It may take a village to raise a child, but what will it take to make a community healthier? City leaders and our community partners have a vision with Live W.E.L.L. Westerville.
Live W.E.L.L. is a new community health initiative focused on promoting healthy, active lifestyles in an effort to reduce chronic disease and illness. It provides programs and resources for those who live and work in Westerville, helping them become more acquainted with a variety of wellness opportunities.
The W.E.L.L. acronym stands for Wellness, Education, Leisure and Lifestyle, representing some of the dimensions of wellness. Six of these dimensions have been chosen as points of emphasis for the program: physical and mental activities, nutrition, education, screenings, and safety. The culmination of these activities will help create a healthy and active standard of living within our community.
A committee involving local health systems (Mount Carmel St. Ann’s, Nationwide Children’s Hospital and OhioHealth, Intermediate Health Associates), Westerville City Schools, Otterbein University, the Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce, Concord Counseling Services and Sunrise/Noon Rotary Clubs of Westerville are working together to endorse programs and resources in the community to help create a cultural shift toward health and physical activity.
Part of the City’s strategic plan (see www.westerville.org/strategicplan) includes promoting events that encourage healthy lifestyles. To get started, the community is promoting the national physical activity guidelines of accumulating 150 minutes of physical activity per week, which equals about 30 minutes a day at least five days a week. It’s all about getting people to move more and encouraging healthy habits.
One new initiative offers an organized weekend activity, Mayor Kathy Cocuzzi’s “A Healthy Lifestyle is a Walk in the Park” program. Also called the Mayor’s Walks, they begin each Saturday at 8:15 a.m. The Mayor’s objective is to encourage residents of all ages and abilities to come out for a brisk walk while enjoying one of the many great parks in our community.
In addition to encouraging 150 minutes of physical activity, Live W.E.L.L. Westerville offers a central resource – www.westerville.org/parks – to learn more about programs and services available through the Live W.E.L.L. partnership. The website is a collective portal to share these community resources and provide our residents with wellness information to assist them in their healthy and active journey.
Whether you’re already active or just getting started, we hope you will recognize and use Live W.E.L.L. resources. For more information, please contact me at the Westerville Parks & Recreation Department at 614-901-6524.
Simple ways to incorporate more physical activity into your life:
- Wear a pedometer. These small electronic devices track your steps, and some more advanced models track additional details about your activity levels that sync to your computer or smart phone. Experts recommend setting a goal of accumulating 10,000 steps a day.
- “Sneak” activity in. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park your vehicle in the space farthest from the door. Try shorter bursts of activity, like two or three 10-minute walks during the day.
- Take a class. Did you know the Westerville Parks & Recreation Department offers more than 200 programs a quarter, many at the Community Center? There’s great variety in programming, including beginner’s courses in yoga, Pilates, Zumba, aquatics and much more. Look for the yellow “LIVE WELL” mark in the Westerville Community Recreation Guide.
Simple ways to incorporate better nutrition into your diet:
- Eat breakfast. It really is the most important meal of the day, and it sets the tone for how you’re likely to eat during lunch and dinner. Avoid sugary breakfasts like some cereals or breakfast breads/doughnuts and focus on healthy proteins, like egg whites on multi-grain toast.
- Plan ahead. Keep a protein bar handy for a midday snack. Protein keeps you fuller longer and should help you stay away from carbohydrate- or fat-laden snacks.
- Exercise portion control. Portion sizes are out of control in America. If you’re eating out, ask the server to bring a take-out box at the same time the food is delivered and immediately put half aside for home. It takes about 20 minutes to begin feeling full when eating, so try to eat slowly. Try to eat more often at home, where you can control not only the portions, but the amount of salt (sodium) used in your food.
Staff Profile
Sam Watkins of the City of Westerville Electric Division cannot recall a single negative encounter in his days in the field. In a total of 23 years, there’s been not even one unfriendly dog. It could be that he simply overlooks anything that may be unpleasant because of how much he says he enjoys the customer service aspect of his job as Metering Supervisor.
Where are you from? How did you get to the City of Westerville?
I’m originally from Detroit. I made my way to this area by choosing to go to DeVry University in Columbus. I went through their Electronics Technician program, and began working at ADB Alnaco Aviation and Lighting Systems as an electronics technician. Later, I was offered a job in the City of Columbus in the Electric Division. I started out as a trade’s helper, which involved working with and supporting the line crews. From there, I moved to the electric meter department. I had learned Columbus was beginning to replace old mechanical meters with digital versions. Since I had an electronics background, that was something I wanted to be a part of.
I ended up staying in the Columbus metering division for 19 years and was promoted to electric meter technician, and then to supervisor. In 2008, I graduated from DeVry with a bachelor’s degree in technical management and learned about the position in Westerville. I saw that Westerville was interested in doing a lot of what I saw coming in the industry, so I wanted to pursue that opportunity.
Explain your job and role within the City.
As Metering Supervisor, I’m responsible for the accuracy of the electric meters. We verify each meter before it’s deployed to the residence or business. We routinely test meters and test every meter removed from the field. We also test and verify meters and metering equipment.
How much of your job is out in the field?
I like to be out in the field, but each day is different. You have to be very flexible. I check out customers who report high usage issues. I also spend time working with contractors who need to know what the City of Westerville specifications are on things like installations for meter bases. There are also meetings with electricians to share information as to the standard terms and conditions for service in terms of height, distance and clearance issues related to meters. We work very closely with building inspectors, too.
You say you really enjoy the customer service opportunity. What is your typical interaction with customers?
The Westerville Electric Division is really committed to being reliable and customer-friendly. If there’s an issue, I’m making sure I know as much about that meter as possible in advance, so I can know what to expect and be helpful in trying to understand what may be happening. And any number of things could be happening. Sometimes it’s something as simple as an appliance inside the home not working accurately or efficiently, like an old refrigerator that is constantly on to keep cool. Other times, someone left something on and forgot about it, so usage is higher than normal. Working together, we can usually determine what’s going on inside the home
Our responsibility is to supply power to the customer’s building, but we share information and try to be helpful in determining what’s happening inside that may be causing an issue. For example, we can use measure how much power is being used. If there’s an issue – say, lights flickering – the customer could record the time the incidence happened and compare it to the record. We’ll share that information with a customer’s electrician, hopefully to pinpoint what’s going on and correct that issue much faster.
Has anything changed in the community since you started working here?
The commercial advanced metering is a big project. I think the change is for the better for our business customers in Westerville. It offers not just better control of usage, but knowledge of your use of power so you can look at usage at any time on a graph or in a report. If something doesn’t seem consistent, you’ll have more information than ever before. It’s a tool you can use not just once, but over and over again to save money and track your improvements.
What’s next with that commercial program?
We’re excited about the Customer Care portal that will launch later this year. This is the part of the process I love – where the project comes alive. Businesses will be able to manage more of their power use online and have many more options in terms of efficiency.
What is something people may not know about their local power system?
I think most people in Westerville know that we are really focused on the reliability of our power system. With the storm last June, we were really proud of the fact that most of our service had been restored in just 12 hours. With the commercial advanced metering program, people may not know that we’re working with iTron, a vendor that manufactures all its meters in the U.S., made in South Carolina. That was important to the department and part of our scope in the beginning.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I do whatever my daughter says to do in my spare time. She’s 15, so I’m mostly a chauffeur.
By the Numbers: 45
Typical number of Proclamations made each year by the Mayor during Westerville City Council meetings. A Proclamation is the City of Westerville’s official designation of a special event or theme and/or recognition of a person during a specified time frame.
Proclamations and photos may be viewed by date at www.westerville.org/councilphotos. Photos taken during Westerville City Council meetings are available online at the same location, usually posted the day following the Council meeting. An electronic copy of any photo may be requested by emailing clerkofcouncil@westerville.org. All photos will be sent as email attachments.
Party at the Creek is Back
The Party at the Creek is returning after its successful launch last year. The enviro-friendly event is set for Thursday, May 30 from 6-8 p.m. at Alum Creek Park North. Featuring explorations of nature, tours of scenic green spaces and waterways, and family-friendly fun, Party at the Creek celebrates the environment in community block party style.
The Party will be set throughout the park, lined with vendors providing environmentally-friendly demonstrations and exhibits. Regional wildlife, including turtles, birds and snakes, will capture the attention and imagination of kids and adults alike, and educational opportunities ranging from arts and crafts to local safety programs will be featured. Free hot dogs, drinks and popcorn will be available for everyone throughout the event. In addition to the shelter house, a large family area will be reserved for picnicking on the lawn.
The Westerville Parks and Recreation Department will lead organized games and activities, including Frisbee golf, sand volleyball, basketball and canoeing. Boater and canoe safety demonstrations will take place just south of the Main Street bridge. At this site, certified Parks & Recreation staff will demonstrate boater safety techniques and provide canoe rides down a portion of the creek.
Other City departments will feature programs and services, including experts from the Westerville Electric Division presenting on energy- and cost-saving opportunities and programs. Free CFL bulbs are available for the taking while supplies last. The Westerville Divisions of Fire and Police will also participate.
Tours of the Water Treatment Plant will guide visitors through the facility that treats 7.5 million gallons a day and explain the water treatment process, including filtration, fluoridation, disinfection, softening and distribution to more than 15,000 homes and businesses in the City. Tours will take place at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Interested participants should gather by the Shelter House in Alum Creek Park 10 minutes in advance of each tour (6:20 and 7:20 p.m.).
Community organizations help produce the event, coordinating hands-on activities and interactive features, including creative art projects using recyclable products and entertainment. Special thanks to the Westerville Visitors and Convention Bureau, Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce, Otterbein University and the Westerville Public Library for their contributions.
Plan ahead to bring items from home for recycling. Drop-off containers for old eyeglasses and cell phones will be on site, as will a bin for the proper placement of retired American flags.
Party at the Creek now combines two events into one, replacing the WessieFest and Plan-It Green Exposition. WessieFest traditionally attracted groups to Otterbein Lake to explore how nature and wildlife interact in our community. The Plan-It Green Expo was designed to increase awareness of Westerville initiatives, programs and activities that encourage conservation, recycling and eco-friendly practices. For more information on Party at the Creek and other green initiatives, visit www.westerville.org/parks.
The Westerville Store
The Westerville Public Library Friends of the Library and City of Westerville have partnered to promote a new merchandise program for Westerville-branded souvenirs, apparel and novelty items. The program is managed and funded by the nonprofit Friends of the Library, with all merchandise available in their store located inside the Westerville Public Library.
“Westerville has a lot of special retailers who create and sell unique, one-of-a-kind items, but in my visits with many other cities and communities, I noticed they had ‘official’ souvenirs, from apparel and items from coffee mugs to notecards, that represented the community as a whole,” said Mayor Kathy Cocuzzi. “There’s a certain bit of civic pride in getting or gifting an item from your city, and we wanted to partner with a community organization to explore an opportunity to bring that to Westerville.”
Working with the Friends of the Library president, Arlene Roeder, the City of Westerville developed a custom logo for the program that will be imprinted on a variety of items ranging from T-shirts to artwork.
“We developed something that is similar to the City logo, which is widely recognized in the community,” said Mayor Cocuzzi. “We also used a tree as the primary symbol, which represents the idea that Westerville is known as a ‘City within a park.’”
The Friends of the Library Shoppe selects and stocks all merchandise, with a variety of items popular with shoppers and souvenir-seekers. A special pewter ornament that can be displayed in all seasons will be one of the featured items of the program.
“We have a long tradition of knowing what the community wants in books, jewelry, candles and unique, unusual gift items,” said Roeder. “This is a great opportunity to expand our program and contribute to the Uptown shopping experience.”
Proceeds from the program will be reinvested in merchandise, with a portion going to fulfill the mission of the Friends of the Library in promoting the growth and development of the Westerville Public Library.
The Friends of the Library Shoppe is all-volunteer staffed, and operates business hours on the following days and times:
Tuesday 6:30-8 p.m.
Wednesday 1-8 p.m.
Thursday 1-4 p.m.
Friday noon-3 p.m.
Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
For more information, visit the group online at www.westervillelibrary.org/friends or call 614-259-5035.
Snapshot: Youth Police Academy
High school students considering a career in law enforcement can get hands-on training and experience this summer through the Youth Police Academy offered annually by the Westerville Division of Police. Applications are accepted in May, and the Academy begins in July.
WeConnect Wins Innovation in Government Award
WeConnect, the City of Westerville community data center, was honored with the Innovation in Local Government award earlier this year by the Ohio City/County Management Association’s (OCMA).
OCMA awards recognize projects throughout the state that promote excellence in local government as well as demonstrate leadership and best practices. OCMA also honors communities for their creative contributions to professional local government management. Programs were judged for their scope, importance and value, as well as effectiveness and quality of performance.
“The Awards Program recognizes the quality contribution and leadership that managers in Ohio make to their communities. OCMA is pleased to provide this acknowledgment of the individuals, communities and programs that have developed creative and successful programs promoting excellence in local government,” said Mark Schwieterman, Chairman, OCMA Annual Awards and City Manager of Kettering, Ohio.
The WeConnect project was nominated based on its distinction as the nation’s first municipally owned community data center. Paired with the City’s extensive fiber infrastructure, WeConnect was recognized as a first-of-its-kind open-platform supporting economic and social development in a public/private partnership.
In Westerville, WeConnect has expanded the City’s technology system to create a diverse, accessible, carrier-neutral network for telecommunications and managed/cloud services. The platform was designed to leverage the strengths of the public sector as infrastructure provider with those of the private sector in managed services, generating revenue from co-location (rack space), managed/cloud services and metro Ethernet/IRU.
The program is also a major contributor to Westerville’s economic development objectives. WeConnect provides full-scale technology solutions to businesses in and around Westerville and offers cost-savings models in consolidation and shared services, already in place for Westerville-based community organizations, including the City, Westerville City Schools, the Westerville Public Library and Otterbein University.
“We’re honored to be in a class with the most innovative and effective municipalities in the state,” said David Collinsworth, Westerville City Manager. “There was no model to duplicate when we started building the WeConnect program, but Westerville is committed to innovation and we believe this program will set a new standard in municipal information technology management through its impact on economic development.”
Collinsworth accepted the award in Columbus along with the City’s Chief Information Officer, Todd Jackson. For more information on WeConnect, please visit www.connectionsmadehere.com.
Mark Your Calendars:
Opening Day: Highlands Park Aquatic Center
Saturday, May 25, 11 a.m.
245 S. Spring Rd., 614-901-POOL
Open the summer season with us at Highlands Park Aquatic Center. We’re getting excited for another great season, featuring the speed and body slides, zero-entry toddler and leisure pool, spray playground, lazy river, and eight-lane, 25-meter pool with a diving well. Don’t miss Passholder Appreciation Night on June 8 from 5-8 p.m. Call 614-901-6500 for more information.
Fifth Annual Honor Flight Pancake Breakfast
Saturday, June 22, 7:30-10:30 a.m.
American Legion Post 171, 393 E. College Ave.
Join us for breakfast in support of the fifth annual Westerville community-sponsored Honor Flight, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 7. This day of honor for World War II and Korean War veterans features a guided tour of their memorials in Washington, D.C. Since 2009, the community of Westerville has funded these flights for our local and regional Veterans. To find out more, visit www.honorflightcolumbus.org.
Year of the Arts
Various dates/times, May-June
Citywide
We’re midway through Westerville’s Year of the Arts celebration. Did you know there are more than 30 activities and performances scheduled in May and June alone? See the details in the 2013 City of Westerville community calendar or visit the Events section online at www.westerville.org.
