October 08 NFD Activities and Statistics Report

A monthly feature

A. Total of emergency responses for the month of October = 336

Medic Runs = 245
Fire Runs = 17 w/breakdown
Average Response Time on Runs = 3 minutes, 13 seconds (city-wide)

Number of incidents by type:
Fire Runs – 17 - (Building, Vehicle, Brush, etc.)
Overpressure, Explosion - 0
Rescue & Medic Unit Assists – 15 - (lock-in, extrications, traffic accidents, etc.)
Hazardous Conditions (no fire) - 16 - (power lines down, arcing, spills, etc.)
Service Call – 5 - (smoke removal)
Good Intent – 5 - (odor of smoke, controlled burning)
False Alarms – 31 - (false alarms, system malfunctions, smoke detector activated, etc.)
Special Incident - 2

B. Fire Hydrant Activity
Pumped dry for winter - 198
Hydrants painted - 18

C. Bureau of Fire Safety Activities - 555
Total Inspections – 128 - (residential, schools, churches, businesses)
Total Violations – issued 104
Total Violations – corrected 196
Total Block Inspections – 32 - (Unit #1, Unit #2, Unit #3 – Rental & multi-family)
Additional Activities - 95

Norwood man arrested for aggravated menacing

According to the Enquirer, Norwood resident Bruce Williams, 46, was arrested Sunday night in Silverton, accused of threatening a female motorcyclist in a road rage incident. Vera Velmerig told police Williams drove too close to her rear tire when she was riding a motorcycle on Montgomery Road. After she allowed him to pass in front her, she reported he suddenly stopped, nearly causing a crash. Then Williams “acted like he was going to shoot” Velmerig and got out of his car, the report said. She escaped unharmed and Williams was later arrested at his home.

The Enquirer states that Williams’ lawyer, Joe Auciello, told Hamilton County Municipal Judge Lisa Allen during a court appearance this morning that Velmerig was following his client, not the other way around as the report says. He pled not guilty, and the judge set bond on the misdemeanor charge at $5,000.

Christmas in the Community

Norwood Recreation wants everyone to mark their calendars for their annual Christmas in the Community for our kids and grandkids on Saturday, December 6. The event starts at 10:00 a.m., but Santa will be there early at 9:45 to get ready for all the free pictures that will be taken of him with each child. But that’s not the only free treat in store by a long shot:

- Each child will be able to write a letter to Santa and also make a craft, a Christmas ornament, with the help of the youth group from Norwood’s New Bethel Baptist Church.
- Children will be able to pick out their own gloves and hat.
- Hot chocolate, cookies, ice cream cups will be served.
- Goodie bags for each child containing coloring books and crayons, free toothbrush and toothpaste
- Each child will receive a barely used book, compliments of Loveland City Schools.

Recreation Director Jenny Wallace and her assistant Kathy Hammond tell us Christmas in the Community is made possible by contributions of both time and materials donated by community members, organizations and businesses throughout the year. Norwood senior citizens, members of the Norwood Fire Department, local dentists, UDF, McDonald’s, Target, Meijer, Celebrate the Children, and Loveland City Schools all pitched in to help make this year’s Christmas in the Community special and fun for each child. We thank them, but we also want to thank Norwood Recreation for all they do to make this such a spectacular and fun event each year.

When: Saturday, December 6; 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Cost: Everything is free
Where: Community Center at 1810 Courtland Avenue

Community blood drive at Rookwood Commons

Hoxworth Blood Center is a conducting a community blood drive this Wednesday in front of Bed, Bath and Beyond at Rookwood Commons. If you’ve never given blood before, here’s some information from the Hoxworth website about their safety procedures.

When: Wednesday , November 26; 9 am - 3 pm
Where: Bed, Bath and Beyond at 2669 Edmondson Rd.
Appointments: Walk-ins are welcome, but you can call 366-3532 to schedule an appointment.

Councilperson Steve Thornbury says, “Thank you, Norwood.”

Steve Thornbury is going to post the following “thank you” on his Norwood Ward 2 website (see links on the right hand side) on “The Gist” page, but he’s given us an advance copy to share with our readers.

Thank You, Norwood.

I would like to thank my fellow members of Norwood City Council for their decision to continue funding the Norwood Health Department. In their deliberations, they demonstrated an ability to take an objective look at various arguments for and against either outsourcing services or reassigning them to other City departments. They also continue to show that they are serious about keeping a close eye on our city’s expenditures in an effort to inoculate us against the continuing cycle of budget deficits that have plagued our city for the last forty years.

As we turn to face the possible impact of the economic downturn, it is my hope that we can continue to improve the level of openness and cooperation so that Council and the Administration can react quickly and decisively when important matters need to be addressed.

I’d like to thank the members of the Norwood Board of Health and all the employees of the Health Department for their clear, even-handed presentation of the services offered by the Department. I’d especially like to thank the former Health Commissioner Donna Laake for one of the most impressive, concise and effective presentations I’ve ever witnessed in my twenty years of attending public meetings in Norwood. Her services will be sorely missed.

And, finally, I’d like to thank the individuals who worked so hard to help us on Council hear what the citizens thought about the value of the Norwood Health Department. Their efforts in maintaining a civil tone to the public discussion and focusing our attention on the facts and experiences of Norwood citizens helped direct this effort to a successful conclusion. I hope their example will be a guide to others who feel the need to organize public opinion in support of a cause or institution.

As we enter the Holiday Season, I hope we all are able to take stock of the tremendous advantages and opportunities we have here in the great city of Norwood. I look forward to serving you in the coming year.

-Steve Thornbury
Norwood City Council, Ward 2

October, 2008 Earnings Tax Report

A monthly feature

Below is the summary information from the Earnings Tax Department’s October Report.

Individual………….$ 172,137.20
Business……….…...$ 136,064.08
Withholding…….…$ 949,559.28
TOTAL……….……...$1,257,760.56

Collections thru Oct. 2008.….……….....….......$13,364,485.16
Collections thru Oct. 2007.….……..….............$13,381,348.06
.125% decrease in collections over 2007.……$ (16,862.90)

Free photography showing this Saturday

The folks at St. Elizabeth Arts Foundation are inviting everyone to a free showing of the photographs taken this past June by four students from their Studio E in Norwood who were taken by local Norwood native and local photographer Michael Wilson to Our Daily Bread. Our Daily Bread is an organization in the Over the Rhine neighborhood that was founded to “offer a warm, safe place for those who live on the street or are one step from it.” After a day spent serving in the kitchen and the lunch line, the week was spent making photos of the many visitors. The week was a huge success and there were some incredible portraits taken.

Come meet the photographers, and see work from Michael and the students: Amanda, Sara, Sylvia, and Tori. Gallery space was graciously donated by a neighbor - just steps from the studio space, across from St.Elizabeth’s church in West Norwood.
Doors open from 6pm until 9pm.
1801 Mills Ave

This event is FREE and open to the public.

Get dirty with NYPs tomorrow at FUNKe Fired Arts

Norwood Young Professionals invite you to join them for an evening of dirty creativity from 8 to 10:30 p.m. at FUNKe Fired Arts at 3130 Wasson Road in Oakley. Each person will work on the potter's wheel and be instructed by NYP's own Oliver Comstock. A short lesson will be given followed by relaxed practice and personal instruction. Wine and snacks will be provided, but feel free to bring your favorite food and beverage. You will make at least one pot that will be glazed and fired for you, ready to pick up in about three weeks. This is a great chance to do something different and meet some of your fellow NYPs and neighbors in a new setting. No RSVP necessary. Cost is $20. Click here for directions.

Don’t forget about NYPs “Thanks for Giving” food and clothing drive to benefit families in need this winter. They’re collecting lightly used or new coats, hat and gloves, blankets, and non-perishable food items. Email NYP at norwoodyp@gmail.com to make arrangements for them pick up your items either December 3 or December 10. Click here for more details.

COW recommends keeping Norwood Health Dept.

Enquirer reporter Steve Kemme attended last night’s Committee of Whole meeting
and reports that committee members decided to recommend the City not dissolve NHD and contract with Hamilton County Public Health for services. Additionally, the Norwood Board of Health is to resume its search for a new health commissioner to replace Donna Laake who retired at the end of August. City Council is expected to follow the recommendation at its regular meeting next Tuesday. Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Frank Perino said the recommendation is a testament to the high quality of health services it provides and “It’s the health department’s personal touch that makes it so successful.”

With a projected $750,000 to $1 million drop in 2009 tax revenue, largely because U.S. Playing Card plans to move to Northern Kentucky next year, council members said every city department, including NHD, will have to make budget cuts next year.

Prior to the committee meeting, 17 residents gathered in front of City Hall for a rally to support keeping the Norwood Health Department. Click here to read Mr. Kemme’s article about the rally.

Starting today, several Norwood residents will be removing the yellow NHD signs from residents' yards, so if you find your sign missing, chances are it hasn't been stolen.

Community Thanksgiving Dinner for 500 guests

Lupe Gonzales-Hoyt with Norwood Service League sent an invitation to everyone to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal and an evening of live music (guess who's playing keyboard) with your Norwood neighbors this Sunday. She tells us this annual event, co-sponsored by NSL and Ashland Avenue Baptist Church, started with a desire to bring neighbors together after our City underwent a period of upheaval of leaders, the economy, buildings and developments. Attendance has grown over the years, and this year, they’re preparing for 500 guests. But do call right away and make your reservation:


The 4th Annual Norwood Community Thanksgiving Dinner will be held Sunday, November 23 at 6:00 PM in the Family Life Center, 4255 Ashland Avenue (at Lafayette). Come enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal and pies with family and friends. Or make new friends! Door prizes will be drawn during the evening.

The Love Notes children's choir of Cornerstone Christian Academy will be singing, followed by The Praise Band. The Praise Band members are singers Josie Lindsey, Rachel Jones and Tiffy Biven Lee, guitarists are Ryan Denham, Justin Lee and Matt Wilder, keyboard is Lupe Hoyt, and saxophonist Bill Biven (Pavillion Big Band, Salsa Caliente) round out the evening with contemporary music.

This is a great opportunity to meet and greet neighbors and re-connect with people you grew up with. Please call 924-1200 or 531-3626 to make your reservation. Seating is limited to 500 people. Valet parking available. See you there! This event is co-sponsored by Norwood Service League and Ashland Ave. Baptist Church staffed by volunteers of both organizations.

NHD front and center at tonight’s COW meeting

Per the Clerk of Council’s office, Norwood Health Department is the only item on the agenda for this evening’s 7:30 p.m. Committee of the Whole meeting. COW Chair John Mumper called the special meeting for council members to discuss NHD and make a recommendation about its future. Norwood residents supporting the continued funding of the department tell us if you can’t come to tonight’s 7:00 p.m. rally in front of City Hall (see 11/12/08 blog below), they’re hoping you will attend this important meeting.

Community Dinner at Grace Church

Everyone is invited to a Community Dinner tomorrow evening at Grace United Methodist Church starting at 5:30 p.m.:

Where: Fellowship Hall at Grace Church, 2221 Slane Avenue
When: Wednesday, November 19, starting at 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
Cost: It’s free…no strings attached!
More information: Call 531-3253, or email Pastor Kevin Jobe at kjesusnut@graceumc.us or Youth Pastor Jimi Bird at jimibird@graceumc.us

Upcoming King Records’ induction into Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame

Following is a press release we received Friday from Xavier University’s Public Affairs Office. Please note that tomorrow is the deadline to RSVP for the event.

In September, 1943 Syd Nathan of Cincinnati started King Records. In early 1956, King received a demo from a young Georgia singer named James Brown. The rest is history. Brown recorded "Please, Please, Please" and “Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" while with King. Other noted King artists included the Stanley Brothers, Hank Ballard, Wynonie Harris, and Grandpa Jones.

Sixty-five years later, a local group of enthusiasts and dreamers is jumpstarting King Records’ rebirth. On Sunday, November 23 at 2:00 p.m., King Records will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with a ceremony at 1540 Brewster Avenue in Evanston. A reception will follow at 3:00 p.m. in the Schiff Conference Center of Xavier University’s Cintas Center. Come share your King Stories records and see the plans for King’s rebirth. An RSVP is needed by November 18 to Nancy Hackett at 513-745-3264.

The event is hosted by Xavier University; The Community Building Institute, a partnership between Xavier and the United Way of Greater Cincinnati; Flavor of Arts Studio; the Evanston Community Council; SHP Leading Design; Cincinnati USA Music Heritage Foundation and Ultrasuede Studios.

“King Records is as important to Cincinnati as the Ohio River,” says music historian Larry Nager. King Records started as a country label. After World War II, Syd Nathan saw that the rhythm and blues market was getting no attention from established labels. King Records’ location in Cincinnati gave it access to country and black performers touring in the Midwest and the South.

Its Evanston site was a one-stop shop where everything was done - recording, making masters, pressing, designing and printing album covers, warehousing and shipping. Nathan pressed just a few records at a time and drove them to area radio stations. If they were a hit, he made more. This is why many King records are so rare.

Over the years community leaders, local politicians and music enthusiasts have discussed reviving King Records. Two panel discussions and an exhibit on King Records, organized by music librarian Brian Powers, were held this past summer at the Main Library downtown. The exhibit King Records: A Cincinnati Legacy included photographs, publicity shots, vinyl records, ad material, album art, lyrics, sheet music, scrapbooks, music CDs, business documents, and Syd Nathan's correspondence. Many of the items were donated by relatives of King artists, as well as the Nathan family. More recently, the Evanston site caught the interest of Anzora Adkins, president of the Evanston Community Council, and Liz Blume, Director of the Community Building Institute at Xavier. Talk started about making the site a museum. But the site is landlocked in a dead end.

The Montgomery Road business corridor near the original site, where the Flavor of Arts opened shop several months ago at 3564 Montgomery Road, has been determined a more feasible location. More than just a museum, the new facility will be a living entity.

The new site, based on renderings by SHP Leading Architects of Norwood, calls for a memorial space that can be used for community functions, a recording studio that will provide apprenticeship opportunities to neighborhood youth, and the Flavor of Arts Studio, which provides programming for nearby residents and will serve as a site for arts education training.

Norwood man arrested for stealing 7 tons of metal

Norwood resident Timmy Isbel, 38, was arrested this past Thursday, accused of stealing 15,000 pounds of galvanized pipe. Police say his arrest solves one of the largest scrap metal thefts in recent memory. Isbel allegedly stole more $7,700 worth of pipe in mid-September from Rough Brothers, Inc., a manufacturer of greenhouses located in St. Bernard, and is accused of selling 5,000 pounds of it. Police say surveillance photos led to his capture and that he allegedly admitted he stole the metal to purchase heroin.

Norwood Housing Strategy online

We weren’t able to attend last night’s presentation of Xavier’s Norwood Housing Strategy study at NHS, (see 11/10/08 blog below), but we did manage to watch parts of it on cable Channel 4 (we’ll post the replay times when they’re available). Many thanks to Bill Graff and Steve Thornbury for immediately sending us this link to the study to share with our readers and, of course, to Keith Moore and his Community Development Committee for arranging the forum.

If you saw the presentation, were you as impressed as we were with the information and recommendations? Which parts most impressed you, and which recommendations do you think can have the most impact if they’re implemented? Do you agree with respondents who said Norwood has an image problem that needs to be addressed? Any criticisms?

Holiday Extravaganza at Drake Planetarium underway

Due to the demand for the October shows, Drake Planetarium is bringing back Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" and adds "The Wall" as part of their Holiday Skies winter celebration. Both shows are in SurroundSound with music set to a psychedelic light show and are running Friday and Saturday nights through Dec. 20. Audiences will also be introduced to the winter stars and constellations and provided with background information on holidays of the season. Hear and sing along with well-loved holiday songs of broad appeal, choreographed to colorful laser light, creating a unique experience.

Click here for the complete Holiday Skies show schedule.
Tickets are $7 in advance, $8 at the door.
Family pack of four tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at door.
Tickets can be bought online or by calling 396-5578.
Drake Planetarium is located at 2020 Sherman Ave.

View Elementary program showcased at OSBA trade show

According to this Enquirer article, Norwood City Schools shared View Elementary’s outstanding educational program at the November 11th Ohio School Boards Association Capital Conference and Trade Show in Columbus. The program was one of 100 programs selected to showcase creativity and positive impact on student academic growth and achievement. A photo of Sandy White, NCS Director of Special Education; BOE member Rick Guy; and Norwood View Educators Julie Ferguson and Katie Rickenbaugh accompanies the article.

Spirit scarves for sale through Norwood Soccer

Yesterday, we received the following email from Norwood Soccer letting us know that $15 spirit scarves can be purchased from Norwood Soccer:

Norwood Soccer is now selling spirit SCARVES. You can show your pride for as little as $15. Choose between a Norwood Soccer or a Norwood Indian scarf to show your pride for your community or school. These scarves are really cool and make great gifts for birthdays or Christmas. They can be worn to school functions, such as football, basketball, volleyball, and really help you show off your team spirit.

Both scarves are Red, white and blue. The Norwood Indian scarf will have an Indian head and the Norwood Soccer scarf will have a soccer ball.

Please contact Michelle Worley at 351-8952 for details if you are interested.

Rally in support of NHD in front of City Hall next Tuesday

At last night’s City Council meeting, Norwood resident Robin Mace submitted 222 more signatures on the petition asking Council to continue funding the Norwood Health Department. In her remarks, Ms. Mace stated that thus far, a total of 1,741 signatures have been submitted to council. She thanked everyone who has sought signatures, signed the petition, and placed the yellow “Keep Our Norwood Health Dept.!” signs in their yards. She also thanked former Health Commissioner Donna Laake and Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Frank Perrino for their effective presentation of the functions of the Norwood Health Department during last week’s Committee of the Whole Meeting with the Norwood Health Board. Ms. Mace stated that she came away from the presentation convinced that NHD is just as vital to our community’s health and safety as both the Norwood Police and Fire Departments.

Immediately following Ms. Mace’s remarks, Committee of the Whole Chairman John Mumper reminded council members that he scheduled a COW meeting next Tuesday, November 18, at 7:30 to discuss NHD and make a recommendation about its future. He suggested council members weigh both how Hamilton County current financial difficulties could result in increased costs for the City if NHD is eliminated and the possible $1 million shortfall in next year’s City budget. Mr. Mumper stated, “But I’d be glad to go along with funding NHD if everyone else does. I would love to see a joint agreement from council COW to move ahead.”

Judging from Mr. Mumper’s remarks, it appears the NHD decision is essentially in the hands of council members Moore, Sanker, and Barlow. Mr. Schneider stated he would not be able to attend Tuesday’s council meeting but that he does support keeping NHD. Both Mr. Gabbard and Mr. Thornbury have previously stated their support.

In an effort to get a favorable decision from the Committee of the Whole, Norwood residents are inviting everyone to attend a rally in support of the Norwood Health Department in front of City Hall next Tuesday, November 18, at 7:00 p.m. prior to the 7:30 p.m. COW meeting. Residents who have the yellow yard signs are encouraged to bring them and, if possible, also attend the meeting following the rally.

Pastor of New Vision Missionary Baptist Church passes

Rev. Thomas Ferrell, Jr., 72, who helped found New Vision Missionary Baptist Church at 3851 Montgomery Road, died October 29 at his Westchester home following a 14-month bout with cancer. According to his daughter, Rev. Ferrell continued to preach every Sunday at the church throughout 14 months of chemotherapy. The Enquirer states he was an advocate of HIV/AIDS prevention and supported IV-CHARIS, a faith-based HIV/AIDS services organization. In June, his congregation participated in the Faith In Action 5K walk for the cure of HIV/AIDS.

Rev. Ferrell received the call to minister in 1977 and became pastor of the First Baptist Church of Walnut Hills in 1978. In 1995 he became pastor of Kennedy Heights Missionary Baptist Church. In 1999 he help found New Vision Missionary Baptist Church in Norwood and was its pastor until his death.

Announcing…South Norwood Neighborhood Association

Russell Johnson’s neighborhood picnic last month brought residents and several Xavier and City officials together to find solutions to the behavior problems of Xavier students living in Norwood. The group of residents that attended the picnic have now given themselves a name: South Norwood Neighborhood Association (SNNA).

Russell provided us with a description of the group: This is a group of Neighbors from South Norwood, Ohio. We are committed to working on issues that impact our area including Xavier University relations, rental property conversions, street maintenance, parking, and local schools.

Anyone who like to join SNNA is invited to their next meeting this Sunday, November 16 at 5:00 p.m. at 3908 Regent Avenue. The group can be contacted at xu.in.norwood@gmail.com. In preparation for the meeting, some of the members are obtaining copies of off-campus policies at other colleges and universities, preparing examples of exemplary student houses, landlords and students as well as a list of problem houses for Xavier to investigate.

Xavier’s Norwood Housing Strategy presentation Thursday

We want to thank Xavier University’s Public Affairs Office and Councilperson Keith Moore, Chairman of the Community Development Committee, for sending us information about this Thursday’s presentation of the Norwood Housing Strategy, a study of local housing conducted by Property Advisors over the past several months. We hope every Norwood property owner will attend this important meeting.

Public Affairs announcement:
Everyone is encouraged to attend the presentation of the Norwood Housing Strategy on Thursday, November 13 at 7:00 p.m. at Norwood High School in the mini-auditorium. The Community Building Institute, along with Property Advisors, will be presenting the preliminary findings on housing research conducted over the past several months. The team, working with Norwood Mayor Tom Williams and Norwood City Council, has completed a physical conditions survey of all the housing in Norwood. It has conducted over 20 interviews with Norwood residents, realtors and property owners and business owners about their thoughts on the housing market. Market research has been done on property values, foreclosures, sales activity and other relevant housing information.

The meeting is intended to present this information and, most important, get the community’s feedback and comments. Based on that input, a set of recommendations will be developed about how best to accomplish the goals of the community for housing in the next several years. This work should be completed by the end of the year for the community’s consideration.

The Community Building Institute is a partnership between Xavier University and the United Way of Greater Cincinnati. The CBI team is a diverse group of community-building professionals from Greater Cincinnati with extensive grassroots experience in a wide range of areas including community planning, community organizing, public policy, media relations, government administration, nonprofit administration, geographic information systems, corporate philanthropy, community relations, programs for the disabled and home ownership.

Keith Moore’s remarks:
The study included a visual rating of every piece of Norwood property, census data, info from the Hamilton County Auditor going back 3 years, interviews with 20 or so people familiar with Norwood and the housing market, and marketing data.

CBI and Property Advisors will present their findings (this is pretty much the same presentation that has been airing on Government Access), but it's incomplete without feedback from the community.

We're hoping to get as much input as possible on the study findings and on where to go from here.

The plan is to use this info to put together programs to improve investment in Norwood housing stock, attract new homeowners, and to transition property from rental to owner-occupied.

Norwood man arrested for 8th DUI

According to today’s Enquirer, Cincinnati police arrested Norwood resident Eugene Martin, 48, yesterday for his EIGHTH drunken driving charge, his third one in the last six years. After Martin crashed into a stationary work truck on I-75, he was taken to University Hospital for unspecified injuries where tests allegedly found him to be under the influence of alcohol. He was charged with felony drunken driving and driving under suspension.

Norwood man arrested for having a knife at Norwood View

Today’s Enquirer reports that Norwood resident Guy Tenkotte, 55, was arrested yesterday after being accused of watching children at Norwood View Elementary and remaining on school grounds after a staff member asked him to leave. Norwood police called to the scene found an 11-inch knife on him when they escorted him off school property. Tenkotte is charged with criminal trespass and illegal possession of a deadly firearm within a school safety zone.

It sounds as though the Norwood View staff and the NPD were quick to respond to this man’s suspicious behavior. We’re certainly thankful the incident ended without harm to any of the children, the employees, and the police officers.

NYP’s Happy Hour at Gordo’s and “Thanks for Giving”

Fun-loving Norwood Young Professionals are up to some good again. For fun, everyone's invited to join them at Gordo’s at 4328 Montgomery Rd. (across from the Norwood Public Library) tomorrow, Friday, for another of their happy Happy Hour events starting at 5:30 p.m. The good part is they’ve organized an exciting philanthropic event they’ve named “Thanks for Giving” to benefit local residents during the upcoming winter. They’ve made it super easy for all of us to help out, and it will be very impact to some of our own Norwood residents. Following is a flyer that explains “Thanks for Giving.”


“Thanks for Giving”
A drive benefiting citizens in need
Norwood Young Professionals
www.norwoodyp.com

The NYP is asking you to give back to those in our community who need your help this holiday season. We are collecting necessary items for families in need for the winter months.

What are we collecting? Lightly used or new coats, hats and gloves, blankets, & non-perishable food items.

Who will be distributing the items to? We will be giving the donations collected to various organizations in the Cincinnati area who we are partnering with to distribute the collected items

Where can I drop off my items? You don’t have to! We will come to you! Please give your items to your company rep, or you may email us at norwoodyp@gmail.com and we will pick up items on December 3, 2008 and December 10, 2008 – (You may also bring them to the happy hour as described below)

Who is the NYP? We are a group of young professionals who live, work, or play in the Norwood community. We are dedicated to improving the Norwood and Greater Cincinnati community through philanthropy, and social networking. We have a strong relationship with the Norwood City Council and have teamed with Give Back Cincinnati this fall to improve businesses in Norwood.

CELEBRATION HAPPY HOUR!!! – Come celebrate the success of “THANKS FOR GIVING” with us at GORDO’s (4328 Montgomery Rd) on December 17, 2008. You may also bring the requested items above to the Happy Hour, we will gladly accept items!

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO JOIN THE MAILING LIST FOR NYP EVENTS or BECOME AN ACTIVE MEMBER, EMAIL norwoodyp@gmail.com. We meet the second Tuesday of every month to discuss our ideas!

Invitation to Norwood Presbyterian’s Celtic Festival

The folks at the Norwood Presbyterian Church say it’s time again for their Celtic Festival and Potluck Dinner this Saturday. We’re all invited to bring friends and family to enjoy some traditional Celtic fare and delicious homemade dishes, and live music by the Norwood High School Celtic Band.

When: Saturday, November 8; Potluck dinner @ 5:00 p.m., followed by live music @ 6:00 p.m.
Where: Norwood Presbyterian Church at the corner of Floral and Washington Avenues
More information: 531-1546

Our readers correctly predicted Obama’s wins

We’re impressed. Our readers correctly called Obama’s wins in our two unscientific presidential prediction polls:

Who will win Ohio?
101 total votes: Obama 51 (50%) and McCain 47 (47%)

Who will win the White House?
92 total votes: Obama 56 (61%) and McCain 34 (37%)

The Enquirer has election results for Hamilton County here. Not surprisingly, the gas aggregation issue for Norwood passed. Are any of our readers surprised by Steve Chabot’s loss to Steve Driehaus or by any of the other results?

Vote!

Will the longest, most costly, most historical presidential campaign ever with the largest expected voter turnout in our nation’s history really be decided today? Somehow, it doesn’t seem possible we’ll actually know who our next president is by late tonight…unless some catastrophic voting irregularities result in a delay, God forbid!

The Enquirer is inviting the public to report voting problems by clicking here. So far, 26 problems have been logged, including too few/too slow poll workers and broken equipment. How is it going at Norwood polling places? Are the lines long? Is the equipment performing, and is there an adequate number of informed poll workers?

Citizens on Patrol show on cable Channel 23

Bill Graff with Citizens on Patrol Program tells us their volunteers have produced a show with Lt. Tom Williams, the NPD’s sponsor of COPP, that is currently airing on Channel 23. We haven’t watched it yet, but we’re looking forward to putting faces to these “citizen eyes and ears” of the police who are out patrolling the community and keeping us all a bit safer. If you’d like to volunteer, call Lt. Williams at 458-4545.

Channel 23 schedule:
Tuesday’s: 7:30 a.m.
Thursday’s: 2:00 p.m.
Saturday’s: 10:00 a.m.
Sunday’s: 11:00 p.m.

Woman who robbed Norwood bank sentenced to 8 years

The Enquirer is reporting that Tonya Cotton, 32, was sentenced to 8 years in prison yesterday for using a gun to rob the U.S. Bank at 4525 Montgomery of $1,140 in 2006. Following her arrest for the crime, she was found to have a history of mental illness and spent two years in mental institutions to become competent to stand trial.

Norwood Soccer fundraisers monthly at CiCi’s

Michael Gabbard just send us an email and flyer to share with our readers:

Please take your family and enjoy dinner at CiCi's tonight and the 1st Monday of each month from 4pm till 9pm. The Norwood Soccer Assoc will get 10% of each person’s total bill. Ya gotta eat, so make it CiCi's tonight and help out our program. Hope to see you there.

Thank you,
Gabby

P.S. Forward on to all your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors and church members by clicking on the email option below this blog.


The Norwood Soccer Association will be starting up a great fundraiser with CiCi’s Pizza.

Starting Nov. 3rd, we are going to have CiCi’s night. It’s really easy, just go to the new CiCi’s in Norwood, from 4 pm- 9 pm on the first Monday of every month. Enjoy an adult buffet for only ($5.49) or a children’s buffet ($2.99) 0-3yrs free. 10% of our sales that night will go back to the Association!

CiCi’s is located at 4410 Montgomery Rd., Norwood, Oh. 513-376-8842

We really hope to see you at CiCi’s and thank you for supporting Norwood Soccer!

Norwood Service League needs our help!

Guest blog by Lupe González Hoyt

Norwood Service League has been seeing a huge increase of needs for our services. Last year in 2007, NSL served 1,500 people. January through August of 2008 we have served 2,673 people, and the year is not over! We are turning to residents of Norwood for help in the Christmas season to make the life of a needy child, family or senior adult a little brighter. I know everyone is having difficulties, but any help would be much appreciated.

Here are some suggested ways you can help if possible with your friends, neighbors, co-workers or employees:

1. Senior Shut-in Holiday Stockings: collect small personal care items, a candy cane, small ornament, socks, etc. for Norwood shut-ins visited by public health nurse Betsy. We provide these for her to distribute during her usual weekly visits. We want our shut-ins to feel that someone is thinking of them. Norwood Service League provides the old-fashioned mesh Christmas stockings. You can fill the quantity amount you wish. 3, 5, whatever amount. We usually have a couple of organizations or workplace groups do this project.

2. Toys for Needy Norwood Children: collect toys for children ages 0-12 years old, preferably educational. Any amount is welcomed and appreciated. You might use a decorated box in your waiting room to collect these. Sorry, we no longer have barrels...

3. Mitten Tree: If you have an undecorated tree, you might consider turning it into a mitten tree where you "pin" donated mittens onto it. It not only adds atmosphere, but people like to see the generosity of others and compels them to tell others who may donate. Some have include knit caps, scarves, gloves.

4. Food Drive: Our food closet program has increased 55% (Jan.-August) compared to the whole year of 2007, and the year is not over yet. Any donations of non-perishable food items such as soups, green beans, vegetables, tomato sauce, spaghetti, fruit, would be gratefully accepted by NSL. Our coffers are nearly empty of dollars and the shelves are holding just what we can distribute for November. We also need personal care and household items.

5.Store gift cards: These can be grocery store cards, shoe store (Payless ShoeSource has been most cooperative), Walmart, Old Navy, Target) that we give to teens of families where the younger children receive toys. Teens like to shop and purchase items they like. We also give them to needy families that need blankets, or groceries when it is a Food Closet off day (we serve Tu-Th-F).

By gathering all of donations directed to NSL, we can give them to the families we know have needs. Many of our young parents are struggling, people have been left behind technology-wise in the job market, but we are helping them to help themselves. Some of our clients are physically and mentally disabled and will never get beyond where they are today, but as a community we want to extend love to our neighbors. Thank you on behalf of the NSL board, staff and appreciative clients.

Sincerely, Lupe A. González Hoyt
Executive Director
Norwood Service League
2071 Lawrence Avenue
Norwood, OH 45212
(513) 924-1200
Serving the people of Norwood since 1917...

Bluegrass band coming to Norwood Naz this Sunday

Pastor Tim Brooks of Norwood Church of the Nazarene sent us an email inviting everyone to attend a special concert this Sunday during their regular Sunday morning worship service:

“We have a Bluegrass band coming on Sunday. They will be performing concert style during our service. It will not be a normal church service, it will be concert-intensive. One of the guys coming played with the famous Gibson Brothers until about a month ago. It will be a great time!”

When: Sunday, Nov. 2; 10:45 a.m.
Where: Norwood Church of the Nazarene at 4424 Floral Avenue