Norwood Community Television streaming public meetings

Tyler Myer, Executive Director of Norwood Community Television, sent us an email announcing that Norwood City Council meetings will begin streaming recent Norwood City Council meetings online at
http://nct.pegcentral.com.

Currently posted on the site are the June 17th Board of Education meeting, the June COW meeting, and a cable show entitled “Mayor’s Forum” with Mayor Williams and a panel consisting of Norwood residents Jack Weston and Sandra and Cameron Kelley.

You can see the most recent Council meeting on Time Warner Cable Channel 4 in Norwood at the following times:

Sunday - 9:30 a.m.
Monday - 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday - 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday - 9:30 p.m.
Friday - 1:00 p.m.
Saturday - 12:00 a.m.

Norwood City Council Meetings are also played on Time Warner Cable Channel 24 throughout Hamilton County on Thursdays at 12:00pm.

We’ve added the new NCT website to our links on the right hand side of the page.

Summer Tour a memorable experience for Norwood students

We want to thank Glenna Edwards for sending us this wonderful blog describing the great time Norwood students had on their Summer Tour:


Isn’t it wonderful when a great idea turns into reality? That’s what happened when Laura Ferguson, 21st Century Community Learning Center After School Program Coordinator, had the idea that middle and high school students would benefit from an enrichment tour of the Cincinnati area this summer. She contacted Live It Like You Mean It (LILYMI) to help organize the activities, coordinate with area attractions, and provide camp leaders. Together, Summer Tour was created and became a reality for Norwood teenagers.

Summer Tour ran from June 28 through July 22. There was a middle school group and a high school group. Students learned the fascinating life of Harry Delos Andrews, creator of the historic Loveland Castle. They learned about the Underground Railroad at the Freedom Center. Students enjoyed a guided tour of both Paul Brown Stadium (Bengals) and the Great American Ball Park (Cincinnati Reds). “I liked the Bengals Press Box,“ said David Highland, NMS 8th grader.

Molly Elliot, a Junior at NHS, said, “My favorite part was seeing stuff people usually don't see like behind the scenes at Paul Brown Stadium. Sunrock Farm was my favorite place.”

From atop the Carew Tower, students pointed out the three states of the tri-state and could just make out their hometown, Norwood, by following the highway in the distance. Students experienced farming at Sunrock Farm by feeding and milking goats, holding baby chicks and catching tadpoles in the creek. At the Fire Museum, they learned that Cincinnati had the first paid firemen in the country and they learned what “contemporary” (living artists) means at the Contemporary Arts Center downtown. Chris Perkins, a 7th grader, said, “I liked all the hands-on stuff that kept me busy.”

Students were wowed by the Omnimax Theater in the Museum Center, saw how a radio station (91.7 WVXU) works and got to pretend to forecast the weather in Local Channel 12’s Studio One. Sara Isaac, a 9th grader, said, “My favorite parts were the Omnimax Theater, I'd never seen a screen that big, and Loveland Castle's tour was neat.”

Linda Brenner, an 8th grader, said her favorite part was “the Natural History Museum, especially the caves there.” Shelby Kohler, an 8th grader, said, “Channel 12 was my favorite. I got to see how green screens and cameras work.”

When asked if the tour helped you get to know Cincinnati better, Sydney Elliot, a 10th grader responded, “Yes, it took me to multiple places I’d never been.” Summer Tour was a fantastic opportunity to expand the knowledge of young people in our community. A great idea turned into a memorable summer experience for Norwood students!

This week at the Norwood Branch Library

Tuesday, August 31st
Preschool Storytime
6:30 p.m., Ages 3-6

Wednesday, September 1st
Preschool Storytime
10:30 a.m., Ages 3-6

For more information, call 369-6037.

NCS stays in Continuous Improvement, but 4 schools rate Effective

The 2009-2010 state report cards results show Norwood High School, Norwood Middle School, Norwood View and Sharpsburg Elementary all were rated Effective. If memory serves, this is the first time 4 NCS schools have been ranked Effective on the same report card, and it’s the first time Norwood Middle School has been rated Effective. Click here for today’s Enquirer article “Top Districts slip in report card rankings.”

Congratulations to the students, to Superintendent Amodio, and to the staff of teachers and administrators who delivered 4 Effective schools!

Hamilton County announces Citizen Survey results

Hamilton County Administration has placed the results of its 2011 citizen survey on the county website for public review. The survey was conducted online from July 8 through August 8, 2010 and was posted on this blog for our readers’ convenience. The results will remain online through the development of the 2011 budget.

The 2011 survey was completed by 1,336 county residents who responded to questions about such topics as the stadium fund revenue shortfall, 911 call center consolidation, drug incarceration policies, election policies, Sheriff’s road patrols, approaches to public health and mass transit, and overall county government reform.

The survey responses have been provided to the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners and will be considered as they deliberate on budget priorities for 2011 over the next several months. All other county agencies and elected officials have also been provided access to the results.

Survey results are available through the end of August by clicking here. After August 31, the results will remain on the webpage of the County Administrator’s Office of Budget and Strategic Initiatives through the end of the 2011 budget process.

Hamilton County residents will have more opportunities to express their views at public budget hearings to be scheduled during October.

The 2011 citizen survey was developed entirely through the use of existing county resources and entails no new expenses for county taxpayers.

3 Xavier students robbed at gunpoint

According to the Enquirer, two male and one female freshmen were robbed at gunpoint Monday at 10:40 p.m. as they walked back to their dorm from the UDF store on Montgomery where they had gone for snacks and cigarettes. The female student reported they were about 50 yards from campus when 3 teens approached them asking for a cigarette and light. After one of the students handed them over, one of the teens pressed a handgun to her head, and they were told , “Give us everything.” Two of the teens showed guns and demanded money as they held shirts and bandanas over their faces. After taking a cell phone, cash, credit cards, a wallet and purse, the robbers fled across Dana to Clarion Avenue in Evanston. No arrests have been made.

Following the incident, Xavier officials posted announcements on campus and in a staff e-newsletter warning faculty, staff and the 6,000 students to be on the lookout. Xavier spokeswoman Debora Del Valle stated the university has had a task force in place more than year that includes both the Cincinnati and Norwood police. It has enhanced safety education, communication, and this new website.

Norwood’s Urology Group sponsors Annual Prostate Cancer Walk/Run

Saturday, September 11 is the date of the Norwood-based Urology Group’s Annual Prostate Cancer Awareness 5K Walk/Run. Following registration and packet pick-up from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. at the Urology Center at 4700 Smith Rd. The race will begin at 8:00 a.m. Participants can also register online early by clicking here. Event shirts are guaranteed to everyone who registers by September 1st.

On the race day there will be nurses and staff drawing blood for on site PSA testing from 7:00 - 8:00 am. After 8:00, male registrants will receive a voucher for a free PSA test.

Money raised from the race will be donated to Wellness Community, an international non-profit organization that provides free support, education, and hope to cancer patients and their families.

2nd Quarter 2010 Citizens on Patrol Summary Report

Bill Graff sent us following COPP quarterly report and says he will send us future quarterly reports to publish.

Total patrol hours…………………….29.71
Total volunteer hours…………………158
Reports to Building Dept………………15
Reports to Health Dept………………….7
Reports to Public Works Dept………...5
Total graffiti tags removed……………25
Total hours to remove graffiti………11.4
Training Bill Graff course: .……………8

Dispatch Reports:
Water main leaking
Graffiti on buildings
Traffic signals/street lights not working

Activities:
NPD/COPP Community Cookout
At Kroger: COPP display and passed out child. I.D. Kits
Norwood Moose Lodge #301: Donated 2000 pull tabs for Ronald McDonald House
Forget-Me-Knot Fun Run: Assisted with traffic control for run
Received $100 donation from Norwood Seniors for graffiti removal chemicals

COPP has removed 925+ graffiti tags in Norwood.

The Citizens on Patrol Program is supported by donations from public, business, and private donors. Norwood residents who are interested in becoming COP members or making donations should contact Lt. Tom Williams, Jr. at 456-4545.

Bill Graff
Norwood Civilian Volunteer Coordinator, NPD/COPP

This week at the Norwood Branch Library

Tuesday, August 24th
Preschool Storytime
6:30 p.m., Ages 3-6

Wednesday, August 25th
Preschool Storytime
11:30 a.m., Ages 3-6

For more information, call 369-6037.

Ride a train this year from Norwood to WEBN fireworks

For $25, you can purchase a roundtrip ticket on the a Fireworks Train to see the WEBN fireworks on Sunday, September 5. The Cincinnati Railway Company train will leave the Norwood Eagles Train Station at 2863 Harris Place at 6:00 p.m. and arrive at the Montgomery Inn Boathouse about an hour later. Click here for all the details or to purchase tickets. Following is the complete schedule:

5:30 p.m. - Begin Boarding at Norwood Eagles Train Station
6:00 p.m. - Departure to Montgomery Inn Boathouse
7:00 p.m. - Arrive at Montgomery Inn Boathouse
10:00 p.m. - Begin Boarding for return trip to Norwood Eagles Train Station
10:15 p.m. - Departure to Norwood Eagles Train Station
11:15 p.m. - Arrive at Norwood Eagles Train Station

July 2010 NFD Activities and Statistics Report

A monthly feature

A. Total of emergency responses for the month of February = 400

Medic Runs = 298
Fire Runs = 8 (Building, Brush, etc.)
Average Response Time on Runs = 3 minutes, 7 seconds (city-wide)

Number of incidents by type:
Fire Runs – 8 - (Building, Brush, etc.)
Overpressure, Explosion - 0
Rescue & Medic Unit Assists – 57 - (lock-in, extrications, traffic accidents, etc.)
Hazardous Conditions (no fire) -9 - (power lines down, arcing, spills, etc.)
Service Call - 10 - (smoke removal)
Good Intent - 4 - (odor of smoke, controlled burning)
False Alarms – 14 - (false alarms, system malfunctions, smoke detector activated, etc.)
Severe Weather - 0
Special Incident - 0

B. Fire Hydrant Activity
Hydrant Activity unavailable for July

C. Bureau of Fire Safety Activities = 564
Total Inspections – 136 - (residential, schools, churches, businesses)
Total Violations – issued 143
Total Violations – corrected 182
Total Block Inspection - Unit #’s 1, 2, 3 - Rental & multi-family: 5
Referrals to Health and Building Depts. - 3
Additional Activities - 95

Mayor Williams: Finance Committee should fund new paramedic unit

Following is an open letter from Mayor Williams to the community:


August 16, 2010

As we are all aware and I have been stating since last July, our financial situation is deteriorating at a fairly rapid pace. This, of course, should come as no surprise to anyone. I have my beliefs on how we got to this position but for now, we should concentrate on what our priorities should be and discuss causes at a later date.

In the past as we faced financial problems, we took the position that we could not let our City services decline to the point where quality of life, and yes, life-threatening situations occur. There is one glaring situation that must be dealt with and that is a paramedic vehicle. The issue has been in the discussion phase for months. As discussions go on, the condition of our paramedic vehicles continues to decline.

I have heard recently, when large sums of money have been spent, that the City had an obligation to spend that money. Now, we have an obligation to find the funds for a vital life-saving piece of equipment. At the Finance Committee Meeting on August 17th, I will be urging the Finance Committee to fund a paramedic unit.

We cannot have someone calling for a paramedic unit and have to pend on mutual aid.

Sincerely,

Thomas F Williams, Mayor
City of Norwood

This week at the Norwood Branch Library

Tuesday, August 17
Wii Play!
2-4 p.m., Ages 6-12
Sign Up At Desk

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

Wednesday, August 18
Preschool Storytime
11:30 a.m., Ages 3-6

Crafty Wednesday
2 p.m., Ages 6-12

Friday, August 20, 2010
Friday Morning Book Club
Uncle Tom's Cabin
by Harriett Beecher Stowe
10:30 a.m.

Saturday, August 21
Angelina Ballerina Tap Performance
2 p.m.
Families Welcome

For more information, call 369-6037.

Xavier named to 2011 Forbes’ America’s Best Colleges

Moves to 121 from 196

Xavier University continues to rise steadily and has been ranked 121th in the country by Forbes magazine and the Center for College Affordability and Productivity (CCAP). That is up from 196th last year and 225th the year before that. The CCAP ranked 610 undergraduate institutions based on the quality of the education they provide, the experience of the students and how much they achieve.

According to the study, a good college is one that meets student needs. Focus is on issues which directly concern incoming students: Will my courses be interesting and rewarding? Will I get a good job after I graduate? Is it likely I will graduate in four years? Will I incur a ton of debt getting my degree?

The Center for College Affordability and Productivity (CCAP), in conjunction with Forbes, uses 11 factors in compiling these rankings, each of which falls into one of five general categories, and gathers data from a variety of sources.

According to the magazine, “Whether they're in the top 10 or near the end of the list, all 610 schools in this ranking count among the best in the country: We review just 9% of the 6,600 accredited postsecondary institutions in the U.S., so appearing on our list at all is an indication that a school meets a high standard.”

Click here for more information at Forbes' website.

Mayor Williams apologizes to Citizens on Patrol

Yesterday afternoon, Mayor Williams asked us to post the following letter:

August 11, 2010

When I make a mistake I admit that mistake, and, boy, did I make a doozy and on top of it, I hurt some dedicated people’s feelings. At the August 10th Council meeting, during the Administrative Report while discussing Norwood’s “National Night Out” which was held on August 3rd, I mentioned several departments from inside the City and outside the City; and at that time, I also made the statement that I would not mention names because I might forget someone.

What I did forget was to mention Citizens on Patrol. I forgot to mention people who volunteer countless hours for their City and basically show up at every event to promote their organization. To all of those volunteers with the Citizens on Patrol, I deeply apologize.

Sincerely,

Thomas F. Williams, Mayor
City of Norwood

July 2010 Earnings Tax Report

A monthly feature

Individual………….$ 104,557.60
Business……………...$ 39.716.70
Withholding………..$ 814,025.04
TOTAL…………….....$ 958,299.34

Collections thru July 2010….……….....….................$8,691,092.87
Collections thru July 2009...................................$10,469,812.05
16.99% decrease in collections over 2009.………($1,778,719.18)

LeeAnn Rimes’ concert at Xavier to benefit SPCA Cincinnati

Iams is partnering with SPCA for a fundraiser concert. Iams is sponsoring the SPCA Cincinnati “Bow and Wow” tour starring LeAnn Rimes on Friday, September 17 at Xavier University’s Cintas Center at 7:30 p.m. The opening act will be Tupelo Honey. There will be fun, pet-centric activities and displays on the Cintas Center concourse.

Tickets are now on sale at www.spcacincinnati.org, Ticketmaster and the Cintas Center. Prices range from $21 to $61. A limited number of tickets to a VIP reception are also available at $150. The VIP package includes a pre-concert reception at the Schiff Conference Center at Cintas with an appearance by LeAnn Rimes, food and beverage at the reception, and special concert seating.

There will also be an on-line auction at www.spcacincinnati.org in conjunction with the concert. All proceeds will benefit SPCA Cincinnati.

Also, SPCA Cincinnati’s Northside shelter will be getting a makeover thanks to Iams. On Thursday, September 16, Iams employees will roll up their sleeves to paint, plant, repair at SPCA’s shelter at 3949 Colerain. The makeover of the 1964 facility will not only improve life for animals at the shelter, it will also enhance the adoption experience for people who give the animals their forever homes.

“This makeover supports Iams dedication to animal welfare as well as supports SPCA’s mission of turning no animal away,” says Jason Taylor, Manager External Relations P&G Pet Care.

“Iams is a great partner and supporter of SPCA,” says SPCA President and CEO Harold Dates. “This will help make the shelter more inviting and comfortable for the animals and bring in more adopters.”

Xavier Players Present “Closer”

An examination of Hook-Up Culture

At the end of the first week of classes at Xavier University, Xavier Players will present Patrick Marber’s Closer as part of the Week of Welcome program. Open also to the public, the shows are at 7:30 pm on August 27 & 28 and at 2 pm on August 29 in the Gallagher Student Center Studio Theatre. Tickets are $5 in advance or $7 at the door and can be ordered online by clicking here.

In Closer, four lives intertwine over the course of four and a half years in a densely plotted, stinging look at modern love and betrayal. In this world, the line between love, as desire, and hate is thin: endearments are followed by insults; embraces prepare for violence on all levels; and passion’s heat gives way to icy detachment.

Closer forces the audience to examine all dimensions of their own lives, even the ugly parts. But, they are able to see the rainbow through the rain. Closer explores the selfishness of desire when detached from love and commitment. Audience members see bits of themselves in the characters. Western theatre has traditionally called the audience to be more than spectators - to be participants in the drama.

“The play calls us, as life itself does, to deeper authenticity, to a reverence for personal integrity, and to the world of interrelation and interdependence that lies beyond mere hook-ups,” says director Bob Sauerbrey, adjunct theology faculty at Xavier. “Understanding our lifelong psycho-spiritual development is essential to the teaching of Theology. For students, sexuality pervades that development and cannot be separated from any other dimension of their lives. There is nothing casual about sex for those who perceive its power. ‘Hooking-up’ creates the illusion of intimacy without the commitment of love. Human relations degrade to mere gestures without significance.”

The Xavier Players strive to complement Xavier’s Catholic, Jesuit philosophy and form students intellectually, morally, spiritually, with rigor and compassion, toward lives of solidarity, service and success. Xavier believes critical inquiry, open discussion and diverse expression of ideas are essential to its educational mission.

This week at the Norwood Branch Library

Tuesday, August 10th
Children/Games
Enjoy your last days of summer by playing and/or watching Wii sports. Sign up in advance with friends to secure a time slot - up to 4 people can play at once.
2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Ages 6-12

Preschool Storytime
Books, songs, and a craft
6:30 - 7:00 p.m. Ages 3-6

Wednesday, August 11th
Books, songs, and a craft
11:30 a.m. - noon. Ages 3-6

Saturday, August 14
Lego Club
Lego lovers, build a monster creation and have your picture taken with it.
3:00 p.m. Ages 6-12

For more information, call 369-6037.

Mayor Williams explains the KOPS task force

We want to thank Mayor Tom Williams for sending us the following blog about the City's efforts to eliminate blighted, crime-infested properties:


In April 2009, the City of Norwood began a pilot program called KOPS (Keep Our Property Safe). This program was developed as a cooperative effort between the Norwood Building and Police Department personnel, which jointly performed a once a month field trip to properties in the community that are candidates for blight, along with properties that have had an abnormally high number of police incidents and possible crime activities.

Studies have shown that when blighted properties are left unchecked, neighborhoods deteriorate at an alarming pace, property values drop and the crime rate rises.

Beginning August 2010 the KOPS joint task force has expanded to three times a month and now includes the support of the Health Department and Fire Department in efforts toward an overall City approach in eliminating blight.

The physical presence of the Norwood Police Officers, Building and Housing Inspectors, Fire Department and Health Department personnel walking the neighborhoods creates awareness of the condition of the housing stock and helps promote pride in the neighborhood and pride throughout the community.

The first field trip with all departments was August 4th. Building Commissioner Gerry Stoker, Health Commissioner Pam Bauer and Assistant Law Director Chris Brown accompanied the inspecting personnel to three separate locations.

This increase of field inspections will continue as long as it takes and we will take whatever action is necessary, operating within the legal guidelines, to send the message that this City will not tolerate the run down property or the crime that it brings.

The properties inspected are selected by past violations and police runs. We, of course, are open to nominations for this program. If you have a location in mind that you would like to receive a visit from the KOPS program, please contact the Building Department at 458-4510, and we will do our best to stop by and pay them a visit.

Thomas F. Williams, Mayor
City of Norwood

Cincinnati Pet Food Pantry offers pet food assistance

The folks at the Cincinnati Pet Food Pantry know how important family is, and they know your pets are part of your family. During these tough economic times, they know many people have to make difficult decisions and believe no one should have to decide between paying rent and buying food for their pets. If you need dog food or cat food/litter, the Cincinnati Food Pantry provides temporary pet food assistance so pet owners can keep their pets during difficult times. Their next pet food distribution day is Friday, August 20 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. There is no income limit. You must bring a photo ID and come in person to be eligible. Click here for a press release that states the guidelines for receiving assistance.

Cincinnati Pet Food Pantry is at 11367 Deerfield road in Blue Ash near the Sharonville line. Take the Reed Hartman Highway exit off 275. Follow the signs to Kemper Rd. Right on Kemper, then left on East Kemper Rd. Go through 3 traffic lights and turn right on Deerfield Rd, just before the railroad tracks. Go about 3/4 mile, and at the second sharp curve, turn right into the driveway for Circle Development/Circle Storage (just after Soccer Village). The pantry is in the first building on the right.

On a related note, an adorable stray male kitty took up residence with one of us several weeks go. We came home from an overnight trip and found him “roaring” on the deck. His name is now Tiger, and, yes, we let him in the house 2 days ago because, aside from falling in love with him, we’re taking him to the vet tomorrow before we have him neutered for at the UCAN Clinic at 1230 West 8th Street in Cincinnati. They’re offering a special spay/neuter price for cats of only $25 for the month of August. Click here for more information about the services UCAN provides for pets.

New immunization requirement for this school year

Norwood Health Commission Pamela Walker-Bauer wants our readers to know following information before children go back to school:

New Immunization Requirement for 2010-2011 School Year

The Ohio Department of Health has updated the immunization requirements for Ohio students. All Ohio 7th graders will be required to have a Tdap booster. Tdap protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis; Pertussis is more commonly known as whooping cough. To avoid exclusion from school, the Norwood Health Department recommends that your incoming 7th grader receive the booster before school starts in the fall.

As with many other immunizations, the Dtap vaccine can be received at the Norwood Health Department on Sherman Avenue. The cost of the Dtap immunization is $7.00. Other vaccines are also recommended for this age group (Meningitis, Chicken Pox, Hepatitis A, Human Papillomavirus ) and can be provided to your child at the same visit for an additional $2.00 per immunization. Contact us for an appointment at 458-4600 or email us at info@norwoodhealth.org. Visit us at www.norwoodhealth.org for more information about the Norwood Health Department and you can now follow us on Facebook.

Xavier named “Best in the Midwest” by Princeton Review

Also featured in National Princeton Review College Guide for 7th Straight Year

Xavier University is one of the country’s best institutions for undergraduate education, according to The Princeton Review. Xavier is one of 152 institutions The Princeton Review recommends in its “Best in the Midwest” section of its website feature, “2011 Best Colleges: Region by Region” that was posted August 2, 2010 on PrincetonReview.com.

Additionally, the education services company features the University in the new 2011 edition of its popular guidebook, “The Best 373 Colleges” (Random House / Princeton Review, August 3, 2010, $22.99). This is the seventh year in a row Xavier has been featured in this guide.

Only about 15% of America’s 2,500 four-year colleges and two Canadian colleges are profiled in the book, which is The Princeton Review’s flagship annual college guide. It includes detailed profiles of the colleges with school rating scores in eight categories, plus ranking lists of top 20 schools in 62 categories based on The Princeton Review’s surveys of students attending the colleges.

Says Robert Franek, Princeton Review's Senior VP / Publishing, “We’re pleased to recommend Xavier to users of our site as one of the best schools to earn their undergrad degree. We chose it and the other terrific institutions we name as ‘regional best’colleges mainly for their excellent academic programs. From several hundred schools in each region, we winnowed our list based on institutional data we collected directly from the schools, our visits to schools over the years, and the opinions of our staff, plus college counselors and advisors whose recommendations we invite. We also take into account what students at the schools reported to us about their campus experiences at them on our 80-question student survey for this project. Only schools that permit us to independently survey their students are eligible to be considered for our regional ‘best’ lists.”

Norwood woman accused of calling 911 for a date

According to Norwood police, Bernadette Music, 43, called 911 four to five time on July 26 looking for a date. Days later, officers arrested her on August 1 after she allegedly urinated in the hallway of her apartment building and charged her with disorderly conduct for both offenses. In a video on Channel 9's website, Music tells her convoluted side of the story, in which she seems to display classic traits associated with people with severe drinking problems: self pity (“when you‘re lonely you get depressed and it gets you to a breaking point“), defiance ("I’m very brave and bold. I tell it like it is.”) and minimalization/denial about the seriousness of the alcohol-induced offenses ("I'm not ashamed of it. What the heck, it happened, I didn't realize I did that.”).

Aside from the enormous cost taxpayers and society in general pay for police to deal with alcohol and drug-related crimes, the other story here is about a woman whose life is unmanageable, in complete disarray, and very much at risk. In a rational mind, this would be the humiliating rock-bottom incident that would drive one to seek treatment or a 12-step program. But this woman’s denial appears to run very deep. Miss Music, if you happen upon this blog, please get yourself the help you desperately need.

ADDENDUM: This Business Courier article says the latest Gallup poll reveals the U.S. drinking rate has risen to its highest level in 25 years. Roughly 67 percent of U.S. adults said they drink alcohol, with the higher the income of the respondents the more likely they were to drink. The increase is attributed to a side effect of the ongoing recession.

Despite poor economy, Rookwoods close to 100% leased

According to the Enquirer, five new retailers will be occupying vacant retail spaces at Rookwood Commons and Pavilion: The Wine Guy, wine bar, bistro, and wine shop; Charming Charlie, a women’s jewelry, accessories, and handbag retailer; Mattress Frim; McSwain Carpets & Floors; and Hot Mama, a boutique for moms and moms-to-be. The new tenants are leasing either vacated spaces or extra spaces that have resulted from downsizing by current tenants.

Mark Fallon, vice president of leasing for developer Jeffrey R. Anderson Real Estate, has worked over the past year to renew leases at both Rookwoods, nearly all of which came due during the worst economic time in recent history. Retailers around the country to closing stores in shopping centers and malls. “It could have been disastrous,” he said. Instead, the new tenants mean Rookwood Commons is nearly 100% leased, and Rookwood Pavilion will be fully leased when The Wine Guy opens by Thanksgiving.

This week at the Norwood Branch Library

Monday, August 2nd
Monday Evening Book Club
Uncle Tom's Cabin
By Harriet Beecher Stowe
6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, August 3rd
Wii Play!
2-4 p.m., Ages 6-12
Sign Up At Desk

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

Wednesday, August 4th
Toddler Jam Time
10:30 a.m., Ages 1-4

Preschool Storytime
11:30 a.m., Ages 3-6

Crafty Wednesday
2 p.m., Ages 6-12

For more information, call 369-6037.