Ottawa has many good things to offer

When you drive through downtown Ottawa, you will notice something different this year.

In the windows of most of the businesses on Main Street, there are signs supporting OU and showing pride for being a part of Ottawa.

These signs were a collaborative effort from both OU and the Ottawa community. They want us (students) to feel welcome downtown.

Sometimes college students hold a bad stigma, however, I don't think Ottawa University is held to that stigma.

We are students that are responsible, respectful, honest, giving and all around good people

If we aren't these things, we need to be.

The downtown community is welcoming us with open arms to visit the shops, eat at the restaurants and give them support back.

Downtown Ottawa has a lot to offer students, even if it may not seem like it when you are driving by. There are several new businesses in downtown that students can frequent.

Pizza Time (the best pizza in Ottawa) has moved into a larger building and will be having OU nights and offering discounts to

students.

The Crystal Plaza Theater has a new dinner and movie experience option that features burgers, sandwiches and pizza while you watch. They also now have a liquor license and are serving beer for those students that are of age.

Other new downtown businesses include shops and a new hair salon.

Since there are several opportunities for students to be downtown, we should utilize it.

Whether it is buy gifts for mom and dad or going out for pizza and ice cream, look to downtown for something different.

As we see that the downtown area is supporting OU, we need to be appreciative of the support and realize there are other things those businesses could be doing, but they have chosen to support us.

I challenge all students, faculty and staff to go downtown at least once a month for lunch, to check out the newest movie, do some shopping or just to enjoy an event being put on.

I think this will open everyone's eyes that there really is more to offer downtown than some may think.

For now, I will continue to do my shopping locally and I will choose to keep as much business in downtown as possible and I hope you will too.