Win prizes at Xavier’s free Financial Fitness Day

Prizes include flat-screen TV

Financial Fitness Day will be held at Xavier University on Saturday, March 10 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Cintas Center. There is plenty of free parking in the Cintas lot. It seeks to promote the financial stability of individuals and families in our region. Anyone interested in learning ways to enhance or maintain financial stability is welcome. The event is free and includes informative workshops, one-on- one-meetings with finance & housing experts, free tax preparation services.

A number of short "Ask the Expert" Sessions will be offered. Pre-register for 20-minute sessions on topics including credit reports, identity theft, job searches, couponing, energy saving, or schedule a time to have your taxes done. Visit http://www.uwgc.org/FFD2012 to get more information and to register. Attendees can bring financial and personal documents for free confidential shredding at the Cintas shredding truck.

Drawings will occur throughout the day for gas gift cards, grocery gift cards, personal shredders, free will planning, an office organizer and flat-screen television. Winners must be present and have attended at least one workshop or expert session to be eligible.

January 2012 NPD Statistics Report

The total number of incidents is all police activity for January 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: 3352
Total Arrests Made: 270
Total Reports Taken: 210

Crimes Reported:
Part One Crimes Reported: 99*
Part Two Crimes Reported: 93**

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.

January 2012 NFD Activities and Statistics Report

A monthly feature

A. Total of emergency responses for the month of December = 347
Medic Runs = 256
Fire Runs = 6 (Building, Brush, etc.)
Average Response Time on Runs = 3 minutes, 37 seconds (city-wide)

Number of incidents by type:
Fire Runs – 6 - (Building, Brush, etc.)
Overpressure, Explosion - 0
Rescue & Medic Unit Assists – 44 - (lock-in, extrications, traffic accidents, etc.)
Hazardous Conditions (no fire) - 7 - (power lines down, arcing, spills, etc.)
Service Call - 7 - (smoke removal)
Good Intent - 9 - (odor of smoke, controlled burning)
False Alarms – 18 - (false alarms, system malfunctions, smoke detector activated, etc.)
Severe Weather - 0
Special Incident - 0

B. Fire Hydrant Activity
492 Hydrants strapped & pumped as needed

C. Bureau of Fire Safety Activities = 196
Total Inspections – 45 - (residential, schools, churches, businesses)
Total Violations – issued 80
Total Violations – corrected 21
Total Block Inspection - Unit #’s 1, 2, 3 - Rental & multi-family - 3
Referrals to Health and Building Depts. - 6
Additional Activities - 41

January 2012 Earnings Tax Report

Individual…………….$ 89,438.73
Business………………$ 31,064.39
Withholding………$1,126,912.19
TOTAL………………$ 1,247,415.31

Collections Dec. 2011….……….....…................$ 1,293,099.70
Collections thru Dec. 2012...........................$1,247,415.31
3.5% decrease in collections from 2011.……….($ 45,684.39)

Committee of the Whole meeting today

City Council’s Committee of the Whole meets today at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers to discuss the following agenda items:

1. Bond Financing
2. SAFER Grants
3. Metropolitan Sewer District projects

There will be guest speakers.

"Follow the Drinking Gourd" at Drake Planetarium

Date & Time

Sunday, February 19th at 2:00

Cost
$6.00 in advance, $7 at the door. Members free with pass.

Come join us this Sunday to celebrate Black History Month Drake Planetarium offers a wonderful story of human determination, hardship, and innovation based on the book by Jeanette Winter. Many slaves in the old south learned to get to the north by following the Big Dipper, which they called "The Drinking Gourd". Experience the plight of the slaves as they take on a dangerous journey to freedom. Search for winter constellations, learn a slave song and watch as a slave family uses the Big Dipper to escape to "freedom land."

Join us in this exciting true life adventure story. In it we combine history, astronomy, and folk lore.

Enquirer: Feds investigating 3rd complaint against X.U.

Federal authorities are investigating a 3rd civil-rights investigation of Xavier University, based on charges by 2011 X.U. graduate Caitlin Pinciotti that she was sexually assaulted in late 2008. She says the university allowed the student found responsible in a March 2009 campus disciplinary hearing to flout terms of his one-semester suspension.

According to Pinciotti, Sean Marron showed up on campus at least five times in violation of the terms of his suspension. She claims he was never punished by then-Dean of Students Luther Smith. Smith was reassigned to unspecified duties last month when federal authorities announced they are investigating 2 other complaints by female students claiming the university mishandled their reports of sexual assault.

This week at the Norwood Branch Library

Saturday, February 25
Introduction to Hatha Yoga
Learn basic Hatha Yoga with Jeanne Speier. Please bring a mat or beach towel.
2:00 p.m.
Registration recommended. Call 369-6037.

Poll: Who will win the Ohio Republican presidential primary?

The Ohio presidential primary is coming up shortly, and we’re curious about which Republican candidate our readers are supporting. Following is another of our completely unscientific polls:

Which Republican presidential candidate do you support?
	Newt Gingrich
	Ron Paul
	Mitt Romney
	Rick Santorum
pollcode.com free polls

SPCA Pet ID Day this Sunday

Pet ID Day is:
Sunday, February 19, 2012
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
SPCA Cincinnati Sharonville Humane Center (Only)

11900 Conrey Road, Cincinnati, OH 45249

A visit to SPCA Cincinnati’s Pet ID Day THIS Sunday, February 19 could help save your pet’s life in three different ways!

Dog Licenses
At Pet ID Day, pet owners can buy their 2012 Hamilton County dog licenses. By Ohio law, all dogs over the age of three months MUST have a license which must be renewed every year, usually by January 31.

This year Hamilton County has extended the renewal deadline to February 29. After February 29 the price of a license renewal will double.

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.

Microchipping
SPCA Cincinnati will also offer discounted microchip implants. The microchips contain information that could help reunited a lost pet and its owner. Microchipping and registration for one cat or dog is $10, a savings of more than $65.

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

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).

Have you seen this man?

Fox 19 says Blue Ash Police are asking the public to help them find a robbery suspect Joshua D. Cannada, 28, who is wanted for invading a home in Blue Ash and stealing prescription drugs. His last known address was in Norwood, but he has relatives in Whitley City, KY. Cannada is 5'10" and 175 pounds.

He's wanted on aggravated robbery, kidnapping and aggravated burglary charges. Anyone with knowledge of the whereabouts of Joshua D. Cannada should contact the Blue Ash Police at (513) 745-8555 or Crime Stoppers at (513) 352-3040.

Xavier’s Symposium for Parents of Special Needs Children

On Friday, March 2 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. in Xavier’s Cintas Center, Tri-state parents raising children with special needs will find information, resources and networking opportunities in an effort to build family resiliency and learn to not only survive—but to thrive. Plenty of free parking is available. Registration is $25, including lunch, and can be completed online at www.xavier.edu/familyresiliency. A limited number of free admissions exist for families who cannot afford the fee. Please call 513-745-3703. The event is co-sponsored by the Center for Infants and Children with Special Needs at Cincinnati Children’s and Xavier University’s College of Social Sciences, Health & Education.

The keynote address will be given by Dr. Gary Sweeten of Sweeten Life Systems. It is his life’s work to support families raising children with special needs both practically and spiritually. He recently began mobilizing churches and community organizations to build support systems around families of children with disabilities. In this session, he will share key insights from parents and caregivers of children with special needs, and how to support them, lower their stress, and increase their effectiveness and resiliency.

Eighteen breakout sessions will feature topics such as Developing Financial Trusts, Faith and Resiliency, IEPs, Health and Wellness, Insurance Waivers, and Dealing with Grief. Click here to see the full list.

A resource fair will feature 75 service agencies, community agencies, companies and professionals specializing in medical support, recreation, community programs and services, home health, financial planning and more. The event is completely handicapped-accessible. Click here to register or to get more details, or contact Tom Knestrict at 745-3703 or by email at knestrictt@xavier.edu.

Xavier students offering free income tax assistance

Again this year, Xavier University accounting students will help prepare tax returns for low income, elderly and student taxpayers on Monday evenings Feb 20, Feb 27, March 12, March 19, April 2 and April 9.

The students are offering free basic Federal and State income tax assistance to the Xavier, Norwood, Evanston, and Avondale communities through the IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).

Getting help is easy. First, call 745-2828 or email vita@xavier.edu to schedule an appointment. It is first come first served at those time slots. The following items must be brought to the appointment:

· a photo ID
· your W2s, 1099s (your last pay stub is not enough)
· Social Security Cards (you, your spouse, and your dependents)
· any tax-related documents
· a copy of last year’s tax return (if possible)

The students will be set up in the Schiff Conference Center Banquet Rooms in Xavier’s Cintas Center. Free parking is available at the Cintas Center.

This is the 18th year that Xavier students have offered this service. For additional information, contact Dr. Priscilla O’Clock, Accountancy Department, 745-4245 (office).

Norwood Service League offering free tax preparation

Guest blog by González Lupe Hoyt

Norwood Service League is again offering free online tax preparation through Ohio Benefit Bank.

Last year over $24,000 in total refunds were obtained by 40 households.
This service is for households earning $60,000 or less. (Sorry, the online tax template is not designed for the self-employed.)

If you would like to make an appointment with trained OBB counselor, please call Misty at 924-1200 Opt. #0.

The OBB tax service is another quality service offered by your community social service agency. NSL is celebrating 95 years serving the people of Norwood, Ohio

Lupe A. González Hoyt
Executive Director
Norwood Service League

This week at the Norwood Branch Library

Tuesday, February 14
Hearts Card Game Party!
Play the classic card game, Hearts, with old and new friends. If you don’t know how to play, we’ll teach you!
Valentine snacks to sweeten the occasion!
5:00 p.m., Ages 12-18

Saturday, February 18
African Folktale Masks
Join the Kennedy Heights Art Center as we explore African folktales and mask making. We’ll read an African folktale, “Who’s in Rabbit’s House” and learn about the art of mask making through the illustrations of Leo and Diane Dillon. Then, using natural materials such as dried corn, bird seed, leaves and twigs, we will create masks of our own invented folktale creatures.
3:00 p.m., Ages 5-12
Sponsored by the Kennedy Heights Art Center

Armed robbery at Norwood Speedway this morning

Channel 9 is reporting that a masked man with a gun robbed the Norwood Speedway at 4:30 a.m. today. Norwood police believe the man’s getaway car was parked on a nearby side street behind the gas station. They are working with the Speedway manager to obtain a copy of the surveillance video.

If you have any information about this crime, please call Crime Stoppers at (513) 352-3040. Text tips to CRIMES (2-7-4-6-3-7) with "CINTip:" at the beginning of the message. You don't have to give your name and you may be eligible for a reward if your tips lead to an arrest.

Norwood science students raising funds for D.C. trip

Norwood resident Mary Yeager sent us this link to a Channel 5 video featuring 7th & 8th grade science students at Immaculate Conception Academy with their 1st place winning entry in the recent Future City competition. In years past, these student placed 3rd, 2nd, and 3rd in the state competition. This year’s big win means they will be representing the State of Ohio in the National competition next week, Feb. 17-22, in Washington, D.C.

Mary tells us these talented kids are trying to raise funds for their trip. If you’d like to help out, call ICA Assistant Principal James Birth at 731-0154 or click here to make a donation via PayPal on the ICA website.

Congratulations to the ICA science students, and we wish you the best in D.C.!

Drake Planetarium Presents ...

Love Stories in the Night Sky and Meditation Under the Stars

Join Us for a Valentines Evening under the Stars Bring your friends and loved ones February 14th from 7-9 p.m. Flowers, Chocolate and Hors d'oeuvres included.

Love Stories in the Night Sky
Explore the many love stories told in the tapestry of the night sky. Discover the Korean myth about the stars Vega and Altair and their separation on either side of the Milky Way river. Experience the romance between Orion the Hunter and Artemis, the goddess of the moon, and discover how this love story tragically ends. Finally, enjoy the classic Native American tale of Algon the Hunter and the lost star maidens of the Pleiades.

Meditation Under the Stars
You and your partner are guided into a meditative state where you imagine being together on a perfectly romantic holiday.

This week at the Norwood Branch Library

On The Same Page 2012

Now in its 11th year, “On The Same Page” is an annual community reading event hosted by the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. Join others in your community and read The Submission by Amy Waldman. The Submission explores how 9/11 has challenged our personal convictions and changed the public debate on what it means to be American. Book discussions will be held on March 16, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. and on March 19, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. Call 369-6037 for more information.

Xavier’s ROTC Program selects Matthew Hammer for trip to Tunisia

This summer, Matthew Hammer of Norwood will be one of six cadets the Xavier University Army ROTC Program will send all over the world as participants in the U.S. Army’s Cultural Understanding and Language Proficiency (CULP) Program. This is the most cadets ever participating in one summer. The program provides cadets with a 30-day experience in a different country to gain an understanding of different cultures they could find themselves in as officers. Matthew, a sophomore psychology major at Xavier, will travel to Tunisia.

The U.S. Army’s CULP Program is highly competitive and seeks to prepare cadets for cultural immersion through academic projects and missions and leadership development. The program pays for 1,000 cadets to study in 33 different countries.

Xavier University first offered military instruction in 1877. Xavier ROTC has a number of distinguished alumni, including six general officers. Since 1991, Xavier's ROTC program has received the General MacArthur Unit Award eight times. This identifies the top ROTC units among all across the United States, and is based on an assessment of each program, including training, performance, and cadet academic grade point average.

16th Annual SPCA Cincinnati Adopt A Pet this Saturday

Calling all cowboys and cowgirls! Saddle up with SPCA Cincinnati for the 16th annual Adopt A Pet Fund THIS Saturday, February 4. The show will be live from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Local 12, WKRC-TV. The show will also be repeated on Sunday, February 12 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on The CW.

SPCA Cincinnati President & CEO Harold Dates along with many Local 12 personalities, including John Lomax, Michelle Boutilette, Curtis Jackson, Liz Bonis and Jen Dalton, as well as Chris and Janeen “Married with Microphones” from WGRR, will host the three hour fundraising event.

This year’s Adopt A Pet Fund goal is to raise $100,000 to assist homeless animals. The Adopt A Pet Fund is always full of fun, music, education and entertainment and this year will take viewers to old West!

Students from around Greater Cincinnati will help show off animals up for adoption. Tri-state personalities will share their animal adoption stories and urge people to donate. Prominent veterinarians, trainers and others will offer expert advice on animal care. The show also highlights SPCA Cincinnati services and events during the past year.

IAMS, Local 12, PetSuites, Kroger and P&G sponsor the Adopt a Pet Fund.

PSA: Tips to prevent heart disease

Guest blog by Brad King

February is American Heart Month, and unfortunately, most of us know someone who has had heart disease or stroke. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States; one in every three deaths is from heart disease and stroke, equal to 2,200 deaths per day. These conditions are also leading causes of disability preventing people from working and enjoying family activities.

Here are some of the things that you can do to help prevent heart disease:

1. Get up and get active by being physically active for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week.
2. Make your calories count by eating a heart-healthy diet in fresh fruits and vegetables and low in sodium and trans fat.
3. Show your support for heart health and wear red on Friday February 3rd
4. If you smoke, get help to quit
5. Get your blood pressure checked regularly:

a. The Norwood Health Department provides two free blood pressure clinics every month. The first clinic takes place at the Health Department on the first Friday of every month from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The second clinic takes place at the Norwood Senior Center on the second Wednesday of every month from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Let us all work together in reducing/preventing heart disease and stroke. If you need more information please contact the Health Department or visit www.cdc.gov/Features/HeartMonth.

Brad King, MPH, RS
Norwood Health Commissioner