Citizens For A Better Norwood

Saturday, May 29, 2010

2010 pool passes for sale at Norwood Recreation

Kathy at Norwood Recreation tells us Waterworks and Victory Pools are scheduled to open Tuesday, June 1, and Burwood Pool will open Wednesday, June 16, if repairs are completed. Pool passes are being sold now at the Norwood Recreation Office in the Community Center at 1810 Courtland Ave. Photo IDs are required this year, so everyone getting a pass needs to be present to be photographed.

Pool passes can be purchased at the Recreation Office Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. as well as next weekend on Saturday, June 5 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and Sunday, June 6 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Cost:
Children $35.00
Adults $ 55.00
Family $ 115.00 (includes Mom, Dad and their children)

Friday, May 28, 2010

Norwood Health Commissioner selected for national program

Let’s all congratulate Pamela Walker-Bauer for being selected as one of only 24 fellows across the country to participate in the “Survive and Thrive” program!

Guest blog by Pamela Walker-Bauer

I have recently learned that the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), supported with a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, has selected me as a fellow for a program called “Survive and Thrive: Roadmap for New Local Health Officials.” “Survive and Thrive” is a workforce development initiative for new local health officers with less than two years of experience. The application process was highly competitive with only 24 individuals selected from across the country. I am also the only health commissioner in Ohio selected for this opportunity. Applicants were chosen based on a proven track record of public health experience and leadership aspirations.

NACCHO developed this program to help new local health officers during the challenging early years of one’s career as the lead official in a local health organization hoping to foster and facilitate success. NACCHO states that I will have “the opportunity to engage with seasoned colleagues, learn new skills and apply practical hands on experience to the challenges and opportunities presented by my unique role as a local health official (LHO).” I will be assigned a mentor/coach and as a Survive and Thrive Fellow, I must do the following:

1. commit approximately 100 hours, including teleconferences, coaching, and in-person workshops, as well as some assignments
2. attend and be an active contributor to all three in-person workshops:

Orientation Webinar, May 26, 2010, 3:00 P.M. E.D.T.
Coaches Introduction Webinar, June, 24, 2010, 3:00 P.M. E.D.T.
Workshop 1, on July 13-14, 2010 in Memphis, TN.
Workshop 2, February 10-11, 2011 in TBD
Workshop 3, July 19, 2011 in Hartford, CT

3. participate in scheduled teleconferences
4. complete all assigned self-assessments
5. complete all evaluation instruments
6. complete all reading, program materials, and assignments
7. develop a learning contract and an individual development plan
8. work with a coach
9. have access to a computer with high-speed Internet access

I am greatly appreciative of the support I have received from the representatives of the Norwood Board of Health on my participation in this program. Even though I have been the Norwood Health Commissioner for nearly one year (June 1, 2010), I still have a great deal to learn, especially since the first 9 months of my career was devoted almost entirely to the H1N1 Flu Pandemic. Furthermore, I am most proud to represent the City of Norwood, the Norwood Board of Health, and the Norwood Health Department at the national level!

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

Thursday, May 27, 2010

April 2010 Earnings Tax Report: $1 million decrease

A monthly feature

February earnings taxes were down 3.81% ($97,448.51) from February 2009, and March taxes were down by 5.25% ($193,797.53.) This month shows another decrease.

Individual………….$ 440,020.05
Business…………….$ 586,535.85
Withholding……….$ 826,738.29
TOTAL……………..$1,853,294.19

Collections thru April 2010….……….....…...........$5,532,122.03
Collections thru April 2009...............................$6,546,266.96
18.3% decrease in collections over 2009.…………(1,014,144.93)

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Building Cincinnati: Keidel Supply relocating to Paddock Hills

Thanks to two Cincinnati tax incentive packages, Keidel Supply Company, Inc. is closing its Norwood, Madeira and Sharonville locations by the end of the year and moving them to a new 135,000-square-foot headquarters, warehouse, and showroom at 1150 Tennessee Avenue in Paddock Hills. A 12-year, 75% Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) tax exemption that will reduce Keidel’s real property tax liability by $97,580, and a 10-year property investment reimbursement agreement will be used to renovate an existing building on Tennessee Avenue. The latter, according to Cincinnati Building blog, “will provide funding of up to $300,000 with annual payments limited to 50% of income tax revenues generated from new jobs. It is estimated that Cincinnati will receive $210,000 in new income tax revenue over those ten years.”

(h/t Cameron)

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

8th Annual SPCA Cincinnati Doggie Dash this Saturday

Hundreds of dogs and their two-legged friends will teach others about the humane treatment of animals when they take part in the eighth annual SPCA Cincinnati Doggie Dash Walk for Kindness on Saturday, May 29 at 10:00 a.m. The two-mile walk along the Ohio River begins at Sawyer Point (corner of E. Pete Rose Way and Eggleston Avenue) and will be held rain or shine.

The “dash” will help raise money for SPCA Cincinnati. Walkers without dogs are also welcome. Local celebrities will be on hand to lend their support.

“Dashers” are encouraged to collect pledges for the walk.

Prizes will go to the top three people with the most money in pledges. Prizes include four Diamond seats to the Cincinnati Reds, four Scout seats to the Reds and four Club seats to the Reds. Click here for a printable pledge sheet/registration form.

All participants will receive a free T-shirt. There will be booths and entertainment at the registration site. Parking is available at the corner of E. Pete Rose Way and Eggleston Avenue. Click here for directions.

Registration is $20 per person if you register by 5:00 p.m. Friday, May 28. Each additional family member residing in the same household and registering together is only $10 each with a maximum cost of only $50 per family!

Registration is also available beginning at 9:00 a.m. on the day of the event but early registration is strongly recommended. Cost to register on the day of the event is $25.

Numbered ListThere are four easy ways to register:
  1. Mail a registration form to SPCA Cincinnati, 11900 Conrey Road, Cincinnati, OH 45249
  2. Register in person at SPCA Cincinnati, 11900 Conrey Road, Cincinnati, OH 45249
  3. Fax a registration form to 513-489-7394.
  4. Register the day of the event.

Monday, May 24, 2010

2010 Summer Tour for middle and high school students

One of our readers asked us to post the following information about a great summer program for students:

Join the Summer Tour!

Want to have fun and hang out with your friends while checking out sights in Cincinnati?

The Norwood 21st Century After School Program is going on the road and your high school or middle school student is invited! Contact Laura Ferguson right away at 924-2705 to participate in the 2010 Summer Tour.

Dates:
High School Group: June 29 July 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22
Middle School Group: June 28, 30 July 7, 9, 12, 14, 19, 21

Places we may go: Reds & Bengal tour, Freedom Park, Siemen’s, Art Museum, Loveland Castle, Radio Station, TV Station, Cincinnati Nature Center, Sunrock Farm, Backstage Music Hall, & more. This will be an afternoon program. Official schedule & times TBA soon. We need to know how many students will attend asap!

This week at the Norwood Branch Library

Tuesday, May 25
Children/Preschool Storytimes
Stories, songs, and a craft
6:30 p.m., Ages 3-6

Saturday, May 29
Arts & Crafts
Help kick off Summer Reading 2010:
Lights, Camera, READ! and decorate a book to take home.
1:00 - 5:00 p.m., Ages 12 and under

For more information, call 369-6037.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Forget Me Knot Walk proceeds fund community programs

Guest blog by Joyce McDowell


The cold, windy weather didn't stop about 150 people from attending the 4th annual "Forget- Me-Knot" Walk on May 8th in honor of Caleb Fuller who died on bone cancer a few years ago. Many other lost loved ones were honored as friends and family walked in their honor and paid tribute to them in the Memorial Balloon Launch that was facilitated by StarShine Hospice of Children's Hospital. Local Girl Scout troop lead by Lisa Triance lead the flag raising ceremony and bright orange T-shirts lined Floral Ave. as Mayor Tom Williams lead the procession in a bright red Razor ATV from Tri-County Polaris. Norwood Citizens On Patrol and the Forresters Club served as crossing guards at the event while members of Thrivent Financial and volunteers from the Nazarene Church, Ashland Ave. Baptist and many other individuals served as volunteers for the walk and festival.

About 65 children went through the fire safety and hazard house that was provided by the St. Bernard Fire Dept.and manned by the Norwood Fire Dept.. Thanks to all the local businesses who contributed to the Bid & Buy and sponsored the event. Total funds raised to date from this event are about $22,000. The Caleb Tate Fuller Foundation has already distributed funds from the Walk to the StarShine Hospice program at Children's Hospital and cooked burgers and hotdogs at the Relay for Life donating the proceeds to the American Cancer Society. The Foundation is currently accepting scholarship applications to Cornerstone Christian Academy and will be hosting a Mad Cap Puppet show in July and Mad Science event on August 7th at the annual Back to School Bash held by the Norwood Church of the Nazarene. Look for the Money Matters program for kids this fall. Thank you to the City of Norwood and all those who have worked to make this event a success. Remembering our loved ones through service to the children in our community is a beautiful way to honor their memory. Check out the website www.forgetmeknotwalk.com for information on the Foundation and upcoming local events sponsored by the Foundation.

Joyce McDowell
The Caleb Tate Fuller Foundation

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Free game tickets for kids in Xavier’s X-Treme Reading Club

Xavier University College of Social Sciences, Health and Education presents Education Day on May 26 at 11:05 a.m. Not only will kids enjoy a day at the ballpark, but they will also experience an education fair. The Florence Freedom will take on the Southern Illinois Miners. This will also be the third season in which Xavier sponsors its X-Treme Reading Club.

This program encourages students in grades K through 8 to read in a new and inventive way. All they do is read and get rewarded with FREE tickets to 2010 Wednesday night Florence Freedom home games. Students must read four books for each free voucher. Vouchers are good only for eligible Freedom Wednesday games (excludes Wednesday, May 26). An e-mail will be sent several days ahead of the Wednesday game and the voucher will be attached. Parents will print off the voucher they receive after registering on the web site and bring it to the check in at the Champion Window Field third base gate. One voucher is good for a free ticket for the participant and one guest (8th grade or younger). Other friends and adult family members accompanying the student may buy specially priced tickets. Families of multiple children need only to register one address and can print multiple copies. Click here for more information.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Xavier Co-Sponsors Anti-Bullying Institute 2010

Educators and Parents Unite to Combat Bullying

On June 17th & 18th from 8:30am-4:00pm, DISCO, Mayerson Academy and Xavier University will present a seminar on bullying for educators, parents and any interested in reversing this disturbing trend at Mayerson Academy 2650 Highland Avenue. Cost for the two-day seminar is $275. Special rates are available if a group of staff and/or parents from a school or district attend. A group of 5-9 receives a $25.00 discount per person. A group of 10 or more receives a discount of $50.00 per person. Pre-registration is required. This is an excellent seminar for PTA/PTO members. To register, log on to www.mayersonacademy.org.

“Every day, there is a new incident of bullying either locally or nationally where a child was either physically or emotionally damaged, discrimination occurred, or in some cases the student committed suicide,” says Tracy DuEst, M.Ed, Program Director of DISCO (Developing Inclusive Schools, Communities, and Organizations).

Day 1 of the institute will be devoted to understanding bullying and moving toward solutions. Bullying will be presented as an abuse of power that harms all - the bullies themselves, their victims, observers of bullying (often overlooked), educators, families, and community members. Related to this objective is a more nuanced and research-based understanding of the types of school climates and situations that are more conducive to bullying. Strategies for self-awareness and action steps that individuals can take to combat bullying will be provided. And, since the most effective actions are collaborative, practical team-based strategies for preventing and combating bullying will be provided.

Day 2 will offer sessions to prevent or reverse bullying, including understanding and combating cyber-bullying.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

H1N1 vaccine can prevent tragedy of “life years lost”

Guest blog by Pamela Walker-Bauer

With the recent death on May 2, 2010 of a young mother in Hamilton, Ohio from H1N1 related complications, I feel compelled to once again stress the importance of vaccination against the 2009 H1N1 virus. H1N1 flu activity is still present in our community and Ohio is still reporting flu activity at the sporadic level.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention death estimate from the 2009 H1N1 virus is nearly 12,000 people to date. Let me reiterate…12,000!!! That is a 12 with three zeros. It is estimated that nearly 9,000 of those deaths were in people aged 18-64 years. Perhaps your eyes are glazing over with these statistics. But I ask you to think of these deaths in another way. It is what those of us public health professionals trained in epidemiology call “life years lost.”

“Life years lost” are estimated by subtracting the age of death from the average life expectancy. So let’s look at the young mother from Hamilton who died at the young age of 26 and subtract that from the average life expectancy of almost 79 years. So 79-26 is 53. This mother had 53 years of her life lost. I wonder what she would have done with those 53 years. Perhaps she could have seen her grandchildren get married and held her great-grand babies in her arms.

When I think about those 12,000 deaths in the number of ‘life years lost” my heart aches.Maybe one of those people could have discovered a cure for a deadly disease. Maybe they could have been a school teacher or nurse. What if we lost a future amazing community leader? What if it was your child or relative…how would that impact you?

The City of Norwood has thus far been spared such a tragedy. Many of your children were vaccinated in one of our 14 school-based clinics. Many of you were vaccinated at one of the numerous clinics at the Norwood Health Department. For those of you who were not vaccinated, we still have vaccine available for you and your loved ones. Please contact us for your vaccine and help prevent any additional “life years lost”. We can be reached at 513-458-4600 or email us at info@norwoodhealth.org.

Pamela Walker-Bauer, MPH, RS
Norwood Health Commissioner

Monday, May 17, 2010

Cleneay Ave. mother charged with 3 counts child endangering

Norwood police arrested Megan Ward, 22, Friday morning when they found deplorable living conditions after she fell asleep while her children were outside, one of them naked. When officers awakened her as her 2 and 3-year-old children were playing in a neighbor’s yard, they found feces on the walls and insects everywhere. Ward was arraigned Friday on 3 counts of child endangering and is scheduled to return to court next month.

15-year-old crashes truck stolen from Allison St.

Twenty minutes after a truck was reported stolen overnight from Allison Street, Norwood police officers just happened to be driving behind it on northbound I-71 near Ridge Road. According to Norwood Police Sgt. Ronald Murphy, a pursuit ensued when the motorist refused to stop for the police. The truck crashed into a telephone pole a short time later, and the underage driver was quickly arrested and charged with fleeing police in a stolen pickup truck.

This week at the Norwood Branch Library

Tuesday, May 18th
Preschool Storytime
6:30 p.m., Ages 3-6

Wednesday, May 19th
Preschool Storytime
11:30 a.m., Ages 3-6

Friday Morning Book Club
Catch 22
By Joseph Heller
10:30 a.m.

For more information, call 369-6037.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Sad news: Norwood Busken Bakery closing this month

A reader emailed us that the Busken Bakery on Montgomery is closing May 29. We quickly called the store and got a confirmation. Our reader thinks a petition drive to save it should be started. Do you think this would help keep it open?

Norwood residents call police about suspicious home security salesman

According to Channel 12, homeowners in Norwood, Spring Grove Village, and College Hill contacted police after a suspicious door-to-door APX Alarm salesman refused to leave his business card or company information while pressuring them to immediately pay cash for the deals he was offering. Residents reported he inquired about the number entrances to their homes and whether they have security systems. Police sent out an alert yesterday. Channel 12’s own investigation found that the man is a salesman for Utah-based APX, which say its workers have employee verification numbers that be checked online. Always be cautious about door-to-door salespeople, and never hesitate to ask for ID.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Pet food distribution Saturday at Cincinnati Pet Food Pantry

Shannon Debra with the new Cincinnati Pet Food Pantry in Blue Ash asked us let our readers know their next pet food distribution day is this Saturday, May 15, from 10:00 a.m. - noon. The pantry, which had its first of three distributions on March 6, provides temporary assistance to owners who are struggling to feed their pets, and 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.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Norwood Relay for Life Community Pancake Breakfast

Invitation from Todd Tittle

I want to let everyone know about our Norwood Relay for Life Community Pancake Breakfast being held this coming Saturday, May 15th at Shea Stadium in the concourse (concession stand) area. The Norwood Relay received a Bisquick Pancake Nation grant to help cover the cost of the breakfast. We are inviting everyone before going out to start your Norwood Community Sale, Xavier Graduation, or chore list for the day stop out for all you can eat pancakes for $4 per person. The Boys Scouts and Adult Volunteers will be cooking up breakfast and serving it from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Todd Tittle
Co-Chair
Norwood Relay for Life

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Norwood Graduation Blessing

Rev. Timothy Brooks with Norwood Church of the Nazarene invites everyone to a Norwood Graduation Blessing for the Class of 2010 on May 28th. The blessing is hosted by Norwood Nazarene and organized by the Norwood Ministerial Association, which includes pastors of all denominations, including Protestant and Catholic. Rev. Brooks told us, “We are hoping that all Seniors and their families will come to this important event where we pronounce a blessing on their lives as they transition out of high school.”

What: Norwood Graduation Blessing
When: Friday, May 28 at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Norwood Church of the Nazarene at 4424 Floral Avenue
More information: Norwood Church of the Nazarene and Facebook

Monday, May 10, 2010

Fundraiser for Jim Stith’s campaign this Thursday

Following is an invitation to a fundraiser for Jim Stith’s campaign for State Representative for Ohio’s 33rd District:

Happy Hour
Fundraiser
Thursday May 13th

at

Neon’s
208 East 12th St. Cincinnati, OH 45202

4:30-7:30 PM


Join Jim for
Drinks, Snacks,
Pulled Pork Bar-B-Q,
Bocce Ball,
Music and Fun!

$25 per person
Tickets available online or at the door
Click here to R.S.V.P.
or call 828-8449

Free parking in Neon’s lot
From Central Parkway take Main St. 2 blocks North
turn right on 12th, Neons's is between Main and Sycamore.

Council on Aging taking viewers’ questions on Channel 9

One of our readers sent us the following information about a special feature during Channel 9’s newscasts tomorrow evening:

On Tuesday May 11, Council on Aging (COA) will be featured during the 5, 5:30 and 6 p.m. newscasts on WCPO, Ch. 9. COA staff members will also be present in the studio to take phone calls from viewers who have questions about COA programs and other aging-related topics.

The features will air four times between 5 and 6:30 (5:07; 5:37; 5:50 and 6:07 p.m.) and will include a brief introduction from WCPO”s Mary Krutko, followed by a 50-second video featuring COA clients and their caregivers.

Tune in to learn about:
  1. Where to turn for Answers on Aging. COA is a central source for unbiased information and connection to resources for seniors, their caregivers and families. Our call center of knowledgeable staff can help you understand your options for care and other services.
  2. Council on Aging’s mission to help adults remain independent at home and the programs and services that support that mission.
In the meantime, you can get Answers on Aging anytime by visiting Council on Aging's website or by calling (513) 721-1025.

This week at the Norwood Branch Library

Tuesday, May 11th
Preschool Storytime
6:30 p.m., Ages 3-6

Wednesday, May 12th
Preschool Storytime
11:30 a.m., Ages 3-6

For more information, call 369-6037.

Friday, May 07, 2010

2010 Spring Semi-Annual Street Sale next week

Norwood’s Spring Semi-Annual Street will be from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. next Friday, May 14th and Saturday, May 15th. All residents participating in the sale need to pick up a free permit before next Friday from the Norwood Treasurer’s Office on the 1st floor of City Hall. Permits are available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The permits allows your address to be entered in a directory of sales locations. The directory will be published on the City of Norwood Homepage closer to the date of the sale.

Thursday, May 06, 2010

Vote every day in May for Refresh Burwood Park & Pool grant!

Since Refresh Burwood Park & Pool did not win the $250,000 grant in the Pepsi Refresh Project contest the last 3 months, Jenny Wallace, Executive Director of Norwood Recreation, has reapplied for another run for this month’s contest. The partnership she developed with Cincinnati Soapbox Derby is still intact: their supporters will vote for our project and Refresh Burwood Park & Pool supporters will, hopefully, vote for their $25,000 project.

How to vote:
1. Click here to vote every day for the Refresh Burwood Park & Pool grant.

2. Click here to vote for the Cincinnati Soapbox Derby grant.

Initially, you will be asked open an account by providing your email address, a password, birth date, etc.

Visit the Norwood Recreation website to see a prototype of the proposed Burwood project.

NY jewelry wholesaler robbed at Rookwood

Fox 19 is reporting that yesterday afternoon, two men approached a Brooklyn, NY jewelry wholesaler leaving William Effler Jewelers in Rookwood Pavilion and took 2 cases of jewelry from him worth $500,000. The victim initially fought back but gave up when the men pulled out a knife. According to a Channel 9 report, Cincinnati police are searching for 3 men and that all of them were wearing surgical masks. They fled the scene in a black van. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Crimestoppers at 352-3040. You don't have to give your name and you may be eligible for a reward if your tips lead to an arrest.

Wednesday, May 05, 2010

Invitation to Mother’s Day/family event this Saturday

Norwood resident Shaina Horner tells us several groups are co-sponsoring a special Mother’s Day event at Lower Millcrest Park this Sunday, and everyone is invited:

Date: Saturday, May 8th

Time: 11:30 a.m. to 300 p.m.


Place: Lower Millcrest Park at 1700 Hopkins Street

Bring:
· A side dish to share; hamburgers, hotdogs, and drinks will be provided.
· A picture of your mother to share.

Program: On this Mothers Day weekend, mothers here and across the world will be separated from their children and worrying about their chance to make their dreams come true by going to college...all due to the U.S.’s broken immigration system. Join us as we gather with food, music, and activities to honor mothers and push our Senators to pass Comprehensive Immigration Reform this year!

SPCA & Channel 12 team up for Adopt-A-Thon 2010

SPCA Cincinnati and Local 12 are teaming up to find loving homes for homeless pets with a day-long Adopt-A-Thon this Thursday, May 6.

From 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on May 6 only, adoption fees for all dogs and cats will be reduced by $20. The normal adoption price for puppies and kittens 6 months and under: is $100 (includes dog license w/ dog adoption). For dogs and cats 7 months and over the adoption price is $90 (includes dog license w/ dog adoption).

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.

Local 12 will broadcast live from the Conrey facility throughout the day, plus there will be a free hot dog lunch at noon at both locations!

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.

STAF Day at Norwood Joseph-Beth this Saturday

One of us is a supporter of the wonderful non-profit, no-kill shelter Save the Animals Foundation, which is run by an extremely caring, all-volunteer staff. This Saturday, May 8, is STAF Day at Joseph-Beth Booksellers at Rookwood Pavilion. By downloading this coupon and presenting it to the cashier, 20% of your bookstore sale and 10% of your Bronte Bistro sale will be donated to STAF. Some of the of the STAF volunteers will be there from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to gift wrap your purchases.

Free water safety lessons at Lindner YMCA

Free water safety lessons for children ages 6-12 and their parents are scheduled June 8 to June 10 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Richard E. Lindner YMCA at 2039 Sherman Avenue. Splash! lessons will focus on backyard and community pool, boating, and beach safety and will offer information to parents on accident prevention and what to do if an accident occurs. Children will receive introductory swim lessons and learn about playing safely around pools.

Pre-registration for Splash! is required and can be made by calling the Richard E. Lindner YMCA at 731-0115.

Norwood voters pass 9.48 mil school levy

Here are the results of the yesterday’s vote on Norwood City Schools' Substitute Levy:


For: 1,151 (62.1%)

Against: 703 (37.9%)

This past February, Superintendent Rob Amodio described the 9.48 mil levy in a guest blog:

"The second course of action taken by the district has been to place a Substitute Levy on the ballot for May 4, 2010. The Substitute Levy is the combination of the two existing and soon to be expiring Emergency Levies and does not increase your taxes. The levies combined generate approximately $4,200,000 in tax revenue for the school district. The Substitute Levy will be an ongoing levy and will not have to be voted on every five years as required by law for an Emergency Levy. By making the levies ongoing it will save election and preparation costs going forward. But more importantly, the district’s financial base will be more solid and programs for children more stable."

Tuesday, May 04, 2010

Volunteer opportunity with Reds’ Green Team to help recycling

Casey Brown thought some of our readers might be interested in the following volunteer opportunity published in the Interchange newsletter she recently received:


The Cincinnati Reds have started a Green Team and are looking for volunteers. About 30-40 volunteers are needed at all weekend games. The volunteers will be given credentials to enter the game via Gapper's Alley, which is located on the north side of the ball park.

Volunteers will not have an assigned seat but will have standing room only access for the games they work. In addition, all volunteers will receive a Reds Green Team t-shirt. Green Team volunteers will be able to watch the games until the 6th inning. At the start of the 6th inning, volunteers should gather at Gapper’s Alley and get their section assignments provided by the Reds. Reds crews will work with the volunteers, provide them with clear plastic bags, and take the full bags from the volunteers. After all of the aisles are combed at or at the top of the 9th inning, the collection of the recyclables will cease.

During the 7th Inning Stretch, the groups of volunteers will be recognized by the PA announcer. The Reds would like all the volunteers to be no younger than high school age. If you are interested in being part of the Reds Green Team at Great American Ball Park, please email Sean Brown of the Cincinnati Reds at SBrown@Reds.com .

European Pine Sawflies noted in Norwood

Guest blog by Donna Laake

Imagine leaving your home in the morning with all of your bushes and plants green and in bloom only to come home a few hours later to find 3 large pine bushes that were over 30 years old completely devoid of their pine needles. That’s what happened recently to a Norwood resident last week who educated me about an infestation of European Pine Sawflies. As a member of the Norwood Tree Board, I had never heard of such a thing, but with a little detective work, I soon became aware of these pests and the damage that can be done by them.

The European Pine Sawfly is the most common sawfly that infests pines in Christmas tree plantations, home and nursery plants. The larvae look similar to caterpillars but are most wasp-like. The flies prefer mugho, Scotch, red, Jack and Japanese pines, but sometimes will feast on white, Ponderosa and other pines. Larvae eat only the surface of the pine needle, causing it to turn brown and wilt. As they grow, the larvae stick together and feed from the tip of the pine needle to the base. The larvae feed on the older pine needles, moving from branch to branch, leaving the newer growth untouched. They are voracious eaters! Larvae will move from tree to tree/bush to bush as needles from their previous host are devoured, leaving some bushes or trees completely without any needles. Trees or bushes sometimes can survive because the European Pine Sawfly does not eat new growth.

The European Pine Sawfly spends the winter as an egg on the pine needle, hatching in April to mid-May and feed until mid-June. Larvae are about one inch long and are green with a light stripe down the back. As they mature, the larvae drop to the ground and spin a cocoon. Adults emerge in August and September to mate and lay six to ten eggs on needles, preparing for the next round of eating.

So how do you control these pests? If you can find the eggs on the branches before they hatch in the spring, the eggs can be removed by hand….doesn’t sound too promising to me. You can cut off the affected branches and place them into a plastic bag to destroy. Sometimes the larvae can be knocked off the branch and placed into a pail of soapy water to kill the larvae. And then there are always the insecticide sprays for infestations that are larger.

Bottom line, check your pine bushes and trees in late winter or early spring for signs of these pests. I’ve been told that once the European Pine Sawfly is spotted in an area, bushes and trees within a 5 mile radius are at risk. For more information and pictures of the European Pine Sawfly, go to the O.S.U. Extension website at http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2555.html or just Google “European Pine Sawfly.”

Donna Laake
Norwood Tree Board

Monday, May 03, 2010

Shots of Norwood in “Cornhole: The Movie”

The Enquirer is reporting that Timonthy Clarke, a 1988 St. Xavier High School graduate, has directed, written, and produced a fake documentary filmed in the local area. On Friday at 7:00 p.m., “Cornhole: The Movie” will premiere at Covington’s Madison Theater. It follows four teams battling in Cincinnati for the national championship in the fictional Hudy Center. U.S. Bank Arena was used for the sports arena, and most of the cast were recruited locally. Scenes were shot of cheering fans sitting on bleachers borrowed from Norwood baseball fields as well at Norwood Bingo, Shimmers Tavern in Fort Wright, Logo’s Sports Bar in Sycamore Township, and Sneaky Pete’s in Milford.

Mr. Clarke hopes the film gets played in Midwest theaters. The DVD will be released during Chicago’s Windy City Cornhold Tournament in July. Anyone who attends Friday’s premiere for $10 can pre-order the DVD.

h/t to Laura

This week at the Norwood Branch Library

Monday, May 3rd
Monday Evening Book Club
Catch 22 by Joseph Heller
6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 4th
Preschool Storytime
6:30 p.m., Ages 3-6

Wednesday, May 5th
Toddler Jam Time
Ages 1-4 With Adult
10:30 a.m.

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

Get Energy Smart!
4 p.m., Families

Saturday, May 8th
Lego Club
3-4 p.m., Ages 6-12

For more information, call 369-6037
.