Small Business Saturday, Gahanna Becomes a Bee City, Holiday Lights Celebration, Santa's Coming to Town and much more in this edition!

Currently, the Planning & Development Department has 15 active projects. Once completed, approximately 529 jobs will be created or retained and the projects will yield $66 million in capital investments.

Year-to-date, the Planning & Development Department has completed nine projects, creating or retaining 321 jobs, totaling $17.3 million in capital investment in the city.

To learn more about the City of Gahanna's development efforts contact the Planning & Development Department at 614.342.4015 or email [email protected]

City Buzzing with Enthusiasm for Bee City Projects

Original story by Marla K. Kuhlman, ThisWeek Community News

The buzz around Gahanna is that the city is officially a "Bee City USA."

Gahanna landed the status after city council voted to pursue the program that helps communities recognize the importance of pollinators.

Residents can expect to see a variety of initiatives, including the installation and maintenance of three active beehives within the city.

Additionally, the city plans to landscape the newly opened roundabouts on Hamilton Road Central to create pollinator habitats.

Coffee with Council - November 18

The community is invited to Coffee with Council on Saturday, November 18 at 9:30 a.m. at Berkshire Hathaway Services Professional Realty (121 Mill Street, Suite 128).

Come meet your council members and participate in an informal discussion about your city.

Support Gahanna's Small Businesses on November 25!

Show your support for Gahanna's small businesses by shopping with them on November 25 during Small Business Saturday!

Small Business Saturday is a American shopping holiday held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving to help celebrate and support small businesses across the country.

From local restaurants to the paint store down the street, small businesses have created major impacts across all communities. Small businesses also help ensure that local economies stay strong and vibrant.

Show your support and join us for #SmallBizSat this November 25 and #ShopSmall at the Gahanna businesses you love!

AARP Smart Driver Course Offered at the Gahanna Senior Center

The community is invited to attend an AARP Smart Driver Course at the Senior Center (480 Rocky Fork Blvd.) on Tuesday, December 5, 2017, from 2-6 p.m. The course teaches valuable defensive driving strategies and provides a refresher on the rules of the road. Since 1979, the AARP Smart Driver Course has helped more 15 million drivers learn research-based tips to adapt their driving to compensate for physical and cognitive changes that may occur with aging. Additionally, participants of the course may qualify for a multi-year automobile insurance discount by completing the course (consult your auto insurance for details).

Guidelines for Curbside Collection of Leaves and Other Yard Waste

It's that time of year to enjoy the fall colors in Gahanna's beautiful parks and neighborhoods. It's also a time when residents can help pitch in to keep our streets clean and to prevent flooding by raking up fallen leaves and pine needles.

Proper disposal of leaves is through the City's yard waste collection service that occurs every Monday. Leaves need to be put in a paper bag, or container clearly marked as "Yard Waste," and placed curbside prior to 6 a.m. Yard waste stickers are available from the Water and Refuse Department in City Hall. The weight of any yard waste container must not exceed 50 pounds. Yard waste may also be dropped off in the yard waste dumpster located behind the Service Complex at 152 Oklahoma Ave. Access to the dumpster is available Monday - Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Become a Water Quality Partner to Help Preserve Gahanna's Natural Resources

The City of Gahanna is partnering with the Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation District to help protect our waterways. We're encouraging our businesses to join us in being good stewards of our natural resources in becoming a Water Quality Partner.

As a Water Quality Partner, businesses can educate employees about stormwater issues and pledge to reach the goal of preventing stormwater pollution. Businesses who participate in this initiative will receive a Water Quality Partner window cling, public recognition on the Franklin Soil and Water website, and access to information and continuing education on stormwater issues for your business.

Spend Winter Break with Gahanna Parks & Rec!

Register your child today for Camp Friendship Camping Company's Winter Break Camp to enjoy winter break with friends! Our energetic Camp Friendship and Gahanna recreation staff have exciting games, activities and field trips planned to keep your children moving and creative. Choose any number of days! Extended care hours, field trip fees and a daily snack are included in the price.

Santa is Coming to Gahanna!

The height of the holiday season will be here soon, but Santa is taking the time out of his busy toy-making schedule to meet with the little ones. Join him at the local North Pole Annex at the Ohio Herb Education Center (110 Mill St.) on Saturday, December 9 and Saturday, December 16 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

All ages are welcome and no registration is required. Cost is $5 per craft/photo or 3 items for $12. For more information about this event, contact Gahanna Parks & Recreation at 614-342-4250.

A Sensory Friendly Visit with Santa

On Sunday, December 10 from 3 - 5 p.m. Santa and his helpers will be hosting a special event at the Herb Center (110 Mill St.) for children and their families who may need a more relaxed environment with less sensory input.

Santa and his elves are ready to meet your child however your child is most comfortable. The Herb Center has accessibility for wheelchairs or mobility issues. A limited number of appointments are available and pre-registration is required. Registration is open for Gahanna residents or students of a Gahanna school until Friday, November 17. The cost is $5 for Gahanna residents or $7 for non-Gahanna residents and includes a keepsake photo.

For more information about this event, contact Gahanna Parks & Recreation at 614-342-4250.

Community News & Events


2017 Holiday Lights Celebration Visit Gahanna's magical Holiday Lights Celebration returns to Creekside (117 Mill St.) this Sunday, November 19 from 2-7 p.m.! Activities will include a reindeer petting zoo, horse drawn carriage rides, a Holly Jolly Holiday Train, live holiday music, holiday ice carvings, touch-a-truck, games, crafts, food vendors, shopping, tree lighting, business open houses and Santa! To view street closures and parking information click here. For a full schedule of events or for more information about this community event click here.	Santa Race 5K & Little Reindeer Dash Put your running shoes on for Visit Gahanna & Mount Carmel Health System's annual Santa Race 5K & Little Reindeer Dash at Creekside (117 Mill St.) on Saturday, December 2! Registration begins at 8 a.m. Dress in holiday gear or just come as you are. Start the day with a warm-up with Santa, then run for fun! Participants enjoy medals,T-shirts, refreshments and lots of laughs. Registration is limited and filling up quickly. To register or volunteer online click here. For more information about this community event click or call Visit Gahanna at 614-418-9114.	Meijer Holiday Character Breakfast Don't miss one of Visit Gahanna's most popular and beloved community events, the annual Meijer Holiday Character Breakfast, 8 a.m. - noon, Saturday, December 9 at CenterPoint Church (620 McCutcheon Rd.) The festive family-friendly event features crafts, face painting, storytelling, a special performance by the Columbus Children's Theatre and a special all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast with holiday characters. Four seatings will be offered between 8 a.m. - 11 a.m. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult. To purchase your tickets or volunteer for this community event,click here.

City of Gahanna | 614.342.4000 | [email protected] | www.gahanna.gov