New NYP event: Beautify Your Block

Saturday, May 16
9:30 a.m. - 12 noon


Why “Beautify Your Block”?

Litter is a problem in our community and
many hands make light work.

What is it?

Beautify Your Block is a call to action for all citizens of Norwood. We ask that you pick up only one piece of trash on your block on May 16th. That’s it! If every citizen participated, Norwood would beremarkably cleaner.

How can you help?

Like we said, pick up one piece of trash on your block on May 16th. Want to do more? The organized cleanup effort will take place from 9:30 am -12 noon on Saturday, May 16th. Both groups and individuals are welcome to register. We need all the help we can get!

Groups will gather and park in the lot on the corner of Sherman Ave. and Station Ave. Grab a hot cup of coffee, review the map, and get ready to make Norwood beautiful! The Norwood Young Professionals are organizing the event so go to www.norwoodyp.com and register to participate!

Contact and Registration:

www.norwoodyp.com and norwoodyp@gmail.com
Oliver Comstock: 412.215.2002

Carl Lindner supports the Norwood Orchestra

Following is some great news Allison Craig with Norwood City Schools sent in to share with our readers:

In early 2009, orchestra parent Ms. Becky Mullins informed Mr. Carl Lindner of the hard work, dedication, and quality of the Norwood High School Orchestra program. In response, Mr. Lindner has generously donated to our music program. He commended Ms. Mullins for her involvement as a parent and stated, "It is so good to see that the students of Norwood are involved in various ways in the fine arts...I'm happy to enclose a check from my wife and I in support of the Norwood Orchestra...with our wishes for continuing a successful program for the students."

The Norwood Orchestra would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank Mr. and Mrs. Lindner for their generous donation of $1,000.00 to our program.

Allison Craig
Director of Orchestras
Norwood City Schools

Invitation to dunk Charles Russ at Forget Me Knot Walk

Joyce McDowell sent us an update below detailing all the fun activities young and old alike will be able to enjoy at the Saturday, May 9 Forget Me Knot Walk we previously publicized here. Bless his heart, our beloved building inspector Charles Russ has volunteered to spend the day over a dunk tank as hundreds, maybe thousands of Norwood property owners finally get to take their best shot at him for this worthwhile cause! Click here, if you haven’t pre-registered yet for the walk.

Thank you so much for including us in your web site. We are excited that Mayor Williams will be there for the opening ceremony to proclaim May 9th the Caleb Tate Fuller Foundation's Forget Me Knot Walk day. We have also added a dunk tank to the events for the day. Charles Russ, property maintenance inspector for the Norwood Building Department invites all landlords and property owners to take a shot at him in the dunk tank.

We want to emphasize that it is helpful if participants can pre-register for the walking event but it is not a requirement. Registration starts at 7am. Even if you are not able to walk, please join us for the opening ceremony at 8am, carnival from 10 to 3, memorial balloon launch at 12 noon where anyone can honor a loved one that has been special in their life. This is followed by the cookout lunch with burgers and hot dogs. We'll have a dunk tank, moon walk, lots of other carnival games like tip a troll, kerplunk, roller bowler, skee ball, putt-putt and much more.

We're hoping to get a great turnout for this event. We encourage everyone to join us for the day or any part of the day!

-Joyce McDowell

Call the NPD if you have info about this shooting on Sherman

Channel 12 is reporting that Marco Rodriequez, 25, was shot in the leg and robbed around 9:40 p.m. Friday outside the YMCA on Sherman Avenue. The robber-shooter then got in the getaway car, a white four door sedan with a partial plate of 9920, and a second man drove from the scene toward Montgomery Road. Rodriequez was taken to the hospital.

There is no description of the driver, but Norwood police have released a description of the shooter. He was a tall and slim black man, wearing a black beanie style cap and a dark shirt with gray colored pants.

If you have any information about this shooting, call the Norwood Police at 458-4521 or CrimeStoppers at 352-3040.

March 09 NFD Activities and Statistics Report

A monthly feature

A. Total of emergency responses for the month of January = 380

Medic Runs = 281
Fire Runs = 11 w/breakdown
Average Response Time on Runs = 3 minutes, 4 seconds (city-wide)

Number of incidents by type:
Fire Runs – 11 - (Building, Vehicle, Brush, etc.)
Overpressure, Explosion - 0
Rescue & Medic Unit Assists – 49 - (lock-in, extrications, traffic accidents, etc.)
Hazardous Conditions (no fire) - 7 - (power lines down, arcing, spills, etc.)
Service Call – 4 - (smoke removal)
Good Intent – 13 - (odor of smoke, controlled burning)
False Alarms – 14 - (false alarms, system malfunctions, smoke detector activated, etc.)
Special Incident - 1

B. Fire Hydrant Activity
12 - Out of service
No other activity, spring maintenance begins in April

C. Bureau of Fire Safety Activities = 538
Total Inspections – 121 - (residential, schools, churches, businesses)
Total Violations – issued 196
Total Violations – corrected 131
Total Block Inspections – 0 - (Unit #1, Unit #2, Unit #3 – Rental & multi-family)
Additional Activities - 90

New Norwood Community Garden at Linden Pointe

Reserve a bed this week!

HOW IT ALL CAME TOGETHER

Not long ago, Jim Tarbell with the design firm Steed Hammond Paul at Linden Pointe read this piece Jami Stutzman wrote about urban farming on her Keepin' it REAL Estate blog. Shortly afterwards, he had a vision as he gazed out his fourth floor office window at the vacant land surrounding his building: instead of vacant land, Mr. Tarbell saw lots of Norwood community members of all ages, church groups, youth and senior citizens groups, civic organizations, philanthropies, and businesses busily and happily gardening as many as 100 individual 4' x 10' beds. He envisioned Linden Pointe developer Al Neyer, Inc. setting aside some of it for use as a Community Garden for Norwood. He quickly called Chris Dobrozsi, Al Neyer, Inc.’s Vice President for Real Estate Development, who not only agreed the land at the corner of Joseph E. Sanker Blvd. and Montgomery Rd. could be used for the garden but also said Al Neyer, Inc. would prep the beds 3' apart with 12" of topsoil and make water available to all the gardeners.

Next, Mr. Tarbell contacted people and organizations he believed would support and help organize the project. Response was so strong that he hosted a meeting at his office this past Friday attended by Chris Dobrozsi and approximately 15 community gardening professionals and enthusiasts. Among the organizations/businesses represented were the Civic Garden Center of Greater Cincinnati (click here to see their Neighborhood Gardens website), Robin Wood Flowers on Dana Avenue, The Center for Closing the Health Gap in Greater Cincinnati, Norwood Service League, Urban Harvest, and Norwood Young Professionals/Keepin' it REAL Estate (Jami Stutzman). Oh, and Citizens for a Better Norwood’s roving reporter was also there.

HOW TO RESERVE A BED
With spring planting season just a few weeks away, the group agreed that this is the week, today through this Friday, May 1, to take reservations for the prepped garden beds. To reserve a bed, call Lupe Gonzalez Hoyt at Norwood Service League at 924-1200 before 3:00 p.m. this Friday if you can do just these three things:

1. Recruit 9 other highly motivated individuals to help with the bed. This can be any combination of friends and/or family, adults and children, any youth group, senior citizen group, church, civic, or business group, i.e., any group of 10 people who will faithfully tend the garden bed through the end of the season.

2. Provide your own seeds and plants, gardening tools, fertilizer and the like (Al Neyer, Inc. is providing the water).

3. Agree to donate a small portion (10% or more) of the produce from your garden to Norwood Service League for their food pantry.

WHAT’S NEXT
This Friday, Jim Tarbell is hosting another meeting so the Norwood Community Garden supporters can review the number of reservations made this week and make plans accordingly. Roughly 100 Community Garden beds are available, so call Lupe at 924-1200 before 3:00 p.m. this Friday to make a reservation. We’ll report any new developments.

With the deadline only 5 days away, please email this blog to local friends, family members and/or groups you think might like to make a reservation. We all need to help get the word out FAST!

We want to thank Jim Tarbell for acting on his vision, Chris Dobrozsi for Al Neyer, Inc.'s generous donations, Lupe Gonzalez Hoyt for all she's doing to move this project along, and all the community-minded people at the meeting who are helping organize the Norwood Community Garden at Linden Pointe. This is absolutely fantastic, isn’t it?

Public Service Announcement: swine flu Q. & A.

With nations around the world taking actions to try to contain the outbreak of swine flu, we want to do something in our tiny part of the universe to publicize how we can all protect ourselves from getting sick, especially after seeing the Enquirer’s report this morning that a 9-year old boy in Lorain County, Ohio is recovering from a mild case of the illness. Hamilton County Health Commissioner Tim Ingram is expected to update Hamilton County Commissioners this morning on preparations to treat swine flu if any cases develop here.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has an entire section on swine influenza, including this Q. and A. page entitled “Swine Influenza and You.” Following are a few excerpts:

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

1. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
2. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
4. Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
5. If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).

How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?
People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possibly for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

More about vermicomposting worms: they eat newspapers, too

After reading this interesting Enquirer article about the worm-filled, 18-gallon vermicomposting container in the break room of Norwood architect firm Emersion Design, we just had know more. Nikki Marksberry who does marketing for Emersion Design was quoted in the article. We’ve published several news items she’s sent us about the firm, so we contacted her with a couple of questions the article didn’t address: 1.) Does the container stink up the break room? and 2.) Why the shredded paper on top? Regarding the latter, Nikki told the Enquirer, "You cover it with moist, shredded paper and that's it," Marksberry said. "The worms do their thing."

Anyone thinking about starting a home or office vermicomposting container will find Nikki’s response very reassuring about the odor as well as enlightening about this thing the worms do:

“So glad you liked the article. We are very proud of our worms and the now LEED CI Platinum office space we are operating out of here in the Hamilton County Business Center. The vermicompost does not smell in part because of the wet paper. The paper helps cover up the decomposing food (like the leaves in your back yard), keeping other insects away, provides much needed moisture for the worms, and absorbs odor. The worms eat the newspaper too! Thanks for reposting the article and Happy Earth Day to you!”

Thank you, Nikki, for sharing this with our readers, and congratulations to Emersion Design for being the first architecture and engineering firm in the world to operate out of a LEED Platinum office space.

March 2009 Earnings Tax Report

A monthly feature

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

Individual………….$ 106,279.40
Business……….…...$ 118,606.93
Withholding…….…$ 994,868.91
TOTAL……………..$1,219,755.24

Collections thru March. 2009….……….....….................$3,872,705.37
Collections thru March 2008.....................................$3,976.535.84
(2.62%) decrease in collections over 2008.……….........($105,830.47)

Cincinnati Reds’ team historian speaking at Republican Club

Everyone is invited to hear featured speaker Greg Rhodes, author and team historian of the Cincinnati Reds, at the 7:30 p.m., Monday, April 27 meeting of the Norwood Republican Club. The group meets at the Community Center at 1810 Courtland Avenue.

A native of Richmond, Ind., Greg Rhodes is a lifelong Reds fan who grew up rooting for the Reds of the 1950s and 1960s, listening to the play-by-play and stories of former Reds announcer Waite Hoyt. Rhodes was named the executive director of the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum when it opened in 2004 and served in that capacity until retiring from the position in July 2007.

Rhodes has continued to serve as team historian and remains active in speaking engagements regarding the history of Reds baseball. He is the host of the Reds Hall of Fame highlight moments heard prior to each Reds game on the Reds Radio Network pregame show. He has co-authored six books on the Cincinnati Reds, including Redleg Journal and Reds in Black and White, both winners of the The Sporting News-SABR Baseball Research Award. A former social studies teacher, Rhodes worked for the Cincinnati Historical Society from 1987-'92, helped plan the creation of the new history museum at the Museum Center, served as a former president of the board of Historic Southwest Ohio, been the chairman of the local chapter of the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) and is past-president of the Cincinnati Red Stockings vintage baseball team.

12:15 p.m., 4/27/09 UPDATE: We just received this email from Casey Brown: "Unfortunately our speaker for tonite, Greg Rhodes, had to cancel due to the death of his mother. Please keep him in your prayers. We will hopefully be able to re-schedule him to attend a future meeting."

May means Xavier University Spring Musical Festival

Choices range from ballet to brass

Spring is wafting across Xavier University’s campus. From Wednesday, April 22 through Friday, May 1, rhythm and music will join in Xavier’s Spring Music Festival. Ensembles and groups will perform each night open to the public. The charge for Xavier students is $2 per concert; $5 for all others, unless specified otherwise. The schedule is:

Wednesday, April 22 at 7:30 p.m.: The dance students of Diane Campbell. This energetic group of students will present several choreographed numbers to popular favorites. Open to the public in the Gallagher Student Center Theatre.

Thursday, April 23 at 7:30 p.m.: Xavier instrumentalists perform. Hear the Chamber Orchestra, Thomas Heuser, conductor; Percussion Ensemble, Brady Harrison, director; and the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Matthew Westgate, director. Open to the public in the Gallagher Student Center Theatre.

Friday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m.: John DeFoor leads the Xavier University Jazz Band in several sets of the inimitable music at the Lyric in Reading. Cover charge is $5 at the door.

Saturday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m.: The ballet students of Sasha Hart will present several beautiful dance scenes. Open to the public in the Gallagher Student Center Theatre.

Sunday, April 26 at 3:00 p.m.: Piano major Alec Jones presents his senior recital in the Long Recital Hall in the Edgecliff building. Included in the recital is Mussorgsky’s monumental Pictures At An Exhibition. The recital is free and open to the public.

Wednesday, April 29 at 12:30 p.m.: Sarah Dudek presents her junior piano recital in the Long Recital Hall in the Edgecliff building. The recital is free and open to the public.

7:30 p.m.: The Xavier University Womens Chorus will present a concert of sacred and secular music in Bellarmine Chapel. The choir, conducted by Linda Busarow, will feature several selections from the Pergolesi Stabat Mater. Also featured on the concert are harpist Katie Giuliano and pianist Megan Berneking. Tickets are $2 with any student ID and $5 for all others.

Friday, May 1 at 7:30 p.m.: The Edgecliff Vocal Ensemble and the Concert Choir will perform two choral works by American composer Dominick Argento at St. Cecelia Catholic Church in Oakley. The Edgecliff Vocal Ensemble will perform Argento’s Peter Quince at the Clavier, accompanied by Xavier faculty pianist, Polina Bespalko.

The second half of the program will feature the Concert Choir and a professional orchestra performing Argento’s The Masque of Angels. This humorous piece follows a roving band of angels through time as they attempt to fulfill their mission. Tickets are $5 with any student ID and $10 for all others.

Guest blog: NSL’s Lupe Gonzalez Hoyt

We want to thank Lupe Gonzalez Hoyt for sending us yet another update on the most recent and “healthy” ways Norwood Service League is giving back to our community. Congratulations to Harriet “Hap” Wolf Arnold for being awarded NSL’s Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award!


NSL Recognizes Sixty-Six Years of Volunteer Service
Norwood Service League celebrated its wonderful volunteers and donors with a Volunteer Donor Appreciation Luncheon held Monday April 20 at the Family Life Center-Ashland Ave. Baptist Church. There were dozens of people in attendance, and many were given Awards of Appreciation for their years of support.

Special recognition was given to Harriet "Hap" Wolf Arnold, a member of Norwood Presbyterian Church. Harriet began volunteering as a 13-year-old teenager helping with the child care program after school. She continued to help until college; church and raising her own family kept her busy in other ways. As a widow (Roger Arnold), and mother of Carol Burke and Ruth Arnold, grandmother of three grandchildren, Harriet has been actively involved again in volunteering. Her interests are children, education and civic affairs. Today Harriet serves as a volunteer in the NSL Food Closet program and has done so for years. Harriet was given Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award for giving and caring for others all of her life, and basked in the praise of family and friends.

Norwood Do Right! Walking Club Launch
Tired of cabin fever? Want to get in shape? Come to the Norwood Do Right! Walking Club Launch to be held Saturday, May 2, from 9-11 AM at the R.E.Lindner YMCA.

The Norwood Do Right! community health program will host an informational launch with guest speaker Henry Brown, a longtime member of the Avondale Running Club, give-aways, sign up for charity walks, and more. Take the Norwood Do Right! Challenge to win a pair of running shoes from Bob Ronkers Running Spot; up to 30 pairs can be earned. Sign up for your own neighborhood group or age group or just a bunch of friends on the road to better health by intentionally walking or running. (The director of NSL is encouraging older beginners to join her "Over the Speed Limit---for 55 years and older" group!)

And don't forget the H-O-T Zumba! exercise classes held Tuesdays at Su Casa in Carthage, 7036 Fairpark Avenue; Wednesdays, 10 AM at Norwood Community Center, 1810 Courtland Avenue; and Thursday’s at 5 PM at R.E Lindner YMCA, 2039 Sherman Avenue.

Look for healthy cooking demonstrations series at Norwood Presbyterian Church, Norwood Branch Library and other locations. For more information, call Aline at 924-1200. These healthy opportunities are brought to you by Norwood Do Right! a health initiative of The Center for Closing the Health Gap. Check our website www.norwoodserviceleague.org for developing community events SOON!

Lupe Gonzalez Hoyt
Executive Director
Norwood Service League

Invitation to all to Baccalaureate Service for 2009 NHS grads

You are cordially invited to attend the

BACCALAUREATE SERVICE
HONORING THE GRADUATING SENIORS
of
NORWOOD HIGH SCHOOL

SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2009
4:00 PM
NORWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL AUDITORIUM
2060 SHERMAN AVENUE

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you
a future with hope.”
(Jeremiah 29:11)

SPONSORED BY THE
NORWOOD MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION

SPCA Cincinnati, Channel 12 team up for Adopt-A-Thon 2009

SPCA Cincinnati and Local 12 are teaming up to find loving homes for homeless pets with a day-long Adopt-A-Thon on Thursday, April 23.

From 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. adoption fees for all dogs and cats will be 50% off. Animals will be available at both SPCA Cincinnati locations: 11900 Conrey Road, Sharonville and 3949 Colerain Avenue, Northside. For directions please visit www.spcacincinnati.org.

Channel 12 will broadcast live from the Conrey facility throughout the day. Meteorologists Jeff Creighton and Michelle Boutillette will feature adoptable animals on all newscasts beginning at 6:00 a.m. on Good Morning Cincinnati through Local 12 Live at 6:00 p.m.

Local 12 Live at 11:00 p.m. will feature a report on ‘Animal Cops on the Front Line.’ Local 12 Reporter Rich Jaffe followed SPCA humane officers and documented the tough and sometimes dangerous cases they face on a routine basis.

The partnership between SPCA Cincinnati and Local 12 goes back more than a decade. With the help of Local 12, SPCA Cincinnati has been able to reach out to the Tri-State through weekly Adopt A Pet segments and other annual events.

Norwood Recreation News

Be sure to check out all the recent updates at Norwood Recreation’s website, including announcements about new playground equipment at Fenwick Park, compliments of a Natureworks Grant, the restrooms coming to Hunter Park, 9 family nights at Burwood Pool, and the new $5.00 Pilates classes Monday’s and Friday’s from 5:45 - 6:30 p.m. starting April 27.

The Recreation Office asked us to let everyone know that season pool passes are now on sale:
Children: $ 35.00
Adults: $ 55.00
Family: (parents and all children under the age of 18) $ 115.00

For swimming lessons and the Barracuda Swim Teams, call 531-9798. Mark your calendars for the 2009 Summer Splash on Friday, August 6th from 6:00 to-9:00 p.m. featuring free swimming, music, and food.

Last but not least, volunteers are still needed for the The Great American Clean-up Saturday, April 27. Anyone wanting to help clean up our parks can contact Norwood Recreation at 531-9798. Free bags, gloves, and t-shirts are being given out while supplies last, and lunch will be provided for all volunteers.

12-year-old Norwood resident thwarts 6 home burglars

We really like this story, which is recounted in the following letter from the NPD’s Capt. Keith Bellman to Norwood City Council and was read aloud at their meeting last week. Below it is City Council’s letter to our young hero, thanking him for his bravery. We’d like to thank him, too, for being the reason 6 criminals were caught red handed. This must be the scenario our police officers live for.


Capt. Bellman’s letter to City Council:
On February 28, 2009, six subjects broke into an apartment. An alert occupant of another unit observed these subjects break in. This alert occupant, (name redacted) age 12, notified his mother who immediately called 911. Several cars were dispatched and officers arrested all six subjects who were still inside the apartment when officers arrived.

A lot of witnesses never come forward to report crime out of fear of reprisal from the suspect. So I would like to commend the actions of this young citizen for his bravery, his observations, and his quick actions.

On behalf of the Norwood Police Department we would like to thank you.


City Council’s letter to our young hero:
Norwood City Council would like to express their thanks and praise for your initiative and action in protecting your neighborhood. You are a fine example of good citizenship. The quick thinking and concern you displayed help to make Norwood a safer and better place to live.

With genuine thanks and appreciation,

Norwood City Council

Hello, this is not a spam blog!

Last night, we got a “no reply” email from Google that no serious blogger ever wants to receive. Enclosed was a message from The Blogger Team telling us our blog has been identified as a potential spam blog and that unless this was corrected by our filling out a form, our blog would be deleted in 20 days. Unfamiliar with the term spam blog, the first thing we did was click on the link to a detailed definition. Following is an excerpt:

What Are Spam Blogs?
As with many powerful tools, blogging services can be both used and abused. The ease of creating and updating webpages with Blogger has made it particularly prone to a form of behavior known as link spamming. Blogs engaged in this behavior are called spam blogs, and can be recognized by their irrelevant, repetitive, or nonsensical text, along with a large number of links, usually all pointing to a single site.

Gulp…okay, we thought, so maybe we aren’t always relevant, and maybe we are sometimes repetitive or nonsensical; but. really, are we guilty of these things to the degree that we deserve to have blog our deleted? Then after reading further about spam blogging and the technical skills required to pull it off, we breathed a sigh of relief. This could our out - we wouldn’t know how to spam blog if our very lives depended on it.

Next, we clicked on the link to the form to request a review. It had a message that told us if we were on that page, we likely weren’t a spam blog. It included a sort of apology for the robots that misidentified us. We’re very hopeful the review will go in our favor… so long as we not going to be judged solely on being irrelevant, repetitive, and nonsensical, that is. But just in case this blog disappears in 20 days, you’ll know why.

Here’s the email:

Hello,

Your blog has been identified as a potential spam blog. To correct this, please request a review by filling out the form at (link redacted).

Your blog will be deleted in 20 days if it isn't reviewed, and your readers will see a warning page during this time. After we receive your request, we'll review your blog and unlock it within two business days. Once we have reviewed and determined your blog is not spam, the blog will be unlocked and the message in your Blogger dashboard will no longer be displayed. If this blog doesn't belong to you, you don't have to do anything, and any other blogs you may have won't be affected.

We find spam by using an automated classifier. Automatic spam detection is inherently fuzzy, and occasionally a blog like yours is flagged incorrectly. We sincerely apologize for this error. By using this kind of system, however, we can dedicate more storage, bandwidth, and engineering resources to bloggers like you instead of to spammers.

Thank you for your understanding and for your help with our spam-fighting
efforts.

Sincerely,
The Blogger Team

P.S. Just one more reminder: Unless you request a review, your blog will be deleted in 20 days.

Norwood Firefighters Association 2009 Golf Outing

It’s not too late to register for this year’s NFA Golf Outing on Saturday, April 25, at Glenview Golf Course at 10965 Springfield Pike. Norwood firefighter Ben Schibi tells us registration is open until this Sunday, April 19. You can either call 458-4562 or email nfdgolfouting@hotmail.com. Cost is $80 per golfer. Hole Sponsorships, which will get your or your company’s name on a placard at hole/tee boxes, are $100. Entry fees include greens fees, cart, beverages, door prizes, dinner and drinks afterwards at the gold course, plus lots of prizes will be awarded, including for the closest to the pin and the longest drive. Four Person “Scramble” Shotgun will get underway at 1:15 p.m.

Since 1984, the Norwood Firefighters Association has contributed thousands of dollars to the Plogman and Condron Scholarship Fund, which was set up to honor the memories of Norwood firefighters Robert Plogman and James Condron who died a few years earlier in the line of duty. Thanks to many years of donor support and fundraising events like this Golf Outing, each year two Norwood High School Senior are awarded a $3,000 scholarship annually. Additionally, NFA supports Shriners Hospital Cincinnati, MDA, AmTrykes, local youth sports, animal shelters, and other deserving charities.

Public Works’ Appliance Recycling/Tire Drop Off Weekend

Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26 for the absolutely free Appliance Recyling and Tire Drop Off Weekend at Public Works. Unload those pesky freon-filled appliances that can’t be leave at the curb for Rumpke, and throw in those worn out tires while you’re at it. Bring old refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers or any other appliances that contain freon, and bring some extra hands if you need them to help unload heavy appliances.

When: Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where: Norwood Public Works, 3001 Harris Avenue
Directions: from Forest Avenue, turn on Harris and go past Shea Stadium all the way to the deadend where there is s a stop sign. Turn right at the sign, and you’ll see Public Works personnel outside directing everyone to the exact drop-off location.
More information: Public Works at 458-4615

Marching Indians knocking on our doors this Saturday

This email just in from Band Booster Laura Hobbs:

Saturday is the Norwood High School Marching Indians' third annual Tag Day fund-raiser. Band members - supervised by Band Boosters - will be going door to door between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. asking for donations for the marching band program. Funds collected will go into the band accounts of the individual band members who participate, reducing their families' costs for band camp this summer.

Band members who knock on your door should be wearing a band tee shirt or uniform. Your donation, small or large, is greatly appreciated.

X.U. press conference to introduce new basketball coach

Xavier University will introduce Chris Mack as its new head men’s basketball coach at a press conference at 1 p.m. today in the Conaton Board Room in Schmidt Hall on the Xavier University campus. Xavier fans can watch a live stream of the event at www.GoXavier.com or use the direct access link:
http://all-access.cbssports.com/player.html?code=xavi&media=112633

City Council passes residency waiver for H.C. candidate

Last night, by a vote of 4 to 2, City Council passed the residency waiver for Health Commissioner candidate Pamela Walker-Bauer. Voting for the measure were Steve Thornbury, Keith Moore, Joe Sanker, and Michael Gabbard, and voting against it were John Mumper and Victor Schneider. Chuck Barlowe was absent.

Council unanimously approved the Health Board’s salary request for Ms. Walker-Bauer at their March 24th meeting. With the residency waiver now approved, it appears the last obstacle to Ms. Walker-Bauer accepting the position of Health Commissioner has been removed.

The Empire strikes back

We thought our readers might find the March 18, 2009 letter that local attorney Bob Kelly wrote to the Liquor Control Commission on behalf of his client 50Five Group, Inc., otherwise known as the Empire Tavern, as interesting as we do. Mr. Kelly objects to the recent denial and rejection of the tavern’s 2008-2009 liquor renewal application and requests a full hearing before the Commission. One City official we spoke to who is involved in this matter and who, granted, has a point of view, doesn’t believe the arguments Mr. Kelly puts forth in his letter are persuasive. What do our readers think, especially about the arguments in paragraphs #4 and #6 that the owner, “the sole shareholder,” was not on the premises when cocaine was present or when fights, etc. took place? Does that make him somehow less responsible?

For anyone needing some background, see our June 30, 2008 blog with the resolution City Council passed on April 22, 2008, objecting to the renewal of the Empire Tavern’s liquor permit and this link to the ky.post.com article regarding the June 27, 2008 arrests of two tavern employees on drug charges and the issuance of eight administrative violations.

There’s also this report by the Investigative Unit of the Ohio Department of Safety. Pages 15 -17 pertain to the Empire Tavern. Page 16 lists 29 violations covering the period between 3/21/08 and 6/27/08.

March 18, 2009

Liquor Control Commission
77 South High Street 18th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-0565

Dear Sir or Madam:

Please consider this communication a notice of appeal of the order dated March 3, 2009. Please take note that the appeal is based on the following:

1. There is no evidence in the record that the location of the permit holder’s premises constitutes a substantial interference with public decency, sobriety, peace, or good order as a result of the permit holder’s operation at the location of the permit premises.

2. There is no evidence in the record before the Division of Liquor Control that the applicant demonstrated a disregard for the laws of the state or operated a business in a manner that demonstrated a disregard for the laws, regulations or local ordinances of the state.

3. There is no evidence in the record to demonstrate that Ronny Givens sold or transferred any cocaine at the permit premises or that Crystal Chambers sold cocaine at the permit premises with the shareholder’s knowledge. Further, there is no evidence in the record to demonstrate that Donald Proud, the sole shareholder, allegedly perpetrated or facilitated any drug buys at the permit premises. Further, the sole shareholder has not been convicted of any drug offenses at this time.

4. At the time of the execution of the search warrant on June 27, 2008, the sole shareholder was not present on the premises while cocaine was present. Further, the incidents alleged were after the period when the City of Norwood objected to the renewal of the renewal of the liquor permit.

read on

This week at the Norwood Branch Library

The Norwood Branch Library at 4325 Montgomery Road has programs for most age groups this week:

Tuesday, April 14
ESOL Conversation Group
5:30 p.m.
369-6037 for more information
Open to anyone who would like to practice speaking in English. Activities for children available if needed.
Adults

Wednesday, April 15
The Mystery of Landfills
4-5 p.m., Ages 7-11
369-6037 for more information
What happens to our trash after it is picked up at curbside? What is the difference between a dump and a sanitary landfill? Learn how landfills are designed to minimize the effects of solid waste disposal on our environment with Keep Cincinnati Beautiful.
Ages 7-11

Friday, April 17
Adult Book Club
Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult
10:30 a.m.
369-6037 for more information

Friday, April 17
Fantastic Foamies
After School Program For Teens
3:30 p.m., Ages 12-18
369-6037 for more information
Get creative with a choice of several fun foam art projects! After school fun, friendship and snacks!

New online: monthly City Council Auditor’s report

City Auditor Jim Stith is now providing the monthly City Council Auditor's reports online. This is a cost saving effort which will also save paper while improving the transparency of our local government. While many financial reports have been available from the Auditor's office, both at City Hall and online, the complete and assembled City Council Auditor's report is now available in a single download.

City officials and the public can download the reports online at www.NorwoodAuditor.com or request a printed copy from the Auditor's office.

Norwood Department heads can also download their monthly budget reports at www.NorwoodAuditor.com/department-information.htm.

The incredible shrinking Enquirer

Apparently, The Enquirer’s downsizing of its print edition earlier this year may not have been sufficient. Citing this article from the Newspapers & Technology website, The Business Courier is reporting The Enquirer may shorten the paper to 15 inches by 10.5 inches from the current 22.75 inches by 11 inches but would keep the same sectioning. David Preisser, The Enquirer’s Vice President of Operations, said focus groups love the new format and particularly like the additional use of color it will allow. Preisser said a decision on the new format should be made fairly soon, but there is no timetable to implement it. What does it say about a newspaper when focus groups like it in an even smaller format?

Woman crashes car, splitting it in half, then yells at police

Channel 9 has 3 astonishing pictures of a woman’s car following her crash at the corner of Mongtomery Road and Cypress Way in Norwood at 2:45 a.m. today. Miraculously, she was not seriously injured, but she was irate when police showed up and yelled at them for being there. Police believe she was very drunk at the time.

Caleb Tate Fuller “Forget-Me-Knot" Walk on May 9

Norwood resident Joyce McDowell has sent us a lot of great information to share with our readers regarding the 3rd Annual Caleb Take Fuller “Forget-Me-Knot” Walk coming up on Saturday, May 9. We’ll let her tell you all about it in her own words directly below:


This year's event will start on Lafayette Ave. behind Surrey Square near the corner of Ashland Ave. This portion of the street will be blocked off for a carnival-like event that will run simultanously as walkers have an option for the 1, 5 and three mile event that will proceed down Floral Avenue from Smith to Morton. Citizens on Patrol and and Norwood Young Professionals will serve as crossing guards for the event. They will also be doing fingerprinting for children too.

This year participants can walk in honor of Caleb or in honor of someone special in their life. They can acknowledge this person on our website at www.forgetmeknotwalk.com and in the Memorial Balloon Launch on the day of the event...

Proceeds for this event will provide scholarships for children to attend Cornerstone Christian Academy here in Norwood and for three special programs this summer. We're planning on the Mad Cap Puppets, Mad Science and a Basketball/ Cheerleading/ Drama camp at Ashland Ave. Baptist Church. We are excited to know that Channel 9 will be covering the story as well.

The third annual Caleb Tate Fuller “Forget-Me-Knot” Walk will be held in Norwood on Saturday, May 9th with registration at 7 AM and the Walk at 8AM.

Background:
The Caleb Tate Fuller Foundation is being established to fulfill a small boy’s request made during a heart-wrenching battle with bone cancer that he “not be forgotten”. It is his family’s desire to honor this request and preserve Caleb’s memory through the commemoration of his steadfast love for God and relentless passion for life and learning by serving the spiritual, social and educational needs of other children.

Purpose:
To this end, the Caleb Tate Fuller Foundation will work to facilitate the creation of new educational enrichment programs and opportunities as well as support existing programs for children in Norwood and surrounding communities which enhance Christian values and education, academic excellence, health education, literacy, music and fine arts as well as multicultural, social and special needs awareness.

About the Event:
2009 is the third year for the “Forget-Me-Knot” Walk. This year’s event will be in Norwood since Caleb attended school in Norwood. We want this to be a real community event building awareness of the needs of our children, fostering community participation and increasing the number of children and families who directly benefit from the event and the mission of the foundation.

We are on the ground floor with this program but have a long range vision for the Foundation to help children and families in the area to become stronger with such programs as science, music and drama camps, math and reading workshops, programs for special needs assessment and workshops on special learning techniques and motivational speakers to help equip children and parents in addressing family issues through Christian values and principles.

The Foundation currently provides financial scholarships for children to attend Cornerstone Christian Academy here in Norwood through funds raised in last year’s event. Proceeds from this year’s walk will once again fund scholarships for deserving children to attend Cornerstone Christina Academy who otherwise could not afford this opportunity. In addition. we will be sponsoring three special summer programs for all children in the community. Plans include the Mad Cap Puppets, Mad Science and a week long community cheerleading/ drama/ sports camp.

This year’s event will begin in Norwood on Lafayette Avenue behind Surrey Square and proceed over to Floral Avenue. There will be options for a one, five and ten mile walk. A block of Lafayette Avenue will be blocked off in order to create a carnival-like setting with games; crafts face painting, clowns, balloon animals and lots more family fun. There will a cook-out lunch followed by awards for those walking the fastest and those raising the most money. There will be a special drawing from the names of anyone who has donated to this cause for the Wii game system which also includes a Wii Fit. There will be lots of other door prizes as well.

This year’s event will be even more special since walkers can participate in honor of a special person in their life. That person can be acknowledges through a memory board on the web-site and at the Memorial Balloon Launch on the day of the event. Find out more about this event at www.forgetmeknotwalk.com where you can register on line or call 513-631-4377.

Woman arrested 1 hour after stealing car in Norwood

Perfect. At 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aleatha Stephens of Golf Manor stole a 2000 Chevrolet Equinox in Norwood, and Cincinnati police were able to arrest her and her female passenger an hour later on Reading Road in Avondale. The vehicle was equipped with an OnStar device that enabled police to quickly track her whereabouts. We must get one of these devices, but the Onstar website says they are factory-installed only and can't be added later. Does anyone know if there are other tracking devices that can be added and how much they cost?

Norwood Star launches blog!

We just noticed the announcement below on the front page of The Norwood Star website and are delighted to welcome another entry to the local blogging scene. A whopping 21 stories from the paper’s March edition are available for comment, something for everyone; and we hope everyone will support this latest and greatest feature to the Norwood Star’s already spiffy website. We’ve added The Norwood Star Blog to our links on the right.


“The Norwood Star has officially launched a blog. We have done this because of the feedback we have received from many of you looking for a forum to comment on the stories in the paper. We have also placed a box on the left side of the website that shows recent comments from the blog.

You can Click Here to visit the blog and find the story you would like to comment on.”

FFNOW moves Quartermania to Carthage K of C Hall

Unable to reach an amicable agreement with the new management at our local Quality Inn, First Family Network of Women has been forced to relocate Quartermania, their monthly fundraising event for Norwood Service League, to the Knights of Columbus Hall in Carthage. Quartermania has been staged at the Quality Inn since FFNOW started it last year, but with a reported near tripling of the Quality Inn’s prices for group events, at least one other local non-profit, in addition to FFNOW, has had to stop meeting there. Hoping the move from Norwood is temporary, the group is in the process of trying to secure another local venue. We’re hoping some of our readers can help out with suggestions on locations Quartermania can be held in Norwood. Just leave your ideas in the comments box, and we’ll make sure FFNOW gets them.

April’s Quartermania will be held tomorrow evening at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Carthage at 7500 Fairpark Avenue. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., and bidding starts at 7:00 p.m. Food and drinks will be available for a very reasonable price. Click here for more details, including directions. There will be more than 70 items auctioned off for 50 cents or less. FFNOW has added some companies that will be providing products for auction. Here’s a nearly complete list:

Booty Parlor
Deirdre Styles
Jordan Essentials
Thirty-One Gifts
Tupperware
The Gourmet Cupboard
Pampered Chef
Tastefully Simple
Longaberger
Entertaining at Home
Discovery Toys
Just Jewelry
SimplyFun
PartyLite Candles
Dove Chocolate
Arbonne

And don’t forget - all proceeds from Quartermania are donated to Norwood Service League.

Norwood police charge Spinnie with home burglaries

Remember this blog we posted on March 6 with Lt. Tom Williams, Jr.‘s warning to residents about the rash of 11 home burglaries in Central and South Norwood? And remember Norwood resident John Spinnie’s tale to Cincinnati police days later that he didn’t steal the vehicle he used to get to his arraignment for stealing jewelry but, instead, paid an unknown man $10 to use it? Well, as it turns out, according to Lt. Williams, since Mr. Spinnie’s confinement at the Hamilton County Justice Center following his arrest on or about March 11, there have been no reports of home burglaries to the Norwood Police Department. Quite the coincidence, isn’t it?

But wait, it gets better. Lt. Williams tells us the Norwood police have charged Mr. Spinnie with several but not all of the recent home burglaries and that if the Norwood and Cincinnati charges all stick to Mr. Spinnie, he may not be back in Norwood for quite awhile. None of this is cause, however, to let our guard down about home security and watching out for suspicious persons lurking around our neighborhoods. Always call 911 or the NPD’s non-emergency # 458-4520 if you see or hear something suspicious.

Three City Council committee meetings this week

Two committees of City Council will meet today in Council Chambers:

1. Safety, Police, and Fire
Time: 6:00 pm
Agenda: equipment for the Fire Department

2. Committee of the Whole
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Agenda: zoning updates and review of garbage ordinances

Tomorrow, the Finance and Audit Committee will meet at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers to discuss appropriations and salary ranges.

CityBeat takes heat from Enquirer over Twitter article

Last Wednesday, CityBeat reporter Kevin Osborne wrote a lengthy piece about how the Enquirer plans to address its financial and identity problems, problems many newspapers are experiencing as a result of internet users accessing free content on the Web. Osborne reports The Enquirer has come up with a solution, a new “social media strategy” that will be the centerpiece of its “plan to reinvent itself for the Digital Age” as “was outlined in a recent 25-page memo by Social Media Editor Mandy Jenkins distributed to editors at The Enquirer and its sister publication, CiN Weekly.”

The plan, according to Osborne, will “rely on unpaid labor to fill gaps in its news and entertainment coverage, make better use of the Facebook social networking site, require staffers to use Twitter to provide frequent updates about what they’re doing and create a Web site for news without The Enquirer’s name to lure readers who don’t like the newspaper.” But this is what really caught our eye: “Newspaper managers will ask some longtime independent local bloggers if they’d like to link their blogs to The Enquirer’s network in exchange for advertising help…the newspaper wants to align itself with independent bloggers as part of its “blogger pull plan.” The strategy is to offer bloggers “links and prominent placement (in story spots, section fronts) in exchange for a partnership.” Not surprisingly, this blog was not on the list of local blogs The Enquirer plans to contact for its network, but that’s okay because we have a prominent and treasured placement on the Norwood Star’s website. What could be better than that?

“Blogger pull plan“ aside, who among us thinks The Enquirer’s plan for its reporters to increase their use of Twitter for frequent updating is going to help solve their problems? With recent tweets they've offered like these, “That man who died after driving his car the wrong way on I-71 was from Elsmere,” “Glutton for all things parks!” and “Happy spring everyone," we could use some help understanding what possible journalistic value Twitter will have for The Enquirer. Anyone? Is Citizens for a Better Norwood missing the boat by not having a Twitter account? Frankly, the idea makes our eyes glaze over, but maybe we’re simply too old to get the significance of this new craze and how it might revive the newspaper.

Apparently, The Enquirer editors aren’t too old to get it because the day following Osborne‘s piece, some of them Twittered their objections to it; and the day following that, Osborne published this third piece with his response to Mandy Jenkins’ complaints about his article. We can hardly wait for his fourth installment of this ongoing saga.

NSL announces: April is Volunteer Appreciation Month

Guest blog by Lupe González Hoyt

Norwood Service League is doing a few things to show our appreciation and to extend opportunities to volunteer in our community.

Monday, April 20 at 11:30 a.m., NSL Volunteer Donor Appreciation Luncheon will be held at the Family Life Center-Ashland Avenue Baptist Church by invitation. We need some extra hands to help set up, decorate and serve our special guests. We are honoring Harriet 'Hap' Wolf Arnold with a Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award. All volunteers and donors will be recognized. Our theme is "Helping Hands, Caring Hearts". Please call Barb or Josie at 924-1200 if you can help.

Norwood Service League is sponsoring a Volunteer Sign-Up Campaign. "Service" is our middle name! Our goal is 200 people to volunteer using their skills, ability and time. Our efforts will focus on helping our neighbors with:

• yard work, painting, garage cleaning,
• block watch groups,
• mass mailings,
• clean ups,
• leading craft groups for kids this summer,
• fundraising,
• mentoring youth, young moms and young men,
• helping with civic projects, photo documentation, computer related opportunities, and more.

Some opportunities will be one-time efforts or events, others may be short-term or long-term opportunities. NSL will organize opportunities by categories and time commitment with job descriptions. Those who sign up will receive a list of opportunities, which will also be accessible on our website in May. Please call Misty at 924-1200 for more information or volunteer needs.

As we approach our founding month of July (we were founded by volunteers), I can't think of a better way to carry on our legacy of community volunteerism by making NSL Volunteer Sign Campaign an annual event every April.

Thank you so much.

Your neighbor and NSL executive director
Lupe A. González Hoyt

Friday Happy Hour with NYPs

Norwood Young Professionals invite everyone to join them for Happy Hour today at 5:00 p.m. at the renowned Happy Hollow at 2430 Park Ave. As their email says, “It doesn’t get much happier than that!”

Xavier invites community to free crime control workshop

Emphasis on new ways to address crime problems

Everyone is invited to a Community-Driven Crime Control (CDCC) Orientation Forum on Wednesday, April 8 between 4:30 – 6:30 pm at Xavier University’s Schiff Conference Center inside the Cintas Center. Admission is free and the workshop is open to the public.

CDCC is a brand new way of thinking about crime control and policing. How does CDCC differ from traditional policing? The key differentiation is who is in the driver's seat. “Community-driven” explicitly requires citizens have control over what local government does to and for their community.

The purpose of the forum is to acquaint the community with the theory, practice and methods of CDCC. Understanding should help citizens and the community as a whole respond to crime in a more responsive, effective and efficient manner. North Avondale and Westwood have used CDCC initiatives in their neighborhoods. The Forum will show how neighborhoods can:

· Find new ways to solve problems
· Be empowered to control their own destinies
· Learn skills to address problems such as crime and disorder
· Use data to inform decisions about crime solutions
· Discover resources, find assets and build capacities

The CDCC Orientation Forum is offered by the Community Building Institute, a partnership of Xavier University and the United Way of Greater Cincinnati, and Xavier’s Department of Criminal Justice. Four Cincinnati City Council members and one Hamilton County Commissioner will be in attendance.

Bilingual concert at Grace Church this Saturday

You are invited to…
Estas a invitado a la...

A Concert of Praise and Worship!
¡Un concierto de alabanzas y adoración!

A bilingual celebration of the love of God
Una celebración bilingüe del amor de Dios

Saturday, April 4, 2009 6:30 p.m.
Sábado 4 abril de 2009 a las seis y medio p.m.

Grace UMC
2221 Slane Ave., Norwood
A la iglesia Metodista Unido Grace
2221 Slane Ave, Norwood

Music from:
Grace UMC Praise Team
The Promise Singers
Pastor Mateo Burden
And more.
Musica del los grupos:
Iglesia Grace Equipo de Alabanza
Los Cantares de Promesas
Pastor Mateo Burden
Y más

Our guest of honor is
Pastor José Santiago Vergara
La Capilla El Salvador, Jovellanos, Cuba
El invitado de honra es
Pastor José Santiago Vergara
de La Capilla El Salvador de Jovellanos, Cuba

Excellent news: Convergys adds staff at Norwood call center

Yesterday, the Cincinnati Business Courier announced that Cincinnati-based Convergy’s is adding 110 new positions to its Norwood contact center at 4650 Montgomery Road. The hires will provide customer and sales support for a client in the financial services industry. Compensation ranges from $11 to $13 per hour, along with a benefits package. The employees will be hired by June 30. Jessica Bachman, recruiting manager for the Norwood location said, “This represents new business for our facility, as well as an opportunity for some Greater Cincinnati job seekers during a challenging time for our local, state, and national economy.”

COW recommends residency wavier for H.C. candidate

After roughly 2+ hours of sometimes intense debate and questioning of members of the Norwood Health Board regarding their methods of recruiting and screening candidates for the Health Commissioner position, 4 of the 7 Committee of the Whole council members gave vocal approval of a committee report that recommends granting a residency waiver to Health Commissioner candidate Pamela Walker-Bauer (see Dr. Frank Perrino‘s letter posted 3/23/09 below). In the majority were Keith Moore, Joe Sanker, Michael Gabbard, and Steve Thornbury. Not approving the recommendation were John Mumper, Chuck Barlow, and Victor Schneider. The recommendation will be put to a vote by council at their next meeting on April 14.

A few highlights from the COW meeting:

1. Despite sharp disagreements about granting the waiver, one thing all council members as well as all 5 Board of Health members and Mayor Williams agreed on was that ideally all City department heads should live in Norwood.

2. Council members grilled Board of Health members about whether qualified Norwood residents were actively recruited, applied for and were seriously considered for the Health Commissioner position. Dr. Perrino and other health board members stated that a couple of Norwood residents applied but didn’t fit the qualifications for the position.

3. Mr. Barlow favored continuing the candidate search and said that in view of so many people being laid off, he could not imagine that there is “no one out there unwilling to move in a bad economy.” Mr. Thornbury countered that while many industries are suffering, “the health industry isn’t one of those.”

4. Mr. Sanker expressed his displeasure with Dr. Perrino’s letter to council, stating several times that it came across as “demanding” of a salary and a residency waiver for Ms. Walker-Bauer and that council should “vote on this right now.” Mr. Thornbury said he disagreed with Mr. Sanker’s characterization of the letter, but Mr. Sanker reiterated that he found the letter “demanding.” That was followed by COW Chairperson Mumper reading aloud Dr. Perrino’s letter requesting council approve a starting pay and approve a residency waiver for Ms. Walker-Bauer.

5. Mr. Schneider strongly opposed the waiver, chiefly on the grounds that granting one would 1.) negatively affect the long term viability of the City and 2.) would enable every paid member of the Health Department and even Public Works employees to move out of the City. In response to the latter, a Health Board member stated that only one of the five Health Dept. employees, the secretary, resides in Norwood, a fact that did not please Mr. Schneider. Suggesting that the Board of Health was perhaps being grandiose, i.e. looking only for degreed candidates, Mr. Schneider urged that the Health Board continue their candidate search and “broaden” what they’re looking for.

6. After considerable debate among council members, Mayor Williams said that in order to avoid a rash decision if everybody hasn’t make their minds yet, perhaps one or two council members should sit down with the Board of Health and go over the entire issue with them. Mr. Sanker was the only council member who expressed a willingness to do this.

Xavier hosts 5K run in support of Do it Now! Ohio

Xavier University’s Public Relations Student Society will host its first 5K for Do It Now! Ohio. Do It Now! Ohio raises money to increase awareness for organ, eye and tissue donor designation. Race registration is $15 and open to the public. The first 100 who register will receive a free t-shirt. Runners and walkers are welcome (no dogs or baby strollers, please). Check-in begins at 9:30 a.m., with the race start at 11:00 a.m. Participants can sign up at www.active.com by typing in keyword: Xavier Do it Now!

After the race, refreshments and festivities will take place on Xavier’s green space. The overall male and female winners will receive cash prizes. A special cash prize will also be awarded to the best female and male costumes, so come dressed as your favorite organ! The course will take participants through Xavier University’s beautiful campus. The route begins at the university’s sand volleyball courts on the north side of campus and will end near Bellarmine Chapel on the corner of Ledgewood and Harold Avenues.

The Do It Now! Ohio 5K is one of Xavier’s last big events before the end of the semester.