Special Council Meeting, Inauguration this Sunday

Special Meeting of Council

Sunday, January 1, 2012

10:00 a.m.

Norwood Middle School Auditorium

Organizational meeting of new council members to appoint Clerk of Council, Secretary to Clerk of Council, adopt Rules of Council and Standing Committees of Council.

Inauguration ceremony to take place at 12:00 pm in the Middle School Auditorium

Merry Christmas, everyone!

It’s time for our annual holiday hiatus until the first of the year. But before we go, we want to wish everyone a joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year! We’ll see you back here on Monday, January 3.

November 2011 Earnings Tax Report

A monthly feature

Individual…………….$ 44,432.33
Business………………$ 40,848.73
Withholding…………$ 726,599.92
TOTAL………………...$ 811,880.98

Collections thru Nov. 2011….……….....…...........$ 12,732,689.37
Collections thru Nov. 2010.............................$ 13,717,525.46
7.18% decrease in collections over 2010.………($984,836.09)

Enquirer: REI and jobs coming to Norwood next fall.

Next fall, Recreational Equipment Inc. will open its first Ohio store next fall at Rookwood Commons. Mark Fallon, vice president of leasing for Rookwood developer Jeffrey R. Anderson Real Estate, told the Enquirer that REI will be the most significant retailer to join Rookwood Commons since the shopping complex opened in 2000. The retailer expects to hire a store manager and 50 employees beginning next spring.

Click here to read the entire article.

Norwood Police Looking For Dad of Nearly-Drowned Baby

Channel 12 is reporting that the NPD wants to locate James Clemmons, a father who ran from a Dale Road home Monday night where his 10-month-old son nearly drowned in a bathtub. He is wanted as a witness to the incident. His son was seriously hurt and is in Intensive Care at Children’s Hospital.

Clemmons has outstanding warrants through Hamilton County for Misuse of a Credit Card and Theft. Court documents indicate that in July, Clemmons is accused of using a credit card that was not his to withdraw more than $300 from a bank ATM. If you know his whereabouts, please call Crimestoppers at 352-3040.

Norwood awarded over $2M to clean up American Laundry site

According to this Channel 12 report, Ohio has awarded the City nearly $2.5 million to redevelop and clean up soil at the American Laundry site on Section Road. Mayor Williams said plans to redevelop the site can now move forward. "With these funds to clean up these older industrial sites, we can now move in and diversify and have medical, and engineering firms and all kinds of different services coming in." Included in the plans for Central Pointe on the Lateral is a 50,000-square-foot medical office building.

November 2011 NPD Statistics Report

A monthly feature

The total number of incidents is all police activity for that month including officer initiated actions such as traffic stops as well as radio dispatched runs. The total number of reports is the actual number of reports taken by our police officers for that month including non-criminal reports such as Aided Cases and General Conditions reports. Total arrests include all arrests made in the City of Norwood including arrests for other agencies on warrants or capiases.

Total Number of Incidents: 3,096
Total Arrests Made: 195
Total Reports Taken: 220

Crimes Reported:
Part One Crimes Total: 114*
Part Two Crimes Total: 103**

FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR):
*Part One Crimes include Aggravated Assault, Forcible Rape, Murder, Robbery, Arson, Burglary, Larceny-Theft, Motor Vehicle Theft.

**Part Two Crimes include Simple Assault, Curfew, Loitering, Embezzlement, Forgery, Disorderly Conduct, DUI, Drug Offenses, Fraud, Gambling, Liquor Offenses, Offenses Against the Family, Prostitution, Public Drunkeness, Runaways, Sex Offenses, Stolen Property, Vandalism, Vagrancy, Weapons Offenses.

This week at the Norwood Branch Library

Saturday, December 17
Make a Gift and Wrap It, Too!!
A holiday tradition at the Norwood Branch, teens create a homemade gift for someone special.
2:00 p.m., Ages 12-18

Wednesday’s Meet and Greet with Chief William Kramer

One of us, along with roughly 30-35 other Norwood residents, met our new NPD Chief William Kramer at the Community Center Wednesday evening. When the Q&A session got underway, Chief Kramer was joined by Capt. Keith Bellman, Lt. Tom Williams, Lt. Ron Murphy, Lt. Tom Fallon, and Lt. Mark Rankin.

Here are a few highlights from that session:

1. Chief Kramer read aloud a new mission statement for the department that was adopted last month (see below) and said a 5-year strategic plan is in the works. Some time after the first of the year, he will be announcing some new programs that will be put in place.The #1 crime problem in Norwood, and this is true in many communities, is illegal drugs.
2. The department is seeing an uptick in prescription drug activity. Possibly related to this, there’s been an increase this year over last year in auto break-ins, particularly the kind where thieves break glass to gain entry. Lt. Williams theorized the increase might be the result of desperation tied to drug activity.
3. Lt. Williams also shared with the audience that when he checked over a year ago on how many of Norwood’s rental housing units are Section 8, the incidence was only 1 ½% of the total units. Of course, the number of Section 8 units fluctuates as tenants come and go. He said the incidence of criminal activity in Section 8 units is no more than in other rental units, plus there is the added factor that Section 8 tenants know they are at risk of losing their vouchers if they are convicted of crimes.
4. Chief Kramer told the audience that while the NPD is very effective, there is always room for improvement. One of the improvements he is going to make is better and more frequent communication with the community. He’s considering an internet option or two for this purpose as well as regular, perhaps quarterly, informational meetings for the public. We may see a twitter-like website employed for instant communication.

Mission Statement adopted November, 2011

The Norwood Police Department will provide professional service that reflects the needs of our community and provides protection of life, property, and the constitutional rights of all.

We will remain dedicated to service and committed to excellence, focusing on the following core values:

Integrity
We are honest in all we do.

Pride
We are proud of ourselves, our department, and the community we serve.

Respect
We treat everyone equally, with dignity, and courtesy

Professionalism
We provide exemplary police services, through officers that are highly trained and dedicated to service.

Commitment
We are determined and dedicated to providing the highest level of professional service.

Councilperson Michael Gabbard running for Ohio state rep

According to the Hamilton County Board of Elections, the candidates below met yesterday’s filing deadline to run for state representative next November. Currently, Norwood is in Ohio District 33 and is represented by Alicia Reese. As we understand it, with the new Ohio House redistricting plan, Norwood will be in Ohio District 31 and won’t be represented by Ms. Reese after 2012.

Democratic candidates: Luke Brockmeier (45227), Denise Driehaus (45219), Sandra Queen Noble (45207), and Terry M. Tranter (45237)

Republican candidate: Michael Gabbard (45212)

Mt. Adams Reindog Parade this Saturday

The streets of Mt. Adams will be filled with merry mutts of all shapes and sizes showing off their holiday best at the 21th Annual Mt. Adams Reindog Parade THIS Saturday, December 10.

The parade begins in the Monastery parking lot, 1055 St. Paul Place, at 2:00 p.m. Registration starts at 12:45 p.m. and is free, but donations to SPCA Cincinnati are welcome!

This year’s Reindog Parade Grand Marshall is Hall of Famer and Cincinnati Reds announcer Marty Brennaman. The event is presented by PetSuites and sponsored by the Mt. Adams Business Guild and Towne Properties. Other sponsors include Bahl Gaynor Financial Investments and Empower Media Marketing.

Deck yourself and your pampered pooch in your holly-jolliest (but safe) seasonal outfits and show off your holiday cheer by marching with hundreds of other dogs (and their humans) in the streets of Mt. Adams. No retractable leashes, please.

Give it some thought - your costumes might win an award:

• Best Small Dog (25 lbs and under)
• Best Large Dog (25 lbs and over)
• Multiple Dogs (for those with a group of furry family members)
• Best in Show

There will also be vendors selling hot food, drinks, dog treats, and pet apparel. Puppies and adult dogs will be showcased at the parade for adoption.

Hamilton County Dog Licenses will be for sale and low-cost microchipping will also be available for $10. For more information please visit www.spcacincinnati.org.

Wanted by the Enquirer: anyone who knew family of George Chakiris

Enquirer reporter John Kiesewetter wants to talk to anyone who knew the family of Norwood native George Chakiris, who won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in the 1961 musical “Westside Story.” He was born in 1934 in Norwood to Greek immigrants Steven and Zoe (nee Anastasiadou) Chakiris. Here’s a list of his siblings:

Sisters: Virgina, Catherine, Viola, and Athena
Brothers : Harry and Steve, Jr.

Click here for Wikipedia's bio, and click here for YouTube videos featuring George Chakiris.

If you knew any of the Chakiris family, email John Kiesewetter at jkiesewetter@enquirer.com or have an elderly friend or relative mail him a note to: John Kiesewetter, Cincinnati Enquirer, 312 Elm St., Cincinnati 45202.

Enquirer switching to Facebook comments later today

Last week, the Enquirer published an article, “Sounding off - without the ugliness,” that stated, in part, “Starting Dec. 5, we will no longer allow anonymous comments at Cincinnati.com. You will use a Facebook account to post comments on stories. That is the best way today to ensure that people use their real names. If you don't use Facebook, it's easy to set up an account.”

That kicked off a firestorm of 1,400 comments, many/most of which objected to the change on a variety of grounds, including the loss or potential loss of anonymity. Many readers pointed out they already have fake Facebook accounts. Other said they will not express views without the cloak of anonymity for fear of retaliation, stalking, etc. We can empathize about that concern since we've on the receiving end of some unpleasantness for stating opinions publicly.

What do you think about the Enquirer’s move to Facebook commenting? Would you post an opinion using your identity? Will the Enquirer’s readers get on board with this?

‘A Xavier Christmas’ welcomes children to campus

Norwood school children among special guests

Xavier University once again kicks off the holiday season with ‘A Xavier Christmas’ on Wednesday, December 7.

Around 180 elementary school students from Hoffman-Parham, Frederick Douglass, Sharpsburg, Williams, South Avondale, and Norwood View schools will be special guests of the University and will be accompanied by more than 180 Xavier Buddies (students). The children will have an opportunity to meet Santa Claus, see a live nativity scene and partake in various crafts and activities.

Xavier University’s Father Al Bischoff, S.J. will join the participants at the Sally Watson Tree outside the new Fenwick Place residence hall for a special tree lighting ceremony. Xavier’s Physical Plant staff always creates a breathtaking lighting display. Xavier's men's a cappella group, Harmon-X, will perform.

Xavier faculty, students and staff have collected new hats and gloves to be distributed to the children in attendance and sent to other children in need.
The schedule is:

2:30 p.m.: Children from elementary schools begin arriving at Cintas Center for pizza and pictures with Santa.
4:00 p.m.: Children and their Xavier student buddies will play games and do crafts
5:30 p.m.: Nativity scene featuring live animals on the Xavier Yard near Bellarmine Chapel, as well as cookies and hot chocolate.
6:00 p.m.: Tree lighting ceremony in front of the Gallagher Student Center with Fr. Bischoff.
6:15 p.m.: Elementary school children depart.

In the event of rain, there will be no Nativity scene and no formal outdoor tree lighting. Events will continue inside the Cintas Center.

Parks and Recreation Committee meeting today

City Council's Parks and Recreation Committee is meeting today at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers to discuss the following agenda items:

1. Ordinance to bid and contract $100,000 for Shelter and playground equipment at Upper and Lower Millcrest.
2. Potential upgrades to Burwood Park play equipment

This week at the Norwood Branch Library

Wednesday, December 07

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
10:30 a.m., Ages 3-6

Saturday, December 10
Lego Club
Lego lovers, build an awesome creation and have your picture taken with it!
3:00 p.m., Ages 6-12

Two-day dog license sale at SPCA Cincinnati this month

TWO PET ID DAYS SCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER

2012 Hamilton County dog licenses on sale during Pet ID Days
Attend one of two SPCA Cincinnati Pet ID Days in December and get your
2012 Hamilton County license before the price of a license doubles in February!
Free rabies shot and discounted microchipping
will also be available.

Pet ID Days are:
Sunday, December 4 and Sunday, December 11, 2011
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
SPCA Cincinnati Sharonville Humane Center (Only)
11900 Conrey Road
Cincinnati, OH 45249

A dog license, worn on a dog’s collar could be your beloved pet’s ticket home if they get lost or loose. Lost dogs wearing a valid Hamilton County tag can be easily traced to the owner when the finder calls (513) 946-DOGS, the 24-hour hotline for returning lost dogs. Each dog license has a unique number and if a deputy warden or other person finds a lost dog with a license, a simple phone call or search online will provide the dog owner’s name, address and telephone number.

Every dog over the age of three months must have a license by January 31 of every year according to Ohio law. Dog owners who fail to purchase a license for their dog by January 31, 2012 are subject to a fine.

In additional, SPCA Cincinnati will offer a free rabies shot for your dog with a purchase of a dog license.

Discounted microchip implantations will also be available. Microchipping and registration for one cat or dog is $10, a savings of more than $65.

Rabies shots are also free for cats, but SPCA Cincinnati is asking for a small donation of your choice (since cats do not require a license).