Downtown Residents' Council Newsletter

Good Day Downtowners! (DRC E-Newsletter - September 5, 2010 e-dition)

Happy Labor Day Weekend! It was great to see everyone at Passage Lounge on Wednesday evening. Thank you to our hosts! And, check out photos from the event on the DRC Facebook page.

NEXT WEEK: We'll be at Knockback Nats after the DRC Meeting on Tuesday, September 14. See the DRC website and Facebook page for details.

READ ON for some great Downtown programs & volunteer opportunities, street painting, special DRC discounts, meeting news and events -- There is a lot to view...SKIM the headlines, FIND an event/program for YOU!

Please forward this E-News to a friend and colleague. Ask them to contact us to add them to our E-News list, too, if they are not already receiving our weekly updates. Reminder: Tell those businesses you frequent: I LIVE DOWNTOWN!

THIS E-NEWSLETTER BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE DOWNTOWN RESIDENTS COUNCIL NEWLY UPDATED DRC Homepage: http://www.ILiveDowntown.com ~ http://www.ilivedowntown.com/events.lasso

PS: YOU ARE NEEDED - VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: New Visitors Center on Fountain Square and Cincinnati Beerfest on Fountain Square!

PPS: How about those Reds!?! They return next Friday to play the Bucs. Be a part of it @ http://www.reds.com See you at the park!

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GREAT UPCOMING DOWNTOWN EVENTS AND PROGRAMS --- CALENDAR - SUMMERTIME FUN - DOWNTOWN NEWS AND NOTES

CLICK HERE http://www.ilivedowntown.com/events.lasso FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EACH EVENT!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR BEERFEST -- SEPTEMBER 10-12!

Volunteers are needed for the Cincinnati Beer Fest on Fountain Square, September 10-12. A variety of shifts are available. Volunteers receive a free drink per shift and parking. Produced by 3CDC/Fountain Square Management, the event features beer tastings, live music, and food. For more information on volunteering, please contact Suzanne Schindler at sschindler@3cdc.org. More about the event is at http://myfountainsquare.com/beerfest

NEW VISITORS CENTER ON FOUNTAIN SQUARE - RESIDENT AMBASSADORS NEEDED!

The Cincinnati Police Dept. and Cincinnati USA CVB are working together to open a small Visitors Center in the Police Substation on Fountain Square in between Rock Bottom and Chipotle. The Center will be staffed by volunteers, and we are currently recruiting people interested in being an ambassador of the city. The CVB, CPD and Regional Tourism Network have a 1.5 hour hospitality training to get you started. Our goal is to recruit enough volunteers in order to open the Center in time for Oktoberfest. The next training sessions are August 31 and September 9 at the CVB. Both are in the evenings.

VOLUNTEER TODAY: To RSVP for training sessions and more details, please contact Devlin Ruckel (CPD), (513) 352-4569.

VIEW the Application: http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/police/downloads/police_pdf39883.pdf

LEARN MORE About What's Happening: http://www.cincinnatiusa.com

PAINT THE STREETS - SEPTEMBER 26 - YOU ARE INVITED TO PAINT THE STREET!!!

The New York Times recently told the world about Cincinnati’s artsy swagger. Case-in-point: Last fall, people from across the region came together on Fountain Square to celebrate our city through the power of collective creativity. Cincinnati’s first-ever Splash Dance became an Internet hit, getting over 50,000 views!

This year, the second annual Ta Da celebration will take an unexpected twist. What the Fine Arts Fund is planning is just as amazing and fun and for everyone.

You are invited to paint the street on September 26, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

PAINT AS A TEAM: If you want to make arrangements to bring a team from your club, gym, workplace, neighborhood, etc, contact Tom at TMcLaughlin@FineArtsFund.org

MORE INFORMATION: http://www.fineartsfund.org/paintthestreet

DRC GETS GREAT OFFER FROM CINCINNATI BALLET!

DRC GETS GREAT OFFER for Cincinnati Ballet's FIRST production of the 2010/2011 season, New Works!

FOR MORE INFORMATION and TICKET DISCOUNT INFO, Please email thonebrink@cballet.org and put Ballet/DRC in the subject line and your will receive the special promotion by email. Cincinnati Ballet relies on Cincinnati organizations for getting the word out about our performances. We also encourage you to check out our website, http://www.cballet.org, for more information.

NOTE: Wednesday, 9/15 all Downtown Residents will receive an additional $5 off tickets! Tickets for that evening only are $40. The remainder of the shows we offer $5 off tickets, which are $45. Call Terry at 513-562-1114 for more information! You are welcome to forward and distribute this amazing offer to your friends and family.

SPECIAL REMINDERS:

MEETING REMINDER: JOIN IN @ A DOWNTOWN SECTOR MEETING: Regularly held meetings, led by sector leaders, serve to share information, and identify and resolve quality of life issues within the sector. Welcoming all, meetings are attended by residents, business owners, employees and property owners/representatives, District 1 and DSU officers, and representatives from DCI. There are four sectors in the downtown area, divided north to south by Vine Street, and east to west by Sixth Street. All sector meetings are open to everyone. JOIN: http://www.downtowncincinnati.com/AboutUs/GetConnected/DowntownSectorGroups.aspx

MEETING REMINDER: KNOW YOUR DOWNTOWN via VBW: Virtual Block Watch (VBW) serves as a way to keep you informed in advance and in real time regarding street closures, inclement weather, and other environmental items that help you navigate downtown. Also, VBW keeps you safe and informed and asks for your help when police are looking for crime suspects in the downtown area. JOIN: http://www.downtowncincinnati.com/AboutUs/GetConnected/VirtualBlockWatch.aspx

MEETING REMINDER: ASK AN AMBASSADOR TO WALK WITH YOU: Downtown Ambassadors are available to escort you to your car or home Monday through Wednesday, 6 am to 10 pm, Thursday and Friday, 6 am to midnight, and Saturday and Sunday, 8 am to midnight. Call the Ambassador Hot-line at 513-623-3429. MORE: http://downtowncincinnati.com/AboutUs/OurOrganization/OurAmbassadors.aspx

LEARN MORE ABOUT AMBASSADOR STATS: http://www.eponic.com/reports/report.cfm?report=DB0D4C55-9088-4231-AD32-474923B990D9

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SEGWAY STORE AND TOURS!

Thank you to the Segway folks for their August meeting presentation and post-meeting lessons. (See photos on DRC Facebook page.)

Learn more: http://www.segwayohio.com or 513-225-1583

FIRE FEST & 911 MEMORIAL MOTORCYCLE RIDE

Saturday, September 11, 2010 -- 10AM-5PM

Fire Museum of Greater Cincinnati -- 315 West Court Street

911 Ride Registration 10:30AM -11:45 AM; Ride begins at NOON after 911 Memorial Ceremony with Color Guard, National Anthem, bagpipers; Ride concludes at Harley Davidson of Cincinnati.

FIRE FEST continues at the Museum & includes: All-Ohio Regional Chili & Firefighter Cook-offs, beer & food, UDF ice cream, mascots GAPPER & Mr. Big Boy, Fire Museum open for FREE, UC Health screenings, firefighter demos, antique fire trucks, pie eating contests, & more.

(513) 621-5553 -- HTTP://WWW.CINCYFIREMUSEUM.COM

FINAL SECOND SUNDAY ON MAIN IS SEPTEMBER 12

Second Sunday on Main, A hip, eclectic neighborhood event, presented by the Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce, begins its fifth season on May 10 and continues through September 12 on the second Sunday of every month from 12 – 5 p.m. in historic Over-the-Rhine on Main Street between 13th and Liberty. The event is free and open to the public. http://secondsundayonmain.org/about/

PROHIBITION RESISTANCE TOURS - SEPTEMBER 18 & 19

Prohibition Resistance Tours of two historic breweries in OTR and the historic brewery district that surrounds the two breweries. September 18 and 19, 2010.

Go to http://www.otrbrewerydistrict.org for additional information regarding Octoberfest weekend in OTR and to make reservations for the brewery tours.

HUDY’S TAILGATE ON THE SQUARE - SIX BENGALS GAMEDAYS!

Don’t have a ticket? Come to the Square, the next best thing!

Tailgate and watch the Bengals games on Fountain Square’s giant video screen in the heart of downtown. All the fun and none of the hassle! Fans are welcome to use the plaza’s chairs or bring their own. (No grills, pets, or outside alcohol, please.) We will provide the beverages, food, and entertainment so sit back, relax and enjoy the game. Skyline Chili, Nay Nay’s BBQ, Donatos, soft drinks, and adult beverages are available for purchase.

Park at the Fountain Square Garage for Bengals games for $10 up to 8 hours.

WHEN: For a select six games, tailgating will begin a few hours before kickoff and will continue through the end of the game, so stop by on your way home, too.

WHO: The event is free and open to the public. All fans are welcome.

MORE INFORMATION: http://www.myfountainsquare.com/bengals

UC BEARCAT RALLY ON FOUNTAIN SQUARE - SEPTEMBER 24

University of Cincinnati Bearcats Rally on the Square, sponsored by PNC Bank and Skyline Chili and benefiting Proudly Pennies.

When: Friday, September 24, 2010 -- 11:30 AM, program at noon

Bearcats Rally on the Square, sponsored by PNC Bank and Skyline Chili, brings the excitement of this year’s UC football season to the center of Downtown Cincinnati. Join UC alumni, friends and fans at Fountain Square Friday, September 24th at 11:30 a.m. to celebrate the many reasons to be Proudly Cincinnati. Play games, win Bearcat prizes and meet select players, the UC Bearcat and Lucy, the “Bearcat” from the Cincinnati Zoo. Visit http://www.proudlycincinnati.org for more information.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION: WALGREENS HAS FLU SHOTS EVERY DAY

Walgreens now has flu shots available every day. Walk-ins are always welcome and we bill most insurance companies, including Medicare. Walgreens has 2 locations downtown: 6th St. & Race St. and 4th St. & Main St. Please feel free to stop by the Pharmacy at either location or contact 929-4316 for further details.

MEETING REMINDER: BECOME A FAN OF THE DRC!

Visit http://www.ilivedowntown.com and click on the Facebook logo.

ARCHITREKS TOURS OF YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD HAPPEN EVERY WEEKEND!

THE DRC IS A 2010 SEASON SPONSOR OF THE DOWNTOWN TOUR!

Offered by the Cincinnati Preservation Association May through October, these guided walking tours are a great way to explore Cincinnati history and architecture and learn fun and interesting facts about our city.

DOWNTOWN TOUR INFO: Every first and third Saturdays and Sundays at 2 pm. Tours last about 2 hours. The downtown tours begin at the Contemporary Arts Center , at the corner of 6th and Walnut Streets. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the CAC at the time of the tour (no need for advance purchases).

OTR tours are the second/fourth Saturday mornings and depart from the Coffee Emporium.

MORE: Please visit the Architreks website to consult the complete schedule of tours: http://www.cincinnatipreservation.org/architreks

DRC 2 for 1 Special @ THANK GRAPES IT IS TUESDAY EVERY TUESDAY!

T.G.I.T. Wine Tastings At City Cellars 5:30 to 7:30 - Downtown Resident Owned/Operated

SPECIAL GUEST appearances every other week by Downtowner Greg Harper! Learn more about Greg at: http://www.myspace.com/gregoryharpermusic

TGIT is Every Tuesday at City Cellars at 908 Race Street http://www.citycellars.biz

FROM TENEMENTS TO TOWNHOUSES - VIEWING @ BETTS HOUSE THROUGH SEPTEMBER!

From Tenements to Townhouses will be on view through September 30. We’re open Tues, Wed & Thurs, 11 am – 2 pm, two Saturdays a month, and other days and times by appointment. http://www.BettsHouse.org

CPA PRESENTS: LEAD PAINT: RENOVATE SAFELY, LEARN THE NEW REGS --- SEPTEMBER 25

SAVE THE DATE for Cincinnati Preservation Association's next program: “Lead Paint: Renovate Safely, Learn the New Regs.” Learn how to work safely around lead paint and how the new EPA rules on lead affect you. Presenters: Aisha Tzilla of the City of Cincinnati Community Development Department and Bill Menrath of the University of Cincinnati. Saturday, September 25, 10:00. Building Value, 4040 Spring Grove Avenue, Northside. $5.00 members, $10.00 guests. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED due to limited space. 513-721-4506, info@cincinnatipreservation.org

ATTENTION: HELP WANTED: CVB LOOKING FOR PART-TIME HELP!

The Cincinnati USA Convention and Visitors Bureau is looking for someone to fill a part-time admin position, and has thought a Downtown Resident would be the perfect fit! Interested? Please contact: Sherry Stieritz, 513.632.5364 - SStieritz@CincyUSA.com for job description and application process.

HAPPY THIRD ANNIVERSARY to BELOW ZERO!

Three years and counting! Learn more about our great neighbor's full schedule of events: http://www.BelowZeroLounge.com

LOOKING AHEAD: WEEK OF OCTOBER 3-9 IS FIRE PREVENTION WEEK!

“Smoke Alarms: A Sound You Can Live With!” is NFPA’s official theme for Fire Prevention Week (FPW), October 3-9. During that week, the Cincinnati Fire Department is planning to distribute hundreds of smoke alarms by means of its Fire Fighters and its support agencies, soon you will receive a letter requesting your support of this project and Fire Prevention Week. This year's campaign is designed to educate people about the importance of smoke alarms and encourages everyone to take the steps necessary to update and maintain their home smoke alarm protection.

MORE INFORMATION, please contact: fred.prather@cincinnati-oh.gov

LOOKING AHEAD: CINCINNATI’S ANNUAL CELTIC FESTIVAL RETURNS OCTOBER 2-3 --- 2010 EVENT WILL BE HELD ON FOUNTAIN SQUARE

For the first time in its history, Cincinnati’s Celtic Festival will be held on Fountain Square. The 18th annual celebration of Cincinnati’s Celtic heritage is set for Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 2-3. This free event, presented by the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Foundation will feature live Celtic music, Celtic dancers, Celtic merchandise, contests and a variety of authentic food and drink.

For information about becoming a part of The Celtic Festival, visit http://www.cincinnaticelticfest.com

FROM INVEST IN NEIGHBORHOODS NEWSLETTER:

THIS WEEK IN CITY COUNCIL:

Budget and Finance Committee, 1 pm Tuesday, Sept.7; Agenda: http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/noncms/council/uploads/agendbf.pdf

Strategic Growth Committee, noon Wednesday Sept. 8; Agenda: http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/noncms/council/uploads/agendsg.pdf

Public Safety Committee, 2 pm Wednesday Sept 8; Agenda: http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/noncms/council/uploads/agendps.pdf

FOOD/MUSIC: NEW FACE TO DOWNTOWN: Taqueria Mercardo! Have you checked out Downtown's new authentic Mexican place? They are open 7 days a week including evenings. Learn more: http://www.downtowncincinnati.com/PlanYourVisit/Category/Establishment.aspx?EstId=10584

FOOD/MUSIC: HILTON OFFERS DRCers FIFTEEN PERCENT OFF

Bring your DRC card to the historic Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza's Palm Court Restaurants and Bar. Orchids was named Cincinnati's #1 restaurant by Cincinnati Magazine. Enjoy FIFTEEN PERCENT OFF food when your DRC card presented. Great happy hour with half-price martinis in The Bar at Palm Court.

Use your discount for food in both our restaurants and don't forget to join us for our fabulous Sunday Brunch.

DRC discount not valid for holiday buffets, Dickens Brunch, alcohol, tasting menus or to purchase gift cards.

35 West Fifth Street - 513-421-9100 http://www.orchidsatpalmcourt.com

FYI: EDUCATE YOURSELF - SHARE WITH FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES - EVERYONE WANTS TO HELP!

Request an updated panhandling brochure that you can share with friends and colleagues. A great tool to help people make better change with their spare change.

Click here: http://www.ilivedowntown.com/EverybodyWantstoHelp.pdf for a pdf copy of this great updated item.

FYI: HAVE SOME FUN...TAKE THE ONE!

When was the last time you visited the Museum Center ? Do you like to walk to the Art Museum or Playhouse in the Park, but do not want to make the return trek, or visa versa? Have not been to our wonderful zoo in a while? Why not?! You can take the #1 Bus from Downtown to all these great places. Learn more by visiting: http://www.go-metro.com/routes/Rt1.pdf or http://www.go-metro.com

PAINT THE TOWN RED: Sample a little of what is happening on Fountain Square via this great video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeHzvFzUlcg

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DOWNTOWN RESIDENTS COUNCIL NEWS ------- DRC MEETING NEWS AND NOTES ------- HELPFUL INFORMATION

For FULL LISTING OF EVENTS, VISIT THE DRC CALENDAR located at: http://www.ilivedowntown.com/events.lasso

UPCOMING DRC EVENTS:

SEPTEMBER 14 - DRC Monthly Meeting

TWO SUMMER ARTS THANK YOUS to the DRC!

SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDREN'S LEARNING CENTER:

Once again the Downtown Residents' Council can be proud of your sponsorship and participation in the Summer Arts programs at the Children's Learning Center at the Main Library. The kids all had a great time! I hope you did too! If the numbers are any indication, I know you did! You contributed 36 volunteer hours, up 20% from last year! I know there were evenings where there were more volunteers than really needed, but we loved having you join the fun! Many of you came more than once. Lynne Smith, your attendance was perfect in my book! Our total attendance was up 9% from last year.

Thank you so much for the positive and very active role you play in your community. Without your financial and volunteer efforts, these arts programs would not be possible.

Sincerely,

Carolyn Janssen

Children's Librarian - Children's Learning Center

SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM A PARENT TO THE DRC RE: SUMMER ARTS AT THE LIBRARY:

As another successful year draws to a close, I wanted to be sure to thank you all again.

I keep expecting my older daughter to say that she’s not interested in coming, but that’s not happened. We even brought one of her friends, who also had a great time. As for my younger daughter, she asked yesterday if it was Tuesday or Wednesday. When told it was Tuesday, she was disappointed, and said she wished it was “library art night.”

So, they love it, and learn great stuff at the same time. As a parent it doesn’t get a lot better than that. But this program does, because I get to participate along with them.

Thanks again DRC,

Stan Ross and family

SEE PHOTOS FROM SUMMER ARTS, by walking by the Children's Learning Center and viewing the windows on 9th Street or by visiting the DRC Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Downtown-Residents-Council/392805063823?ref=search&sid=1564658260.1192180958..1#!/pages/Downtown-Residents-Council/392805063823?v=wall&ref=search

ARE YOU ON FACEBOOK?

Become a Fan: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Downtown-Residents-Council/392805063823?ref=search&sid=1564658260.1192180958..1

Please note: All DRC business items, including meeting agendas and minutes, will still be communicated via the DRC official website, http://www.ilivedowntown.com and the DRC E-Newsletter.

AND ON THAT NOTE: We hope you have taken some time to check out the NEW & IMPROVED DRC Website: http://www.ILiveDowntown.com

Thank you Rick Dieringer and Conrad & Ben of the Communications Committee!

SIGN UP FOR CINCI DOWNTOWNER GOOGLE GROUP!

To participate in the Cinci Downtowners Google group contact Mike Governanti at governmp@gmail.com to request to be added to the group. Cinci Downtowners get-together for happy hour, trivia nights and many other fun things. Sign up today if you enjoy spur-of-the-moment get-togethers, as well as other planned events with your neighbors.

SIGN UP FOR THE CITIZEN OBSERVER OR REQUEST A COPY OF THE CPD SAFETY TIPS PRESENTATION!

Email info@ilivedowntown.com for details on how you can sign-up!

SEE THE LATEST DISTRICT CRIME STATS

http://www.cincinnatipolice.org/excelcius/CrimeGrid.htm

SECURE YOUR VEHICLE - THEFT FROM AUTO BROCHURE AVAILABLE

At recent DRC Meetings, representatives of the Cincinnati Police Department / Downtown Services Unit handed out brochures to educate and help reduce thefts from autos. The brochure is also available as a pdf here: http://www.ilivedowntown.com/police_theft_from_autos_brochure.pdf

POST YOUR EVENT or ANNOUNCEMENT or SEND A COMMENT:

Send us your comments or your Downtown announcement or event for inclusion in the next DRC ENewsletter and for posting on the DRC calendar: http://www.ilivedowntown.com/contact.html

PLEASE LEAVE YOUR Name and Email so that a board member can follow-up with you.