APRIL 2021 NANA NEWS Volume LX No. 7
Published by the North Avondale Neighborhood Association
Your monthly news & updates
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Hello Neighbors,

We finally see some light at the end of the pandemic tunnel! With the rollout of the vaccine we are getting closer and closer to normal life again. I was able to get my first dose last week and I wanted to share some info for anyone looking for an appointment.

One of the closest places to North Avondale is the drive through vaccination center at UC Health. They open up new appointments every Thursday at 8am and they have a hotline if you need help with getting a vaccination appointment. Anyone can call 513-584-DOSE (3673) to get a vaccine appointment. You do not need to be a current UC Health patient. The more folks who get vaccinated, the faster things can move forward!

As we get control of this virus we are also faced with the challenges of economic recovery after a year of shutdown. The City of Cincinnati is receiving $291 Million in Federal funds to assist in jumpstarting our economy. Several members of the City Council are seeking input from citizens on how these funds should be used. Now is our chance to let City Hall know what our priorities are! 

Councilman Mann has created a survey that you can take online here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CincinnatiStimulus

Councilman Landsman held a town hall on the subject last week and provided a recap of the event. If you are interested in reading a portion of the Q&A and seeing a list of the concerns raised during the meeting you can view that here.

Our neighbor, Councilman Jan-Michelle Kearney also hosted a virtual town hall on April 5 to engage community members on their ideas for spending these funds.
 
It is important that we let our city leaders know how we would like to see these funds applied to improve our city and neighborhood. I hope that you will take some time to let your voice be heard!
Ethan Perry
NANA GENERAL MEETING 
 Tuesday, April 13, 7:00 pm

VIA ZOOM:
Passcode: 45217

Meeting Agenda Items:
  • Annual Meeting Announcement
  • Nominating Committee Update
  • Website Rebuild Progress Report
  • Burton Street Honorary Renaming
  • Neighborhood Clean Up

Next NANA Annual Meeting Sunday, May 23 4:00 pm
  
 THANK YOU FOR PAYING YOUR 2021 NANA DUES 

COMMITTEE UPDATES

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

2021-2022 NANA Nominating Committee Report
The Nominating Committee consisting of: Charlene Morse, chair (Burton Woods Ln.); Kim Russell (Spring House Ln.); Sandesh Samdaria (Barry Ln.); Patrice Watson (Avon Fields Pl.); Tristen Yarborough (Parker Pl.) is pleased to report the the 2021/2022 slate of elected officers for the North Avondale Neighborhood Association. President: Heather Herr; 1st Vice President: Ethan Perry; 2nd Vice President: Patrice Watson; 3rd Vice President: Morgan Rottinghaus; Secretary: Sandesh Samdaria; Corresponding Secretary: Ryan Jarrell; Treasurer: Robin Senser.

BEAUTIFICATION

Notice Date Change Beautification Fundraiser
Make Checks payable to NANA (Beautification) and must be received by May 1. 
Pamela Smitherman Memorial Bench at the North Avondale Recreation Center made beautiful by Beth Ewing!



Neighborhood Litter Pick Up an Clean Up on Saturday May 1, rain or shine, 11 am - 1 pm. Stayed tune for more details.
EVENTS
Easter Egg Hunt Kudos
Thank you to all of the families who came out for the First Annual Easter Egg Hunt! A special thanks to everyone who put forth food and drink donations, sponsorship money and their time. We had several people volunteer to hide the Easter Eggs and help set up, which was a huge help! We couldn’t have had this event without our gracious and super fun hosts, Ryan and Jimmy Messer. We look forward to continuing our new North Avondale Easter Tradition next year. 
Event Chair Morgan and Husband Jay Rottinghaus
The Easter Rabbit
Host Ryan Messer, Chair Morgan and Host James Musuraca Messer
Upcoming Events & Save The Dates
 
North Avondale Food Truck Festival – Sunday, May 30th, 2021 4pm – 8pm
No Plans Memorial Day Weekend? Save the date because we have something special planned for you! We would like to invite all of the North Avondale and surrounding community families out for our very own Food Truck Festival. We will feature varieties of dinner food, dessert and drinks for adults and children of all ages.
 
We are looking for additional food or drink trucks that would be interested. We are open to local brewery pop up tents as well.
 
Please contact NANA Board Member and Events Chair, Morgan Rottinghaus, if you have any contacts or information. [email protected] or 917-683-0349.
 
Exact location in North Avondale will be announced with the upcoming flyer. We suggest everyone bringing some folding chairs or blankets to sit on and enjoy the food, music, fun and festivities.
 
North Avondale Yard Sale – Saturday, June 5th from 8am – 2pm
It’s time for Spring Cleaning and emptying out your house for the third annual community YARD SALE!!! If you are interested in participating, please look for a sign-up sheet from NANA Board Member and event chair, Laurie Pike. We will also be sending out a flyer via email and social media for anyone who wants to attend. This will be released in the month of May. Thank you, Laurie, for planning this event for our neighborhood and surrounding community residents. Rain date will be announced on the flyer.
 
Sidewalk Shenanigans – Friday, June 18th 6pm – 9pm
Let’s throw it back to the “Good Ole Days” when neighbors would hang out in the front yard or porch, laugh at the week’s events and watch the kids play.
 
We invite you to set up shop on the sidewalk with your favorite neighbors, turn on some tunes, set up some chairs, walk around and say hello to everyone, sip a cold beverage, share a cold beverage and enjoy the beautiful summer evening. Engage in HAPPINESS for HAPPY HOUR! Look out for a flyer with more details to plan ahead in May. Rain date will be announced on the flyer.
 
Garden Swap & Stroll – Saturday June 20th. Time and garden locations TBD
There will be a sign-up sheet posted on social media and sent in an email. We will also post the details of the Garden Swap & Stroll in a flyer. This is for anyone to attend or host. We have some incredible back yards and gardens in North Avondale! Rain Date will be announced on the flyer.
 
Future Events
All Future events will be posted in the Newsletter, Social Media, Email and on the NANA Website in May! If you have any questions, concerns or would like to plan or volunteer for an event, please contact NANA Board Member & Events Chair, Morgan Rottinghaus:
Phone : 917.683.0349

Thank you again to everyone who participates, volunteers and supports our community events. We appreciate you!!

Keeping Community Strong,
Morgan Rottinghaus, Chair
HEALTH & WELLNESS

COVID Vaccinations

As of the time of this writing, appointments are still required and the governor is expanding the eligible groups for the vaccine on a regular basis based on the supply. Go to coronavirus.ohio.gov to get current information on vaccine locations. Most vaccination locations require
  1. The patient to wear a mask while in the vaccination facility.
  2. There is no cost for the vaccine, but the patient will be asked to provide insurance information.
  3. The patient will also be asked for a form of identification (A driver’s license is sufficient).
  4. The patient will be asked to wait 15 minutes following the vaccination for the health professionals to observe you to ensure that you are not experiencing any adverse reactions.
  5. If the vaccine requires a second dose, it may be scheduled during the appointment or the process for scheduling will be identified.

The Cicadas are back
Cincinnati is one of the hot spots for the cicadas who plan to appear sometime between May and June according to Gene Kritsky, an entomologist at The College of Mount St Joseph. Many of us have memories from 2004 or 1987 when not only did the cicadas cover car windshields obstructing the driver’s view, but the male cicada’s mating song drowned out flying jet planes! Cicadas have been hiding underground since 2004. They make their way to the surface once the soil reaches 64 degrees. Their job is to mate, lay eggs on tree branches and then die. They are really harmless. They don’t bite or sting and they are not poisonous. But they are a nuisance! Their underground tunnels aerate the soil; their dead bodies can be nourishment for some trees. And they are a food source for many animals. Moles are having exquisite buffets right now with cicadas as the main entrée!
Be aware of the cicada return. Prepare for them, and don’t freak out. Let them do their thing. They will only be a pest for about 6 weeks. Then you can return to your “COVID Normal”!
Kimya Moyo, Health Liaison
LAW & SAFETY
These signs were installed on 3/10/21.Some drivers are not adhering to the stop sign. It may be the fact that people have been driving the same streets for years and just not noticing the new signage. When the weather warms up the city is planning on having public services go out and paint STOP on the pavement in front of the stop sign. They are also purchasing an electronic message board that can help out in situations like this with a flashing message about a new traffic pattern. Hopefully these can be implemented in the next month or so.
Carolyn Gillman, Chair
NABA

NABA is pleased to announce the formation of a nominating committee to fill three vacant seats on our Board of Trustees. The committee of five will be chaired by Timothy Harkavy. Anyone in the North Avondale community who wishes to submit recommendations to fill these positions may contact Tim at [email protected] and copy [email protected]
Michael Caporale, President
RECYCLING/ENVIRONMENT
 Electronics Recycling Drive-Through Drop-Off Days Announced for 2021
The Cincinnati Recycling & Reuse Hub has announced upcoming dates for some of their electronics recycling events for 2021. All events are held, rain or shine, on Saturdays, from 10am until 2pm at their warehouse location, 911 Evans Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45204. The event dates are: April 10 & 24, and May 15 & 29. More dates will be released soon on their website www.cincinnatirecyclingandreusehub.org and on their social media pages (see below).

  • Press Release PDF
  • http://www.hamiltoncountyrecycles.org/residents/recycling_and_reuse_outlets/electronics
  • http://www.hamiltoncountyrecycles.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=6463011&pageId=6513268

The Cincinnati Recycling & Reuse Hub
We are proud to announce our grand opening April 1!
Hours: Thursday & Friday 12pm–7pm, Saturday 9am–4pm
Phone: 513.538.3798


Additional information:
-We can only currently accept cash for any items that are fee based. (We are working on getting that fixed.)
-Our parking lot is being repaved. We are sorry for any issues (potholes, etc.) in the lot but we don't own the property and have no control over the timing.
-Because of repaving, if you have a lot of heavy electronics you may want to wait and bring it to our drop off event.
-You can enter our lot through Berlin or Woodrow street.
We appreciate your patience with our volunteers!

Click below for a list of what the take for free
  • https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5ecd724f782c903df8dbd2bc/t/606200186292d2190fe56b02/1617035289826/CRRH+Quick+Guide.pdf

Editors Note: Though the City will take many things for free, the wait time for larger items can be a few months. Check out what they take for a nominal amount
Ivy on your trees could be very harmful Love your trees...get rid of the wintercreeper and English ivy.

Many trees in our neighborhood have large wintercreeper or English ivy vines growing up them. Not only can this harm your trees, making them more susceptible to limb breakage during storms, it also greatly promotes the spread of wintercreeper and English ivy, two very invasive non-native species that have invaded large parts of Burnet Woods and many other wooded areas in Cincinnati. Spring is a great time to free your trees from these plants. This can be done by simply cutting out a 2 inch segment of the vine near the base of the tree. Don’t try to pull the vine off, as that will damage the bark of your tree. The vine will fall out naturally after it dies.
To learn more: Click Here
Save the bees Save the planet
This is a honey bee. The pollen on her legs is from dandelions. Her tongue is sticking out due to what killed her that was on the dandelions. It’s spring, dandelions are the bees first food. This bee is dead from weed killer spread on what we see as weeds, but what nature sees as food. Please don’t spray for weeds until you see the blackberries blooming. In this area, weeds, flowers and fruit trees are bees only source of food until middle of June. There are FAR more weeds than flowers or fruit trees, so it's their only food source. No bees, no food crops for us and we all starve.
SUMMER CAMPS
Mutual Dance Theater and Arts Center
Cincinnati Recreation Camps
  • North Avondale S.T.E.A.M Specialty Camp June 7th - August 13th 9am - 4pm $1,500.00  
  • Ages 5-12 apply at Cincyrec.org
  • National Junior Tennis & Learning Registration April 7-May 31 (see flyer below under Recreation)
  • Click Here for more programs
Cincinnati Parks
AROUND TOWN
Eden Urban Gardens, LLC would like to invite you to join us in 2021 Bounty Bag Delivery Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) this year. 

3 Reasons To Join 2021 Bounty Bag:
 
  1. Convenient Home/Work Delivery-Tasty local veggies, fruits, herbs, honey & eggs delivered to you! 
  2. Support local, women owned, business, certified organic urban farm, Eden Urban Gardens,LLC to operate & establish local food systems in our city!
  3. Environmental impact- more nutrient dense food, more reliable accessible, that is less likely to be disrupted by pandemics, weather factors and other disruptions from produce traveling long distances. You know your farmers & where your food comes from!
 
Please join us today and register for Bounty Bag CSA Delivery! We have expanded produce options this season. If you are out of our neighborhood service areas, we also have pick up of Bounty Bag available at the farmers markets: Lettuce Eat Well Farmers Market-Fridays 4-6pm (Cheviot) & Hyde Park Farmers Market-Sunday 9:30am-1pm (Hyde Park) Please see attached for details for Bounty Bag 24 week season!
Thank you and we hope to be serving you soon!


Please join me for a special Earth Day program: Local Solutions to Address Climate Change. 
Carla Walker, Climate and Environmental Justice Advocate and I will discuss Ohio's fight for environmental justice.
How can we address climate change with community-driven solutions? How can we preserve local parks and green spaces, ensure clean air and water, and reduce carbon emissions that are undermining our children's futures? Yes, the Paris Climate Accord, Biden Administration and Congress have key roles to play. But what can we do in our own back yard to make progress in the battle against climate change? 
You won't want to miss it!
  • Location: Zoom webinar
  • Date: Wednesday, April 21, 2021
  • Time: 3:00 p.m. EST
Please register in advance. You will receive follow up information on accessing the webinar.

Earth Day campaign kickoff
We have set a goal of raising $15,000 by April 22. Your contribution fuels our fight against corporate and government corruption and helps bring about the clean energy future Ohioans deserve!

We realize that many people have been hit hard financially by the pandemic and to them we offer solidarity. However, if you're considering contributing your stimulus money to a deserving cause, may we suggest an investment in Ohio's clean energy future through Ohio Citizen Action?
I hope to see you on the 21st, and please spread the word!
.FROM YOUR NEIGHBORS
Dear Folks, 

I wanted to share my Covid Vaccine Q&A one more time with you all. I've been keeping it updated with some of the most pertinent information. As you know, we are in a dangerous spot in the pandemic when we need to quickly vaccinate as many people as possible to avoid further virus mutations. Our current vaccines mostly cover current variations, but that won't always be the case if we allow it more time to mutate. 

I've heard from more than a few people, "Well! My family is vaccinated, so that's all that matters!" And unfortunately - that isn't the case (I certainly wish it were). If we don't reach herd immunity, the virus will continue to mutate, and our vaccine may not cover it any longer. We do not want to have to go through the clinical trial and approval process for a new vaccine, and the roll-out involved.  

I'm also hearing from many vaccine hesitant folks that this Q&A helped educate them enough to feel confident in making a decision about the vaccine. I want to make an ask that you consider sending this Q&A to any vaccine hesitant people in your life.  You can find the Q&A here:  https://bit.ly/3rjJPyg

We are in the home stretch - I hope! Hope you all are remaining well.  
Best, 
Sarah Rich (Rose Hill)
IN MEMORIAM
Alfred Jonap Bing "Freddy" who grew up on the corner of Abington and Ardmore in North Avondale passed away peacefully at home on March 9th 2021 after a serious illness. He was 70 years old. Dear Freddy is survived by his loving wife of 28 years Charlene Bing ne Miller. Freddy was preceded in death by his dear brother "Lonnie" Lawrence Livingston Bing the 3rd and by his parents "Larry" Lawrence Livingston Bing the 2nd and Marian Bing Jonap.
  • Freddy loved the outdoors (Golf) and Rock n' Roll. He was an accomplished musician on Bass and Keyboards and returned regularly to Cincinnati from his home in Sarasota Florida for reunions of his 1960's teenage band "The Dauphine Street Blues".
  • Freddy also loved working in restaurants, being around lots of people and was highly regarded as a cherished and healing bartender.
  • Dear Freddy had many friends who loved him for his quiet, cheerful and upbeat nature and He will be sorely missed.

Dear Freddy, we all wish you Happy Trails Forever.
Lovingly submitted by Fred's cousin, North Avondale Native (4009 Red Bud Ave.) Danny Adler
ABOUT YOUR NEIGHBORS
The Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio proudly presents the:
 
27th Annual Glorifying the Lions Ceremony
 
Televised Premier Date: April 8, 2021, at 7:00 PM; WLWT Channel 5, Cincinnati
Hosted by: Ashley Kirklen
 
The Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio has a rich 72-year history. This event will mark the 27th Lions Ceremony to honor community leaders who have reached the age of 65 and distinguished themselves in both their personal and professional lives.

Eileen Cooper Reed (Spring House Lane)
Former State Director, Children’s Defense Fund, education advocate and racial equity leader.

Dr. O’dell Owens (Washington)
President & CEO, Interact for Health, healthcare pioneer, leader and advocate

Michael J. Graham, S.J (Xavier)
President, Xavier University, and community advocate
Eileen Cooper Reed
Dr. O’dell Owens
Michael J. Graham, S.J
Watch our 2021 Lions Roar!
 
*Premier: April 8, 7:00 pm WLWT
April 10, 7:30 pm WLWT
April 11, 4:30 am WLWT
April 11, 11:00 pm METV
April 12, 12:30 pm WLWT
WELCOME NEW NEIGHBORS 

  • Mitchell Jackson at 3939 Abington Ave.
  • Scot & Carrie Stigler at 1021 Dana Ave.
  • DWK Holdings LLC at 986 Dana Ave.
  • Keshia R Candler at 114 Glenwood Ave.
  • Hecker Buildings LLC at 3801 Washington Ave.
  • Michael Delainie Mordecai Jr at 4237 Vine St.
JOBS AROUND TOWN
Attention teens (ages 14-18) looking for work this summer. The 15th Annual Mayor's Career Expo will be held VIRTUALLY this year on Friday, April 9th. Please click the following link to register - https://tinyurl.com/3keczrbc!
LIBRARY, PARKS & RECREATION
Explore Nature! Would Like Your Feedback
Thank you for being a valued partner with Explore Nature! We would love your feedback for our recent survey.
 
Cincinnati Parks’ Explore Nature! is now a part of the newly established Division of Natural Resources.
 
We are undergoing a re-envisioning process, to ensure we are best serving our community’s connection to nature & improve our program offerings.
 
 

North Avondale Recreation Center - 617 Clinton Springs Ave. 513.961.1584 

  • Hours: open Monday thru Friday 9 am to 8 pm
  • Weight Room is by reservations only
  • Open Gym from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and after 6:00 pm - call for reservations 
  • Masks must be worn and your temperature must be taken upon arrival.
  • North Avondale S.T.E.A.M Specialty Camp June 7th - August 13th 9am - 4pm $1,500.00  
  • Ages 5-12 apply at Cincyrec.org
  • National Junior Tennis & Learning Registration April 7-May 31
  • Adult Kickball at Oakley on Tuesdays
Athletics Spring Programming
 
Pickleball starts at North Avondale 4/12/21 Monday & Wednesday from 10:30 am- 12:30 pm
Softball
Special Events
  • Teen Esports league - TBD
7 Star Dragons Karate indoor classes have returned to the Center

Kids from the North Avondale Recreation Center had a great time coloring eggs to take home and having an Easter Egg Hunt.
Brittany Barrett Community Center Director
 
Hirsch Recreation Center - 3620 Reading Road ● 751.3393

  • Hours: 7:00am to 7:00pm Monday thru Friday
  • Many recreation centers are offering full daycare or afternoon/afterschool care. Check out cincyrec.org for your childcare needs.
  • Our weight room has reopened by reservation only. There are seven one hour time blocks within the day that customers can call to reserve.
  • Spinning classes: Monday at 5:15pm to 6:00; M/W 6:15 – 7:00 pm; Thursday 7:30-8:15 am. It is necessary to sign up before class. To register call 751.3393 or go to the front desk.
  • Teen and young adult dance (20 spots max. reservation required): Friday 6:00 to 7:00pm
  • Teen and youth open gym is open for reservations. Call for availability.
  • Gym Schedule click here for all programs
  • Program Schedule click here
Blake Williams, Service Area Coordinator
NORTH AVONDALE SCHOOLS 

North Avondale Montessori 
363.3900 ● 615 Clinton Springs www.namrockets.org
 
Third Annual Golf Outing

8am shotgun start, please arrive for check-in by 7:15am

Cost for this outing is $75 per person/$300 foursome. This includes: 18 Holes of golf with cart, door prize, and a buffet lunch and drink tickets following the event. Prizes will be awarded following the event.

Golfers will play a “Scramble” and can sign up individually or to a specific foursome.
Prizes for:
  • Longest Drive
  • Longest Putt
  • Closest to the hole
To Register or to Sponsor a hole: https://namrockets.org/golf/

The New School Montessori (TNSM) 
● 3 Burton Woods Lane  281.7999 ●www.newschoolmontessori.com   
The New School Montessori is proud to own 2 bee hives that provide countless learning opportunities for our students. And now, with Carrie Driehaus' help, our bees have given us lip balm!
 
Carrie Driehaus, a New School parent and part owner of Queen City Pollinator Project, cares for our hives and presents lessons, demonstrations and provides glass beehives for classroom observations. Carrie is always finding new ways to engage the students in learning more about the lives and work of these bees. And last month, Carrie used several sheets of empty honeycomb from our hives as the wax component for homemade lip balm for the students.
 
Honeycomb is the basic structural component of a hive and is incredibly lightweight and strong. These 3 dimensional sheets of hexagonal cells are made by bees scraping and molding wax that is secreted from their bellies. Bees can reuse honeycomb from year to year, storing honey in the cells or even the queen's eggs. Newly made honeycomb is white, while older honeycomb is darker in color.
 
Steps to make lip balm:
  1. Carrie broke up the waxy honeycomb into pieces and tied it into cheesecloth bags where she heated it on the stove until the wax melted out of the cloth and floated to the top of the water.
  2. Carrie discarded the bags and poured the liquid into paper cups to cool where the wax soon rose to the top of the cup, firmed up and was gathered for the next step.
  3. Carrie infused almond oil with aromas from flower petals, orange essential oil and camomile extract as she warmed them together in a crockpot for an hour and then strained out the petals.
  4. The aromatic almond oil and the hardened beeswax from the paper cups were combined, melted, stirred and then transferred into lip balm tubes with droppers.
 
Voila! New School Montessori Lip Balm!
Ann Baumgardner, Communications Director
NANA CALENDAR
  • Tuesday, April 13, NANA General Meeting 7 pm Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7228542133 Passcode 45217
  • Wednesday, April 14, 6:30-7:30, Events Committee Meeting
  • Tuesday, April 20, JSCD Meeting
  • Sunday, May 23, NANA Annual Meeting 4 pm Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7228542133 Passcode 45217
NANA EXECUTIVE BOARD AND COMMITTEES
President: Ethan Perry
1st VP: Heather Herr
2nd VP: Laurie Pike
3rd VP: Patrice Watson
Corresponding Sec.:  Ryan Jarrell
Recording Sec., Events: Morgan Rottinghaus
Treasurer: Robin Senser
Beautification, Interim: Maura Wolf
Block Watch & Law & Safety: Carolyn Gillman
Membership: Tristen Yarborough
NANA/NABA Joint Strategic Development
Jeff Herr - Chair
Beth Ewing - Vice Chair
USEFUL LINKS
North Avondale Neighborhood Association
PO Box 16152
Cincinnati, Ohio 45216
513.401.5356