time the people of Groveport got their mail at Franklinton. Usually one man on horseback made the trip and brought back the mail for the entire community. However several weeks often elapsed between mails due to bad traveling conditions.

Transportation of freight and merchandise was a real problem back in those early days. Roads as such did not exist and horses and wagons were not always able to negotiate the trails.

The opening of the Ohio Canal in 1831 was a boon to the settlements along its winding course and warehouses and mills began to spring up along the banks of the canal. In both Rarey's Port and Wert's Grove, the end of each street and alley that touched the canal was the site for a business of some sort: there were dry docks, warehouses, tanneries, saw mills, brick and tile factories, flour mills and meat packing concerns.

Then in 1868 came the railroad. Three of the men who were instrumental in building that part of the railroad which passes through Groveport were J. Moule, Ed Fawcett and Pat O'Brien. They lived at the Campbell Hotel which stood near College and Main Streets on the site now occupied by Stebe's Auto Sales. About this time another tavern, the Corbett House, was built by Michael Corbett on Front Street where Blue Pine Apartments now sit. Corbett donated land for the right of way of the railroad through his property and built the 15-room "house" primarily for the accommodation of the railroad men. He did everything he could to encourage the construction of the railroad which for a time threatened to pass three miles to the north. The first train passed through Groveport on July 16, 1868, and was the occasion for quite a celebration.

A proposal to build a Town Hall was approved in an election held on April 5, 1875. This structure was to be a jointly owned affair with the township, the village, the Masonic Lodge, and the Odd Fellows sharing the cost. Three locations were considered but the lot at the northwest corner of Main and Front Streets, offered by the Odd Fellows, was selected. The building was completed in the spring of 1876, with the cost being apportioned to the township, the village and the two lodges, in amounts based on the architect's estimate of that part to be used by each of the participants. The architect was J. H. Harris and the contractor William W. McCoy. Total cost was $10,745.00, an amount that today would finance only an ordinary room remodeling.

The first occupants of the two business rooms on the first floor were H. H. Scofield and Company, Dry Goods Merchants, and Theodore Faulhaber's Grocery. In the early twentieth century the Town Hall was used by Groveport High School for basketball games, plays and graduation exercises. During the 1930's, an addition was built on the north side of Town Hall to provide restrooms for both women and men. During the 1940's, both first floor rooms were occupied by Redman's Hardware Company. Today the building is home to the Groveport Heritage Museum, Cultural Arts Center, Art Gallery, and Senior Transportation Program and provides meeting and social sites for individuals and civic organizations. Aside from recent renovations, the Town Hall stands as originally built in 1875.

The Scioto Valley Traction line, a third-rail electric trolley system, was constructed in 1901-1904. A franchise was granted on September 12, 1901, giving this line a right of way over Blacklick Street through the village with the provision that fares within the corporate limits of Groveport be fixed at five cents. Cars stopped at College Street and at Front Street but it is doubtful if many nickels were collected for these fares between these two points. The stop at College Street was discontinued when the Scioto Valley Station was built at the corner of Blacklick Street and Brook Alley. William C. Black was the first station agent.

When the line was completed in 1904, a special car was run to Canal Winchester and many citizens of Groveport made the round trip. This line operated successfully for quite a number of years but finally discontinued passenger service entirely by the 1930s. Its demise was brought about by the advent of buses and the general use of automobiles.

The first street to be paved in Groveport was Front Street in 1909, then Main Street in 1911, College Street in 1915, Blacklick Street in 1923, Naomi Court in 1931, Walnut Street in 1939, Elm and Cherry Streets in 1939. The last three were government aid projects sponsored by the village. Groveport, thanks to active and alert public officials at that time, derived much benefit through the government aid program. The installation of the water works in 1934 was another such government aid program.

In 1904, the old coal oil lights gave way to natural gas, which in turn was replaced by electricity not many years afterwards. The first electric distribution system was installed by Lester Peterman about 1910. Peterman, the grandson of George Champe, was barely out of school when this installation was made. Current was secured from the Claycraft Brick Company. Later this distribution system was acquired by the Scioto Valley Traction Company who continued the service. It was then acquired by the Ohio Midland Light and Power Company. Today it is maintained by American Electric Power Company.

The Claycraft plant, which stood near the intersection of College Street and Rohr Road, burned in the Spring of 1911. Rebuilt immediately, it continued in operation until the supply of good clay was exhausted and it was no longer possible to make high quality brick that had always been produced. Groveport bricks were used in the construction of many of Groveport's and Columbus' finer buildings. The discontinuance of this plant was an irretrievable loss to Groveport.

In 1947, Groveport celebrated its centennial. Led by Charles Coon and Warren Rarey, a committee of 18 citizens put together a five-day celebration. A crowd of 5,000 people attended the celebration that included parades, games, speakers, dancing and historical displays.

Groveport's boundaries had remained relatively unchanged from its early days. But, after World War II, Groveport began to steadily grow. Development began in earnest in the 1950s with the annexation of the residential areas of Kessler Addition, Magnolia Addition, and Sunrise Addition. The 200 home Westport Addition followed in the 1960s. By the 1990s more subdivisions became part of the village - Grove Pointe, The Orchard, Bixford Green, Walden Pond, Hickory Grove, Greenbriar (also called South Groveport), Newport Village and Greenfield Place (the Lutheran Senior Services complex.)

Growth in the village was not entirely residential. In the past twenty-five years, industrial parks appeared along the Route 317 corridor as Groveport sought to take advantage of both the Rickenbacker Port Authority and the nearby interstate highway. These businesses, such as Radio Shack, K-Mart, and Distribution Fulfillment Services (Spiegel/Eddie Bauer) provide jobs and a tax base for the village.

In the past ten years, Main Street was renovated. Historical street lights were installed along with brick crosswalks and new sidewalks. Storm sewers and water lines were also improved.

The village government outgrew the municipal building on Cherry Street and in 1992 plans were made for a new municipal building. The village purchased and remodeled the United McGill building on the southwest corner of Front and Blacklick Streets (formerly St. Mary's Church) for $1.6 million. In 1995 the village government moved into its modern and spacious new home.

The old village has successfully combined its heritage and identity with plans for future growth.

History of Bexley Ohio

Amy Laws (Century 21) — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 12:53:07 -0500

This information and more can be found at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bexley,_Ohio

Bexley, Ohio was named at the suggestion of an early resident, Mr. Kilbourne, in honor of his family's roots in Bexley, England. The village of Bexley, Ohio was incorporated in 1908 when prominent citizens of Bullitt Park along Alum Creek, including former Mayor of Columbus and industrialist Hon. Robert H. Jeffrey, agreed to merge with the mostly Lutheran community of Pleasant Ridge located around Christ Lutheran Church and the adjoining Lutheran seminary. Bullitt Park had been founded in 1889, when Logan M. Bullitt of Philadelphia submitted his first plat (1891) for the area. Wealthy citizens of Columbus continued to build urban townhouses and country homes to the east along Broad Street and Town (now Bryden), extending out to Franklin Park. By the 1890's, several large homes took root across Alum Creek in the Bullitt Park area, whose borders include the aforementioned mansions and park, as well as the campus of the Columbus School for Girls, an exclusive private school. Camp Bushnell was overlaid for several months on the unsold lots of Bullitt Park in 1898, centered at Drexel Circle, bringing new utilities to the area, and subsequently, more home building. By 1909, Bullitt Park and the Lutheran community south of Main Street decided to merge neighborhoods and incorporate as the Village of Bexley. Later, with growth, the village of Bexley became the City of Bexley

History of Westerville Ohio

Amy Laws (Century 21) — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 12:36:03 -0500

This information and more can be found at: http://www.ci.westerville.oh.us

Westerville's humble beginnings can be traced to 1806, when Revolutionary War

veteran Edward Phelps and his friend, Issac Griswold, settled along Alum Creek at

Blendon Corners, which today is Westerville Road and St. Rte. 161. In 1809, Garrit

Sharp and his family became the first people to establish a residence in what is now

considered Westerville city limits.

New York natives Matthew and Peter Westervelt scouted the central Ohio area

sometime between 1814 and 1816. Matthew and Peter were part of a lineage of

pioneers in the Westervelt family, beginning with their ancestor Lubbert, who left

Holland in 1662 for what is now an area near Brooklyn, New York. The Westervelts

were attracted to what is now the Westerville area because of the considerable

amount of cheap, available land. On January 24, 1816, Matthew and Peter bought

890 acres of land along the eastern bank of Alum Creek for $3,562. By 1818, four

Westervelt siblings were living in the area that would become Westerville.

In 1820, Gideon Hart built a home on his farm along Hempstead Road. This home is

significant, as it is the oldest home still standing in Westerville and one of a dozen

community buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. It remains a private

residence.

Westerville's population had increased to nearly 700 by 1830. In 1840, the

community was officially named Westerville after the Westervelt family, in part due

to their generous land donations.

Westerville has been a Franklin County symbol for equality and education since

before the Civil War. Westerville's own Otterbein College, founded as Otterbein

University in 1847 by the United Brethren Church, was the first institution of higher

learning in the United States to admit women without restrictions, the first to include

women on its faculty, and one of the first to admit students of color.

Lewis Davis, the President of Otterbein College prior to the Civil War, was personally

involved in Westerville's Underground Railroad efforts. Many Underground Railroad

homes still stand today, including the George Stoner home on State Street just

southwest of the Westerville Public Library and the Alkire home on North State Street

just west of Old County Line Road (both buildings are now home to various

Westerville businesses). The Timothy Lee home, another Underground Railroad

home on Sunbury Road, remains a private residence.

In 1855, the Westerville School District was established. One year later, the district

celebrated the opening of its first new schoolhouse, a one-room building on West

Home Street.

Westerville was incorporated as a village in 1858, and John Haywood became the

community's first mayor.

In 1860, Westerville's Fire Division was established and remained a volunteer fire

division for more than 100 years. Today, Westerville's Fire Division consists of 79

full-time personnel.

The Westerville railroad was built in 1873, spurring economic activity for a number of

mills throughout Westerville, including the Everal Tile Company. In recognition of its

community heritage, the Everal family barn and homestead were recently renovated

and are the focal points of the community's Heritage Park.

In 1898, Westerville established its own electric division. In 1901, Westerville had a

burgeoning population of 1,462, and officials opened the city's first water treatment

plant. More than 100 years later, Westerville's water plant treats up to 7.5 million

gallons of water per day.

Westerville became the epicenter of a national debate about the legality of alcohol in

1909, when the Anti-Saloon League moved its headquarters from Chicago to

Westerville. The debate continued for more than two decades.

Westerville's first paid police officers were hired in 1915 (today, the Police Division is

comprised of more than 80 trained personnel). The following year, Westerville

became the third municipality in the United States and first village in Ohio to adopt a

council-manager style of government. The council-manager government establishes

city council as the legislative and executive body, and provides for professional

management through an appointed, trained municipal administrator. Day-to-day

operations are the responsibility of the city manager, who serves as the city's chief

executive.

In 1930, Westerville's first public library was opened in the old Purley Baker home,

which was owned by the Anti-Saloon League. Three years later, the Westerville

municipal government offices also moved into a renovated home, this one owned by

B.T. Thomas at 21 S. State Street. The move and renovation were part of a federal

government relief project during the Depression.

Construction on Westerville's first city park began in 1934. Known today as Alum

Creek Park, it remains one of Westerville's most popular play and relaxation areas.

By 1940, Westerville's population had grown to 3,146; 10 years later, it was 4,102.

In 1955, the Westerville Public Library moved to its current location at 126 S. State

Street. Thanks to public support, a massive library expansion occurred in 1998.

The 1960s brought other changes to Westerville: It was recognized as a city for the

first time, and passed its first city charter; Westerville South High School was

dedicated; Westerville's first shopping center was opened at the northwest corner of

Schrock Road and State Street; Westerville hired its first full-time fire chief; a Parks

& Recreation Department was established; and Westerville's current Water

Treatment Plant on Main Street was built.

Westerville experienced a population surge from 1970 to 1990. In 1970, the city's

population was 12,530. It exploded to 23,414 by 1980 and 32,269 by 1990. During

the 1980s, when Westerville's land use was approximately 90-percent residential,

city leaders began to focus on business development efforts to ease the future tax

burden on residents for city services. As a result, Mount Carmel St. Ann's Hospital

became central Ohio's first planned suburban hospital. Soon after, the Brooksedge

and Eastwind areas became prominent business developments in Central Ohio; they

remain vital components of Westerville's economic development efforts, along with

the Westerville Commerce Center, Uptown District, Westar Center of Business, and

other Westerville business districts.

In 1999, the Cleveland Avenue and Polaris Parkway extensions were opened to

traffic for the first time, providing direct east-west access to I-71 from northern

Westerville.

In 2001, the Westerville Parks & Recreation Department received a national gold

medal for its service excellence. That same year, the Westerville Community Center

was opened to the public and became the city's 38th park or recreation facility.

In August 2003, the editors of Sports Illustrated named Westerville Sportstown Ohio.

Later that year, Westerville's third high school, known as Central High School,

opened its doors to its first students.

In 2006, Westerville Central High School celebrated the graduation of its first class.

Today, Westerville land use is now approximately 65 percent residential and 35

percent industrial or commercial. Westerville provides more city services than any

other central Ohio suburb, with more than 150 trained full-time police officers and

fire fighters, an electric division that serves all of Westerville, a water division

recognized as one of Ohio's best, a state-of-the-art community recreation center,

and countless other important city services. The Westerville School District's

estimated student enrollment is approximately 14,000, with three high schools

among more than twenty total schools in the district.

History of Pickerington Ohio

Amy Laws (Century 21) — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 11:56:55 -0500

This information and more can be found at: http://www.ci.pickerington.oh.us

The first settlers in the attractive, growing community that is now Pickerington, arrived in the area in 1808. In 1815, Abraham Pickering laid out the original plat of old Pickerington. One hundred fifty years later relatively few people lived in the area, and Pickerington slumbered as an agricultural and dairy community, seemingly distant from both the county seat, Lancaster, and the state capital, Columbus.

The growth and prosperity since 1965 have forever changed Pickerington from an old country village to a major city in northwest Fairfield County. Equidistant between Lancaster and Columbus, today's Pickerington is both a Columbus suburban community and a transition zone leading to agricultural and open spaces to the east and southeast.

The City's population as estimated by the Mid Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) for 2005 was 13,063. The unincorporated Violet Township estimated population (excluding Pickerington and Columbus) was approximately 18,600.

As a result of reaching an official population of over 5,000 persons, Pickerington was certified as a city by the Ohio Secretary of State in 1991. Pickerington is the second largest city in Fairfield County and is second in size only to Lancaster.

An official Pickerington seal, designed by local resident Nancy Brackbill, was adopted in 1989 and gradually replaced other symbols as the official Pickerington identification. The seal appears on the cover of the Annual Report and Annual Budget, identifies city vehicles, and is used on all City correspondence and publications. In 1996 the City was designated as by the Ohio Legislature as the "Violet Capital of Ohio."

The Municipal Charter, which was enacted in 1980, set up a Mayor-Council-Manager form of government. The Charter was amended by the voters in 1990, and again in 2000.

The Mayor is elected by popular vote, performs ceremonial functions, recommends appointment of and acts as supervisor of, the City Manager, is presiding officer of Council, is an ex-officio member of all Council Committees, appoints the Clerk of Court, may veto Council-passed legislation.

The popularly elected seven member City Council is the legislative body and possesses exclusive appropriations powers. Council appoints the Law Director, Finance Director, City Engineer, and concurs on the Mayor's appointment of the City Manager. Council also makes citizen appointments to several boards and commissions. There are four standing Council Committees which Council appoints: Finance, Rules, Safety, and Service.

The City Manager is the chief administrator of the City, is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the municipality and municipal employees and appoints all employees not appointed by Council.

Growth management issues continue to dominate the public agenda. Elected officials as well as citizens of the area hold strong and varying views regarding housing density, growth of industrial and commercial areas, transportation, residential growth, and provisions of utility services, comprehensive planning, annexation by Pickerington and other cities, and ultimate appropriate area growth.

History of Gahanna Ohio

Amy Laws (Century 21) — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 11:49:37 -0500

This information and more can be found at: http://www.gahanna.org

Gahanna was founded along the Big Walnut Creek in 1849 by John Clark of Ross County from 800 acres of land that his father, Joseph Clark, had purchased from Governor Worthington in 1814. Clark named his property the Gahanna Plantation, from which the City of Gahanna derives its name. The name Gahanna is derived from a Native American word for three creeks joining into one and is the former name of the Big Walnut Creek. The City of Gahanna's Official Seal refers to this confluence of three creeks with the inscription "Three In One".

Gahanna maintained a considerable rivalry with the town of Bridgeport. Located directly across Granville Street from Gahanna and also along the banks of the Big Walnut Creek, Bridgeport was founded in 1853 by Jesse Baughman, a former Franklin County Commissioner. The two towns eventually put aside their differences and merged into one. They adopted the name Gahanna as there was already another town of Bridgeport in Ohio. In March of 1881, 55 citizens of Gahanna petitioned Franklin County to incorporate the village. The incorporation was granted in June and was recorded on August 8th, 1881. The Village then held its first mayoral election and on October 6, 1881, swore in its first mayor, L. John Neiswander.

History of Reynoldsburg Ohio

Amy Laws (Century 21) — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 08:29:10 -0500

This information was found at www.rths.info/reynoldsburg_history.html

Reynoldsburg was named for James C. Reynolds who was born in 1806. He arrived in the area around 1831 where he initially boarded with John French. He then built a cabin and opened a sutler's store for the road gang building the Cumberland Road. While selling work clothes, whisky, molasses, calico and general provisions, Reynolds provided a central gathering place and was the first merchant in the area. It is possible the town was named "Reynolds Burgh" because the mail was delivered to his store. Reynolds, a Whig, served as a Brigadier General in the Ohio Militia and a Representative in the Ohio General Assembly. He died of complications from malaria in 1854.

The Cumberland Road, better known as the National Road, was one of the main reasons that Reynoldsburg grew into the thriving city it has become. Before the National Road was built there was a trail which had its beginnings as an animal and Indian trail. The arriving settlers laid down logs and posts on the trail and built the road that was known as, "Old Corduroy." We know this road as Main Street or Route 40. The National Road contracts called for the road to be 30 feet wide with 18 feet of cleared space on each side with a roadbed 20 feet wide covered with 12-18 inches of stone. The Underground Railroad ran through Reynoldsburg between 1840 and the spring of 1865. The date this type of activity began in the town is unknown, but people associated with the National Road were often involved.

Within six years of the National Road starting through Reynoldsburg, four taverns were built, two churches established, two additions to the village were platted and registered, a school started and a post office begun. Reynoldsburg was incorporated in March of 1839.

Another reason for growth in the area was the establishment of the Reynoldsburg Union Academy in 1868. This was the first public high school in Franklin County. Students came from other counties and states and paid tuition for the privilege of studying under Dr. Darlington J. Snyder. While school was in session the students needed food, clothing, shelter and entertainment, which Reynoldsburg residents provided causing commerce growth in the township.

The first known pioneer family, James & Martha Crawford, arrived in the area around 1802. Their children settled in Reynoldsburg, including a daughter, Margaret, who married James Graham. Thomas Palmer arrived in 1803 and later built a grist mill with William Dean. John & Jane French settled in the area in the fall of 1816 and owned much of the land in what we now call "Old Reynoldsburg." John French had his land surveyed and platted out a town that was registered in Nov. 1831. Tradition says that he named the town "French Town" after his family, but it was listed as "Reynoldsburgh" in Aug. 1832 and there are no known official records listing the name as "French Town".

Reynoldsburg is most noted as the "Birthplace of the Tomato." On his farm in Reynoldsburg, shown above, internationally recognized horticulturist Alexander W. Livingston (1821-1898) was the first to develop the tomato for commercial use. He introduced the Paragon tomato in 1870 which became the first commercially grown tomato. Every September, in Civic Park, Reynoldsburg celebrates with a huge Tomato Festival sponsored by local citizens, .

Price Reduced

Amy Laws (Century 21) — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 18:07:47 -0500

This lovely newer built home in Licking Heights school district is now available for under $190K. It features hard wood in entry and kitchen and over 2200 square feet of living space. 4 bedrooms and a loft overlooking first floor with 9 foot ceilings. This home has been freshly painted and has new carpet, new roof and appliances. Must see to appreciate.

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Spacious Home on East side of Columbus

Amy Laws (Century 21) — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 17:58:38 -0500

This home has over 2300 square feet of living space. The price has been reduced significantly. Purchase this almost new home for under $200K. You'll enjoy 9 foot ceilings in the very open first floor. It is conveniently situated on a cul-de-sac. First floor laundry and full partially finished basement with poured walls.

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Oh no... Foreclosure

Amy Laws (Century 21) — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 21:58:46 -0500

There are various ways to help halt or even stop the foreclosure process and maintain residency. If you are in this position, I would love to give you a private consultation. Many agents are not aware of the available options they can educate their clients on. I worked in the Attorney Generals office processing foreclosures and had the privilege of learning from varying angles.