City of Gahanna Update - September 4, 2015

CITY NEWS

City Unveils New Economic Development Plan

The City of Gahanna has released its Economic Development plan. The purpose of this plan is to identify the community's economic potential to attract and retain business and spur development in the city. The plan is intended to serve as a guide for policymakers, community stakeholders, local businesses and future investors.

An open house will be held on Tuesday, September 15, 2015 from 5:30 -7:30 p.m. in the Council Committee room at City Hall. City staff and the project consultant will provide an overview of the proposed plan and be on-site to answer any questions the public may have.

Additionally, a public hearing has been scheduled on Monday, September 21, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers of City Hall to hear public opinion concerning the proposed plan. A copy of the full plan is available online. Residents are encouraged to review the plan and attend the upcoming public hearing.

Public hearing to be Held on Gahanna's Form of Government

Residents will have another opportunity to offer their views on Gahanna's form of government. The second public hearing will be held on Thursday,September 10, 2015 at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall (200 S. Hamilton Road).

Earlier this year, City Council formed the Governance Commission to review and provide a recommendation to Council on the best form of government for the City of Gahanna. On July 28, 2015, a panel of regional officials shared information to the Commission about their chosen form of government. The Governance Commission held its first public hearing on August 25, 2015.

Residents unable to attend the September 10, 2015 meeting will have the option to participate in the third and final public hearing on Tuesday, September 22, 2015 at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall.

A recommendation from the Commission is due to Council by the end of this year. To view past meeting minutes and upcoming agendas, click here.

For more information, contact the Council Clerk office at 614.342.4090.

Tell Us How to Improve our Communications

We're still listening. Tell us how we can improve our communications.

The City of Gahanna uses a number of outreach and communications tools, but we know there's always room for improvement. Please help us by participating in our online survey, which has been extended so you will have more time to participate.

You can participate until September 13. If you haven't weighed in yet, please take a few minutes and give us your feedback. We're listening and want to hear from you.

Click here to complete the brief survey.

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

Gahanna Police is joining law enforcement from around the country to participate in the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign. The campaign will run now through September 7, 2015 and is designed to create awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving.

Each year on average, more than 10,000 people die on the road due to drunk driving. In order to stop this deadly epidemic, law enforcement is every state and most U.S. towns and cities will be cracking down on drunk driving through Labor Day. Gahanna Police wants to remind citizens not to drink and drive and to have a safe Holiday!

September is National Preparedness Month

Emergencies or disasters can happen at any given moment without advance notice. September has been designated as National Preparedness Month. This year's theme, "Don't Wait. Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today," is a reminder for citizens to make a plan, be informed and to know what to do in the case of an emergency.

Citizens are encouraged to prepare by following these important steps:

Be informed about the risks facing your city.
Develop a plan for your family, community and for your pets.
Build an emergency supply kit.
Get involved and register for ALERT Franklin County at alertfranklincounty.org to receive important information and weather alerts.

Click here to download your FREE copy of the Ohio Family Disaster Preparedness Guide. Visit Ready Ohio for more tips on how you and your family can be prepared for emergencies.

Open House for Active Adult & Senior Programs

Come learn what the Gahanna Senior Center has to offer. Tour the Center to learn about our year-round program offerings. New visitors will receive information on programs and special events, a chance to win a gift card for attending, and are welcome to enjoy refreshments with our New Welcome Team and Program Supervisor.

Who:	Active Adults 55+
When:	Every First Monday of each month (except on holidays) September 14, October 5, November 2, December 7
Time:	Time: 10am-1pm & 3-6pm
Where:	Gahanna Senior Center, 480 Rocky Fork Blvd.

For those unable to make the times listed above, contact the Senior Center at 614.342.4265 and staff will coordinate a personal tour during normal business hours.

2nd Annual Hops & Vines Fest Returns to Creekside

Join the Gahanna Parks & Recreation Foundation on Saturday, September 19, 2015 for its 2nd annual Hops & Vines Fest!

Experience a festive evening of fun and dancing under the stars, with local beer and wine tastings, gourmet tacos by Local Cantina, live music and exciting raffle prizes.

Proceeds from this event will directly benefit the Gahanna Parks & Recreation Foundation. Each ticket includes food and 15 wine tastings. A limited number of tickets are available.

Click here to purchase your tickets today!

Community News & Events

Gahanna "Turns the Town Teal"

Each year nearly a quarter of a million women globally are diagnosed with ovarian cancer and annually the disease is responsible for 140,000 deaths.

September has been designated Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month to help increase awareness of this disease. For the second consecutive year, The City of Gahanna is participating in "Turn the Towns Teal," a national campaign to promote awareness of ovarian cancer and its often subtle symptoms.

Currently, there is no early detection for ovarian cancer. However, recognizing the early symptoms of the disease helps to improve a woman's chance of survival up to 90%.

Some of the symptoms include:

Increased abdominal size/persistent bloating (not bloating that comes and goes)
Difficulty eating/feeling full quickly
Abdominal or pelvic pain
Needing to pass urine more urgently or more frequently.

For more information about Turn the Towns Teal, click here. To get the facts and recognize the signs of Ovarian Cancer click here.

18th Annual Taste of Gahanna

Join the Gahanna Area Chamber of Commerce for an evening filled with delicious cuisine and local talent on Thursday, September 24th from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Aladdin Shrine Center located at 3850 Stelzer Rd.

The evening, brought to you by the Lew Griffin Insurance Group, promises plenty of excitement including unlimited samples from some of the best restaurants in the Gahanna area, terrific door prizes, the Giant Eagle Chef's Challenge Cook-Off, culinary competitions and entertainment by the GLHS Theater Department, GLHS Jazz Band, Pinnell & JDSD Dance Studios.

Advance tickets are available for purchase now for $25 and tickets may be purchased during the week of the event and the door for $30.

For more information, contact the Chamber at 614.417.0451 or to purchase tickets click here.