Connells Maple Lee Flowers & Gifts

Tour and interview

Flowers, gifts and planters

At the front of the store is a walk-in cooler with stunning arranged flowers in vases, the roses were especially beautiful. Stacey mentioned that in January there is special pricing on tulips and loose bouquets. If you check the company website you will find valuable coupons that will be easy on your wallet and brighten your day with flowers. As I walked thru the store I admired many items that would be a perfect gift for a variety of special occasions, there were displays of yummy candy baskets, stuffed animals and a huge area dedicated to foliage gardens.

Wedding department

Wedding designers are on staff to assist with making your wedding day very special from floral bouquets, to table linens, church and reception decorations, and attendant gifts. No task is ever too small or too large; the designers will help you make the best choices that will assure that your day will be very special.

Kids Club

Just for kids ages 5 thru 12 – children can register with parents permission to enjoy fun free activities throughout the year, including holiday events, floral arranging…  what it’s like to work in a flower shop, craft projects such as carving pumpkins,  trick-or-treat bag decorating ,  receive special newsletters,  e-mail announcements and  giveaways. Kids don’t miss out on the fun sign up today.

Patio area and drive thru window

Stacey mentioned that the patio will be used to display hanging baskets and spring thru fall seasonal plantings.   You can phone in or order on line, then pick up the floral arrangement that you ordered at the drive thru window; now that’s quick efficient service.

Valentine’s Day

Grand opening celebration is January 27 thru February 6, in store specials, a free rose to all that stop by, 10% discount on any Valentine’s Day order placed. Store hours are Monday thru Saturday 8am-7pm – Sunday 10am – 3 pm. You will not be disappointed with the floral quality and design workmanship. I have shopped for many years at the Worthington store which recently closed. Will miss the Worthington location but the new store is a nice addition to the Powell-Lewis Center area which has filled a void; not one florist was located in the area, now you and I can purchase a special floral arrangement at the Connells Maple Lee Flowers – Powell- Lewis Center location … please do stop by, this new store is a true delight.  I am looking forward to being a frequent customer, love to surprise my clients with a beautiful bouquet of flowers, it’s a very nice way to say thank you…

Lewis Center home sales by subdivision 2005 thru 2009

• After reviewing the past 5 year home sale statistics as per the tables below:
• 2005 thru 2006 the largest amount of homes and condos were sold in the older established Lewis Center subdivisions such as Oak Creek, Oak Creek East, Villages of Oak Creek, Olentangy Glade, Olentangy Meadows, Summerfield Village, The Shores, Wynstone, Parkshore ,Walker Woods, Retreat at Grand Oaks and Parkview Northeast.
• 2007 older subdivision home sales started to decrease by 2008 thru 2009; there was a noticeable decrease in number of homes that sold along with prices that the homes sold for.
• 2007 thru 2008 a few new subdivisions saw building start such as Alum Crossing, Lake Shore, Little Bear, McCammon Estates, Olentangy Crossing, Wynstone Village, along with the new developed section of Wilshire and TheVillage at Polaris Park.
• 2009 first few months there was a decrease in the number of homes sold and what they sold for, mid-year might have been the turning point, the number of homes sold and prices started to increase, likely due to the $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit.  The tax credit has been extended and expanded to include 1st time and repeat home buyers; just need to be in contract by April 30, 2010.  

Pool and Parks

If you currently reside in Orange Township Lewis Center Ohio you know it’s a wonderful place to live. Got to love the township parks and the North Orange Aquatic Center, which was expanded in 2009, the pool addition enlarged the aquatic center by 2,760 square feet. The grand opening of the new pool addition was on July 31, 2009. The added square feet gives township residents the ability to enjoy 25-meter lap lanes, a water sitting area and a water-basketball area which provides more space for adults and teens.

Park and trail expansions 

In 2010 the Orange township trustees budget calls for 2.8 million allocated for park site improvements which will include a Glen Oak Park project and two new leisure trails. The trail near Glen Oak Elementary School will connect to Weatherly Dr. in the Alum creek subdivision and a trail will connect Northpoint Meadows Blvd. to the Loveland parcel.  The East Orange Rd. trail will connect from Walker Wood Blvd. to South Old State Rd., another section will connect from Abby Knoll Dr. to Bale Kenyon Rd. 

 Lewis Center Ohio Growth

As mentioned in a previous post Lewis Center Ohio, Delaware County, has experienced tremendous residential and retail growth from 1990 thru 2010. After the Polaris Fashion Place opened in 2001, the growth just kept on going like the Energizer Bunny… many new restaurants and retail shops opened in the area … in fact in 2008 the Polaris Fashion Place opened the Polaris Outdoor Lifestyle Center which is an open air shopping venue which feels like a small town main street.

So if you are thinking of selling or purchasing a home don’t delay call Karen today to take advantage of the tax credit…

 [TABLE=6]

[TABLE=7]

 Staging vacant listings

It all started in 2007 when I listed many homes that were vacant. Upon obtaining these listings I knew that if they were given personality they would fetch a quicker sale. Working on a limited budget it was imperative that all of the staging selections were good quality, stylish and pleasing to the eye. 
 

Entry, living room, dining room kitchen, family room, bath

The entry is the most important area of the home. It’s the first and last impression the buyer will have of the home. It doesn’t take much to make the entry appealing a wreath on the front door, a nice throw rug which will allow the buyer to wipe off their shoes upon entering the home. If the area is large enough a small table with a lamp and a floral arrangement makes the entry quite pleasing.

Furniture selection

My allotted staging budget allowed me to purchase a living, dining room and kitchen collection. What has been learned from the staging experience is that it really doesn’t take much furniture to make a room look great  A limited amount of furniture makes a room look larger; just the right arrangement gives the room personality. Neutral colors work best which goes with any decor. A leather sofa and chair was selected for the family room staging which gives this room a casual look. Living rooms call for a more formal look so a nice Pottery Barn style sofa and chair was chosen. The dining room furniture consisted of an urban styled round dining table with matching dining room chairs accented with the popular X back styling. A matching side board gives the dining room a gorgeous touch. The kitchen is staged with a tall gathering table with wrought iron chairs.

 Accent pieces make a difference

 As the old saying goes it’s the small things that really make a difference. The Home Goods retail store is a very good source to purchase trendy accent items at very economical prices. Items purchased at the Home Goods store were pieces that brings the kitchen countertop to life such as a ceramic canisters set, a cute tin display sheet with the caption make from scratch, in the winter season a hot chocolate pot sitting on a tray with two mugs gives the home a warm and cozy feel. The kitchen being the heart of the home, it is very important to change the accent pieces to be in tune with the holidays and the four Central Ohio seasons. Some of the display items that are added upon the approaching holidays range from a box of valentine chocolates, St Patrick’s Day shamrock cookies, chocolate Easter eggs. In the spring a basket of tulips or daffodils are added, patriotic centerpieces at the 4th of July, a lemonade pitcher is a great summer accent piece, fall is time to display pumpkins and autumn leaves, fresh pine sprays and holiday ornaments are a great way to display the cheer of the last holidays of the year.

Lamps, end tables, a coffee table and a rug

 Lamps, end tables and a coffee table were chosen to make the living and family room collections complete. A really cool shag area rug is added to either the living room or the family room wherever the rug looks best. The rug is very versatile and was chosen to tie a room together. A nice coffee table book makes the house feel like home.

Pamper that bathroom

A luxurious towel set is added to the first floor bath along with a display of soap from Bath and Body Works. If space allows a candle arrangement is also a nice addition.   

 So many homes staged 

 I have been staging homes for two years now using all the items mentioned above at no extra charge to the clients’ homes that I have listed. In a market that has been challenging this service has paid off. Upon getting a home staged a good percentage of the time I have to make moving arrangements to pack up and move my collections on to another listing soon after a home is staged because the staged home has gone into contract. I am on a first name basis with the Leaders Moving Company. 

A very happy ending

The last listing that was staged received an offer quickly. The seller was very pleased and so was I because the buyer decided that she wanted to purchase all the furniture that was staged in that home. It took extra effort to plan setup and move all the staging collections. Now when I obtain a vacant listing I start dreaming of the personality that home could have if it was staged. Maybe just maybe I will stage again and start over with a new furniture collection.  

Orange Township is the anchor in the Lewis Center zip code which is 43035

Lewis Center does not have an official identity. From the area history that I have read Lewis Center was named after the William L. Lewis family that donated land for a railroad station. I am thinking that the railroad station might have been located at the current railroad crossing on Lewis Center Road but there is no evidence of that today. There is no Lewis Center town center or village green like the neighboring communities of Worthington, Westerville and Powell. Residents that live in the Lewis Center zip code consider the geographic area they live in as Lewis Center

Boundaries

The majority of Orange Township lies within the Lewis Center zip code; a small portion of the township sits in the Powell and Delaware zip codes. The south boundary is Lazelle Rd. the west boundary juts a few miles from the east side of the Olentangy River which abuts Liberty township, the north boundary extends to Shanahan Rd and the east boundary extends a few miles east of Africa Rd which abuts Genoa Township. Orange Township has a population of about 15,000 residents, encompasses almost 22 square miles, is 20 miles north of downtown Columbus and is south of the City of Delaware, and sits in Southern Delaware County. Orange Township has experienced a tremendous amount of growth from 1990 thru 2006.

Growth

Orange Township’s population increased from 3,789 to 12,464 between 1990 and 2000. Many building permits were approved during that time period which included both residential and commercial developments. The orange township trustees along with the zoning board members were extremely busy revising and approving the plans for all this development. I personally built a home in Orange Township in 1989; at that time Orange Township was a very rural area the nearest grocery store was 10 miles away. By 1999 three major grocery stores opened in the township. Around this time a major defeat hit the township a large portion of the township was annexed into Columbus so that a retail expansion was able to come to fruition which is now known today as the Polaris Fashion Place. This area has become a huge retail shopping Mecca; many restaurants were also built a truly wonderful shopping and dining experience. These establishments are in the Columbus City limits with a Lewis Center mailing address.

Parks

As an orange township resident pre-township development expansion many of my neighbors were instrumental in laying the ground work for the Orange Township parks that exist today. The residents voiced their opinions and the trustees listened which resulted in 3 wonderful parks for residents to enjoy which include North Orange, Ro Park and the Orange Township Hall Park. The North Orange park includes an awesome pool, soccer and ball fields, walking trails, a picnic shelter pavilion with a huge stone fireplace. At the Ro Park you will find the tallest play equipment in the state, along with a huge umbrella canopy to shade everyone on those hot summer days. I have been watching the progress of the soon to be completed Leisure Trail that will connect the Villages of Oak Creek subdivision with the Township Hall Park which includes a stocked pond with fishing being allowed on a catch and release basis, gazebo and picnic tables.

Township Hall

In 2000 the Orange Township trustees started to realize that a larger township hall was needed to serve the residents, so an estate was purchased from the Holderman family which encompassed 25 acres. I loved that the township didn’t build a modern building they purchased an existing estate, remodeled it and has preserved the beautiful land that surrounds the hall. It’s quite fitting that the township hall sits somewhat in the middle of the Lewis Center geographic zip code boundary. If you want to call Orange Township your home there is a good selection of single family homes and condominiums in all price ranges for first time home buyers and mid range buyer’s, along with exclusive multi million dollar estates. Something for everyone a beautiful place to call home.

Please scroll to the bottom of the post to see the following information

• A list of Polaris Area communities
• Slide show and Map
• Sold statistic chart

View Larger Map

[TABLE=6]

[TABLE=7]

[TABLE=13]

Little Bear is Lewis Center’s newest neighborhood

Located in Orange Township this new community was planned to accommodate 90 new homes and a condominium village that surrounds a golf course. The Little Bear golf club was completed in 2007. The facility consists of an 11 hole golf course, a pro shop, a fitness center and a banquet room. The golf course was designed by Michael Hurdzan a renowned golf architect. There are 3 large lakes, a stone waterfall, 22 sand traps and over 600 trees have been planted.

A unique golf concept

The golf course was built to fulfill a needed niche. It’s a course designed for those that might want to get a round of golf in on their lunch hour, just the right size for seniors, young children and for those learning to play golf. There are 5 front and 5 back holes and an Island green. The par 3 layout could be a challenge for experienced players but is also enjoyable for new players too. The course is open to the public; the Little Bear residents are able to purchase a yearly membership. Golf lessons can be purchased to sharpen your skills. There are leagues for all levels of experience.

Fitness center and personal trainers

The fitness center is open to the public. State of the art equipment and personal trainers are available to get you in shape, group classes, 1-hour sessions and pilates.

Banquet Room

Great facility for a corporate function or an awesome place to host that special party, the golf course view is splendid. There is an in-house caterer that can prepare a specific menu for a sit-down dinner or buffet style event.

3 Custom Home Builders

Bob Webb, Truberry and Kenric Fine Homes offer many home designs that you can custom build on any of the remaining Little Bear community lots. These luxury homes are being offered from $400,000 to $600,000; you are able to tour the 3 builders’ luxurious model homes which are decorated to the nines. The prime location is very convenient to the Polaris shopping and dining district and just minutes to freeways.

Condominium Village

Very open ranch floor plans built by David Pettit. When completed there will be 54 units. There are many units still available to purchase, buyers have the ability to customize their units which is very unusual for condos that are currently under construction. Within the building footprint there are over 200 floor plans to choose from. Interior square footage ranges from 1,600 to 2,000 with full basements and extra large 2 car garages. Prices range from the high $200,000 to low $400,000.

If you are thinking of building a new custom home or a condo the Little Bear community could be the perfect location for you contact me today for more details about this neighborhood.

July 3, 2008 – Parade and Fireworks

Red, White and Boom is the best Columbus Ohio premiere celebration of the year; the festivities start with a huge parade and a fantastic fireworks display that begins at 10 p.m. The parade will start at 6:00 p.m. on Broad Street at COSI; most spectators stake out their special viewing spot hours before the fireworks are fired off. Take note the Red White and Boom launch site has been moved to a new location this year, which is at the rear of Vets Memorial, the spectacular fireworks display will be shot over the Scioto River.

Other Central Ohio 4th of July community events

If you missed the downtown parade you can catch the Upper Arlington Ohio Parade – Northwest Blvd, which begins at 9:00 a.m. on the 4th of July; this parade is noted for its wonderful floats. The Orange Celebration Parade in Lewis Center Ohio – Powell Rd and Old State Rd begins at 10 a.m. Andrea Cambern from WBNS-TV is the 2008 Grand Marshal. You will be able to enjoy listening to the Olentangy High School Marching Band. Many area communities celebrate the 4th with neighborhood parades and picnics. The Green-High Meadows, Harbor Pointe and Meadows at Cheshire communities plan special events for neighbors to enjoy a day of entertainment, games and good food.

Green-High Meadows Community – Powell Ohio

The festivities starts with a huge parade lead by Orange Township fire trucks; the community kids decorate their bikes, wagons and scooters. There are floats and the Orange Township trustees mingle with the crowd. A picnic follows after the parade there’s plenty of good food, games for the kids, and a raffle that offers terrific prizes. There is even a patriotic pet contest.

Harbor Pointe Community – Galena Ohio

Everyone loves a parade especially the neighborhood kids who ride their decorated bikes in a huge group with the music of the Real Living Calliope following behind. After the parade there is a neighborhood gathering, everyone brings a dish to share so there is plenty of good food to enjoy. The kids will have a blast tumbling in the Super Games inflatables, the Taylor Station Band will provide soft rock music.

Meadows at Cheshire Community – Galena Ohio

A group of residents that play marching band instruments gather together a few weeks before the holiday to practice, they play patriotic tunes as they march thru the neighborhood on the 4th of July.

Happy 4th of July 2008

A great day for family and friends to gather together to enjoy parades, picnics and fireworks. 4th of July is more than a day of fun festivities; it’s a day to commemorate the founding fathers of our country for their pursuit of liberty and justice for all. Many have made sacrifices so that we are able to enjoy our freedoms.

Dad’s day survey

On the way to the office one morning listening to the radio, the chitchat of the DJs caught my attention. They mentioned the top 3 requests dads make for their special day. At the top of the list was food, the majority of dads wanted to enjoy a special meal with their families. In second place dads enjoyed mementos made by their children. Third on the list were electronic gadget gifts; please forget ties and shirts, that’s so old school.

That special meal for dad

The guys in my family love to eat steak, ribs and barbeque chicken. A drive thru the Polaris dining district in Lewis Center Ohio would be a great treat for dad on his special day. So many restaurants to choose from, a few new ones recently opened. I stopped in to see what was going on at Eddie Merlots which just opened a few weeks ago; a huge place located across from the Hilton convention center which is due to open soon. Wow what a place, very chic, the bar is especially cool; they advertise exceptional service and exceptional prime aged steaks if you are looking for atmosphere and a great steak, I am sure dad would enjoy dinner at this restaurant. Mitchell’s Steakhouse just relocated from Crosswoods, Worthington Ohio to Polaris-Lewis Center, voted as one of the “Best Steakhouses” in the city of Columbus; Mitchell’s offers a great selection of steak and seafood. For casual dining Hoggy’s is known for it’s yummy BBQ, applewood smoked ribs, wings and pulled pork and the prime rib is quite tasty. City Barbeque loads a huge smoker daily to guarantee the very best hickory smoked ribs, chicken and brisket, the side dishes are so delicious especially the baked beans with brisket.

Special tribute to my dad

My dad is no longer with us as he passed way a few years ago. If dad were still alive he would have enjoyed dining at every one of the restaurants mentioned in this post. I was raised in an era where moms did everything around the house with dads not being too involved in their children’s lives. Our home was quite different from our friends; dad was very much a part of our lives. My mother worked a full time job as a nurse mostly the night shift. In mom’s absence dad made sure there was dinner on the table, he even did laundry, made sure we made it on time to girl scouts and all our other activities. During the summer months my sister and I marched in a baton and drum corps, dad was one of the chaperones that traveled with the group. My fondest memory of dad was when a base drummer was needed, my dad volunteered to march with the band he tried to keep a perfect beat, what a sight, every time I think of this event it brings a smile to my face. So, kids, you will always remember those special moments that you spent with your dad.

A huge thank you goes to all dads for being there for your children.

Check out Karen’s listings; you just might see a listed home that your dad would really love.