Uptown's Snow Joys and Hazards - Time For A Margarita
Snow Removal Ongoing in Uptown Westerville Following Heavy Snowfall
Snow removal efforts continue in Uptown Westerville after a powerful winter storm dropped heavy snow across the area. The storm’s prolonged intensity, combined with forecasts calling for temperatures to remain below zero, is limiting natural melting and complicating cleanup efforts.
“The City’s Service Department is actively working to manage snow removal throughout Uptown,” said Lynn Aventino, executive director of Uptown Westerville Inc. “They are aware of the needs and are addressing conditions as quickly and safely as possible. This is very much on their radar.”
Grant Crawford, director of public service for the City of Westerville, stated that heavy snowfall and traffic have slowed progress, but crews are making steady progress.
One passerby took time to carve smiley faces in the snow packed onto benches in front of the State Theater marquee.
“Those parking lots are on our list,” Crawford said about city-maintained lots. “We made some progress this morning, but it’s a bear. It’s taking quite a long time to catch up with the amount of snow we got. We started hauling snow out of Uptown last night, but only got about halfway done before traffic picked up. We’ll be digging out for a few days.”
City officials confirm that Uptown remains a priority, with efforts focused on streets, public parking lots, sidewalks, and pedestrian access. Residents and visitors are encouraged to use caution during snow removal.
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Westerville Sunrise Rotary Club to Host Island-Themed Fundraiser for Children’s Charities
Westerville residents can warm up this winter for a good cause next month when the Westerville Sunrise Rotary Club hosts its annual fundraising event, Margarita in the ’Ville, on February 7, 2026.
The island-themed evening will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. at The POINT at Otterbein, located at 60 Collegeview Road. The event is open to the public with a ticket purchase and will support three local organizations that help children and families facing food insecurity.
This year’s beneficiaries are the Children’s Hunger Alliance, Westerville Area Resource Ministry (WARM), and the Westerville Sunrise Rotary Foundation.
“The Westerville Sunrise Rotary Club has been around for over 30 years,” said club president Jim Caldwell. “While many people know us for the Field of Heroes over Memorial Day weekend, our members contribute more than 7,000 service hours each year and have donated over $250,000 to local projects. Margarita in the ’Ville is a fun way to come together while strengthening our impact on food insecurity in our community.”
The evening will feature Caribbean-inspired food and drinks, a tropical-themed photo booth, games, live Jimmy Buffett-style music by Scott Sopata, a silent auction, a 50:50 raffle, and a bourbon pull.
Tickets are $75 and include food, three drink tickets, and entertainment. They can be purchased online through January 30. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.
Children’s Hunger Alliance, founded in 1970, works across the state to make sure children have access to healthy food, nutrition education, and physical activity. Westerville Area Resource Ministry serves individuals and families within the Westerville School District by providing food assistance, education, employment support, and youth programs, including a free summer lunch program for children.
Over the past twenty years, the Westerville Sunrise Rotary Club has raised over $2.5 million through fundraising efforts, with all proceeds supporting local children, families, and community improvement projects.
To buy tickets or learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit the event website or contact Anne VanBuskirk at 614-327-0346 or anne.vanbuskirk@gmail.com. Act now to support local children and families.
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