Hyde Park crime wave article prompts praise for NPD

According to an article in yesterday’s Enquirer, police statistics show crime has nearly doubled in Hyde Park in the last few years, including home break-ins. The story prompted one commenter to suggest a contract with our excellent Norwood Police Department for more patrols of the neighborhood, though he did have to include the obligatory insult to our community:

nate2432 wrote:
"…On any given time Hyde park, Oakley and Mt. Lookout have 2 at the most 3 single person cars patroling all of that area…I'm sure you could contract through norwood and have a lot better police services and officer's who actually take pride in their jobs. I know the thought of norwood isn't always pleasant, but they have excellent police services and the fastest response time in the county. Just something to think of…"

Please see our public service announcement below about how to protect your property from thieves.

PSA: Things your burglar won’t tell you

1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.

2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.

3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste ... And taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.

4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it.

5. If it snows while you're out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.

6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it's set. That makes it too easy.

7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom-and your jewelry. It's not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.

8. It's raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door-understandable. But understand this: I don't take a day off because of bad weather.

9. I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don't take me up on it.)

10. Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.

11. Here's a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms.

12. You're right: I won't have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it's not bolted down, I'll take it with me.

13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you're reluctant to leave your TV on while you're out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television. (Find it at faketv.com.)


8 MORE THINGS YOUR BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU:

1. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook.

2. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.

3. I'll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he'll stop what he's doing and wait to hear it again. If he doesn't hear it again, he'll just go back to what he was doing. It's human nature.

4. I'm not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?

5. I love looking in your windows. I'm looking for signs that you're home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I'd like. I'll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets.

6. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It's easier than you think to look up your address.

7. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it's an invitation.

8. If you don't answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.

Sources: Convicted burglars in North Carolina, Oregon, California, and Kentucky; security consultant Chris McGoey, who runs crimedoctor.com; and Richard T. Wright, a criminology professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, who interviewed 105 burglars for his book Burglars on the Job.

Invitation to Celtic Fest! at Norwood Presbyterian Church

Celtic Fest!

Saturday, November 21

Come for a dinner of Irish,
Scottish and Welsh fare!

Celtic music by the Norwood
High School Celtic Band,
and also Joel and Leanne
Greenberg!

Dinner at 5pm
Music at 6pm

Hosted by
Norwood Presbyterian Church
4400 Floral Avenue
Call 531-1546, or email
Norwood.pres@presbynet.org

H1N1 Flu Clinic at Norwood Health Dept. this Saturday

Norwood Health Commissioner Pamela Walker-Bauer wants everyone to know the Norwood Health Dept. at 2059 Sherman Avenue is having another H1N1 Flu Clinic this Saturday, November 21 from 8:00 a.m. to noon. As before, individuals must call 458-4600 to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins cannot be accommodated.


11:00 a.m. UPDATE: Pamela Walker-Bauer just reported that all the appointments are taken for this Flu Clinic.


The clinic is for the following groups only:

1. Pregnant women because they are at higher risk of complications and can potentially provide protection to infants who cannot be vaccinated;
2. Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age because younger infants are at higher risk of influenza-related complications and cannot be vaccinated. Vaccination of those in close contact with infants younger than 6 months old might help protect infants by “cocooning” them from the virus;
3. Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel because infections among healthcare workers have been reported and this can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients. Also, increased absenteeism in this population could reduce healthcare system capacity;
4. All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
5. Children from 6 months through 18 years of age because cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza have been seen in children who are in close contact with each other in school and day care settings, which increases the likelihood of disease spread, and
6. Young adults 19 through 24 years of age because many cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza have been seen in these healthy young adults and they often live, work, and study in close proximity, and they are a frequently mobile population; and,
7. Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.
8. Children under age 10 who need the 2nd and last vaccine.

WLW Radio’s Bill Cunningham at Norwood Joseph-Beth today

WLW Radio talk show host Bill Cunning will be signing his new book Willie: Radio’s Great American at 7:00 p.m. today at Joseph-Beth Booksellers at Rookwood Pavilion. The book was written by Kenton County attorney Eric Deters who will also be on hand at the event.

NSL to benefit from “Nickels for Nonprofits” at Whole Foods Market

Lupe Gonzalez-Hoyt with Norwood Service League sent us the following announcement:


Whole Food Market at Rookwood Pavilion announced Norwood Service League will be one of two charities who benefit from their “Nickels for Nonprofits” fund drive beginning Friday, November 20, 2009 through March 20, 2010. Customers are rewarded with a “wooden nickel” for every reusable bag they bring for their purchases. They deposit the nickels in the Nickels for Nonprofit Bank near the store exit, selecting which charity they wish to support. “This is one of many ways Whole Foods Market supports nonprofit organizations in Greater Cincinnati,” said Danielle Reynolds, Marketing Specialist/Community Liaison.

Whole Foods Market has been a supporter helping to plan the Norwood Community Gardens, and staff have enjoyed growing produce and participating in the community events held at the Gardens. Call about their cooking classes, kids classes and other events at 531-8015.

City Auditor’s website updated with October reports

City Auditor Jim Stith has updated his website with these financial reports through October, 2009.

Invitation to Annual Norwood Community Thanksgiving Dinner

Norwood Service League and Ashland Avenue Baptist Church invite everyone to their 5th Annual Norwood Community Thanksgiving Dinner on Sunday, November 22 at 6:00 p.m. in the church’s Family Life Center, 4255 Ashland Ave. @ Lafayette Ave. Feast on a traditional roast turkey dinner, side dishes and dessert. Reservations are being taken for up to 500 (no, that’s not a typo) people! Please call Misty at 924-1200 to reserve a place for you and family or friends. This is a great way to join your neighbors in gratitude for all we have in our community.

Fundraiser for NSL at Busken Bakery

Busken Bakery at 4103 Montgomery Rd. is conducting a fundraiser to benefit the Norwood Service League’s food closet pantry through Friday, November 20th. When you purchase a meal or baked goods, you can donate $1.00 to help feed the hungry.

This week at the Norwood Branch Library

Tuesday, November 17th
Preschool Storytime
6:30 p.m., Ages 3-6

Thursday, November 19th
ESOL Conversation Group
5:30 p.m.

Friday, November 20th
Friday Morning Book Club
Water For Elephants
by Sara Gruen
10:30 a.m.

For more information, call 369-6037.

September 2009 Earnings Tax Report

A monthly feature

The Earnings Tax Department’s Report for September shows YTD collections strong for the sixth month running. Last month, YTD collections increased 8.25% over 2008.

Individual………….$ 55,889.53
Business……………$ 431,793.47
Withholding……….$ 814,517.91
TOTAL…………….$1,302,200.91

Collections thru Sept. 2009….……….....…............$ 12,856,247.65
Collections thru Sept. 2008..............................$ 12,106,724.60
6.19% increase in collections over 2008.……………...$ 749,523.05

Xavier awards Hearst Community Scholarship to 3 Norwood residents

The William Randolph Hearst Foundation created an endowed scholarship fund at Xavier University several years ago. The Foundation has repurposed the scholarship fund to support undergraduate students from the neighborhoods immediately surrounding Xavier University.

“Father Graham [Rev. Michael J. Graham, S.J., Xavier president] has insisted that we see ourselves as mutually beneficial to each other,” says Byron White, associate vice president for community engagement at Xavier. “The University benefits from the community and the community members benefit from having us in their community. We want to increase the extent to which those who grow up here get to learn here and take that knowledge back into the community we all share.”

To be eligible for the Hearst Endowed Scholarship, a student must:
· apply and be accepted to Xavier University
· complete the FAFSA form, and
· complete and return the Hearst Scholarship application

The deadline to apply for the 2010 Hearst Scholarship is February 1, 2010.

The William Randolph Hearst Endowed Scholarship Fund provides one annual scholarship of $2,500 to an undergraduate student from three communities that surround Xavier University: Evanston, Avondale, or Norwood. Applicants must be incoming, first-year, full-time students who have been admitted to Xavier and have financial need. Because the scholarship seeks to bring underrepresented students to Xavier, applicants’ cultural heritage and whether they are of the first generation in their family to attend college will be considered among many factors in the selection process. Hearst Scholarship recipients will maintain the awards for their four years at Xavier, as long as they remain in good academic standing.

Xavier will offer one $2,500 scholarship each year, which the recipient will keep for all four years, as long as he or she remains in good academic standing. This initial year, however, one student from each class, freshman through senior, was selected.

Charele Schork is a freshman nursing student from Norwood. She attended Norwood High School in her freshman and sophomore years, and Scarlet Oaks Career Development Center her junior and senior years. She graduated from Norwood High School with her LPN. “I've always wanted to be a Muskie,” Charele says. “I heard that Xavier had an outstanding nursing program, so that led me to apply. When I got my acceptance letter and my scholarships, I didn't think twice about where I would go. Xavier is close to home, so that helped as well.” When she graduates from Xavier with her BSN, she plans to either enlist in the Army as an officer, or work in the emergency room at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.

Monica Bostic is a sophomore sociology major/English minor and lifelong Norwood resident. The daughter of Patricia and Richard MacVeigh, she attended Purcell Marian High School and is the first generation of her family to attend college. When she started researching colleges, at first she wanted to go far away to get some independence. “I changed my mind,” she says “when I realized how much I enjoy living in this area and how silly it would be to spend the money to travel to a school that's out of state, when there was a great school in walking distance of my house. Xavier offers a quality education.” She enjoys all her classes, and is involved in theatre. She works at the Frisch’s in Norwood and thinks no matter what job she ends up with she will be able to apply the ideas she's learned in classes like philosophy, theology, and English.

Wilson Harmon is a junior accounting major from Norwood and the son of Patty Harmon. He, too, is the first in his family to attend college. He attended Roger Bacon High School in St. Bernard. He wanted to stay near home for college to be able to help his mother. Thinking like an accountant, he also saw the money that could be saved in travel costs by staying nearby. He is active in the accounting society and in intramural football, while at the same time holding down 2 jobs. “I love the campus here and a Jesuit school just fit me,” he says. Wilson hopes to get his CPA license and obtain a high paying job using all the skills learned at Xavier.

Sigourney Harris is a senior athletic training/sport studies major from Evanston. She attended PACE High School, a virtual high school. She considered and chose Xavier because it offered the best educational opportunity in her field and was close to home. Once she graduates from Xavier with her degree in athletic training and becomes certified, she plans to work at a high school or sports medicine clinic. She hopes to return to school to obtain her massage therapist certification.

Bill Graff, a community organizer in Norwood, was present for the ceremony and said that all of Norwood is proud of these students and wishes them the best in their endeavors. “We hope you will come back to the neighborhood after you receive your degrees and help promote business and the continued growth of this community.” Anzora Adkins, president of the Evanston Community Council, added, “We would like you to explore these communities further and participate in service to the community.”

(Pictured in the photo above left to right: Monica Bostic, Bill Graff, Wilson Harmon; not pictured: Charele Schork.)

Channel 5 honors former Norwood resident Billy Spencer killed in Iraq

Andrew Clark with the Norwood Star alerted us that Channel 5 did a Veterans Day special yesterday on Marine Lance Cpl. Billy Spencer who was killed in Iraq in 2006. Andrew said he and Billy attended Norwood High School together until the 10th grade when Billy’s family moved from Norwood, and he thought some of our other readers would remember Billy, too.

Billy Spencer joined the Marines in January, 2006, but what his family didn’t know at the time was that their son had a video camera and was documenting his tour up until December 28, 2006 when he was hit by enemy fire trying to save his squad. Some of Billy’s fellow Marines downloaded the videos from his computer and gave them to the family before the government could erase them. Channel 5 has posted 7 short clips from the video diary on their website. For his bravery in the line of duty, Lance Cpl. Billy Spencer was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, the U.S. military’s third highest honor, last year.

Xavier Players Presents Good Night Desdemona (Good Morning Juliet)

From November 19-22 at 7:30 p.m. Xavier Players will present Good Night Desdemona (Good Morning Juliet) by Ann-Marie MacDonald, directed by Cathy Springfield. Tickets cost $5 in advance and $7 day of the show. They can be purchased online now by clicking here and by phone at (513) 745-3939.

MacDonald uses her own writing mixed with quotations from Shakespeare to put a new spin on old classics. The comedic play features Constance Ledbelly, a drab and dusty English academic on a journey of self-discovery. Constance believes an obscure document will prove Shakespeare intended different endings for Othello and Romeo & Juliet. She disappears into her wastebasket and comes face-to-face with Desdemona and Juliet changing their course as well as her own. With an abundance of twists, fights, dances, seductions and wild surprises, this award winning play is an absolute joy!

Furthermore, the show is participating in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. This is the second time the Players have entered a show. The performance will be reviewed by two respondents, and if selected, invited to perform on the regional level in January, a prestigious honor.

Ann-Marie MacDonald is a Toronto-based writer and actress known worldwide for her best-selling novel Fall on Your Knees, an Oprah’s Book Club selection.

Kruse Hardware closed? Oh, please, say it isn’t so!

Bill Graff called this morning to say closed signs went up Friday at Kruse Hardware at the corner of Montgomery Rd. and Williams Ave. and that the store appeared to be closed Saturday. At 10:30 a.m. we called Kruse’s phone number and got a voice mail message only stating their hours of operation. We left a message for a callback. Next we phoned our councilperson who said he was unaware of it but would call if he finds out anything. Then we called the Building Dept. at City Hall to see if maybe some code violations had caused them to shut their doors temporarily. They were aware Kruse was closed but told us they had no part in it. Finally, we drove by the store ourselves, and saw the dreaded closed signs in the windows and confirmed what Bill had said about inventory having been removed from the windows.

And just as we were about to post this blog, we opened an email from Lupe Gonzalez-Hoyt who had just gotten wind of the closing. She’s wondering what we’re wondering, which is where else locally will get our hardware supplies, windows re-screened, etc. Some us don’t enjoy hiking through huge box stores where clerks to help are often in short supply and then waiting in long lines at the cashier.

Thankfully, there’s still Loesch Hardware at 3142 Madison Rd. near Oakley Square for us big box avoiders; but we are very sad if it turns out Kruse is permanently closed and Norwood no longer has its own hardware store.

Kroger at Surrey Square revisited

When we blogged about the June 25 grand opening of the new Kroger at Surrey Square, most of our readers’ comments were quite favorable, but some expressed skepticism that the store would remain clean and well-stocked. On a couple of recent trip to the store, we noticed they were out of a standard bread item, bananas that were on special, and a common cold remedy, and there wasn't a plastic bag anywhere for produce - not a catastrophe, but an inconvenience.

Then one of our readers emailed us a few days ago with his concerns about the direction the store is taking. To be clear, we haven’t confirmed his claim about what he was told about Kroger managers and whether or not union rules are being violated; but he, too, has observed sale items not in stock. Here’s what he had to say:

“I shop at Norwood Kroger. I have noticed a lack of help on busy weekends. Sale items not in stock etc. Well. I have talked to a few employees. Here is what I got. All new hires sent home at the 30 hours. All the managers are doing this to get a bonus for keeping labor down. I also with my own eyes saw 2 of the salaried managers, the ones that get the bonus, back at night in t shirts and jeans stocking shelves. This type of behavior is a sacrifice to service. And is also against union rules. This is taking money away from workers. Perhaps these issues should be raised on the blog. If enough of us call customer service and demand a look into the 30 hour rumor something may get done. There is no sense in pulling a cashier off a register on a busy Sunday with lines 20 people deep.”

How do you think the new Kroger is doing 4 months after opening? If you have complaints about the store, you can

1. call Kroger’s corporate office at 1-866-221-4141
2. click here to email Kroger’s corporate office, and
3. call the Surrey Square Kroger at 841-6600