Nexus Garden Update: 8 garden plots left

Molly Robertshaw with Xavier University has just informed us there are only 8 plots left that are designated for Norwood residents (see 3/26/12 blog below). Call her at 745-3560 or email robertshawm@xavier.edu. to reserve one.

Norwood club sponsoring Shred Day on May 5

Norwood Business & Professional Women’s Club is providing a public service to the communities of Norwood on Saturday, May 5 from 9 a.m. -1 p.m., “Shred Day” to help everyone wants to safely get rid of old documents and papers.

Professional shredding of your papers will be handled at La Rosa’s parking lot. There will also be nonprofit groups selling baked goods, food, drinks, and other items to raise funds for their organizations.

If you are interested in participating or need more information, call Sue Prues at 310-7152.

Lupe A. González Hoyt
Executive Director
Norwood Service League

Sign up for 2012 summer camps at Drake Planetarium

Starting in June, Drake Planetarium is offering week-long LEGO Engineering Camps for every grade level K-8. Click here for camp descriptions, cost, and sign up.

2012 NEXUS garden applications available now

Guest blog by Molly Robertshaw

Want to save money, get involved in your community, become even healthier, and have some fun in the sun this season? Well, the NEXUS (Norwood-Evanston-Xavier Urban Sustainability) Community Garden is now accepting applications for new gardeners for the 2012 growing season. Norwood community members are encouraged to join and no prior gardening experience is necessary. Plots are $25 for the season (includes tools, seeds, water, compost, and new friends!) and the garden is located at 1714 Cleneay Ave. To learn more visit our website or contact Molly at 745-3560 or robertshawm@xavier.edu. Hope you can come grow with us this season!

Molly Robertshaw, M.S.W.
Assistant Director, Service & Justice
Dorothy Day Center for Faith and Justice
Xavier University

Just in: Wright-Patt robber sentenced to 16 years

Remember this sad-looking guy and how Officer Chuck Bell captured him on Ashland Ave. in January, 2010 right after he robbed the Wright-Patt Credit Union for the 3rd time? He’s on his way to the pokey, according to this report Lt. Williams sent us:

On March 21st 2012, Derrick Kidd pled guilty to two counts of Aggravated Robbery and was sentenced to 16 years in prison in exchange to dropping the third count of Aggravated Robbery and one count of Felony Cocaine Possession. Judge John Andrew West sentenced Kidd to 8 years on each count and ran the sentences consecutively. The charges stemmed from Kidd robbing the Wright-Pat Credit Union at Lafayette and Smith on three separate occasions in December 2009 and January 2010.

Lt Tom Williams
Norwood Police Department
(513) 458-4545

February 2012 NPD Statistics Report

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: 3,171
Total Arrests Made: 255
Total Reports Taken: 221

Crimes Reported:
Part One Crimes Total: 104*
Part Two Crimes Total: 109**

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.

Free Composting in Your Backyard Seminars

This spring the Hamilton County Recylcling and Waste District will move around to different communities throughout the county and offer an hour‐long evening seminar focusing on the basics of backyard composting. You will learn how to balance a compost bin, what materials are compostable, and some troubleshooting. There will also be time to answer your composting questions. At the end of the hour, Hamilton County residents will receive a free kitchen collector, "I ♥ Compost" magnet as well as a $20 coupon redeemable at partnering stores toward the purchase of a compost bin.

Call 946-7734 to register. Space is limited.

Wednesday, March 21
City of Loveland
Loveland City Hall, Council Chambers
120 W Loveland Avenue, Loveland, Ohio 45140
6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 17
City of Cincinnati
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45220
6:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 26
City of Deer Park
Francis R. Healy Community Center
7640 Plainfield Rd. Deer Park, Ohio 45236
6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, May 15
City of Forest Park
Forest Park Senior Center
11555 Winton Road, Forest Park, Ohio 45240
6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 23
Delhi Township
Delhi Park Lodge
5125 Foley Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45238
6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, June 5
Sycamore Township
Robert Schuler Sports Complex,
Community Room
11580 Deerfield Rd Cincinnati, Ohio 45242
6:00 p.m.

(h/t Casey)

Norwood resident organizing fundraiser for NCS crossing guards

According to Sunday’s Enquirer article entitled “Recession takes toll on crossing guards” Norwood is just one of a number of area school districts that can no longer pay for crossing guards. Facing a huge deficit last year, the City of Norwood was forced to stop funding, leaving Norwood City Schools to try staffing the positions with just 3 volunteers. Superintendent Rob Amodio told the Enquirer, “I understand that the city can’t provide the great service it provided for many years, but we cannot carry the expense that the city has shed.”

Enter Norwood resident Charles R. Jones III with an April 14 fundraiser “For the Safety of All Our Children” at Lower Millcrest Park and a Facebook page to promote it. Mr. Jones hopes to raise enough money to pay for NCS crossing guards. Volunteers are needed to help set up, clean up, provide food, and anything else that is needed to make the event successful.

What: For the Safety of Our Children Fundraiser
When: Saturday, April 14 from 12:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Lower Millcrest Park at the corner of Hopkins and Victory Parkway
Features: Live band(s), food, games
To volunteer: Call Mr. Jones at 288-5746, or 591-8581, or 351-441 or though his Facebook page.

Sgt. Robert Bales, accused in Afghan killings, grew up in Norwood

Yesterday’s Enquirer article about Norwood native Robert Bales, accused of killing 16 Afghan civilians, included interviews with locals who knew him when he and his family lived on Ivanhoe. The profile that emerges from their descriptions of him is certainly at odds with the atrocious acts he is accused of committing against Afghan civilians during his 4th tour of duty. Do any of our readers remember him?

New food truck in Norwood every Tuesday

According to the Business Courier, the new 3-week-old food truck Eat comes to Wall Street (near PNC and Fitworks) every Tuesday. Owner-operator Jason Perkins calls his menu “bistro-style.” Included is a fruit and cheese plate, soups, pasta with wild-caught shrimp, Amish chicken or peneer cheese, and sandwiches. Anyone
tried it yet?

Fight Cancer May 18th and 19th!

Guest blog by Glenna S. Edwards

Do you know someone who has fought cancer or is still battling? Do you want to make a difference in the fight against cancer? Then join Relay for Life - Together we can prevent, find cures and celebrate more birthdays by raising money for the American Cancer Society.

Relay for Life will take place on May 18th and 19th at Shea Stadium. Here’s what you need to know to join the fight:

1. Get a team together. Whether you have 2 people or 20+ people, you can walk and make a difference.
2. Register at relayforlife.org.
3. On the site, search eventNorwood45212 May 18 and either start a team or join a team.
4. Collect money either through the web-site—there are some neat tools for you to inform friends and family—or pick up a team packet from Laura Ferguson at the NorwoodMiddle School.

Our theme this year will be Carnival Games. There will be activities for all ages while we take turns walking the track for 18 hours. You may walk an hour or you may walk longer. You and your team decide your walking plan and what carnival type game at your team location could be--just go for it! As Crystal Gray, the Entertainment and Activities Chair said, “Together we will enjoy a little bit of Olympics with a little clowning around!” Bring your yard chairs, bring a tent (tension only) and spend the night. Prepare to enjoy family and friends!

A note to Cancer Survivors: we need you! Would you like to take a turn carrying the Torch of Hope? Survivors will take turns passing the Torch of Hope from City Hall to Shea Stadium. This will be a very special way to kick off a fantastic event. Contact Laura Ferguson for further information: 513-924-2705.

Norwood, together we can make a difference in the fight against cancer!

Cancer support benefit in honor of former Norwood resident

Guest blog by Cameron Kelley

A dear friend of ours, Arlene Murphy lost her battle with colon cancer a little over a year ago. She was a real fighter for many years, lobbying Congress, volunteering at cancer fundraisers, etc. Her husband Ed Murphy is putting on a benefit at the 20th Century in Oakley on March 25 to raise money for the Cancer Support (Wellness) Community. You can find more info on the event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/293287990719590/

Ed and Arlene started their life together here in Norwood, renting an apartment at 4000 Montgomery Rd. (for $85/mo)! They both worked many years at American Laundry, and many Norwood residents may remember them.

NHS student Hannah Hale to receive YMCA Character Award

Congratulations to Norwood student Hannah Hale, one of 40 teens who will be honored by the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati with a Character Award “for exemplifying the values of caring, respect, honesty and responsibility.” She will be presented with the award April 17 at the SPCA.

Here’s a excerpt from the Cincinnati Enquirer article that describes Hannah’s many virtues and accomplishments:

“Every day, in everything she does Hale is a positive example of living life with virtue. Holding a 4.0 GPA – the highest in her class – her high academic standards carry through in her positive attitude toward family, extracurricular activities, and community service. She is captain of her school’s varsity girls basketball team and also a member of its soccer team, demonstrating commitment and sportsmanship. Through her church, Hale is a member of the youth group and has volunteered at homeless shelters, assisted with home repairs for people in need, and engaged residents of nursing homes using crafts. However, no matter how much she has on her plate, Hale always finds special time to share with family.”

Norwood parent shames 14-year-old son for smoking

This is the photo of a Norwood teen forced by his mother to hold up a sign at a busy intersection admitting to the transgression of smoking cigarettes. Reportedly, she stood closeby and encouraged others to wave and take pictures. One passerby sent the photo to Channel 5. What do our readers think - did the punishment fit the crime?

This week at the Norwood Branch Library

Thursday, March 15
The Sad, Seamy, Sinister Side of Cincinnati
Serial murderers, grave robbers, epidemics, personal tragedies, and even slime are all part of Cincinnati’s history. Spend an hour hearing stories about some of Cincinnati’s most notorious citizens.
6:30 p.m., Adults
Registration Recommended. Call 369-6037.

Xavier selects Natalie Clark to display her art work

Natalie Clark of Norwood will be displaying her work Beauty through Chaos at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) March 29-31 at Weber State University in Ogden, UT. Natalie is a senior art major at Xavier University. The work of 9 Xavier students was selected to be presented. Students are able to view other exemplary research and gain experience presenting their work.

This week at the Norwood Branch Library

Thursday, March 8
Snack Attack!
Can’t shake that hungry feeling but you’re not allowed to touch the stove? Learn how to make some simple appetite busters that will hold you ‘til dinner!
4:00 p.m., Ages 6-12
Registration required. Call 369-6037.

Saturday, March 10
The Web’s Funniest Videos
Celebrate Teen Tech Week with us as we surf the net for talking cats, dancing dogs, laughing babies and more. We’ll project your favorites on the big screen.
2:00 p.m., Ages 12-18

A little praise for the NPD

One of us had an settling experience late yesterday afternoon. A petite, young woman rang the doorbell and could be seen immediately moving over to peer in the picture window. When the front door was opened to her, she asked for clothes for a small boy. Upon being told there any to give her, she flashed an angry look and said, “Well, you’re warm!”

The non-emergency Norwood police number was called, and the woman who answered was given an account of what had happened, a description of the young woman, and what direction she was walking after leaving. The woman said an officer would be sent out to investigate and would follow up later at the residence.

Literally, within minutes, the officer was at the door to report that he had located the subject and that she had also rung the doorbell of another house nearby asking for something other than clothes. He found her headed out of Norwood on foot, and he offered to expedite her departure with a free ride, which she refused.

In the scheme of police work, this was certainly a minor incident, but the speedy, professional way the NPD handled it was most appreciated. This kind of service goes a long way toward making residents feel safe and secure in the community. Thank you, Norwood police!

Ch 12: NCS parents worry about crossing guard cuts

The result of the City cutting funding for school crossing guards last year is that Norwood Schools is operating for the first time without any paid crossing guards. According to this Channel 12 report, Norwood parents are deeply concerned that the budget cuts are responsible for 2 children that have been by cars on their way to or from school.

Superintendent Rob Amodio told Channel 12 he’s been able so far to recruit 3 volunteer crossing guards and some teachers, “and we’re providing training, vests, stop signs, so we have people that are very dedicated,” but admits he could use four times the help.

That help is coming in the form of resident Charlie Jones, who says he's got family and friends working to help him with a fundraiser cook out. "If everyone around here would drop a dollar we'd have it covered." He says if parents want to join in the fundraiser to try to get paid guards ...he'd contact some restaurants about food donations but thinks the long term solution will be getting more parents to volunteer.

A Facebook page is set up for the fundraiser called "For the safety of all our children." Parents who want to be volunteer crossing guards should contact the NCS school board office.

NSL fundraiser today at Rookwood Max & Erma’s

Funds needed for NSL Food Closet program

Thursday, March 1, Norwood Service League is attempting to improve the typical 33/500 response on their Max & Ermas’-Rookwood fundraiser for nonprofits. We are raising needed funds for NSL Food Closet program.

You can print this flyer to benefit Norwood Service League on this one day only. Show your flyer to the wait staff when they present your bill. 20% will go toward our cause. Max & Erma’s employees have been very generous to our needy families during holiday assistance season. Let’s support them!

You may use your flyer for lunch, dinner or carry out. The NSL staff will be lunching, so please stop by our table to say ‘Hi!’ We’d love to thank you.”

Lupe A. González Hoyt
Executive Director
Norwood Service League
513-924-1200