The next NCC meeting is actually our annual NCC Picnic on Tuesday, August 12th, 2008...  It will be held at the Sycamore Shelter, at Blendon Woods Metro Park, starting at 6:00 p.m.  The NCC will supply the sandwiches and beverages.  Everyone who attends should bring a covered dish or desert for all to enjoy.

 

Click HERE for a PDF file outlining most of the meeting dates for the 2008-2009 calendar year.

 

If you are interested in joining the NCC or updating the information for your organization, please use this form: NCC Membership Application

NOTICE: The NCC meetings are held at Friendship Village.  The meeting is normally held on the FIRST TUESDAY of each month, at 7:00 P.M.   It is located at 5800 Forest Hills Blvd., Columbus, OH  43231 - (614) 890-8285.  Click here for a map.

The main entrance is at 5800 Forest Hills Boulevard. Enter there and everyone can either park in the lot immediately on the left or travel further down the main drive and park in the lot on the right. At the end of the drive is a circular drop off area where security will be available to let visitors in. We usually meet in the multi purpose room OR the conference room.  You will be directed there by their staff.

MORPC

Summit on Sustainability & the Environment Registration Now Open

 

It is hard to believe that almost an entire year has passed since MORPC held its first Summit on Sustainability & the Environment. Over 500 people came together at the Summit for a common interest, the well-being of our natural world. This year the Summit will be held on September 11- 13 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center and we aim to have 1000 attendees present at the three-day event to learn from experts and problem solve with each other. The event will feature an Exhibit Hall, Keynote Speakers, Breakout sessions, professionally facilitated action sessions, an evening reception, field trips and more!

Registration is now open and a draft agenda has been posted at www.greenregion.org.

It is not too late to become a sponsor or exhibitor of the Summit - details are also posted online. Non-profit organizations are welcome to display information on their organizations, research, areas of interest at a Poster Session and/or Table Topics presentation where attendees can choose from a variety of casual presentations each at a different table - presentations occur every 15 minutes for an hour. An attendee can decide to stay at one table to ask questions/get more in depth with one topic, or circulate to a variety of tables over the course of an hour. Interested parties should contact Leslie at lstrader@morpc.org, or 614.233.4124.

 

 

 

 

Congratulations to NCC's 2008 Northland Community Fourth of July Parade Committee, and thanks to all of our volunteers, on a Parade well done! And to thousands of Northland residents who turned out to show their community spirit ...  Northland News: "Light rain doesn't dampen Northland's July 4th parade"  http://tinyurl.com/6ad4gh

 

Winners of this year's awards were:

NCC President's Award: Sharon Woods Baptist Church

Theme Award: Ascension Lutheran Church

Grand Marshal's Award: CYAA Saints

 

NCC 2008 Parade Committee:

Charlene Combs, Chair

Brenda Baker

Jeff Combs

Dave Kraft

Dave Paul

Zack Snyder

Steve Thompson

 

With special thanks to:

Brandon Boos

Yvette McGee Brown

Teresa Hagerman

David Hardesty

Chuck Parker

Carrie Paul

Charley Walker

Yogi's Hoagies/Roseann Hicks

Columbus Division of Police/Lt. Donald Cade

Columbus Division of Fire/Lt. David Sawyer

Inkwell Business Center/Dave & Chris Cooper

Columbus Square Quickprint/Jeff Todd

Huntington Bank/Uma Gopal

Chesrown Kia Town of Columbus

Bob Daniels Pontiac Buick GMC Truck/Greg Gerhard

Krieger Ford/Doug Krieger

Jack Maxton Chevrolet

Keep Columbus Beautiful

Ohio Air National Guard - 180th Fighter Wing (Toledo)

 

A copy of this year's Parade program is attached. Please be sure to thank our corporate and community sponsors, also listed in the program, for their financial and/or in-kind support of our annual Northland Community Fourth of July Parade.

 

Schoedinger North Chapel

Bob Daniels Buick GMC Truck

Columbus Square Quickprint/Jeff Todd

Dairy Queen - Schrock Rd.

Good Hands Supported Living

Huntington Bank

Jack Maxton Chevrolet

Krieger Ford

Northland Area Business Association (NABA)

The Stonehenge Company

Community Notes...

Picnic With The Pups

Click HERE for a flyer outlining this great event for you and dogs.  For more information, please contact Elissa or visit Citizens for Humane Action at http://www.chaanimalshelter.org/.

There will be live music, food, dog related vendors, and agility and obedience demos.  July 19 (4 - 8 p.m.)

 

Elissa O'Sullivan,

Animal Behaviorist

CHA Animal Shelter Operations Committee

(614) 578-7931

nobaddogs@wideopenwest.com

 

=======================

Minerva Park Civic Assoc.

Our neighborhood Garage Sale is scheduled for August 16 from 9 - 4.  Any questions, please contact:

 

Dianne Poncinie

MPCA/Garage Chair

614-882-0012

 

=======================

The Make-A-Wish Foundation is looking for volunteers and donations to help meet their goals for this year.  Please share this with others in your organization and/or community who might do so. For more information, visit www.makeawishohio.org.  Click HERE for a copy of their flyer.  For more information you may also contact:

Melanie B. Wollenberg

Executive Vice President - Development Equity

100 E. Wilson Bridge Road

Worthington OH 43085

www.equity.net

mwollenberg@equity.net

SHIGELLOSIS CLUSTERS IDENTIFIED IN COLUMBUS AND FRANKLIN COUNTY
Health Commissioners recommend hygiene measure to prevent further spread of infections – Washing hands with soap and water will prevent spread

Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Board of Health have been investigating an unprecedented large number of Shigella cases. Reviewing community-wide outbreaks have revealed that toddler-to-toddler transmission is a primary means of transmission and hand-washing will further prevent new infections. 

As of this afternoon, ninety six cases have been diagnosed and are under investigation in Franklin County, including the City of Columbus. In 2007, Franklin County confirmed thirteen cases of shigellosis. 

Shigellosis is an infection of the intestine caused by the bacteria Shigella. It causes diarrhea which may be bloody, and can cause severe dehydration, particularly among very young children or elderly persons. Symptoms may also include fever, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal cramps. Shigellosis primarily affects children under age five, but can occur in persons of all ages. Most cases of shigellosis do not require treatment with medicine, but antibiotics are sometimes used for unusually severe cases or to shorten the length of time a person is infected.

Columbus and Franklin County’s Health Commissioners, advise the following practices to limit the spread of this infection:

    • Wash hands with soap carefully and frequently, especially after going to the bathroom, after changing diapers, and before preparing foods or beverages.
    • Dispose of soiled diapers properly
    • Disinfect diaper changing areas after using them
    • Undiagnosed children with diarrhea should stay home until diarrhea has stopped for 24 hours.
    • Supervise hand-washing of toddlers and small children after they use the toilet, especially in daycare centers and homes with children who have not been fully toilet trained.  
    • Do not prepare food for others while ill with diarrhea.
    • Keep kitchen work surfaces clean (area should be wiped down with a disinfectant such as diluted household bleach 1:10 dilution made fresh daily, Lysol* or anti-bactericidal wipes)
    • Individuals who have diarrhea should not go swimming in pools or water parks.
       
    • Strongly recommend day care centers eliminate the use of equipment and activities that involve the use of water such as kiddy pools that may act as a reservoir and vehicle for spread of enteric organisms like Shigella, Cryptosporidium and Giardia especially if any student or staff member has loose stool. 
       

Public Health officials have notified day care centers, area emergency rooms and other health care providers and community pools, to raise awareness of the infections and to provide advice on prevention.

Public Health strongly recommends that children who have diarrhea not attend school, day care or utilize area pools until they consult with their medical providers.  Students and staff with Shigellosis must be excluded from school and work (in a child care center) until their diarrhea has ceased and after two consecutive follow-up stool specimens are negative for Shigella per OAC Chapter 3701-3. Adults who have diarrhea should not prepare food for other persons.

For more information please visit: 
www.publichealth.columbus.gov
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Communicable Disease Reporting System (CDRS)

Commissioner Urges Residents to Protect Kids  From Easy-Set Pools
Record Number of Easy-Set Pools Pose Health Risk to Community’s Children

While enjoying the water can be part of the magic of summer for kids, the Columbus Public Health Commissioner urges all residents to take precautions to prevent drowning, which takes the lives of more than 3,000 children annually in the United States.

Backyard pools are the most common site for drowning of small children.  Columbus City Code (Chapter 3393) requires all swimming pools to be located in the rear yard behind a residence.  No swimming or wading pool can be located in any front yard.  Columbus City Health Code (Chapter 229) requires swimming pools to have proper child-proof barriers.  Any pool that is at least 30 inches deep or has a water surface area over 160 square feet is required to have a fence or other barrier.

 
“The first step in having fun in backyard pools and spas must be to install the necessary barriers to protect children and prevent drowning.  Our number one priority is the health and safety of our residents, and we know from experience these regulations save lives.” Said Dr. Teresa Long, public health commissioner for the city of Columbus.

Over the last few weeks, Columbus Public Health has received a record number of calls from residents concerned about the number of Easy-Set pools in their communities.  The number of calls this year is 30 percent higher than in 2007.  “Homes with Easy-Set pools must have the same level of protection from drowning as traditional above ground and in-ground pools where complete fencing is required,” says Dr. Long. “Without adequate fencing to prevent accidental drowning, they pose the same danger of death for young children who may wander into the backyard and fall into the pool.”

Specifically, Columbus Code requires a fence for pools if:

    • The pool is 30 inches or more deep or the pool has a surface area of 160 square feet or more

      The fence must be:

    • At least 48 inches high
    • Have slats no more than four inches apart
    • Diamond-shaped openings must be less than 1 13/4 inches
    • With at least 11 gauge wire (if fence is chain-link)
    • That is built so that a four inch ball cannot pass through at any point in the fence

       
For more information on pool safety, please visit our web site at www.publichealth.columbus.gov.

The next meeting of the NCC Development Committee meeting will be on  July 30, 2008, at 7:00 pm.  The scheduled Development meeting day is usually the last Wednesday of the month, barring any other meeting interferences or a holiday.  This important meeting takes place at the Minerva Park Police Station and community Center on 2820 Minerva Lake Road, off of Cleveland Ave.  Click HERE for a map.
4th Annual N.A.B.A. Golf Tournament - August 4, 2008

Little Turtle Golf Club

5400 Little Turtle Way

Westerville, Ohio 43081

Click HERE for a complete flyer...

For more information:

614-309-3295 (voice mail registration)

golf@shopnorthland.com (email)

www.golfshopnorthland.com (website)

The City of Columbus is preparing to start Phase 2 of the Morse Road Improvement Project.  Attached is an invitation to hear our plans and share any concerns you might have.

 

Mary Carran Webster

Assistant Director of Public Service

Office: 614-645-7263

Cell: 614-376-6240

Fax: 614-645-7805

Home: 614-461-0579

Columbus Public Health Launches Mosquito Fogging Efforts to Control Disease
Killing Adult Mosquitoes throughout Summer Helps Prevent West Nile Virus

Columbus Public Health is practicing disease control and prevention for the West Nile virus by fogging for mosquitoes in area parks, bike paths and neighborhoods.  This week’s fogging at area parks begins its weekly fogging schedule which will run through early September.

Columbus Public Health fogs during the early morning hours between 4 a.m. to 6 a.m., using the least toxic chemicals available.  Fogging areas are determined by mosquito trap results and reports from field staff, the number and type of mosquitoes trapped, and the number of infected mosquitoes.  Starting today, a weekly map will be posted to our web site every Friday morning illustrating the fogging areas scheduled for the following week. Weekly fogging is based on these factors and not on the number of complaints from any given area.

Fogging helps prevent mosquito growth, and decrease the potential for West Nile Virus, an illness caused by infected mosquitoes that carry the disease from infected birds to people.  While not all mosquitoes carry the West Nile Virus, an infected mosquito can cause illness.  Most people bitten by an infected mosquito will never develop symptoms or become sick, but people 50 or older or those with weakened immune symptoms are at greatest risk.

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) has confirmed the first West Nile virus (WNV) carrying in mosquitoes for Ohio’s 2008 season, found in Cuyahoga County.  There have been no WNV-positive bird, horse or human cases yet this year.

 
“While most people bitten by an infected mosquito will never develop symptoms or become sick, people can reduce their risk of getting West Nile Virus,” says Dr. Teresa Long, Health Commissioner.  “To have a healthier and safer summer, you can protect yourself by using insect repellant, wear protective clothing at dawn or dusk, repair window screens, and get rid of standing water such as bird baths and baby pools where mosquitoes lay eggs.”

Symptoms of West Nile Virus are similar to the flu, including fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen glands.  People with these symptoms should consult their doctor.

Dr. Long also noted that dead adult crows or blue jays should immediately be reported to 311 or 645-3111 with the location, date and time. That is only if the birds have been dead for less than 24 hours.  All other dead birds should be double bagged and thrown in the trash.

To avoid possible infection from mosquito bites: Avoid outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active; if you must be outdoors, be sure to wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, shoes and socks. Light colors are least attractive to mosquitoes. Use insect repellent and follow the label directions.

 
To eliminate mosquito breeding sites near your home: Remove all discarded tires and other water-holding containers, such as tin cans and unused flower pots, from your property. Eliminate standing water from your property. Make sure all roof gutters are clean and properly draining. Clean and chlorinate pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Keep them empty when not in use and drain water from pool covers. Change water in bird baths weekly.

For more information on the West Nile Virus, as well as weekly schedules and maps, visit the Columbus Public Health Web site at www.publichealth.columbus.gov Additional information on West Nile is also available at www.cdc.gov and www.epa.gov

2012 Bicentennial Commission Presents its Findings:

“Blueprint for the Bicentennial” presented to Mayor Coleman

and City Council by Co-Chairs

(Columbus)  After a year of public input from thousands of residents, the 2012 Bicentennial Commission co-chairs presented the “Blueprint for the Bicentennial” to Mayor Michael B. Coleman and members of City Council. In transmitting its summary report, the Commission Co-Chairs called their findings “a roadmap towards a new legacy for our healthy and growing city.”

The Blueprint for the Bicentennial outlines seven major planning themes and provides some specific recommendations for major projects and initiatives leading up to the community’s celebration of Columbus’ 200th birthday.  The Commission timed the release of its findings in the hope it will help guide parts of the Bicentennial Bond Package that the City plans to put before voters on November 2, 2008.

"Now that our Bicentennial Commission has worked through thousands of ideas from residents, it’s time for the real work to begin – turning this vision in to reality," said Mayor Coleman. "These recommendations are just the seeds, and now we need to nurture them and watch them grow as we build towards 2012.  The City will do its part, but we are also counting on local businesses, families and neighborhood groups to step up and help make the City great for our 200th Birthday." 

In July 2007, Mayor Coleman and City Council created the 2012 Bicentennial Commission of local residents and community leaders. The commission was co-chaired by Bishop Timothy J. Clarke, of the First Church of God, Ohio State University Present Gordon Gee and Abigail S. Wexner, founder and Chair of the Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence and KidsOhio.org

"The remarkable work of the 2012 Bicentennial Commission illustrates the power of bringing together creative minds and people of good intent.  The findings reflect broad community input and an exciting vision for the future of Columbus," said Dr. Gee.  "I am especially grateful to Mayor Coleman for his leadership and to my fellow co-chairs for their wisdom and hands-on involvement."

The 2012 Bicentennial Commission was led by a 31-member steering group with 13 committees and more than 250 volunteer commissioners, charged with creating and implementing a community engagement process, processing and reviewing ideas from citizens and organizations with a wide and diverse array of interests and priorities and create a cohesive and meaningful agenda that was broad based, financially viable and attainable. The Commission’s was charged to collect and organize citizens’ ideas in three key areas:  building America’s best quality of life; celebrating our history, people and future; and setting 21st Century goals and innovations.

“Realizing our vision for 2012 means unified planning, collaboration, clarity of priorities, and smart action,” said Ms. Wexner.  “This Blueprint emphasizes several central themes that all of us in the community can organize around and create meaningful results for the health of our region.”

Over the past year the commission engaged thousands of Columbus residents through the use of a 2012 festival “think tank,” neighborhood meetings, online and neighborhood surveys, youth and college forums, and a citywide citizens’ summit with more than 1,500 participants. Over 10,000 citizen comments were gathered.

“I am proud of our Mayor for his visionary leadership and for the thousands of citizens of our great city who let their voices be heard in this single largest public input process in the history of Columbus,” stated Bishop Clarke.

Public input provided the Commission’s 13 areas of focus committees the beginning foundation that eventually led to the seven broad themes that formulate the report and its recommendations

    ·       Enhance our great neighborhoods
    ·       Create a strong and active Downtown
    ·       Increase our economic prosperity by engaging our talent rich workforce
    ·       Provide a 21st century transportation system
    ·       Commit to a green, sustainable region
    ·       Create a vibrant, culturally rich city
    ·       Embrace our history while defining our new legacy

The “Blueprint for the Bicentennial” is available online at

 www.Columbus2012.org.

Welcome to the July-November 2008 Training Calendar from the United Way Neighborhood Partnership Center Training Academy. The training academy classes include courses in grant writing, volunteer development, networking and program development for youth projects, financial literacy, marketing strategies, safe neighborhood programs and much more.  Register as soon as possible, as there is limited seating.
 
If you have any questions, contact our offices at:  614-241-3071 or 241-3072.  Click HERE for the current schedule of classes.  Click HERE for the current schedule of career building classes.
 
 

ILLEGAL OPENING OF FIRE HYDRANTS                       

With excessive temperatures in the forecast, the Columbus Division of Fire reminds all Columbus residents that it is illegal to open their neighborhood fire hydrants (City Codes 1103.01 and 2517.04).  Illegally opening fire hydrants can hamper firefighting capabilities, drain the City’s water supply, and cause damage to fire hydrants, water mains, and private property. 

Illegally opened hydrants can lower the water pressure in the City’s neighborhoods and hinder firefighting efforts by reducing the available flow of water to fire hoses and pumps.  Tampering with the hydrants can also result in damage to the hydrant, making it difficult or impossible for firefighters to use the hydrant in the event of a fire.

An open hydrant can flow over 2,500 gallons of water per minute.  It can interrupt water service to area residences and businesses as well as cause property damage by flooding streets, lawns, and basements.  The flooding can also create hazardous road conditions for traffic and pedestrians. 

Open hydrants can also injure children.  A child playing in an unrestricted flow of an open hydrant can be pushed into the street and in the path of an on-coming vehicle. 

Columbus Public Health Offers Tips for

Keeping Cool, Healthy and Safe

WHAT:          Columbus Public Health offers tips for keeping cool in response to the rising temperatures in central Ohio.

DETAILS:     To maintain good health when temperatures are high, Columbus Public Health offers the following precautions to help avoid heat related illness:

    • Drink plenty of water - don't wait until you are thirsty
    • Stay inside in air conditioning whenever possible (movie theaters, malls, etc.) if you do not have an air conditioner.
    • Avoid beverages containing alcohol, caffeine and sugar; they will dehydrate you
    • Eat light meals
    • Wear lightweight, light colored clothing and a hat
    • Stay in the shade
    • Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours
    • Young children, older adults, and persons with medical conditions are at the greatest risk for heat related illness, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Symptoms of a heat related illness include: dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, headache, absence of perspiration and dry, hot flushed skin. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Several organizations, including The Breathing Association, Columbus Leads, LifeCare Alliance, Senior Options and Columbus Parks and Recreation offer Summer Cooling Programs, including free fans and utility assistance. 

For additional information on heat safety please visit the following: Columbus Public Health: www.publichealth@columbus.gov

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Federal Emergency Management Agency

The Legal Aid Society of Columbus Community Economic Development (CED) Unit offers free legal services to nonprofits, small businesses, and low income taxpayers. Direct representation, legal advice/education clinics, and community presentations are among the services offered, and we are working to increase the outreach for our program.  Below, for your reference, you will find the quarterly newsletter for the CED Unit, Growth, as well as a flyer for CED services and a short brochure for the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC). The newsletter contains information relevant to our areas of service, as well as a calendar of events. The flyer and brochure provide short overviews of our work.

 

If you are interested in scheduling a community presentation on tax, nonprofit, or small business issues, or if you would like to learn more about the CED Unit, please feel free to contact me at the phone number or email address below. In addition, you may refer potential clients directly to our Legal Aid intake line at (614) 241-2001. If you would like to be removed from this list, simply send an email with those instructions.

 

pdf\Short LITC Revised 12.pdf

pdf\CED_Newsletter_Spring 2008.pdf

pdf\CED FLYER English.pdf

 

Lindsey Watson

AmeriCorps VISTA

Community Economic Development Analyst

The Legal Aid Society of Columbus

1108 City Park Avenue

Columbus, OH 43206

Phone: (614) 224-8374 x.122

Fax:     (614) 224-4514

Email:  lwatson@columbuslegalaid.org

Are you interested in protecting our natural resources? If so, you and/or your association may want to participate in the Department of Public Utilities' "No Dumping, Drains to River" storm drain marking project.

Volunteers are needed to apply vinyl markers on curbs near storm drain inlets. The project is part of the "We All Live Downstream" water pollution prevention public education program. By participating, you can help raise awareness that dumping hazardous waste into storm drains contributes to water pollution and endangers wildlife.

Please see the attached flyer for more information, or visit .

Click HERE for an application to participate in the project.

If you or your organization have already marked storm drains in your neighborhood, please mention this at an upcoming meeting and share your experience with other NCC communities.

Need Help Keeping the Utilities On?

Several utilities and agencies offer assistance with paying bills, avoiding service disconnection and other help:

    • Ohio Office of Consumers' Counsel provides help with complaints about utilities and avoiding disconnection, 1-877-742-5622, www.pickocc.com/crc.
    • American Electric Power will work with customers on electric-bill payment plans or credit arrangements, 1-800-277-2177, www.aepohio.com.
    • Columbus/Franklin County Community Action Agency administers Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) which provides money to eligible households for heating and cooling bills, 614-252-2663.
    • The Breathing Association offers utility assistance year-round. The Summer Crisis Program helps qualified households pay summer cooling bills and provides window air-conditioners for the medically needy, 1-866-861-6399, www.breathingassociation.org.
    • Columbia Gas of Ohio will refer customers to the appropriate agency, 1-800-344-4077, click here for website.
    • Ohio Department of Development oversees HEAP statewide, 1-800-282-0880, www.development.ohio.gov.

The US Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Columbus Urban League have joined forces to enhance and expand the minority small business sector in Columbus. As part of a national initiative between the SBA and the National Urban League to improve the awareness and increase the use of SBA business development programs in urban communities, the Columbus Urban League has endorsed this outreach effort for Columbus. This initiative is a broad effort to strengthen the agency's ability to expand business ownership and entrepreneurship among minorities.

 

As a result of the two organizations working together, a "small business development series" has been developed. This is the third year for this successful series of seminars which began in March and will continue through November. The series was developed for the minority entrepreneur. Any minority owning a small business or wanting to own their own business should plan on attending these seminars. All seminars will be held at the Columbus Urban League facilities and are free, but registration is required.

 

Listed below are the dates and topics that will be covered in the up-coming small business development series:

 

Date/Time/Program

 

Thurs July 24, 2008 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Small Business

Certification

(SBA 8a, Surety Bonding)

 

Thurs Aug 28, 2008 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Small Business

Procurement Opportunities (Getting More Business)

 

Thurs Sept 25, 2008 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Small Business Franchise

Opportunities

 

Thurs Oct 23, 2008 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Small Business Marketing

(Media and E-Commerce)

 

Thurs Nov 20, 2008 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Small Business Match-Net

 

Remember, registration is required. Call and reserve your place today! To register please contact Robin at the SBA, 614 469 6860, ext. 282 or register on-line at: http://www.sba.gov/oh/columbus/ (look under Spotlight).

Columbus Police Launches On-line Crime Mapping Service with CrimeReports.com

 
Citizens empowered with near real-time neighborhood crime information available 24/7/365.

The Columbus Division of Police and CrimeReports.com have announced a new on-line crime alerting and mapping service that provides easy to read incident crime maps and automated alerts to the citizens of Columbus. This service, which can be found online at www.crimereports.com or from a link on the Columbus Division of Police Web site at www.columbuspolice.org, provides neighborhood crime data in near real-time and is available now.
 
The CrimeReports service is free to the public and allows citizens to receive automatic daily, weekly or monthly email alerts if/when crimes occur near their home, office, local school, etc.  Citizens can also view reported crime activity on an easy to use map for any location within the City of Columbus boundaries. Crime incident data is updated frequently and includes:
·       Incident type
·       Date
·       Location
·       Distance from citizen’s address
·       Event identification/case number
·       A brief crime incident description
 
Crime alerting and mapping is just another step the Division is taking to empower citizens with critical neighborhood crime information. CrimeReprts.com should not be confused with the recent launch of 

Citizen Observer.

Citizen Observer is a Web-based alert notification system that allows the Division to quickly enter information about a crime pattern or recent incident and within seconds, distribute that information to citizens, businesses, blockwatch groups and others who have registered to receive alerts.

 
The Columbus Division of Police is committed to service and safety by making location specific crime information available to the citizens of Columbus in a timely manner. CrimeReports.com and Citizen Observer will prove particularly valuable to those in the community who want to stay informed about what is going on in their neighborhoods and empower citizens to work with the Division of Police to address neighborhood crime issues.
 
At this time, users should be aware that not all reported crimes are mapped and they should not assume that the absence of a mapped offense means that no crimes have occurred. The Division continues to work with the vendor to improve access to all reports.

Submit a Tip

See More Details

Columbus Police GANG Up On Criminals with Tips from Citizens

The Division is conducting a six month pilot project using the phone number 645-GANG (4264).  Citizens in Columbus are encouraged to leave a detailed message about gang activity in their neighborhood.  The Division is using this number specifically for information associated with gang activity.  Other information not pertaining to gangs should be referred to 645-4545.

Education and Training Seminars Available to the Community

The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) is offering a series of education and training courses to the public. Courses will be available on the energy and environment as well as land use and transportation planning.

“You can never begin planning for the future of your community too soon. This is an opportunity to learn about the issues that are affecting the region now and evaluate the needs of the future. I encourage everyone from students to professional planners to attend. All you need is an interest in the central Ohio region,” said MORPC Executive Director Chester R. Jourdan Jr.  Several of the transportation and regional development courses may be eligible for continuing education credit and will be conducted via web conferencing.

Courses are beginning now and additional courses will be available through March. Many of the courses are free. However, there is a nominal fee for some classes. Visit HERE for course descriptions.

For more information contact Shari Saunders at 614-233-4125 or email ssaunders@morpc.org.

Organizing a New Civic/Home Owners Association?

Are you interested in starting a new neighborhood association in the Northland area or have questions about how to energize your existing civic association?  The Northland Community Council is committed to growing new associations and keeping existing ones healthy.  The NCC membership committee is posed to assist any group or individual to start a new association or grow their existing organization.  For assistance contact Chuck Wolfe, NCC Membership Committee Chairperson, at twolfe53@aol.com or at (614) 337-9620.  You can also print or download a copy of the NCC Membership Application.

If you are a cat or dog owner (especially cats) and you need to get them spayed or neutered at a reasonable cost, you can go to one of the following locations to do so.  It's a real cost effective place that people don't know about to take their pet.  You can even take cats that are simply running around the neighborhood if you would like to keep the population of feral cats to a minimum in your community.

 

Spay/Neuter Clinics               

2752 Sawbury Blvd.                                    3136 S. Hamilton Rd.

Columbus, OH  43235                                Columbus, OH  43232

(614) 761-7551                                            (614) 367-9933

(Off of Sawmill Road) 

 

Cats (Up to 5 years of age):

Male cat   ------------- $28

Female cat ----------- $47

 

Dogs:

Male under 40 lbs. -------------------------------------- $ 59

Male over 40 lbs but under 70 lbs. ------------------ $ 81

Female under 40 lbs. ---------------------------------- $ 71

Female over 40 lbs. but under 70 lbs. ------------- $103

 

Pain medication for after the surgery -------------- $8 - $15

The usual cost to spay or neuter a cat is usually over $200.  Flyers of this information can be obtained at their facilities or you can call the numbers listed above.

Vaud-Villities invites YOU to become an active participant in our all volunteer organization.
When you attend our spring performance, you see amazing local talent...singers and dancers.  What you don't see is all the work that goes on behind the scenes.  Artists, designers, sewers, painters, carpenters, electricians, fund-raisers and more - all needed to make the show happen.  Besides, we have moved into the old Cinema Theatre, which was once a part of the razed Northland Mall, on Morse Rd. and are challenged with getting it renovated.  We now call it Northland Park Arts Center (NPAC), which will become a vital part of Columbus' Art Community when complete.  We are preserving a part of Columbus' history.  Join us!  We need men and women!  Feel the sense of community by becoming a part of this amazing group. Call
Delena Doan, 755-4371 for details.

Are you local senior looking for something to do related to the arts?  Click HERE to see details about the Vaud-Villities Senior Camp as well.

 

For more information, visit www.vvproductions.com   or contact Delena Doan at (614) 755-4371…email delenadoan@wowway.com

 

Click here for a copy of their brochure regarding their Show Camp.  Click here for a copy of the application to be a sponsor for a kid to attend Kids Camp.  Click here for a copy of the mission statement and schedule for the Show Camp. 

If there is ever a disaster in our area and you get separated from your loved ones, the American Red Cross has initiated a new service where you and others can access their website to register information about yourself to prove that you are OK.  This information can then be searched so that those who got separated can locate each other in a more expedient fashion bringing family and friends back together.  Click on the picture to the left to go to the registration page directly.
The Franklin County Board of Health has a great document outlining how you can get ready for a major emergency like a Flu Pandemic, natural disaster or other public emergency.  Click HERE to go to a link where this information is available in English, Spanish and Somali.

Ohio ODH Pandemic Influenza Plan

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Pandemic Influenza Plan

If you are interested in keeping up with issues relating to the Columbus City School system, click on the picture to the left to go to their website and sign up for their great newsletter.
311 Call Center The City of Columbus has initiated a new phone number (614) 645-3111 and system that allows its residents to have a centralized contact point for reporting all non-emergency issues.  This includes Code Enforcement issues, snow removal issues, waterline breaks, City lighting issues, potholes, etc.  You will be assigned a tracking number that you can also use to see the status of your issue at their new web address:  WWW.311.COLUMBUS.GOV