Norwood Health Commissioner on H1N1, seasonal flu prep

Today's special feature, Norwood Health Commissioner Pamela Walker-Bauer’s letter informing our readers about the extraordinary steps City departments and Norwood City Schools are taking to protect residents from 2 flu outbreaks, is right on time. Just this past Saturday, the Enquirer reported H1N1 outbreaks at area colleges, including Xavier where there are 7 reported cases among 70 students who have flu-like symptoms. The threat is real, and it is really close by.

We have a “first” today, too. Pam has graciously agreed to answer any questions our readers have about the flu season directly in the comments box! This is the first time in our 3 years a guest blogger has agreed to do this, and we hope it won’t be the last. Pam will reply as she has can, not in “real time.” With her plate overflowing right now, we don’t want to take away from the serious work she’s doing to protect us from flu outbreaks and other public health threats.


Dear CBN Readers:

On September 1, 2009, I will have completed my third month as Health Commissioner for the Norwood Health Department and what an exciting three months it has been! Overwhelmingly, the majority of my time is being spent on H1N1 related activities. You likely will recall that H1N1, formerly know as “Swine Flu”, is the influenza virus that emerged in the United States this past spring.

Public Health agencies, including the Norwood Health Department, continue to closely monitor the H1N1 flu situation. Currently, a vaccine for H1N1 flu is in the clinical trial stage of development and we are hopeful that we will have this vaccine available by mid-October. We continue to plan and prepare for H1N1 vaccine dispensing clinics by meeting regularly with other health departments in southwest Ohio, northern Kentucky, and southeast Indiana. Additionally, we continue to work with many other officials including those from schools, Fire/EMS, Law Enforcement, as well as your government officials.

Even though there is no H1N1 vaccine available, there are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of diseases that cause respiratory illness, like H1N1 flu:

· Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not near by, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
· Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If a tissue is not available, use the inside of your elbow to cover your cough or sneeze, not your hands.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
· Try to avoid close contact with sick people. Try to stay 6 feet away from people who are coughing or sneezing.
· If you are sick, you should stay home until symptom-free for at least 24 hours.

We also encourage you to get your vaccination for SEASONAL flu to help prevent illness. Although we currently do not have the H1N1 flu vaccine, the Norwood Health Department has received SEASONAL flu vaccine. We have several SEASONAL flu shot clinics scheduled. Please check our website at www.norwoodhealth.org for dates and times. Then call us at 513-458-4600 to schedule your appointment.

I have greatly appreciated the warm welcome I have received by Norwood residents and I look forward to continue to serve your community. Don’t forget to COVER YOUR COUGH!!!

Sincerely,

Pamela Walker-Bauer, MPH, RS
Health Commissioner
Norwood City Health Department

COW, Parks and Rec. Committee meeting this week

The Committee of the Whole is meeting at 7:00 p.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, September 1, in Council Chambers to discuss:

1. Gas Aggregation (Norwood voters passed the issue this past November election)
2. Garbage Ordinances.

The Parks and Recreation Committee is meeting at 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 2, at the Norwood Community Center at 1810 Courtland Ave. to discuss:

1.) 2009 Summer Operations Review
2.) 2009 Fall/Winter-Upcoming Programs
3.) 2010 Budget- Proposed Capital Improvements
4.) Use of City Property for Recreation Functions

COW meetings are broadcast live on local cable Channel 4. NCT will videotape both meetings for replays on Channel 4.

Channel 9 doing feature on COPP today

Bill Graff tells us he and his wife Vivian along with Helen and Dennis Wagner, who are also with Citizens on Patrol, will be featured in a WCPO Channel 9 segment that will air at about 6:00 p.m. today.

8/29/09 UPDATE: Click here for the video and transcript of the Channel 9 segment. Nice job, Bill, Vivian, Helen, and Dennis!

Next week at the Norwood Branch Library

Tuesday, September 1:
ESOL Conversation Group
5:30 p.m.

Preschool Storytime
Ages 3-5
6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, September 2:
Toddler Jam Time!
Music and Movement Storytime
Ages 1-4 with Adult
10:30 a.m.

For more information, call 369-6037.

COPP’s founder Bill Graff featured in today’s Enquirer article

Bill Graff with the Citizens on Patrol Program covered a lot of territory in his interview for today’s Enquirer article “Citizens keep an eye on Norwood.” For one thing, this Saturday’s training for new volunteers from 1:00 - 5:00 at the Norwood Police Academy at 2600 Park Avenue (see 8/21/09 blog below) is now open to walk-ins. Bill told the Enquirer, "We are hoping to get 15-20 people to come, but we have room for a good number, up to 30 or 40.” He said there’s so much more they could if do if they can increase the number of volunteers above the current dozen.

In addition to reporting “funny business” they see on their patrols, COPP volunteers are also helping keep the police substation at the Community Center open extra hours, and over time they have removed 800 pieces of graffiti from our landscape (remember this blog about the amazing product Elephant Snot?). NPD Officer Tim Brown said he’s aware of phone calls to the department praising the volunteers. Bill added,"We have people come out on their porches and applaud or take our pictures with cell phones. Makes you feel good."

Norwood Star’s Andrew Clark on WLW Radio tomorrow

Vicki Clark just emailed us that her son Andrew is going to be a guest at about 5:00 p.m. tomorrow when 700 WLW Radio show hosts Eddie Fingers and Tracy Jones salute Norwood. Andrew got the invitation today from Tracy, and we know he’ll do us all proud. We hope everyone who can will listen in.

Norwood cops catch 2 stealing copper from church

The Enquirer is reporting that Norwood police caught Thomas Cox, 29, and William Cox, 30, in the act of trying to steal copper downspouts from the Immaculate Conception Church on Robertson Ave at about 5:30 a.m. yesterday. Apparently, someone who saw the men lurking around the church and then entering called the police. A witness told the police one of the men was pulling down the downspouts while the other stood and watched. After their arrest for felony breaking and entering charges, both were booked into the Hamilton County jail.

Moral of the story: always call the Norwood police when you see suspicious behavior or a crime in progress.

ADDENDUM: Channel 9 (we can't get the link to work) says both men are Norwood residents and are employed as roofers. It is not clear whether or not they are related.

Norwood Illustrator to Launch Poster Debut

Emily Baute with Public Relations at the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County sent us an announcement that Norwood resident Ryan Ostrander is one of three acclaimed local illustrators who will appear at the 2009 Poster Debut kick off event on Tuesday, September 1 at 7:00 p.m. at Joseph-Beth Bookselllers at Rookwood Pavilion. The event is sponsored by Organizers of Books by the Banks: Cincinnati USA Book Festival.

Along with Ryan Ostrander, Will Hillenbrand of Terrace Park and C.F. Payne of Evendale will discuss their work and the illustrations they created exclusively for the annual Books by the Banks posters. Since the book festival's inauguration in 2007, the posters – now considered unique collectors' items – have captured the essence of what Books by the Banks (BBTB) means to the community. Ryan Ostrander will also debut his 2009 BBTB poster during this event. Following the discussion, all three artists will sign posters (Hillenbrand, 2007; Payne, 2008). The cost of the new 2009 poster is $10.00 and the previous posters are $5.00 each.

Ryan Ostrander worked as an illustrator and graphic artist at the Cincinnati Post for eight years and is now art director at Tracker Products, in Erlanger. He has received numerous awards from Scripps Howard News Service, The Associated Press of Ohio, Kentucky Press Association and The Society of Professional Journalists, which has three times named him "Best Graphic Artist." .

C.F. Payne's artwork has graced the covers of Time magazine, Reader’s Digest, Sports Illustrated, the New York Times Book Review, and many more. He has been commissioned to paint countless politicians, authors and entertainers and has illustrated ten children’s picture books, including bestsellers The Remarkable Farkle McBride and Micawber, written by John Lithgow.

Will Hillenbrand is the acclaimed illustrator of many popular children’s books, including Louie, One Fine Trade, Counting Crocodiles and Kiss the Cow. His highly anticipated new book, Sleep Big Bear Sleep will be available September 1.

NCS rates Continuous Improvement again on LRC

The 2008-2009 Local Report Cards results on the Ohio Department of Education website show the Norwood City School District is, once again, rated in Continuous Improvement category again where it has been for many years. Click here to see the CI results for the NCS District, and click here to view the individual results for our 6 schools buildings.

This year, Sharpburg Elementary dropped back to Effective from last year’s Excellent rating; Norwood View and Williams Elementaries have dropped from Effective to Continuous Improvement; Sharpsburg Elementary has dropped to Effective from Excellent; Allison Elementary and Norwood Middle School maintained the Continuous Improve rating from last year; and Norwood High School maintained its Effective rating from last year.

Why the decline in our school buildings’ ratings? What should our new NCS Superintendent Rob Amodio do to turn them around?

Reserve a Save Our Public Library yard sign

If you are supporting the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County’s 1 mil operating levy on this November’s ballot, you can sign up now for Save Our Public Library yard signs for your home or business. The proposed levy will cost the owner of a $100,000 home $30 per year.

According to an email from Cheryl Crowe, Campaign Manager for Citizens for Your Library’s future, the group will be putting up at least 7,500 yard signs across Hamilton County starting the beginning of October. Click here if you would like to request a sign. The group asks that you consider making a donation of $5 to help cover the cost the yard sign.

You can follow the Save Our Public Library campaign here on twitter, and you can click here to join their Facebook page.

SPCA Cincinnati looking for funniest pets for Bark Day Bash

Is your Cockatoo crazy, your feline funny, or your Weiner dog just downright weird? Then SPCA Cincinnati wants you to record your pet being silly, performing a great trick, or just looking goofy and show them!

SPCA Cincinnati is looking for Cincinnati’s funniest pets to help celebrate the first ‘birthday’ of its Sharonville Humane Center at the Bark Day Bash on Sunday, September 13.

The Bark Day Bash will be from noon-4:00 p.m. at the Humane Center at 11900 Conrey Rd. Admission is free. The top five funniest pets will compete for the title of “Cincinnati’s Funniest Pet” at 2:00 p.m. in the dog training room.

To enter send in a non-returnable DVD of your pet’s hilarious hijinks by Tuesday, September 7. For more information and a registration form visit www.spcacincinnati.org.

In addition to all the laughter, there will also be food, a dunking booth, free giveaways, on-site dog nail trimming services (proceeds go to SPCA Cincinnati), and an appearance by Jessica Byington, Miss Teen International. Byington is from Indian Hill.

Parking will be available at Stewart Elementary School (across the street on the School Road side.) If you have any questions or would like to be a vendor or sponsor for this fun event, please call Carol Ferris at (513) 489-7392.

City Auditor’s website updated with June reports

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

June 09 NFD Activities and Statistics Report

A monthly feature

A. Total of emergency responses for the month of June = 387

Medic Runs = 287
Fire Runs = 7 w/breakdown
Average Response Time on Runs = 3 minutes, 11 seconds (city-wide)

Number of incidents by type:
Fire Runs – 7 - (Building, Vehicle, Brush, etc.)
Overpressure, Explosion - 0
Rescue & Medic Unit Assists – 50 - (lock-in, extrications, traffic accidents, etc.)
Hazardous Conditions (no fire) - 10 - (power lines down, arcing, spills, etc.)
Service Call - 10- (smoke removal)
Good Intent - 11- (odor of smoke, controlled burning)
False Alarms – 11 - (false alarms, system malfunctions, smoke detector activated, etc.)
Severe Weather - 0
Special Incident - 0

B. Fire Hydrant Activity
Painted Hydrants - 105

C. Bureau of Fire Safety Activities = 650
Total Inspections – 125 - (residential, schools, churches, businesses)
Total Violations – issued 151
Total Violations – corrected 279
Total Block Inspections – 14 - (Unit #1, Unit #2, Unit #3 – Rental & multi-family)
Additional Activities - 81

Training session for COPP volunteers next Saturday

Bill Graff , Civilian Coordinator of Citizens on Patrol Program, and the NPD’s Lt. Tom Williams, Jr., COPP’s sponsor, tell us there will be a training session for COPP volunteers next Saturday, August 29 from 1 - 5 p.m. at the Norwood Police Academy on Park Avenue. Although the session will qualify attendees to become volunteers, it will also give them the opportunity to decide if they want to pursue 3 evenings of further training at the Cincinnati Police Academy at the old Spinney Field on Thursday’s starting September 17.

If you’re interested in attending the session, contact either Bill Graff at 731-6977 or Lt. Williams at 458-4545 right away so you fill out an application in advance. Volunteers must be at least 21 years of age and present a picture ID as part of the application process. Drivers licenses are not required.

Friday swimming at Waterworks Pool canceled

Kathy Hammond tells us the Recreation Commissioners decided at their Wednesday night meeting to close Waterworks Pool both today and next Friday, August 28 because of football games that may result in heavy traffic/parking congestion in the area. Only these two days are affected, and the pool will be open the rest of both weekends with the last day being Sunday, August 30. Norwood Rec apologizes for any inconvenience. For more information, call the Recreation office at 531-9798.

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, August 24 meeting of the Norwood Republican Club. The group meets at the Community Center at 1810 Courtland Avenue. Hot dogs, peanuts, caramel corn, popcorn will be served.

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.

Camp Meeting & Round Up at Norwood Wesleyan Church

WELCOME

Inter-church holiness
OLD FASHIONED CAMP MEETING & ROUND UP SUNDAY!

AUGUST 27-30

Speaker: Ken Vansbuskirk

Schedule of Services:
THURSDAY - 7:00 pm
FRIDAY - 7:00 pm
SATURDAY - 10:30 am
SATURDAY LUNCH - 12:30 pm
SATURDAY - 7:00 pm
SUNDAY 10:30 am (Western Clothes Day)
SUNDAY LUNCH - 12:30 pm

Norwood Wesleyan Church
5407 Warren Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45212
513-442-0737
Singing - Preaching - Fellowship - Food

NFD is drop-off site for donations to benefit NSL

Lupe Gonzales Hoyt sent us the following announcement encouraging everyone to make small donations on August 26 either at the Riverbend Music Center concert or at the Norwood Fire Department on Montgomery Road:


Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire will be performing at Riverbend Music Center, Wednesday, August 26. As part of their 30-city national tour, these musical legends are joining in the fight against hunger. Fans may contribute $3 or 3 non-perishable food in return for three coupons to download three new songs. Norwood Service League and the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks will benefit from this effort. Members of the Norwood Fire Dept. are volunteering at this concert to collect donations of food and dollars, and have offered to make the NFD firehouse a drop-off site for food to Norwood residents and businesses on August 26 only. Look for the barrels with the blue/white NSL logo!

Lupe Gonzales Hoyt
Norwood Service League

All About Dogs Expo this Saturday

ALL ABOUT DOGS EXPO

Saturday, August 22, 2009 11am-4pm

Grace United Methodist Church
2221 Slane Ave.
Norwood, Ohio

Pet Parade
*Bring your kids and dogs!
*Costumes Optional
*Prizes awarded

Dog Demos and Discussions
*Clicker Training
*Walking with leash and loose leash
*Pet Safety

Dog Wash
*Provided by All About Dogs Grooming and Dogs Training Youth
*Nails/Pads

Rescue Group
*Pet Castle

Food and Beverages

*Proceeds benefit Grace United Methodist Church and Dogs Training Youth

Limited booth space still available. Please contact Mary Ann at 513-207-8072

This week at the Norwood Branch Library

Tuesday, August 18th:
Movie Matinee
Ages 6-12
2-4 p.m.

ESOL Conversation Group
5:30 p.m.

Preschool Storytime
Ages 3-5
6:30 p.m.

Friday, August 21st:
Friday Morning Book Club
After This
by Alice McDermott
10:30 a.m.

For more information, call 369-6037.

June 2009 Earnings Tax Report

A monthly feature

The Earnings Tax Department’s Report for June shows YTD collections strong for the third month running. Last month, YTD collections increased 7.38% over 2008, and May collections increased 8.85%.

Individual………….$ 57,837.71
Business……………$340,766.36
Withholding………$ 915,860.43
TOTAL…………….$1,314,464.50

Collections thru June 2009….……….....…..............$8,961,338.84
Collections thru June 2008................................$8,407,547.35
6.59% increase collections over 2008.……………....$ 553,791.49

Check out the updated Norwood Health Dept. website!

Kudos to Health Commissioner Pamela Walker-Bauer and her crew for the renovations and improvements to the NHD website. It's looking good with lots of great information for community members!

Alert: S. Norwood residential break-in & attempted break-in

A Floral Avenue resident who was the victim of a Tuesday night home robbery asked us to post the following information so we can all be on the look out for the suspect and his M.O. Please report any suspicious activity immediately to Norwood Dispatch at 911, and please, please keep your doors securely locked. We have a call in to Lt. Tom Williams, Jr., and if he has any other details, we will do an update.


I have some sad news - our house was broken into the night before last. We got about $1000 worth of tools stolen, but luckily they did not damage the house beyond repair.

A house down the street also had an attempted theft during the day, which was thwarted by the homeowner, but unfortunately she did not call the police in time to catch him. We think it was the same person.

Piecing together information from one of our neighbors as well as the lady down the street, here is what we know:

Suspect is a black male, 30-40 years old, 5'8" to 6' tall, driving an older gray regular cab Ford or Chevy pickup with loud exhaust and the front grill partially broken. He was seen driving slowly around South Norwood, scoping out potential houses to hit. He parks a few houses away, then walks to the site of the thefts, as to not be in front of the house in case the police happen to show up.

Announcing…20 Norwood restaurants awarded Gold Plate status

Norwood Health Commissioner Pamela Walker-Bauer sent us the names of this year’s Norwood Gold Plate restaurants to share with our readers. The Gold (Great Options in Lower-fat Dining) Plate Award program is a project of the Norwood Health Department and the Cardiovascular Health Coalition of Hamilton County, and the purpose is to recognize local restaurants that offer their customers “heart healthy” choices. Participating restaurants provided information about their establishments and menus. If you’re interested in healthier meals when dining out, you’ll find them on the menus of this year’s winners:

1. Betta’s Italian Oven at 3764 Montgomery Rd.
2. Bluebird restaurant at 4692 Montgomery Rd.
3. Boston Market at 2692 Madison Rd.
4. Bronte Bistro at 2692 Madison Rd.
5. Busken Bakery at 4103 Montgomery Rd.
6. Don Pablo’s at 2692 Madison Rd.
7. First Watch at 2692 Madison Rd.
8. Frisch’s at 4765 Montgomery Rd.
9. Great Steak & Potato Co. at 4600 Smith Rd.
10. J. Alexander’s at 629 Edmondson Rd.
11. LaRosa’s at 4702 Montgomery Rd.
12. Max and Erma’s Restaurant at 2613 Edmondson Rd.
13. McDonald’s at 4594 Montgomery Rd.
14. Potbelly Sandwich Works at 2692 Madison Rd.
15. The Pub at Rookwood Mews at 2692 Madison Rd.
16. Rusty Bucket Corner Tavern at 2692 Madison Rd.
17. Sorrento’s Pizza at 5143 Montgomery Rd.
18. Subway at 4560 Montgomery Rd.
19. What’s for Dinner at 3009 O’Bryon St.**
20. Whole Foods Market at 2693 Edmondson Rd.

**awarded to Norwood catering location

An update from Norwood Recreation

Kathy Hammond with Norwood Rec asked us let everyone know that the last day for swimming at the Burwood and Victory Park pools is this Friday, August 14. Waterworks Pool on Harris Avenue will be open through Tuesday, August 18 and then will reopen for only the next two weekends with the last day being Sunday, August 30. For more information, call the Recreation office at 531-9798.

2 masked gunmen rob Domino’s Pizza, escape

NPD Sgt. Ron Murphy told the Enquirer that two masked gunmen entered the Domino’s delivery store at 11:41 p.m. last night, brandished weapons, and demanded cash. Sgt. Murphy said the two left with an unknown amount of money from the cash register. A police dog was brought to the scene but lost the suspects’ trail.

The Domino’s store is located at 3915 Montgomery Rd., 1 block south of the UDF that was robbed early Monday morning. This is starting to look like the beginning of a bad trend. Are there any security measures these businesses can take to thwart armed robbers?

Yes! Norwood police quickly nab UDF armed robbery suspect

Thankfully, no one was injured at the UDF store at 3941 Montgomery Road yesterday morning when Dwayne Shaw of Elmwood Place allegedly pointed a handgun at the clerk and demanded money. After collecting no more than $78, Shaw walked out of the store and across the street where Norwood police arrested him a short time later. His mug shot has got to be in the running for the creepiest one the Enquirer has ever posted. Another great arrest by the NPD!

Results of David Pepper’s economic survey

Hamilton County Commission David Pepper has posted some of the results from his economic survey we linked to last week. He says, “Reflecting the national news, people have cut back on their own consumption, seen layoffs and other cutbacks in the workplace, but also seem confident that the worst of the recession is behind us--or almost behind us.”

Here are the basics:

1. Economic Outlook: 59% think the recession has already "bottomed out" or is bottoming out now. 16% think there is no hope until 2010.

2. Workplace Cutbacks: respondents have experienced the following steps in their workplace: 54.8% - salary freezes/cuts; 51.9% - layoffs; benefit cuts - 19.2%; furloughs - 12.5%; four day weeks - 7.7%. 23% said they've seen no changes.

3. Spending: Families cut back in numerous areas of spending: 42.3% drastically cut back on travel (73% cut back by some amount); 37.4% drastically cut back on clothing (71.5%); 28.5% drastically cut back on eating out (76.5%); 28% drastically cut back on charitable giving (64.8%)

4. Measures to Deal w County Budget: very clear results on what citizens want to see County do to deal with its budget problem:
1) Consolidate/Share Services (75% positive-8% negative);
2) Invest in Economic Development (56.5% positive-21.8% negative);
3) Cut Spending To Match Reduced Revenues (including layoffs/furloughs) (46.3% positive-25.4% negative; 28.5% neutral);
4) Raise taxes to keep critical services going (16.3% positive-59.4% negative)

5. Levies on Ballot: facing five levies on the ballot, 50% would vote for 3 levies or fewer; 50% would vote for more than 4 or 5

6. Effect of Stimulus: Respondents were generally optimistic about the stimulus package: 27.6% say we're already starting to see the results, and 37% say we'll see the results soon.

Mr. Hemmer, thank you for your reply re Kelley Financial

Last night, public relations consultant Andy Hemmer responded to our 7/30/09 blog “Mr. Hemmer, those 100 new jobs at Rookwood are coming to NORWOOD!” He left the following comment under the blog in which he acknowledges his “bad” and promises to sin no more with press releases that incorrectly state that Kelley Financial is in Cincinnati. Needless to say, we are delighted with his response. What do you think about the proposal to Norwood in his p.s.?


Dear Citizens of Norwood:

My bad, totally. Yes, I said Norwood in the release once, maybe twice, but I also used Cincinnati more than I should have. I was thinking about the Zip Code first (Kelley Financial is at 3805 Edwards Road, Suite 200, CINCINNATI 45209 - just like Deerfield Township and West Chester, you get dissed by the media and USPS daily); secondly, I was thinking about the bigger picture: i.e., when you go to Florida or North Carolina for vacation, and someone asks u where you're from, I'm guessing you say "Cincinnati," not Norwood. If you say Norwood, props to you, but I'm also guessing there's a zillion Norwoods across the U.S. I'm from Delhi, I live in Fort Thomas, but whenever I'm talking to someone from out-of-town, I always say Cincinnati. ... anyway, no disrespect intended. When my boys at Kelley Financial make the news next, I'll be damned sure to make sure I say Norwood. Thanks for the heads-up ... later!

Andy Hemmer
The Writing Fiend at Large
(513) 604-5428
andy@andyhemmer.com

p.s.
tell Norwood I'd be glad to help them out with some PR ... I was at the Business Courier for 10 years as a reporter/editor, so I know a few things re: how the media operates. Peace -
Andy Hemmer | Homepage | 08.10.09 - 11:22 pm | #

What’s new in the 'wood?

After getting an email from Laura Hobbs about the brand new sign in front of the Norwood Delite Creamy Whip on Forest Ave., we decided to open our eyes a little bit to see what else is new around town. We saw a sign recently installed over the new auto parts store about to open in the renovated former Schott dealership on Montgomery Road, and then we thought we saw a sign on the Surrey Square marquee advertising an Indian restaurant. Is it true? Are we getting an Indian restaurant, or did our eyes deceive us? We also noticed a new boutique on Montgomery Road named “Heaven” something. What else good, bad, or indifferent is new to Norwood that we may have missed?

NYP gets the ball rolling again at Gordo’s Tuesday

After a couple of months off, Norwood Young Professionals are swinging back into action with their August meeting at 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 11 at Gordo’s at 4328 Montgomery Road. As always, it’s an open invitation, so feel free to join if you’d like to be involved in planning their fall calendar and/or discussing the future of NYP.

Beware of two men posing as Duke Energy employees

According to Channel 12, Cincinnati police are looking for two men posing as Duke Energy employees who may be casing homes in adjacent Oakley. On July 31st, two men approached a female on Millsbrae Avenue and asked about her parent’s work hours and the vehicles they drove. Police in Dayton, Ohio are investigating similar cases.

Both suspects are white. The first is approximately age 30, has a medium build with short, blondish/brown hair and was wearing a light gray Duke polo shirt with red stripes. He may have gone by the name “Vaughn”. The second suspect is in his early 20’s, has a medium build with short, brown hair, and was wearing a black t-shirt, a black ball cap and oversized shorts.

Anyone with information about these two is asked to call Police Dispatch at 513-765-1212 or CRIMESTOPPERS at 513-352-3040. Tips can be sent by text to 513-352-3050. Callers may remain anonymous and may receive compensation for their information.

Always proceed with caution if individuals just show up at your house claiming to be with Duke Energy or any other utility or public/private entity. Always ask for proper identification and then call the utility or entity and verify the identification. If it doesn’t check out, call Norwood Dispatch immediately at 911.

Norwood blues fans: volunteer for the Cincy Blues Fest

Joe Wessels sent us the following blog in which he invites our readers to volunteer for the Cincy Blues Fest:


17th Annual Cincy Blues Fest is this weekend (Aug 7 & 8) at Sawyer Point. And even though I am not necessarily the world's biggest blues fan, this will be my fourth year volunteering there. Why? 'Cuz it's fun.

Check out this fun Web site: http://www.cincyblues.org/

I now help coordinate the two-way radio communication for the event, but my old job - driving around golf carts carrying performers, liquor, beer, etc. - has a major shortage of helping hands. I honestly can say that this is the most fun I have ever had volunteering anywhere - toting around a golf cart all over Sawyer Point. In fact, we are a little shocked that we don't have enough volunteers signed up already. Usually there is a waiting list.

So, if you're inclined, there are three shifts both Friday and Saturday. Work one or as many as you would like. Anything would help. Sign up by replying to me and I will take care of the rest. I will be there pretty much the entire festival. We will talk on the two-way radios. See, so much fun just anticipating the fun we'll have.

Friday
1st shift: Noon to 5 p.m.
2nd shift: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
3rd shift: 9 p.m. to midnight

Saturday (looks a lot like Friday)
1st shift: Noon to 5 p.m.
2nd shift: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
3rd shift: 9 p.m. to midnight

If you volunteer, your official title will be "plaza coordinator." You get a free t-shirt, too, plus a bag of goodies. And a free (with beer) volunteer party... Volunteer and I will fill you in like a coloring book.

Thanks for reading. Hope to see (and hear) you there this weekend.

Joe Wessels
(513) 549-NEWS (6397)
(513) 738-0201 Ross Self Storage

Free Gardening Workshops, UDF Ice Cream Hoe-down this Saturday

Lupe Gonzales-Hoyt sent this invitation for our readers to come to two community wide events this Saturday:


You are invited to attend, and bring friends, to the Norwood Community Garden at Linden Pointe for the "Gardening Workshops" this Saturday, August 8, beginning at 9:30 AM. Whether you have a garden plot on our site or one in your backyard, you will enjoy learning about composting, fall planting, and container gardening. Presenters will be Peter Huttinger- Civic Garden Center, Brad Rogers-Urban Harvest, and Mary Kramer-Cincinnati Horticulture Society (to be confirmed).

A "UDF Ice Cream 'Hoe'-down" will follow at 11:00, and a presentation will be made to members of the Norwood Do Right! Walking Club. A special Thank You! to friends at United Dairy Farmers for their donation.

Look for information about "Norwood Community Garden Harvest Grillout" in September on our website at www.norwoodserviceleague.org ,and new programs and events related to Norwood Do Right!

Lupe Gonzales-Hoyt
Norwood Service League

Take David Pepper’s new economic survey

Via his Cincy Peptalk blog, Hamilton County Commissioner David Pepper is seeking feedback from county residents with a short, 10-question economic survey. The survey asks about our views regarding the recession, what measures our employers and we ourselves have taken to deal with it, what steps the county should take to get the through the current budget crisis, how many of the five proposed November levies you support, and what you think about the federal stimulus legislation and the "cash for clunkers" program.

Sunday was our birthday, and it’s time to name names!

We are officially in our fourth year blogging, and this is our 1,354th blog since we opened for business August 2, 2006. Who would ever have thought we’d have made it this far? Well, the truth is we wouldn’t have were not for the guest blogs, news items, interviews, news tips and other contributions from community members, some of whom wished to remain anonymous. We’ve gone through the past year’s archives and collected the names of most if not all of the people who have helped make our content relevant, timely, and interesting for our readers. Thank you from the bottom of our 3-year-old hearts! And a big thank you to all our readers for visiting and commenting on our topics.

Jack Weston, Oliver Comstock, and Jami Stutzman with Norwood Young Professionals
Former Health Commissioner Donna Laake
Councilpersons Steve Thornbury, Michael Gabbard, Keith Moore, and Victor Schneider
Robin Mace with Burwood Parents
Jenny Wallace and Kathy Hammond with Norwood Recreation
Debora Del Valle and Laurel Bauer with Xavier University’s Public Relations Office
Lisa Bauer
Debbie Simpson with the Clerk of Council’s Office
Nikki Marksberry with Emersion Design
Health Commissioner Pamela Walker-Bauer and RNs Betsy Nabors and Chandra Corbin with the Norwood Health Dept.
Doug at St. Elizabeth Arts
Laura Hobbs with Norwood Business and Professional Women’s Club & Norwood Band Boosters
Joann Payne and Deb Robison with Norwood City Schools
Pastor Chris White and Vicki Gabbard with Norwood Presbyterian Church
Lupe Gonzales Hoyt with Norwood Service League
Lt. Tom Williams, Jr. with the Norwood Police Dept.
Bill Graff with Citizens on Patrol Program
Vicki Clark and Andrew Clark with the Norwood Star newspaper
Casey Brown with the Norwood Republican Club and the Norwood Fireworks Committee
Jim Stith, Norwood City Auditor
Pastor Tim Brooks with the Norwood Church of the Nazarene
Kevin LeMaster with Building Cincinnati blog
Tom White with Norwood Public Works
Master Sergeant Steve Jessie with the Ohio Army National Guard
Joyce McDowell with the Caleb Tate Fuller Foundation
Phyllis Wilson with Cornerstone Christian Academy
Angela Pancella with Vineyard Central Church
Relayman!
Pastor Steve Wingate with Norwood Wesleyan Church
Chief Curtis Goodman with the Norwood Fire Dept.
Erica Rooks with First Family Network of Women
Susan Grote with Friends of the Public Library
The entire staff at the Norwood Branch Library
Brian Mumper with the Holy Trinity Festival

We apologize if we’ve overlooked anyone.

Please don’t hesitate to send us news tips, announcements, guest blogs, and other pertinent information about our community to betternorwood@aol.com.

We may take a birthday day or two off this week for a little R&R…or we might not if there’s something that we need to post that can’t wait.

Scam victim cleared, and she doesn’t live in Norwood after all

The Enquirer is reporting that Judge William Mallory dismissed forgery and theft charges against Tamika Thomas (see 7/27/09 blog below) this past Friday. After reviewing all the evidence, including the documents from the scammer, he said it was easy to see how she was hoodwinked. He was particularly irked that the Woodforest National Bank in Evendale, which pressed charged against Ms. Thomas, did not send representatives to court from either its Texas headquarters or its Evendale location. “If they can’t even come from the Evendale branch, I’m dismissing it,” he said.

The Enquirer is now saying that Ms. Thomas lives in Avondale and not Norwood as originally reported last week. We’re feeling a little scammed by the Enquirer about this. How does a major newspaper make mistakes in residency? Are parts of Avondale in zip code 45212? Avid Reader has a take on this, which he posted in the comments under last week’s blog: “Oh, and the article in the Enquirer stated that she lives in Avondale, not Norwood. I guess now that she is not guilty, she lives in Avondale, but when she was accused it was Norwood.” Oh, please say it isn’t so.

This week at the Norwood Branch Library

Monday, August 3rd:
Monday Evening Book Club
Fast Food Nation
By Eric Schlosser
6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, August 4th:
Movie Matinee
Ages 6-12
2-4 p.m.

ESOL
Conversation Group
5:30 p.m.

Preschool Storytime
Ages 3-5
6:30 p.m.

For more information, call 369-6037.

August COW meeting canceled

Per the Clerk of Council's office, tomorrow’s regular monthly meeting of the Committee of the Whole has been canceled.