the northsider - A Small Group
Transcription
the northsider - A Small Group
Next month’s Focus—Old St. George Your In This Issue Neighbors February, 2008 Peace—Page 2 Northside 2007 Activites Report—Page 3 Northside Community Council—Page 4 Housing Issues—Pages 6 Dr. Bob—Page 7 CAIN/Religion—Pages 8 Serving Cincinnati’s "City Neighborhoods" [email protected] County faces challenges, commissioners plan to meet them Downtown—This year began with great challenges for Hamilton County, County Commission President Todd Portune told those meeting for the Christ Church January Forum. “We faced a $38 million budget deficit,” he continued. “I was very proud that we were able to balance that budget.” The commissioners worked across party lines, in a way to bring people together, in a way not to increase taxes and without affecting in any physical way the services the county provides. “We are poised now to make great strides in the future in stabilizing our budget,” he continued. “Since we faced such a difficult problem, our first priority in 2008 is to get the county’s fiscal health in order,” said the commissioner. “We cannot continue to face deficits like that without affecting the services we provide.” “There are ways we can do that,” he explained. “We can continue to find ways we can cut costs...” He said they have adopted a variety of very affective environmental stewardship policies...reducing the carbon footprint, reducing toxic emissions that the county emits. The commissioners have a goal of reducing toxic emissions by two percent in the coming year with a further goal of reducing emissions by 80 percent in 40 Commissioner Todd Portune years...These efforts will cut costs as will using bulk purchasing. And, there are many other ways the budget can be cut, according to Portune. He said the county administration will be reporting monthly to the commissioners about these initiatives. He talked about growing the tax base of the county, not raising taxes but creating new jobs. He suggested calling leaders from throughout the region together to identify what has to be done to lead to a massive economic regeneration. A County Cabinet of Economic Advisers has been called together (first meeting was in late January) to develop a strategy for business growth and investment. The commissioner said the county has to get out of the Queensgate (correctional) facility in a few years. It is a 100year-old warehouse in miserable condition that runs counter to everything the county is trying to do. He said, “Not to mention the owner refuses to put any money into it to fix up the major infrastructure problems that it has. It is a disaster waiting to happen.” Portune said the commissioners will find a new location for prisoners this year. At the same time, Portune told the forum, the county needs to reduce the capacity of the system. Agencies involved with the incarcerated will be asked to come together to develop new programs. He suggested a work-release program in which some prisoners could continue working at jobs they already have while serving their sentences. Portune said the emergency warning sirens that sound before bad weather and other emergencies need to be updated so they can be heard throughout the county.. The system will include what is called “reverse 911” whereby people in areas which might have emergencies—hazardous toxic leaks, etc.—can be alerted by phone all at the same time. METRO e.mailer FREE ReceiveOurthe electronic color version The county has begun discussions with the Veterans Administration to have Drake Hospital be this region’s center for members of the military with catastrophic brain and spine injuries. The center would also be available for local patients. One transportation project locally would link Milford with Downtown while others would link Cincinnati with Dayton and Indianapolis. (Editor’s Note: The “2008 Hamilton County Agenda for Growth and Positive Change”, can be found on the Web by going to Haminltoncountyohio.gov and then to County Services, touch the P then Portune then go to his website.) Light Up Northside By Tim Jeckering Community Council Northside—Join the efforts to increase safety in Northside by participating in the “Light up Northside” campaign. Northside Community Council is working in partnership with Keep Cincinnati Beautiful, Working in Neighborhoods, and District Five Police to coordinate the event. We all know that criminal activity is more likely to occur in darker, unlit areas. We are asking everybody to keep your porch light on all night long to help improve safety in the neighborhood. As part of the campaign, all residential properties within the Neighborhood Enhance- Recycle bins Northside—Recycling Bins will be available for Northside Residents on March 1st, 10 a.m. until 1p.m., at the “Light up Northside Event” MRDD Building at the corner of Chase Aveune and Dane Street. Send your name, community and e.mail address to [email protected] ment Program Area are going to receive a free compact fluorescent light bulb, along with a Proven Safety Tips Brochure. You can burn your porch light all night (12 hours) for only two cents a night with these bulbs. We are asking everybody throughout the neighborhood to keep your porch light on every night of the week; hopefully we can all afford 62 cents a month for safer, well-lit streets. So I say, “Light up Northside”!! The intention on March 1st is to distribute the bulbs and information and have a brigade of volunteers with ladders available to assist those who need help installing bulbs on their porches. We need volunteers for distribution of bags and ladder brigade. The Kits will be disbursed from the MRDD Building at the northeast corner of Chase Avenue and Dane Street, 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 1st. To sign up, contact me at [email protected] or 513542-2500 ext #1 at work. FREE NEIGHBORS OP/ED PAGE Page 2—METRO Neighbors THE Including NORTHSIDER & UPTown News February, 2008 PEACE (hopefully) By Steve Sunderland Worley Rodehaver, Publisher Recognizing our Associates—the Columnists, the Delivery Teams, Barbara Boylan, Richard Middendorf, Peggy Weyand, Joe Wilks and, of course, our family of Advertisers. Thanks for your support! “Dr. Bob” Dr. Bob and Mite Cincinnati Central Animal Hospital, begun just after the Second World War, is one of the oldest established veterinary hospitals in the city. We are by design a smaller, more personalized clinic that provides complete services such as medical and surgical procedures. Dental and grooming facilities are available as well. Serving the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area, we pride ourselves on personalized and intimate service at a place where the Golden Rule is our motto. Dr. Robert Biederman, Jr. D.V.M. 513-961-1111 650 E. McMillan Street Just east of I-71 Cincinnati, OH 45206 Free METRO e.mailer Rain and snow can slow down our home delivery because we do not deliver when sidewalks are wet unless we are seven or more days late. Interested readers can now receive a PDF version of this newspaper in their e.mail each month, sent the day we go to the printer to pick up the hard copy. The METRO e.mailer includes the publication as you now see it, except photos are in coloralong with other items. To receive the METRO e.mailer, send your name, neighborhood and e.mail address to [email protected]. Please Note: If you are usng “Dialup” to receive e.mails it may not work Critters TM Let’s make a peace plan for the city Northside—The agenda of Cincinnati City Council and the Mayor are too often worked without any real accountability to the general community. For example, the recent approval of the bus fare increase happened under the radar of community groups, advocates for the poor and disabled, and without major coverage in our media. What kind of city and government can we really have if such an important attack on the poor and the disabled can take place without city, neighborhood and mayoral authority sharing their plans with the general public? Recently, Cincinnati was visited by John McNight, Chicago based community organizer and professor of community administration at Northwestern University. John gave a history of community development to about 300 city activists. His key point was: “We had learned our tactics and strategies in Chicago neighborhoods as we fought Mayor Daley’s machine. We learned how to fight for progress against an administration that was strongly controlled and unsympathetic to democratic voices and actions. When Daley died and when Mayor Harold Washington was elected, we realized for the first time in a long time, we had a friend at City Hall. But we didn’t know how to organize with this “friend.” Mayor Washington called me in to help neighborhoods organize efforts that strengthened the progres- By Paul Zook sive agenda. We were able to organize only after we changed our mind set from negative to positive.” McNight’s insights were echoed at a recent peacemakers meeting in comments by Jeff Berding, city councilperson, and Caleb Faux, executive director of the Democratic Party. They said the national swing to the Democrats in 2006 has not been seen in local politics. “We are having a tough time fielding candidates. There is an old mind set that the Republicans have the elections sewed up,” Caleb said as he reviewed the small list of progressive candidates in the past election. Jeff Berding added the following critical point: “It you want the mayor and council to foster a peace agenda, you have to give us one and work with us to make it a success.” The time is ripe for a Peace Agenda and we need to call out to the many groups that have been ignored and weakened by the years of Republican rule. Changing the minds of peace leaders and government officials will be made easier once we have an agenda that promotes our priorities for peace. Clearly, such a peace agenda would have to include a strengthening of the police-community relationships with the community playing a larger role in crime identification, crime reduction strategies, and supporting the latest and best police and community relationships. Also, important is a commitment to making visible the workings of council and what, if anything, is being done for neighborhood peace. And, no peace agenda can ignore the wreckage of the schools and the need for peace activists to work with teachers, parents and youth on the rebuilding of our schools into paragons of peace. I urge all readers to write me your most important ideas for our Peace Agenda. Let’s make a new government and a new city based on peace. Editorial Hate? By Worley Rodehaver Editor Mt. Auburn—Watching one of the all too numerous television news interviews about the Super Bowl, the woman being interviewed said, “I hate the Patriots.” You have to wonder when somebody “hates” a football team playing a “game”—who else does she hate? What kind of a message does that comment send to viewers, especially children? There is enough hate in this world without somebody hating a football team that has done so well this season. Why broadcast such comments? Unbelievable!!!!!! Neighbors, including THE NORTHSIDER & UPTown News Published by MEDIA ASSOCIATES Worley Rodehaver, publisher/editor—513-241-7539 1727 Highland Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45202 [email protected] Joe Wilks, travel, delivery Worley Rodehaver—sales representative—513-241-7539 METRO NEIGHBORS is published 12 times annually and is FREE to readers. Copies are distributed to households in Northside and Walnut Hills as well as through businesses in Northside and the Uptown District and in other city neighborhoods. The publisher assumes no responsibility for content, accuracy or validity of Advertising or of content prepared by neighborhoods, organizations and institutions. Views expressed by others are not necessarily those of Media Associates. Vol. 20, No. 2; February, 2008 NORTHSIDE COMMUNITY NEWS February, 2008 THE NORTHSIDER Serving Northside Households & Area Businesses The State of Northside Northside Community Council 2007 Activities Report Administrative Activities January—Northside Community Council (NCC) passed the allocation of the Invest in Neighborhoods “Neighborhood Support Program” allocation of *$7,000 for the following: *$2,283.36 Northsider delivery to every residence in Northside *$ 340.00 Hearing interpreters and childcare at every NCC General Membership Meeting *$1,154.00 Board Insurance *$ 947.47 Beautification within the Business District *$ 948.50 4th of July Parade *$ 318.21 Entry Gardens watering *$ 513.36 Chase School PTA *$ 495.00 .$chwab School PTA $6,999.90 TOTAL June—NCC votes to apply for the Invest in Neighborhoods’ Annual Interest Grant of $747.00 for the reimbursable expenses of a storage facility for NCC. October—NCC received documentation that NCC has passed the Investin-Neighborhoods Audit for 2005, 2006 and 2007. Included in the document was the quote “Your NSP Manager and other officers need to be commended for maintaining such good records and also your volunteers for completing the NSP Projects in a successful manner,” Community Awards April—NCC voted to award the $1,000 Invest-in-Neighborhood’s Merit Grant to Chase Elementary School Panthers for sports uniforms for the students at Chase School May—NCC voted to utilize the “$1,000 Henry Grant” donated to NCC to be used for funding Block Parties at $75 per party. M a y — NCC received a $50 Beautification Award from The Daughters of the American Revolution for the cleanup, maintenance and beautification of the DAR Park at Knowlton and Fergus Streets, an Historic Marker Site the DAR had lost track of, and were unaware they had a historical moment at this location. June—NCC was awarded a $2,500 Home Depot Award of Excellence Program for Community Trees to be used to further the support of the strategic use of trees in the Northside Community. July—NCC received news that North Side Bank and Trust Company was awarded the 2007 Booth Spirit Award in the Corporate Category as a result of a joint nomination between CAIN and NCC. September—NCC partnered with Gardner’s Row on Whiter (GROW) and Blockwatch 45223 as the 501(c)3 Partner on the Northside Community Fund Mini-Grant totaling $2,468 for GROW to implement the installation of a water line at the new Witler Street Garden, and Blockwatch 45223 to install the Painted Window Projects in the Blockwatch 45223 focus area of Northside. November—At the Keep Cincinnati Beautiful’s “Just Desserts” Award Banquet NCC affiliates and businesses Blockwatch 45223, GROW, Northside Business Association and Ohio Tile and Marble won various awards for different beautification projects here in Northside. See Report, Page 4, Col. 3 METRO—Page 3 Eclectic Northside Welcomes You! coffee & tea MON-FRI 7am-9pm / SAT-SUN 8am-8pm 4181 HAMILTON AVE /542-8321 www.sidewindercoffee.com Silent Auction and Raffle nets more than $7,000 By Stefanie Sunderland Northside—On behalf of the Cincinnati Northside Community Urban redevelopment Corporation (CNCURC) I would like to extend a tremendous thanks to all those who so generously donated their time, talent and gifts to our second Silent Auction held in December. Thanks to the multi-talented artists, photographers, crafters and massage therapists for donating beautifully crafted works of art and offering such wonderful services: Gerry Becker/ LMT, Mary Faith Colon’, The Comet Bluegrass All-Stars, Claire Darley, Kate Demske/ Solid Ground Studio, Patricia Garry/LMT, Stuart Fink, Catherine George, Edgar Gonzalez, Cheryl Hayden, Karen Heaster, Robin Henderson/LMT, Jim Humble, Peter Huttinger, Carol Lynn Creations, Vicki Mansoor, Jerri Needleman/Jerriwear Handmade Jewelry, Molly Paquette, Ursula Roma, Merle Rosen, Robert Sala, Sarah Schellenger, Chad Scholten, Leslie Scott, Betsy Shank, Gary Skitt, Elizabeth Smith, Jake Speed & the Freddies, Janice Trytten/Sunflower Tones, Philip Taylor, Debra Vitt/Art with a Flair, Stephanie Winters/Swedeprep and Bob Zimmerman. Thanks to special individuals for donating an unique selection of products, food and/ or cash: Pat Agnew and Kathy Dahl/Laboiteaux Woods naturalists with the Cincinnati Park Board; Harry Blanton, Kate Bridgman and Chris Schadler, Ru and Craig Congdon, Martha and Mike Dourson, Marion DeFalco, Caleb Faux, Judi Houchens, Cindy Sherding, Kay Sterling, Shelley Werner. Thanks to our stupendous business owners who provided a diverse selection of goods and services: A. J. Rahn’s Greenhouses, Ace Hardware, Ali’s Boutique, Architectural Art Glass, B & B Tire Town, BaCall’s Café, Blue Jay Restaurant, Bohemian Graffiti Custom Signs & Banners Graphic Design, Bonomini Bakery, Boswell Alley, Bughouse Video, C. M Mockbee, Casablanca Vintage, Inc., Chipotle Mexican Grill Clifton, Churches Active in Northside (CAIN), Cluxton Alley Coffee Roaster, College Hill Coffee Shop, The Comet, Contemporary Arts Center, Contemporary Dance Theater, Inc., Crossfit West Chester, Designs by Dana, European Bridal, Funke’s Greenhouses, Inc., Hazelglas, The Hideaway, Honey, Scot Knox, Attorney at Law; Madison’s Market, Melt, Metro Scooter, Moeller Greenhouse & Garden Center, National City, North Side Bank & Trust Co., Pinnokio’s Hair Studio, S & J Petroleum, LTD/ Marathon, St. Theresa Textile Trove, Robert Sala, Architect; Schaeper’s Pharmacy, Shake It! Records, Shoe-Topia, Side- winders, Skyline Chili Clifton, Skincraft Piercing & Tattoo, Sitwell’s, Take the Cake, Aubrey & Robyn, Taylor Jameson Hair Design stylists; Toko Baru, Yoga Ah! Studio. Thanks to the energetic volunteers who tirelessly worked to organize, execute and clean up: Michael Berry, Kate Bridgman, Chuck Brown, Martha Calligan, Dennis Conroy, Mike Conroy, Andrew Dignan, Vicki Fleischer, Paul Green, Tim Golliher, Carolyn Gutjahr, Karen Heaster, Tim Jeckering, Skip Jones, Betsy Shank, Dave Schwinn, Shelley Werner and CNCURC board members. Thanks to all our supporters and a special thanks to Gajah Wong West owners, Ru and Craig, for offering their beautifully renovated restaurant space and providing a magnificent selection of fine Indonesian-prepared food for the event. See Auction, Page 7, Col. 3 BLUE JAY RESTAURANT “Home Cooking” “Complete Carryout” 513-541-0847 “Daily Specials” “Home Made Soups” 4154 Hamilton Ave. — Northside NORTHSIDE COMMUNITY NEWS Page 4—METRO February, 2008 Northside Northside Community Council Advertise—513-241-7539 Taylor Jameson Hair Design welcomes you to Northside Hi, I’m Sarah Zepp and I am new here. I love to do manicures and I also like to do colors. Visit us soon! 513-541-3332 4200 Hamilton Avenue By Tim Jeckering Community Council president Thank you Northside—Northside Community Council (NCC) had its annual meeting with elections in January. I would like to offer my personal thank you to Marion DeFalco, Jeremy Freeman, and Larry Sancoucie who ran for Board positions but did not get elected. I was thrilled with the elections this year because we had six people who were willing to serve as NCC Directors with only three positions available, a testament to the commitment volunteers have for our neighborhood. If you see these people around the neighborhood, please extend a thank you to them for their willingness to volunteer and encourage them to run again for the board. Also Cincinnati CincinnatiBell Belloffers offers discount discount phone those in in need. need phone service service for those for new, current or disconnected customers LIFELINETelephone Telephone LIFELINE AssistanceProgram Program Assistance Cut your monthly Cut your monthly phone bill up to $12.24* phone bill up to $12.24* for new, current, or disconnected customers Call today for an application: Call today for an Application 513-565-LIFE (5433) 513-565-LIFE (5433) or or contact Communities Contact Communities United forUnited Action for Action (CUFA) 513-853-3947 (CUFA) 513-853-3947 *Eligibility based on income.Restrictions Restrictions apply. apply. Call details. *Eligibility based on income. Callforfor details. with this election, we had four Board Members who will no longer be NCC Board Members. Resigning from the board after one year of service was Bev Godfrey for health reasons. Choosing not to seek reelection was long-term Board Member Erica Riddick. Erica has for the last two years served as Membership Secretary and prior to that served as a director who was involved in membership. Erica recently completed the huge task of changing the structure of our membership over from renewal date based on the month you joined NCC; to a membership renewal based on the calendar year. The unseen tasks of keeping our membership organized in the computer data base, and sending out those membership renewal cards to all NCC members every year is something Erica meticulously maintained. She welcomed everybody at the door of our General Membership Meetings every month with her warm smile, a sharp mind willing to answer any question, and a heart based in her love for the neighborhood. Choosing not to run for office again was seven- year Board Member Gary Skitt. Recently having served as Vice President as well as several director terms, Gary has been active at almost all cleanup activities that have been planned for as long as anybody can remember, and he has contributed countless hours planting various entryway gardens for years. Gary is very active in the Framers Market, Blockwatch 45223, Northside Greenspace, the Community Gardens at McKie, Community Problem Oriented Policing (CPOP) Team, and a Board Member of Cincinnati Northside Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation (CNCURC). Thank God he is not leaving the neighborhood, and is looking to be on just one less board. Choosing not to run for office again is long-term Board Member Edward Thomas. Ed Thomas has for seven years been the champion and the voice for the importance of education and schools. As the Chairman of the Education Committee for many years, Ed was an active Local School Decision Making Committee (LSDMC) Member for Schwab School for years. Ed consistently worked with both Chase and Schwab Schools to bring a portion of Northside’s Neighborhood Support Funds (NSP) money to the Parent Teachers Organization (PTO) for assistance in encouraging parental involvement in the schools. Ed and his wife Mary Thomas have lived on Pitts Avenue for 40 years and both have contributed countless hours as volunteers at both Chase and Schwab Schools. To say NCC will miss these (3) long term board members is an understatement. New board members To say that I am not thrilled for all of Northside to welcome new Board Officers: LaVern Johnson as Vice President, Heather Newkirk as Council Secretary, and Melody Smith as Membership Secretary would also be an understatement. Returning Officers (Officers are 1 year terms) Treasurer Chuck Brown and Board Secretary Gwen Marshall will be able to continue doing an excellent job in their current positions. All of Northside will be thrilled to welcome new Directors (two year positions) Brian Balsley and Oliver Kroner, and back for his second term as a Director, Bill McCormick. Existing Board Members Elizabeth Motter (Education Committee Chair), Angela Edwards and Yvonne Stein are returning for their second year as Board Directors. I expect great things from this board, we will rock!! February 25th NCC Meeting will feature ODOT returning to share latest designs for the Colerain Avenue entry/exit onto I74 and rumors have it the Skate Park Design Group will return. Be There, be Involved!!! Contact me at: [email protected] Report—from Page 3 trol Unit of the Health Department, Building and Inspections, Urban Forestry, CRC, Community Development and Planning Department all making their presence felt within the neighborhood. In addition to the City Departments, the Police Partnering Center, Keep Cincinnati Beautiful, People Working Cooperatively, Working in Neighborhoods, Northside Cincinnati Urban Redevelopment Corporation all participated. September—NCC hosted the best ever and most organized “City Council Candidates Night” at the NCC General Membership Meeting whereby 23 of the 25 people who were running for City Council came to the Forum. October—NCC hosted the 6th Bi-annual Porch Tour departing from Jergens’ Parks for the first time, continuing the tradition of moving the event around the neighborhood and including new streets into the event. October—NCC hosted the best ever and most organized Judge Candidates and Issues Night at the NCC General Membership Meeting. October—NCC organized the Community Activities March—NCC hosted City Councilwoman Laketa Cole’s Neighborhoods-in-Neighborhoods (NIN) Committee Meeting in Northside. April—NCC organized the Great American Cleanup in the neighborhood resulting in more than 70 volunteers participating in the annual neighborhood cleanup. July—NCC hosted the “Best Ever” 4th of July Parade in Northside with more than 120 parade groups participating in the event, causing a panic about how we were going to organize all 120 entries in the parking lot of Bethlehem Temple Church which was under construction at the time. September—The “Focused City Services” effort commences in Northside for a threemonth blitz of all City of Cincinnati Departments focusing their expertise on the southern portion of the neighborhood. The City changed the name of the program during the process to “Neighborhood Enhancement Program” (NEP). This Program resulted in the Police Department, the Department of Public Services and Litter Con- “Make a Difference Day” in See Report, Page 8, Col. 4 NEIGHBORS February, 2008 METRO—Page 5 Enjoy the "Sweet" things of Life with Baked Goods from Bonomini Bakery 1677 Blue Rock Road Northside -- 513-541-7501 Donuts - Danish - Coffee Cakes - Bread Cup Cakes - Birthday Cakes - Wedding Cakes Visit Eclectic Northside The Ink Spot Offset & Letterpress Printers 3 Month 120.00 unlimited Yoga 513-681-1909 Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training starts March 8 1545 Chase Avenue Northside Studio schedule at www.yogaahstudio.com 4046 Hamilton Ave 45223 542-YOGA (9642) REVERSE MORTGAGE 3827 Spring Grove Ave. Cincinnati, OH 513-681-2501 ARE YOU AGE 62 OR OLDER? A Reverse Mortgage allows you to: • Tap the wealth (equity) tied-up in your home. • Cash advances can be used for any purpose. • The homeowner always retains title and ownership of the home. CALL US TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION! 513-542-7800 LOOK TO THE NORTH™ w w w. n o r t h s i d e b a n k a n d t r u s t . c o m Member FDIC Page NEIGHBORS 6-METRO Clifton Heights February, 2008 Housing Issues Multifamily residences can recycle too By Jasmin Watson-El Public Affairs Intern Neighborhood Association 2364 West McMicken Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45214 Representing: Clifton Heights . University Heights . Fairview Join your neighbors and fellow residents at CUF NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION meetings, 3rd Tuesday of every month (except August and December) at Deaconess Hospital Cafeteria, 311 Straight Street 7:30pm The CUF Neighborhood Association functions as the official representative for the Clifton Heights, University Heights and Fairview communities to the City of Cincinnati Membership is open to all residents of the above named communities. Annual membership dues are only $6.00 per person and may be paid at the meetings or by mail. Send $6.00 to: CUF Neighborhood Association, 2364 West McMicken Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45214. Visit our website—www.cufna.org. phone (513) 621-4759 fax (513) 621-4822 e.mail [email protected] 201 McMillan Cincinnati, Ohio 45219 www.cincinnatifederal.com Residents of single family homes have had the opportunity to take advantage of Hamilton County’s excellent recycling resources. Now, the Hamilton County Solid Waste Management District wants to help apartment owners and condominium associations provide their residents with recycling opportunities. Multifamily properties generate a large amount of waste in Hamilton County and are often not included in a community’s curbside recycling program. It is the District’s mission to promote recycling, waste reduction, and responsible waste management in Hamilton County. For that reason, we want to assist apartment managers and condominium associations in providing recycling services to their residents. Through the Multi-Family Recycling Assistance Program, the District will work with apartment owners, condominium associations and their waste hauler to coordinate the easiest and most efficient method of recycling for your property. The District will then pay for the first year of your recycling contract if owners agree to pay for the following two years. The District offers: * Consultation meeting and a customized recycling plan. * Coordination of recycling services with your waste hauler. * First year of recycling contract paid. * Education about recycling for your tenants. Why should multifamily residences recycle? * Saves natural resources— John Schuler Senior Vice President Home Page By Dave Scharfenberger Corryville Working In Neighborhoods (WIN) Are you ready? Is home ownership for you? 3235 Jefferson Avenue 751-DOGS (3647) 10% Discount for All Service & Law Enforcement Dogs Handicap Accessible ● By Appointment or Walk-in Evening Hours Available Downtown South Cumminsville—“I have some credit issues, can I still get a mortgage loan with a low interest rate?” “Do I really need to go to a homebuyer class?” “Why should I wait to buy a house?” These are some of the questions I was asked recently. After reflecting on this conversation, I wondered if this person was ready to own a home. At WIN, we promote home ownership and work with people to prepare them to become homeowners. There are many advantages in homeown-ership. A homeowner has a sense of pride and independence and a feeling of being a part of the community. If you own your home, your investment in your home, will increase in value and you build up equity, especially if you keep make necessary repairs. A homeowner can deduct the interest on their mortgage and real estate taxes for tax purposes. Finally when you make timely loan payments, your credit rating will improve. Are you ready for homeownership? Homeowner-ship is not for everyone. Homeownership requires a commitment to maintain the home, and to make mortgage payments. Usually owning a home requires a long term commitment of time and finances. If you are thinking of buying a home, here are some questions to ask. Do you have enough cash for a down payment, closing costs and emergencies? Do you have a steady income? Is your credit good? Is this a good time to buy in terms of housing prices and interest rates? Are there opportunities available such as special loan or down payment assistance programs? If you are interested in becoming a homeowner, contact WIN at 513-541-4109 to attend the upcoming homebuyers’ classes, March 1st and 8th. Conserves oil and metals so we will have them in the future. * Saves energy—It usually takes less energy to create products from recycled materials. Recycled aluminum takes 95 percent less energy than making new aluminum from virgin materials. * Saves money and creates jobs—The recycling process creates far more jobs than landfills and also is the less expensive waste management method for cities and towns. The Hamilton County Solid Waste Management District encourages multifamily residence owners to take advantage of this great program. For more information, please contact Michelle Balz at 513-946-7789. Smog Alert? Did you know that smog is not just a summertime air quality issue? Depending on the weather conditions and pollution levels, smog alerts can be issued anytime of the year, including the winter. What is smog? Smog is formed when pollutants such as ozone and particulate matter are present in the air and react chemically in the presence of sunlight. Studies have shown that high levels of air pollution can be associated with decreased lung function and more frequent reports of respiratory symptoms such as asthma. This is especially true for people who spend a lot of time outdoors, children and the elderly. The hazards of poor air quality increase steadily as pollution levels increase. Ozone and particulates carry their own associated health risks and effects also. A wintertime activity such as open burning and vehicle idling, combined with weather inversions, can make particulate-based winter smog alerts a reality for residents. Air pollutants are created by: * Automobiles, trucks and buses * Large industry and combustion sources such as utilities * Small industry such as gasoline dispensing facilities and print shops * Consumer products such as paints and cleaners * Off-road engines such as aircraft, locomotives, construction equipment and lawn and garden equipment Smog Can Be a Year Round Problem. A Smog Alert is typically issued by the Hamilton County Department of Environmental Services (HCDOES) between 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. the day before high ozone and/or high particulate matter levels are anticipated. HCDOES, in cooperation with local meteorologists and the National Weather Service, determine if conditions are favorable to issue a Smog Alert. If the data indicates that ozone or particulate matter may exceed National Ambient Air Quality Standards, a Smog Alert is issued. Air quality standards are based on an Air Quality Index (AQI). The Hamilton County Department of Environmental Services needs your help. Any action, regardless of how small, can help make a difference in improving air quality. Please consider the following actions at home and on the road to help reduce smog: See Smog, Page 7, Col. 1 Come and Gone at Black Box Theater Over the Rhine—The School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) is presenting Joe Turner’s Come and Gone performed by the SCPA Drama Ensemble Set in Pittsburgh in 1911, “Joe Turner” is the story of African Americans; former slaves, foreigners in a strange land, who have come in search of jobs as they work to adapt to their new identity as free men with worth. Written by August Wilson performances are Friday, February 15 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, February 16 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The performances will be held at SCPA’s Black Box Theater, 1310 Sycamore Street in Pendleton Tickets are $12 Adults and $ 8 Students. Call the SCPA Box Office at 513-363-8100 or order online at www.scpa.org. NEIGHBORS February, 2008 METRO—Page Our Pets Dr. Bob By Dr. Robert Biederman Cough it up Walnut Hills—Hello folks. Now is the time of the year for a rather important topic. Many have heard of it, but ‘Bordatella” or “Kennel Cough” is a highly contagious disease that causes a lot of angst with owners and discomfort to our dear little pets. Dogs and cats can become infected, but the Fido persuasion makes up the lion’s share of cases. Why is now a problem? Well, to be fair, any time of year is Kennel Cough season; but many Spots and Bears suffer from the cold and flu season as well. Dogs have a different form of the flu, but weather like this is conducive to acquiring these nasty infections. However, the fact is that anytime there are many pets confined in a restricted or enclosed area, this problem can easily become an issue for the unvaccinated. So if you want to astound your neighbors with some advanced information on this common malady, then we all are at the right place right now! Okay here we go. Most folks think that Bordatella or Kennel Cough is caused by one particular ‘bug’ called “Bordatella bronchiseptica.” Not so! While this particular bacterium is the fall guy, there are several other causes of what is more properly called the “Kennel Cough Smog—from Page 6 * Taking the bus (METRO: 513621-4455 or TANK: 859-3318265) * Carpooling or vanpooling (RideShare: 241-RIDE) * Keeping your vehicle maintained * Limiting idling * Conserving electricity Making a few adjustments to your daily activities can help conserve energy, natural resources and prevent Smog Alerts during the winter months. For more information, please visit www.hcdoes.org. . Complex.” Such things as herpes viruses, parainfluenza and a funky little germ called mycoplasma can be inciteful. Bordatella gets a lot more blame. Indeed, if this germ sounds vaguely familiar, that is because it is closely related to the Bordatella that causes “whooping cough” in people or children. If your next question then is whether or not this is contagious to people, then I am impressed with your quick thinking! Actually, the pet version (according to book knowledge) can be spread to people; but this must be very rare. In 20 years, I have yet to see it happen. In fact, in all that time, I have seen lots of Kennel Cough cases and haven’t come down with said problem. We humans, as mentioned before, are blessed with our own particular strain of Bordatella which is much more communicable amongst people than the canine/feline version is. Now the poor animals pick this up when they are either at the A) kennel, B) dog park, C) day care or D) training classes. The incubation period (which is the time it takes between exposure and the onset of symptoms) is about three to seven days. This disease, like most, has a ‘mild’ and ‘severe’ form; the latter of which is usually afflicts the young and at rare times can be deadly. For the most part however, the disease takes on a very annoying, almost constant cough that sounds quite like the honking of a goose. That’s about the best way I can describe it. Antibiotics are required for the treatment, and it generally takes one to two weeks to rectify the situation. During this time though, the pet is extremely contagious to other dogs, and therefore the sporting thing is to keep them away from other pets. Since the disease is air borne in nature, it really can spread quite easily. In other words, don’t take them for walks around the neighborhood or to play at the dog park. The happy ending to this whole thing is that there are, as we all know, vaccines to prevent Kennel Cough. If your pets go to the park, and are around other animals on a regular basis, getting them vaccinated is obviously a very sound idea. Indeed like most things, it is much easier (and consequently a lot less expensive) to prevent than it is to treat the condition after the fact. Those of you with pets that enjoy ‘getting out there’ and being socialites should seriously consider getting them vaccinated for this if it hasn’t already been done. In the meantime, I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed that the groundhog was wrong and the warm weather isn’t far off! Until next time Neighborhood Small Businesses & Professionals Clifton Arlin's A variety of music groups Great food served daily Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. 307 Ludlow Clifton 513-751-6566 T & R Marathon Interstate Batteries 3337 Clifton Ave., 751-0099 Cincinnati,Oh45220 A.S.E.CertifiedMechanics Foreign&DomesticRepairs Northside Pinnokio's Hair Studio 4129 Hamilton Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45223 Come See Our New Location Auction—from Page 3 As a result of your generosity, CNCURC netted more than $8,000 towards construction of three new LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) single-family home-ownership units on Chase at the intersections of Fergus and Mad Anthony Streets. Without your help and magnificent support none of this would have been possible. If per chance I overlooked including your name or business in this article please forgive the oversight. I will make note of it in the next issue. For more information on the Fergus Street Homeownership Homes visit www.cncurc.org. 513-541-4668 North Side Bank & Trust 4125 Hamilton Ave. Northside To 513-542-7800 Advertise—513-241-775397539 To Advertise—513-241-7539 7 Page NEIGHBORS 8-METRO February, 2008 Religion/Social Issues CAIN Churches Active in Northside By MiMi Chamberlin Daly executive director Get the lead out Northside—Lead poisoning can affect nearly every system in the body. Children between 9 and 72 months living in homes built before 1950 are at particular risk. All children living in Northside are considered at risk. The risk of lead exposure increases when moisture or other damage causes paint to chip. Because lead poisoning often occurs with no obvious symptoms, it can go unrecognized. Lead poisoning can cause learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and at very high levels, seizures, coma and even death. The only way to detect lead poisoning is through a lead test. The Northside Health Center hosted a Lead Test Fest sponsored by the Hamilton County Lead Poisoning Prevention Collaborative in January.. Seventyfour children were tested. More than 300 toys were also tested for lead paint. Millions of toys have been recalled in the last year because of excessive levels of lead paint. As recently as January 3 of this year a red toy wagon imported from China was recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Families can still obtain lead tests for their children at the Northside Health Center. Call 513-357-7600 for more information. You can also check with your healthcare provider. If you are a tenant and your children have been found to have an elevated blood lead level or if you are worried that your children are at risk because paint is chipping or there is moisture damage, call the Legal Aid Society Housing Unit at 513241-9400. If you are a property owner, Northside resident Barbara Boylan teaches classes on Lead Safe Renovation, Essential Maintenance Practices and Lead Clearance Certification. These courses are geared to property owners and investors, and maintenance workers. They insure compliance with the HUD Lead Rule for the use of Lead Safe Work Practices for Interim Controls and Maintenance on federally funded properties. Use of these practices not only re- YMCA Northside Early Learning Initiative (ELI)Year-Round Program Before/After-School & Summer School- Age Care Bus Service from/to Northside Schools Toddlers 18 months-36 months; Pre School Ages 3-5; School Ages 5-10 Located inside the North Prebyterian Church in the rear, across from Northside Library Director Cynthia Wooten—513-542-4131—[email protected] National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Accredited duces the risk of exposure to lead but also protects property owners from potential liability for lead exposure. For more information about these classes call 513-6814995 or [email protected]. MiMi Chamberlin Daly is Executive Director of CAIN —Churches Active In Northside. CAIN, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit cooperative outreach ministry of neighborhood churches, strives to bring “Help for Today – Hope for Tomorrow” by providing emergency assistance, youth programs and community-building activities for Northside residents. CAIN is located at 4230 Hamilton Avenue – the Jewel Smith Ministry Center. The Choice Pantry is open Monday and Wednesday, 6:308p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday, 9:30 a.m.- Noon. Call 513-591-2246 to give or receive help. Report—from Page 4 Northside resulting in cleanup efforts throughout Northside in five separate locations. November—NCC hosted City Councilwoman Laketa Cole’s Neighborhoods in Neighborhoods (NIN) Committee Meeting in Northside for the second time in 2007. (Editor’s Note: For those of you who receive the METRO e.mailer, the report continues on Page 9 with Schools and Physical Impacts. For those of you who are not subscribers the report continues next month.) METRO RELIGIOUS SERVICE DIRECTORY AVONDALE St. Michael & All Angels 3626 Reading Road 9:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist We invite you to come and worship (Episcopal) 513-221-2306 The Rev. Anne W. Wilson, Priest in Charge The Rev. Raymond Sturm, Supply; The Rev. Napoleon Bryant, Jr., Deacon CLIFTON St. John's Unitarian Universalist Church 320 Resor Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45220 Sunday Services, 9 a.m., Contemporary; 11 a.m., Community Religious Education, Child Care Freedom of Thought in a Caring Community The Rev. Dr. Frank Carpenter, d.min. Call 513-961-1938 for Information Clifton Heights/University Heights/Fairview Second Church of Christ, Scientist 2843 Clifton Ave. at Probasco, Cincinnati, 45220 Sunday Service at 10:30 a.m.; Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Testimony Meeting, 7:30 p.m. Mt. Auburn Church of Our Saviour (Episcopal) Sunday Eucharists, 7:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. We welcome all persons affected by AIDS 65 E. Hollister Street, Cincinnati, OH 45219 The Rev. Paula Jackson, rector 513-241-1870 Holy Name Catholic Church 2448 Auburn Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45219 Sunday Mass, 10:00 a.m. 513-721-5608 Father Al Hurt, OFM, Pastor ; Sr. Mary Gallagher, Parish Coordinator Mt. Auburn Baptist Church Adult Bible Study, 9:30 a.m.; Worship, 11 a.m. A rainbow congregation where everybody is a minister” Co-pastors -- Dr. John Gilbert and Dr. Donald Rogers 2147 Auburn Avenue 513-621-9331 Over the Rhine The Gathering (United Church of Christ) Piano Lessons 542-1794 In Northside home All levels A Progressive Christian Church Worship 10:30 a.m.; Sunday School, 10:30 a.m. The Rev. Steve Van Kuiken, Pastor 513-502-7535 [email protected] 1431 Main St., Cincinnati, OH 45202 Your religious community could be listed here. 513-241-7539 NEIGHBORS February, 2008 METRO—Page 9 Talbert House CARF accredited for three years East Walnuy Hills—The Commission on Accreditation for Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) recently reaccredited several programs of Talbert House. cantly decreased...These innovative ideas are great examples of the response by the organization to the articulated needs of the persons served.” The latest accreditation is the second consecutive CARF three-year accreditation for the agency headquartered in East Walnut Hills. • Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) system: “This tool is an outstanding example of how data collection and continuous quality improvement can impact the performance of an organization.” According to CARF, an agency receiving a three-year accreditation outcome has put itself through a rigorous peer review process and has demonstrated to a team of surveyors during an on-site visit that programs and services are of the highest quality, measurable and accountable. Talbert House received its first CARF accreditation in 2004. Talbert House received four exemplary citations from CARF: • EXCEL (Executive Curriculum for Emerging Leaders) training program: “This is an outstanding example of future planning for the development of capable and trained leaders.” • Primary Care: “By providing primary care services to persons served, emergency room visits for routine care were signifi- Report—from Page 4 Schools 1) On January 15, 2007, NCC sent a letter to Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) Board Members regarding the Community Engagement Process and the community’s frustration regarding the process of omitting the neighborhoods right to select an architect for the process, thanking them for changing the Facilities Master Plan in regards to tearing down Chase School, the unresolved deficiencies of the Chase Site and the reduction in enrollment numbers. 2) On January 30, 2007, NCC sent a letter to Mayor Mallory regarding exciting times in Northside with the American Can Project and (2) new schools planned for the neighborhood with a combined economic investment of over $60 million dol- • Corporate Compliance: “The leadership is commended for providing an environment where the mission is the driving force behind the strategic plan and delivery of service.” Substance Abuse Prevention About CARF CARF is an independent, nonprofit accrediting body whose mission is to promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process that centers on enhancing the lives of the persons served. Founded in 1966 as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, and now known as CARF, the accrediting body establishes consumerfocused standards to help organizations measure and improve the quality of their programs and services. Accredited programs: 281-CARE Adult Substance Abuse Outpatient Services Alternatives (residential & outpatient) The Bridge Brown County Recovery Services Childreach COPE Mental Health Prevention North Star Passages (residential & outpatient) Project PASS Recovery Halfway House SAMI Case Management About Talbert House Talbert House is a community-wide nonprofit network of social services with over 40 proven programs focusing on prevention, assessment, treatment and reintegration. Each year, Talbert House helps more than 28,000 men, women and children across Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky overcome adversity to become healthy and productive citizens through its programs in community corrections, mental health, substance abuse and welfare-to-work. lars within the next few years. 3) On February 25, 2007, NCC sent a letter to all CPS Board Members regarding the disenfranchisement the delay in starting the design process for Chase Elementary School was causing within the community after being told repeatedly to get ready to start the process for months. 4) On June 19, 2007, NCC sent a letter to City Council Members Cecil Thomas and Laketa Cole regarding the Safety Issue and Vibrant Neighborhood impediment 4165 Turrill Street was posing for the Northside Community. Copies were sent to all City Council and CPS Board Members. 5) August 4, 2007 NCC sent a letter to all CPS Board members regarding NCC’s continued frustration the Chase School Planning Team & Community Engagement Process. Copies were sent to the mayor and all City Council Members. 6) August 17, 2007 NCC sent a letter to all CPS School Board Members clarifying and correcting comments that were made by the CPS architectural representative at the Monday August 12, 2007 CPS Board Meeting. 7) On November 19, 2007, NCC sent a letter to Mayor Mallory and all City Council Members challenging the City, CPS, & CRC to work together to resolve the issues at the Chase School Site. 8) On December 14, 2007 neighborhood representatives met with Mayor Mallory, Vice Mayor David Crowley, CPS representatives, Chase School representatives, CRC representatives. After the conclusion what if exhibit at Base Gallery what if is theme of a group show at Base Gallery throuogh February 24th. Artists are Tim Brengle, Rick Elliott, Jariel Galloway, Bruce Haining, Laura Karasek, Napoleon Maddox, Brian Moore, Fred Prewitt, and Tom Weast. Base Collaborative Gallery is located at 1225 Main in Over the Rhine. The Gallery can be reached at 513-721-2273. The web address is www.myspace.com/ basegallery This exhibit is funded by The Carol Ann and Ralph V.Haile Jr./U.S.Bank Foundation in partnership with the Fine Arts Fund. of the City of Cincinnati. You get more as an e.mailer subscriber of the two-hour meeting, Mayor Mallory directed CPS representatives to go back to CPS Superintendent Rose Blackwell requesting the delay of Chase Scholl Redesign to the final phase of CPS School FMP Design & Construction. Physical Impacts 1) On January 22, 2007, NCC was discussing the design alternatives for the I-74 & I75 proposed exit and entrance changes to the interstate highways with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). 2) February 25, 2007 NCC sends letter the Cincinnati Parks Department regarding lost opportunity for community building when they planned and started construction of new concrete sidewalk in Parkers Woods without community input. 3) March 16, 2007 the Sep- tember 2006 Northside Comprehensive Land Use Plan (NCLUP) was presented to the City Planning Commission (CPC) for the second time after a year long negotiation with the Industrial Land Owners in Northside and a zoning compromise was reached. The Planning Commission voted to “Approve” the LUP which gives the NCLUP the “Cincinnati Planning Commission’s favorable opinion and support of the Plan. 4) March 28th, ODOT returns to Northside with their latest design suggestions for Northside. On February 25th, 2008, ODOT is scheduled to return and present their final design recommendations. 5) On April 30, 2007 an application was filed for the “Artworks Neighborhood Mural Contest” for the Hoffner Park Site and on May 15th the neighborhood received notification we were one of the winners of the Contest. This resulted in the painting and completion of the current mural that adorns the side of the building on the north side of Hoffner Park. (See Page 3) 6) March 19, 2007 the MOBO Bicycle Co-op came to the NCC to seek support and eventually moved in and established a presence in the Village Green Greenhouse property on Knowlton Street. 7) May 23, 2007 Cincinnati City Council formally “Approves and Files” the NCLUP after four years since the initiation of the LUP on March 27, 2003. Page NEIGHBORS 10-METRO February, 2008 Centerpoint Health launches as new behavioral healthcare provider East Walnut Hills— Centerpoint Health, a comprehensive behavioral healthcare agency in Hamilton County, began operating January 1. The agency was formed from the consolidation of three local mental health agencies: Center for Children and Families (CCF), Core Behavioral Health Centers, and NORCEN Behavioral Health Systems. Dr. Alan Mabry, a psychologist with 35 years of mental health experience, was selected as executive director. Centerpoint serves children, adults and families in offices in College Hill, Oakley, Roselawn, Walnut Hills and Western Hills. The agency anticipates serving 15,000 registered clients in its first year. Client care will remain uninterrupted as the former agencies continue to transition to Centerpoint. The agency provides behavioral healthcare including outpatient treatment, counseling, case management, support ser- vices and crisis and prevention services and is affiliated with Talbert House, a nonprofit social service agency. The affiliation model allows Centerpoint to remain an independent organization with Talbert House providing the financial, human resources and quality and clinical services. “Centerpoint Health has evolved from the affiliation between Talbert House and CCF, Core and NORCEN,” Mabry said. “By combining resources, we can be assured that the clients continue to receive the best in behavioral healthcare. Centerpoint is the result of our work to adapt to the business reality in which quality is enhanced and administrative costs are lowered.” Several mental health programs, previously run by Talbert House, are now managed by Centerpoint, including 281-CARE, Childreach, Community Outreach Prevention & Education (COPE) and Victim Service Center. The new agency employs 220 staff members, incorporating all current staff members of CCF, Core and NORCEN. Mabry said a major factor in the decision to consolidate CCF, Core and NORCEN was to improve client access to care. “Centerpoint will be able to serve clients close to where they live and work, making it easier for them to receive services,” Mabry said. “Staff expertise in treatment, counsel- Two-alarm fire damages McMicken Avenue house Cincinnati Fire Department fire companies were dispatched to 2361 McMicken Avenue for a reported building fire January 30. Upon arrival, firefighters were confronted with heavy fire from the first and second floor of a two-A frame dwelling. A second alarm was requested due to the fire threatening a next-door residence, which was only three feet away. An aggressive interior attack of the fire building quickly brought the main body under control within 10 minutes. A fire line was also used to pro- tect the building next door. The quick actions of the firefighters prevented the fire from spreading to that building. A fire investigator was called to the scene to assist with the You get more as an e.mailer subscriber A child and his grandfather were home at the time of the fire; both escaped the fire unharmed. More than 40 fire personnel were on the scene for moe than two hours fighting the fire. Appalachian Culturalfest everybody’s networking 513-407-4781 Specializing in SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) environments: web design networking security training investigation. Fire and smoke damage was estimated at $60,000. During the initial investigation, it was undetermined if smoke alarms were working properly. ing, and case management will be available at all of our locations. This is a return to a model of providing care at neighborhood-based centers.” Previously, Mabry served as executive director of Core and interim executive director of CCF. He has been a consultant and a national speaker on a variety of topics, including clinical treatment, emotional intelligence and leadership. Mabry is an adjunct faculty member at Xavier University and is past national chairperson of the Association of Behavioral Health Managers. He received a PhD in Counseling from the University of Pittsburgh and is a licensed psychologist and professional counselor. Centerpoint Health is funded in part by the City of Cincinnati, Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board, The Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati and United Way of Greater Cincinnati. Its headquarters is in East Walnut Hills. Referrals for services can be made by calling 513-221-HELP (513-221-4357). February 16th & 17th Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal ● ● ● Music Crafts Stories of the Hills FREE For Information: Appalachian Community Development Association We’re your one-stop IT Department 513-251--3378 www.cincymuseum.org