Right Now Downtown

THIS FLEUR SMELLS SO SWEET

It’s hot and urban and oozes culture. Fleur is the new dessert, champagne and vodka lounge at the corner of Third and Long Streets – right downtown.

When you walk through the doors, the European influence flows, or you might feel like you’ve stepped into a trendy lounge in the Big Apple or Chicago or L.A. with the high-back white leather booths, simply stated, yet so electric.

Fleur has one of the largest selections of champagne in central Ohio, beginning with their super chic Personal Bubbles right up through bottles that will entice even the biggest champagne aficionado. If you aren’t in the mood for a glass of bubbly, Fleur also specializes in cocktails that incorporate vodka and champagne, and whatever you do, don’t forget the dessert.

Whether you want to stop by for happy hour after work to unwind with a Lemon Lix, opt for Bubbles by the Glass or maybe even one of the simply elegant and delicious desserts, there’s something for everyone. Clear your schedule because Fleur is open six days a week – Monday to Wednesday 4-11 p.m. and until 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.

BREATHE IT IN

It’s official.  Spring is here so breathe it in.  Word is snow is expected later in the week, but it can march on by – try Minnesota – we’ve heard they like the cold, white stuff.  Here in Cbus, most of us have had quite enough and are ready to move on to warm-weather activities that bring some fresh perspective.

You can get a little taste of something brand-spanking new when you visit the Fresh A.I.R. Gallery.  This multi-media art gallery might be just the thing to get your creative juices flowing and shed the doldrums of winter.

Fresh A.I.R. Gallery is part of Southeast, Inc., which provides recovery and mental health care services in Franklin County.  Did you know that more than 71,700 people in Franklin County suffer from depression and anxiety disorders?  The goal of the art gallery is to blast apart the stigma of mental illness and substance abuse by highlighting art created by individuals who are affected.  Who knew you could go see some great art and help support a noble cause all at once?

On March 22, Fresh A.I.R. presents the opening reception of Energy Through Eternity, sculptures by Chappelle Letman.  Employed as a mason, book illustrator and painter, Letman was affected by blindness later in life.  His sculptures became a representation of his life journey and gave him a way to connect with the life force energy of the universe.

Geez, suddenly complaining about the stack of virtual mail in the inbox seems pretty trivial compared to what some of the featured artists have encountered on their road to recovery.  So, clear your agenda for tomorrow from 5:30 – 7 p.m.  The gallery and opening reception offer more cool things to do right downtown that won’t cost you a dime.  All you have to do is head to the corner of Long and High streets at 131 North High, or click here to find out more about what’s coming up next.  Check it out and breathe a little fresh air into your spring.

IT’S THE REAL DEAL

Times are tough for a lot of people. Even for those who are doing just fine, it’s hard to put philanthropy at the top of the list. The YMCA has a way for you to help, and it won’t even break the bank – unless you want to push it to the limit.

LESS THAN ZEROZ

There is a buzz happening along Gay Street – restaurants and retail – it’s all there an easy walking, too.  Winter months may have kept exploration at bay, but the spring thaw is here, and you might be surprised at what you’ll find.  See what entrepreneur and new shop owner Paul Westrick has to say about his new venture - ZER0Z.  Less wallet.  More Cool.  Check it out.

PUMP IT UP

Some of us remember Arnold Schwarzenegger before he was the Terminator or the governor of California.  Even before he became politician acclaimed superstar, his caricature may have landed on some TVs in the form of two young Saturday Night Live actors in bulky muscle suits named Hanz and Franz.  These two guys weren’t too concerned about politics as their skit promised to Pump You Up. 

Well Columbus, the remnants of Hanz and Franz may only be uncovered by a Google search, but The Arnold is coming to town and it pumps energy (and let’s face it, a boat load of cash) into the city, especially downtown.  Many of us would love to see this kind of spirit and all year long.

Recycle, reduce and reuse. Some may like to make an excuse about why they can’t hop on board, but there are people trying to make it so easy for you that you just can’t say no.    

 As a result of a 2009 waste audit process, Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District is determined that more can be done to improve recycling rates downtown.  To that end, Capital Crossroads, with support from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO), has launched a new website designed to enhance recycling rates and waste reduction in Downtown Columbus.

“Capital Crossroads was encouraged by our property owners to take a more active role in promoting recycling downtown,” said Cleve Ricksecker, Executive Director of CCSID.  “With this website we have taken a big step toward encouraging the largest commercial district in Columbus to achieve even greater levels of recycling.”

The new site is located at http://www.downtowncolumbus.com/recycling and is chocked full of educational tools, information on recycling, waste hauling resources and a workplace Recycling Toolkit.  There is a little of everything to help businesses and residents negotiate the world of recycling in the urban core.  Office and building managers can utilize on-demand promotional flyers, stickers and more to boost recycling efforts in their office or building.  There is a model contract available for landlords to implement with waste haulers; this contract is currently being used in a pilot program with seven buildings from which their recycling efforts and successes will be evaluated.  And the site offers a video highlighting what can be recycled and where.

To further encourage downtown dwellers to recycle, CCSID is holding a Downtown Columbus Recycling Webinar on Friday, March 11 from 10 – 11 a.m.  The webinar will share information about the status of recycling downtown, provide tools to improve recycling programs, offer tips to negotiate a new waste hauling contract and more.  The webinar is limited to 100 applicants and those interested can register at https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/786994334.   The webinar will be hosted by Capital Crossroads and is sponsored by ODNR and SWACO.

“Winning converts to recycling and waste reduction is all about making it easy to participate,”  says SWACO Executive Director Ron Mills.  “SWACO believes this new effort by Capital Crossroads is a major step toward bringing more downtown businesses on board.”

Deputy Chief of the ODNR Division of Recycling and Litter Prevention, Terrie TerMeer noted, “Downtown Columbus is fast becoming a model for recycling in urban areas.”

For more information on the Capital Crossroads recycling program or about the webinar, contact Melanie Houston at mjhouston@sidservices.com.