Starting Monday…2011 candidate blog series

With the local campaign season well under way, it’s almost time for another CBN candidate blog series for candidates for City offices. Starting Monday, we will post anywhere from 1-3 of the candidates’ submissions daily. This time around, we’re trying something new: we’re turning off the comment box underneath each blog. Neither political party requested this.

The primary reason we started the series was to allow candidates to inform our readers about their campaigns for office. The comment boxes were never intended to be places to wage ugly attacks against candidates, which is exactly what has happened to one degree or another in years past. We intended the series to be a safe forum where candidates could tell our readers about themselves without experiencing the wrath of their opponents’ more zealous supporters. We believe eliminating the comment boxes might increase the likelihood more candidates would participate, and that is actually the name of this of the particular game.

Health Commissioner King: Who should get a flu shot

We want to welcome new Norwood Health Commissioner Brad King to our blog with his first public health message to Norwood residents:

Recently the Health Department released the schedule for flu clinics for the month of October. I wanted to provide some information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as to why you should get the flu vaccine and steps to avoid getting sick and spreading germs. If you have any questions please feel free to contact the Health Department Monday-Friday 8 a.m. -5 p.m.

Brad King, RS, MPH
Health Commissioner
Norwood City Health Department
458-4600


Take time to get a flu vaccine.
· CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses.
· While there are many different flu viruses, the flu vaccine protects against the three viruses that research suggests will be most common.
· The 2011-2012 vaccine will protect against an influenza A H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus and the H1N1 virus that emerged in 2009 to cause a pandemic.
· Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine as soon as the 2011-2012 vaccines are available.
· Vaccination of high risk persons is especially important to decrease their risk of severe flu illness.
· People at high risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease and people 65 years and older.
· Vaccination also is important for health care workers, and other people who live with or care for high risk people to keep from spreading flu to high risk people.
· Children younger than 6 months are at high risk of serious flu illness, but are too young to be vaccinated. People who care for them should be vaccinated instead.

Take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs.
· Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
· Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
· Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
· If you are sick with flu–like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
· While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.

(NOTE: Please see the 9/23/11 blog below for NHD’s flu shot clinic schedule for October.)

Charming Charlie robbed by two masked subjects

Norwood Police Dept. press release

Yesterday at 11:26 a.m., Charming Charlie in Rookwood Commons was robbed by two masked subjects. No weapon was seen but was implied. Both subjects allegedly pulled in front of the store in a vehicle that was reported stolen from the west side. Both subjects entered the store and demanded money. The undisclosed amount of money was taken from the store in two green bags. Both subjects ran out the back of the store and were last seen running down the tracks behind LaRosa’s Pizza on Madison Rd. Cincinnati Police assisted with a canine track but lost the track near the back of the restaurant.

Both suspects are described as in their late teens to early twenties, dressed in black clothing, 6’3 inches tall, with slender builds. One subject had black spandex over his face and the other subject was wearing sunglasses and a blue and white bandana over his face.

Investigators are looking at surveillance cameras in the area at the time of the robbery. Anyone having information regarding this robbery, please call Norwood Police at (513) 458-4520.

Lt. Tom Williams
(513) 458-4545


1:30 p.m. ADDENDUM: Lt. Williams just emailed us a description of the suspects: "They were two black males in their late teens to early twenties."

Repub. candidates at Norwood High Homecoming Football game

On Friday, October 7, Norwood Republican candidates will be volunteering at Norwood’s Homecoming Football game. They will be working the concession stand during the game. If you would like to help, please contact Jim Stith at jimstith@hotmail.com.

If you would like to request an early voting ballot from the Board of Elections, please see one of the Republican candidates who can get you a form to fill out. It is important that you cast your vote and make your voice heard.
Click here for the Norwood Republican campaign website, and if you’d like to follow the Republican candidates on Facebook, click here.

We’ve installed links to both local parties’ campaign websites under Links on the right hand side of this page.

Dem. candidates coming to a neighborhood near you

Local Democratic candidates for local are doing something new this year: 2-hour Saturday morning campaign walks in each ward while they simultaneously pick up trash from the streets. And everyone is invited to help out. This past Saturday, Ward 1 was scheduled, but a heavy downpour of rain interfered. The following information is taken from the Norwood Dems website:

The next (three) Saturdays, you will have the opportunity to meet several Norwood Democratic Candidates and also help clean us several Norwood streets! We will be walking through each ward, meeting neighbors and taking questions while also helping to keep our city clean. If you want to join, the dates/times/locations are listed below:

Ward 2: Saturday, Oct. 1st; meet at Williams School at 9:00 a.m.

Ward 3: Saturday, October 8th; meet at former North Norwood School at 9:00 a.m.

Ward 4: Saturday, October 15th; meet at Norwood View School at 9:00 a.m.

Poll: Would you attend a Citizens Police Academy?

Norwood Police Chief William Kramer has asked us to survey our readers to find out how much interest community members would have in attending a Citizens Police Academy sponsored by the Norwood Police Department. The academy would hold one 3-hour evening session each week over a 10-12 week period. The purpose of the academy would be for local citizens to get an in-depth, detailed understanding of what our Norwood Police Dept. does. Note: It would not be training for Norwood’s Citizens on Patrol. If you have any questions, please call Lt. Tom Williams at 458-4545.

Would you attend a Citizens Police Academy?
	Yes
	No
	Maybe
pollcode.com free polls

NPD Alert: Rash of car break-ins in South Norwood

Norwood Police would like to make citizens aware of a series of car break-ins that have occurred over the past couple of weeks. This is occurring mostly in South Norwood. Vehicles have been broken into on Cleneay, Regent, Elsmere, Williams, and Slane Ave's. Vehicles parked both on the street and in driveways have been hit. Two subjects have already been arrested but the offenses are still occurring. Please remove all valuables from your vehicles, lock the doors, and report any suspicious activity to police. Anyone having information on these crimes are encouraged to call the police at 458-4520.

Lt. Tom Williams
Norwood Police Department
Ph: 458-4545

October flu shot schedule at Norwood Health Dept

NHD nurse Chandra Corbin sent us the planned activities for the Norwood Health Department for the month of October.

Tuesday, Oct. 4:
Flu Clinic
8:30 a.m.. - 4:30 p.m. @ Norwood Health Department

Friday, Oct. 7:
Blood Pressure Clinic
1:00 p - 3:00 p.m. @ Norwood Health Department

Monday, Oct. 10:
Child Immunization Clinic
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. @ Norwood Health Department

Wednesday, Oct. 12:
Blood Pressure Clinic
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. @ Norwood Senior Center

Thursday, Oct. 13:
Flu Clinic 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. @ Norwood Health Department

Monday, Oct. 17:
Flu Clinic
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. @ Norwood Health Department

Monday, Oct. 24:
Child Immunization Clinic 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. @ Norwood Health Department

Tuesday, Oct. 25:
Flu Clinic
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. @ Norwood Health Department

The discounted cost for the flu vaccine is $20 at the time of the visit. If you have health insurance, we may be able to bill for the vaccine. However, you may want to check with your insurance company to make sure you’ve met your deductible and that your co-pay does not exceed $20. Otherwise, you may wind up being billed for the full price of $25 for the vaccine. If there are any questions, please contact us 458-4600.

Chandra Corbin, RN
Norwood Health Dept.

Pirates of Penzance starts October 21 at X.U.

From October 21-23 and November 4-5 at 8:00 p.m., and October 22 and November 5 at 1:00 p.m., Xavier University will present Pirates of Penzance – book and lyrics by Sir William Gilbert; music by Sir Arthur Sullivan. Students, seniors, faculty and staff tickets cost $7 in advance and $10 day of the show. Adult tickets cost $15. Click here to purchase online and by phone at (513) 745-3939.

Xavier Players and Performing Arts collaborate with Xavier’s Music Department to present one of the finest and funniest Gilbert and Sullivan operettas. Featuring swashbuckling pirates, dutiful (and not-so dutiful) daughters, and bumbling Keystone Cops, the fates of pirate-apprentice Frederic and his beloved Mabel rely on the interpretation of a leap-year birthday. Filled with romance and laughter, “Pirates” delivers a treasure chest full of adventure for the entire family. It is especially well-known for its patter song, “I am the Very Model of a Modern Major General,” shown in this YouTube clip.

August 2010 NFD Activities and Statistics Report

A monthly feature

A. Total of emergency responses for the month of August = 416

Medic Runs = 307
Fire Runs = 5 (Building, Brush, etc.)
Average Response Time on Runs = 3 minutes, 2 seconds (city-wide)

Number of incidents by type:
Fire Runs – 5 - (Building, Brush, etc.)
Overpressure, Explosion - 0
Rescue & Medic Unit Assists – 59 - (lock-in, extrications, traffic accidents, etc.)
Hazardous Conditions (no fire) - 9 - (power lines down, arcing, spills, etc.)
Service Call - 11 - (smoke removal)
Good Intent - 13 - (odor of smoke, controlled burning)
False Alarms – 12 - (false alarms, system malfunctions, smoke detector activated, etc.)
Severe Weather - 0
Special Incident - 0

B. Fire Hydrant Activity
Painted hydrants and caps: 20

C. Bureau of Fire Safety Activities = 444
Total Inspections – 77 - (residential, schools, churches, businesses)
Total Violations – issued 188
Total Violations – corrected 139
Total Block Inspection - Unit #’s 1, 2, 3 - Rental & multi-family: 10
Referrals to Health and Building Depts. - 7
Additional Activities - 23

Tomorrow night's Special Council Meeting canceled

Jane Grote, President of Council, has CANCELED the Special Council Meeting for 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 21, in council chambers to discuss any ordinances, resolutions or issues pertaining to Rookwood Exchange.

This week at the Norwood Branch Library

Monday, September 19
Book Club
Join us for lively book discussions and great company!
6:30 p.m., Adults

Wednesday, September 21
Movers & Shakers Storytime
You and your child will shake it together! Sing, dance and enjoy music, movement and fun!
10:00 a.m., Ages 1-4

Preschool Storytime
Enjoy books, songs, activities and more, while building early literacy skills. For preschoolers and their caregivers.Age(s): Ages 3 - 6
10:30 a.m., Ages 3-6

Special Council Meeting next Wednesday

Council President Jane Grote has called a Special Council Meeting for 7:30 p.m. next Wednesday, September 21, in Council Chambers to discuss any Ordinances, Resolutions or Issues pertaining to Rookwood Exchange.

First ever “Wear Your Bike Helmet to School Day!”

Norwood City Schools is participating next Wednesday, September 21, in the first ever statewide “Wear Your Bike Helmet to School Day!” The American Academy of Pediatrics, Ohio Chapter, is sponsoring the event. Students are encourage to “Put a Lid on It - Protect Before you Pedal” on this special day and every day.

Teachers will be talking about the importance of wearing appropriate protective gear when participating in sport and play – including wearing a bike helmet while riding. Staff, teachers and students are encouraged to bring their bike or sports helmet with them to wear for the beginning of the school day on Wednesday, September 21, 2011. Helmets will be returned the home with the children at the end of the day.

Former chief terrorism czar Richard Clarke at X.U. tomorrow

Crime, Espionage and War in Cyperspace will be the topic of discussion when former counter terrorism czar Richard Clarke appears at Xavier University tomorrow evening. Can terrorists shut down our electrical grids? Can criminals bring down our financial systems? Are our military secrets at risk? Is any of our personal information really safe? In an era of ever-increasing connectivity, governments, corporations and individuals need to reassess how they view national security.

For thirty years Richard Clarke was a central figure in the U.S. federal government, serving seven presidential administrations and acting as a key advisor on national security issues the last four presidents Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush , Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush. He was especially integral during the George W. Bush administration when, because of his expertise, he was appointed special assistant to the president following the terrorist attacks on Washington, D.C., and New York City on September 11, 2001. Despite being such a high-profile figure in Washington, D.C., Clarke maintained a low personal profile. In fact, few outsiders had ever heard of the civil servant. That changed in March of 2004 when Clarke released a tell-all book called Against All Enemies: Inside America's War on Terror. In the book, in subsequent interviews, and in testimony before the 9-11 Commission Clarke openly blasted President Bush for his mismanagement of the investigation of the September 11 attacks. Overnight, Clarke became a media celebrity; he also became the target of criticism. The American public wondered if Richard Clarke was a heroic whistle-blower or a disgruntled government official who was simply clouding the facts.

The discussion is free and open to the public. For more information, call 745-3922.
When: Thursday, Sept. 15, at 7:30 p.m.
Where: The James and Caroline duff Banquet Center in the Cintas Center,
Xavier University

Announcing...Bill Kramer named new Norwood Chief of Police

The Norwood Police Department is proud to announce that Bill Kramer will be sworn as Chief of Police on Tuesday September 13th, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. in council chambers. Bill has been with the department since 1996. Bill was raised in Norwood and graduated from Norwood High School in 1987. He entered the Marine Corps in 1990. After serving his country, Bill went to work for the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department and then Elmwood Police Department before coming to work for Norwood. Bill was promoted to Sergeant in 2001 and then Lieutenant in 2009. Bill and his wife Danielle have four children and they live in Fairfield Twp.

Lt. Tom Williams
Norwood Police Department

This week at the Norwood Branch Library

Thursday, September 15
Teen Advisory Board
New members always welcome!! Pizza!
5:00 p.m., Ages 12-18

Just in: $20 adoption fee today and tomorrow at SPCA

More than 100 Search and Rescue (SAR) dogs like Gus, Anna, Jake, Lucy and Scout searched relentlessly at Ground Zero in New York City and at the Pentagon following the attacks on 9/11/01. In the aftermath of this tragedy, these “Heroes” assisted their human counterparts without question or hesitation. Their reward was a pat on the head and a kind word. The SPCA feels that past and current SAR Dogs deserve recognition and there is nothing better than finding sheltered dogs new homes in their honor.

To pay respectful tribute to these courageous SAR dogs, the SPCA Cincinnati will be offering dogs for adoption on Saturday and Sunday, September 10 & 11 for only the cost of the state mandated dog license, $20.00.

In keeping with the 9/11 tribute movement a patriotic donor has come forth to make these dog adoptions for only the cost of the license possible. His good deed, act of compassion and support of our charity is truly a gift to our community.

More than 125 dogs need new homes. These adoptions will take place at both SPCA Cincinnati shelter locations from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. TODAY, Saturday, September 10 and Noon - 5:00 p.m. TOMORROW, Sunday, September 11.
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Please visit and pay tribute to the SAR dogs by adopting a dog for simply the cost of a dog license, and/or sign up to volunteer or contribute.

SPCA Cincinnati is located at 11900 Conrey Road and 3949 Colerain Avenue. For more information about SPCA Cincinnati visit the web site at www.spcacincinnati.org or call 541-6100.

Invitation to citywide picnic next Saturday

The Norwood Democratic Club invites everyone to their annual citywide picnic at the Lower Millcrest Picnic Shelter (parking entrance off Hopkins Ave.) from 4:00 - 10:00 p.m. next Saturday, Sept 10. Food and drinks are free, plus there will be split-the-pot and combination raffle. The Cornhole Tournament, which starts at 6:00 p.m., costs $5 per person.

2011 Fall Semi-Annual Yard Sale Directory

Click here for the addresses of the households participating in the fall yard sale, which runs tomorrow and Saturday from 9:00-5:00 p.m. If you don’t see your address on the list, just leave it in the comment box so we can add it.

Q.C. Balladeers open 49th season next Sunday

The Queen City Balladeers begins its 49th year with the new season’s first concert on Sunday, September 11 at the Zion United Church of Christ located at the intersection of Indian Mound Avenue and Montgomery Road in Norwood.

The first night brings:

1. The return of A Side of Taylors, a delightful family band
2. Singer-songwriter Chris Collier, back after playing Edensong this summer
3. And Lagniappe, Cincy’s only Cajun/New Orleans Jazz/Gypsy Band.

Before the official sets begin at 7 p.m., the weekly open jam will happen between 5 & 6:30 p.m.

September 11 is also the first night for the Songwriters Collaborative at 5:00 p.m..

Membership in the Queen City Balladeers entitles you to admission to all regular QCB events, such as the Leo Coffeehouse each Sunday during the school year and EdenSong in July, and discounted prices on tickets to the concerts in our annual series.

Annual Memberships

1. Single: $15.00
2. Household: $20.00
3. Single with a guest pass: $20.00

Mother's home burglarized during daughter's funeral

Norwood police are looking for thieves who broke into the home of Norwood resident Angelica Sanchez while she was at her 26-year-old daughter’s funeral Monday. Her daughter died of an accidental overdose while celebrating her 26th birthday. They stole Ms. Sanchez’s LED television, Playstation 3, and her camera, which contained countless pictures of her only daughter. They moved a memorial to Stephanie in order to steal her big screen TV. Ms. Sanchez told Channel 5, "It's what I want back, my computers and camera. I don't care about anything else, because that's my memories from my daughter." She said the funeral was well publicized, which is why she feels the burglar knew exactly when to strike.

Anyone with information about the burglary is asked to call Crimestoppers at 513-352-3040.

Man who extorted X.U. tells judge, “we all make mistakes”

According to the Enquirer, Miller Beckham III, 33, of Springfield Township, recently released from prison, is on his way back to serve 2 years for trying to extort $20,000 from Xavier University. Xavier officials said medical histories of student athletes and their families were stolen from the car of a coach, and they wound up in Beckham’s possession. He then used his own cell phone to call X.U. officials demanded $20,000 in exchange for the return of the documents. Cleverly, X.U. officials asked for proof of what Beckham had, so he personally dropped off some documents at the office of the Xavier president.

After contacting police about the extortion, Xavier officials set up a meeting with Beckham, and he arrested. He pled guilty, and Tuesday, Judge Robert Ruehlman said to Beckham, “I’ll tell you frankly, you’re not a good criminal…you don’t do very well.” Beckham told the judge, "I don't claim to be a clever criminal (and) I don't define myself as being criminal. We're all fallible human beings and we all make mistakes.” Indeed, but most of us don’t…oh, never mind.

Whiz Kids: Help Sharpsburg attain ODE Excellent rating

Guest blog by Sandra Kelley

If you know how to read (and since you are reading this, you qualify!), and you are willing to spend an hour or so a week with an elementary school student, we'd love to have you join us as a VOLUNTEER tutor at Sharpsburg Elementary.

Whiz Kids is a reading literacy tutoring program that connects caring adults with kids who need some extra guidance in reading and life. As an adult tutor, you would be matched with a specific child that you would meet with each Tuesday from 4:00-5:00 p.m. at Sharpsburg Elementary. All materials are provided, there is no preparation required on your part. You come, help your child read the provided book, do a few games, help with homework, etc. Training is provided up front.

Whiz Kids is a great way to give back to your community. Many of the students come from single parent homes where adult time is limited. Many of the tutors form strong connections with their students and go on to mentor them as well.

The program will begin Tuesday, September 27th at 4:00pm. For more information, please contact Sandra Kelley at illinikelley@yahoo.com or you can sign up to volunteer at:
http://www.citygospelmission.com/whizkids.html. Background checks are required.

Sandra Kelley

This week at the Norwood Branch Library

Thursday, September 8
Celebrate Your Grandparents
Bring Grandma and Grandpa to the Library for free tea, snacks, and an etiquette lesson.
4:00 p.m., All ages

Council okays new Health Commissioner’s salary

A quorum of 4 City Council members met last evening for a Special Meeting to discuss the salary offered by the Norwood Health Commission to the new Health Commissioner Bradley King. The 4 were Keith Moore, Steve Thornbury, Michael Gabbard, and Donna Laake. Health Commission members present to answer questions about the salary and a residency waiver request for Mr. King were Kathy Hammond, Debbie Newton, and Gary Arthur.

All 4 Council members had questions and concerns about a salary $5,000 above the starting pay of the salary range allowed for the position. In answer to questions about it, Health Commission members stated the it was below the salaries paid to the last two Health Commissioners and also below the starting salary offered to Pamela Walker-Bauer 2 years ago. The Health Commissioners felt the salary was appropriate because of Mr. King’s education and professional experience and because it was a salary he would likely accept. Compared to other small health departments in Hamilton County, NHD pays the least salary for the position.

Regarding the residency waiver requested, Council President Jane Grote said all Council would have to do is pass a motion approving it. Health Commission members told Council no Norwood residents responded to their recruiting ads and that Mr. King’s commute from Warren County will be identical to Pamela Walker-Bauer’s commute of 45 minutes, which never posed problems or delays.

By a vote of 3 to 1 (Keith Moore voted no), Council approved Mr. King’s salary and unanimously passed the motion approving the residency waiver.

Click here for an abbreviated version of Mr. King’s resume.

Norwood Citizen Car Show opens this Sunday

Guest blog by Lupe Gonzales-Hoyt

Norwood Citizen Car Show Club is sponsoring a benefit for Norwood Service League Food Closet program, Sunday, Sept. 4 and Monday, Sept. 5, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Cruise-in on Saturday 6:00 - 9:00 p.m., early car registration available. Car registration: $15.

Many thanks to Frisch’s, 4765 Montgomery Road, and Quality Inn for the use of their parking lots for exhibitors and for the public.

Trophies, Door Prizes, Raffle Prizes, Split the Pot, T-shirts, Swap Meet, Music on Sunday by DJ Bev Payne and Monday by JD Hughes 104.5 WGRR-FM live onsite.

Norwood Service League will present “Wall of Hunger” display.

Special thanks to donors: Center City Collision, Cincinnati Reds, Arby’s, Cici’s Pizza, Liberty Tax Service, Skyline Chili, Lee’s Chicken, Andrea’s Collectibles, Jerry’s Auto & Towing, Naegle Kleb & Ihlendorf, Advance Auto Parts, Meinking Service, KOI Auto Parts, Angela Dee’s Flowers by Dawn, King Clipper Barber Shop, Mr. Bill’s Fine Jewelry, Mueller’s Auto Service, Norwood Brake Service, Shorty & Lenny’s Garage, and numerous individuals for their generosity.

Lupe A. González Hoyt
Executive Director
Norwood Service League