Rec Sport Member Update July 30 2010

 

 

 

 

Member Update

Friday, July 30, 2010

 

1.       Honoring  the lives of recently passed members of the Rec Sports family

2.       Urgent  need - Red Cross Blood Drive

3.       Pelotonia Fundraising Event August 6

 

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1.       Honoring  the lives of J. Michael Dunn and Ken Wing

With heavy hearts, we remember the dedication and service of J. Michael Dunn and Ken Wing, two members of our Rec Sports family.  Mike Dunn passed away July 23.  His determination to better the student experience inspired all of us at Rec Sports.  Mike was the director of Recreational Sports Learning, and former director of Recreational Sports at Ohio State.

Plans are being made for a public memorial service at Ohio State on Friday, October 8 at the Recreation and Physical Activity Center (RPAC). Please email recsports@osu.edu, to be added to the invitation list. Details will be posted on the web site as they are determined.

Please click here to learn more about J. Michael Dunn. Please click here to view Mike's obituary.

 

Ken Wing also passed away on July 23 after a long illness. Ken was the program assistant in the sport shop at the RPAC and managed the men’s locker room in the old Larkins facility. Condolence messages may be left for his family at the following link: http://www.schoedinger.com/obituaries/Kenneth-Wing/

 

 

2.       Urgent Need for Blood Donors - Red Cross Blood Drive

 

                Summer blood drives are particularly important as the demand for blood to support trauma victims                increases, while donors are busier and less likely to find time to donate.

                Three blood drives are planned in the next two weeks:

 

                On Wednesday, August 4, from 2 to 8 p.m., you can donate at the Neil Building in the William Hall                Complex  (corner of 10^th and Neil Avenues).  Email Brian Tomlinson at      btomlinson@studentlife.osu.edu to schedule or ask questions. 

 

                On Thursday, August 5 from noon – 6 p.m., Red Cross will be holding a blood drive in the RPAC   Second Floor Lounge.

 

                On Monday, August 9 from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. at the Jerome Schottenstein Center to “Give Someone a Schott at Life.”

 

                For more information or to make an appointment, visit www.redcrossblood.org and fill in the            Sponsor Look-Up Code: DiverCoaOSU.

 

3.        Pelotonia Fundraising Event

 

SPONSORS

Good Gauley!

Experience the biggest whitewater on the planet this fall with West Virginia’s best rafting outfitter, River Expeditions.  Paddle the Gauley River, if you dare.  This trip is not for the faint of heart or wussies – only serious whitewater enthusiasts, please.  River Expeditions offers cool ‘BOGO’ specials on select dates.  Mention OSU Rec and Save 15% on regularly priced trips/packages.  Check out their special events at http://www.raftinginfo.com/specials-and-events.php or join their Facebook Fan Page at http://www.facebook.com/raftinginfo

 

*************** IMPORTANT CONTACTS ****************

RPAC Welcome Center – 292-7671

ARC Front Desk – 247-8686

Comments to the Interim Director – Kurt Carmen, carmen.7@osu.edu, 688-3587

Adapted Recreational Sports – Lindsay Meyer, meyer.454@osu.edu, 688-3693

Adventure Recreation Center & Jesse Owens Centers – Diane Jensen, jensen.8@osu.edu, 688-3988

Aquatic Center – Christine Thompson, thompson.1363@osu.edu, 247-7370

Community Programs – Marci Guckeyson, guckeyson.4@osu.edu 292-5328

Facility/Meeting Room Scheduling - Andrea Hall, hall.794@osu.edu, 292-6481

Group Fitness Classes & Massage – Scott Holmes, holmes.508@osu.edu, 292-8755

Intramural Sports - Ken Hill, hill.521@osu.edu, 292-5292

Lockers, Sport Shop and Welcome Center Operations - Rob Jech, jech.2@osu.edu, 688-8788

Membership - Kris Myers, myers.785@osu.edu, 688-8461

Ohio State Swim Club – Kyle Goodrich, goodrich.89@osu.edu, 292-1303

Outdoor Adventure Center - Steve Hawkins, hawkins.264@osu.edu, 247-8063

Personal Training - John Katsares, katsares.1@osu.edu, 292-5153

Racquetball and Squash Reservations - 292-8590

Recreational Sports Learning – Brendan Greisberger, greisberger.5@osu.edu, 688-3297

Recreational Sports Web – Emily Howard, howard.778@osu.edu, 688-4185

RPAC Operations – Dave DeAngelo, deangelo.1@osu.edu, 247-6009

Special Assistant to the Director – Marci Harrington, harrington.69@osu.edu, 688-3983

Sponsorship – Kristin Smith, smith.1424@osu.edu, 688-4619

Sport Clubs – Charles Anderson, anderson.1859@osu.edu, 688-3879

***************************************************

 

Meeting Highlights 7-26-10

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS   For Immediate Release:  July 26, 2010   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

PUBLIC BRIEFING ON HOME RECYCLING PROGRAM: Councilmember Hearcel F. Craig, chair of the Public Service & Transportation Committee, will hold a community briefing on Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers to discuss Columbus’ effort to implement a comprehensive curbside home recycling program by 2012.  The informational meeting is the latest in a series of community briefings on the recycling issue and additional meetings will be scheduled for community input.

 

SUPPLYING NATURAL GAS FOR CITY VEHICLES:  In an effort to help reduce emissions, part of the city’s fleet is being replaced with compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles.  Utilities Committee Chair Eileen Y. Paley is sponsoring ordinance 1074-2010 to authorize the expenditure of $249,424.00 for services for CNG infrastructure for the city of Columbus, at 1250 Fairwood Avenue and 4211 Groves Road.  Services will include the design of a CNG filling station and renovations to both maintenance shops.  The filling station will provide a rapid and reliable dispensing of compressed natural gas and grow a fleet of energy efficient CNG fueled vehicles.  CNG vehicles produce significantly lower amounts of harmful emissions such as nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and toxic and carcinogenic pollutants.  Natural gas is readily available, clean-burning and costs less than gasoline or diesel fuel.  The fuel costs for the new vehicles will be 46% less than those being replaced.   

 

PROVIDING HELP FOR INDIGENT MOTHERS AND CHILDREN:  Health and Human Development Committee Chair Charleta B. Tavares is sponsoring four pieces of legislation to help support healthy mothers and children in Columbus.  Ordinance 1075-2010 will authorize the expenditure of $34,049 from Health Department grant funds for the Council On Healthy Mothers and Babies to provide services for the Healthy Start program.  The Council on Healthy Mothers and Babies provides health education/promotional services, supports the Local Health System Action Plan, holds public forums and meetings, prenatal care committees and links pregnant women with appropriate providers through the Pregnancy Care Connection Network. Ordinances 1092-2010, 1095-2010 and 1097-2010 will authorize the city to accept and appropriate $1.6 million in grant funding from the Ohio Department of Health for the Child & Family Health Services (CFHS) program, the CFHS Perinatal program, and the CFHS Women’s Health Services program.    The programs provide prenatal and perinatal services for the un- and uninsured and will be funded from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011.  

MAINTAINING THE COLUMBUS AQUATICS CENTER: The Columbus Aquatics Center offers a wide variety of aquatic programs for children of all ages and adults during the winter months.   The indoor season ends with the opening of the city’s outdoor pools in June.  Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson, chair of the Recreation and Parks Committee, is sponsoring ordinance 1087-2010 to authorize the expenditure of $42,000 from the Voted 1999/2004 Parks and Recreation Bond Fund for professional painting services for the Aquatics Center.  The work will include the painting of all interior walls, ceilings, doors and frames and any necessary miscellaneous work.   

 

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Photos & anecdotes - All Aboard Ohio Summer Outing!

Photos and anecdotes from Saturday's All Aboard Ohio Summer Meeting & Family Outing are posted at:

 

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,3566.msg501175.html#msg501175

 

Enjoy!!

 

Ken Prendergast
Executive Director
All Aboard Ohio
12029 Clifton Blvd., Suite 505
Cleveland, OH 44107
(216) 288-4883
kenprendergast@allaboardohio.org
www.allaboardohio.org

AMTRAK BUYING 130 NEW PASSENGER RAIL CARS

FYI!!! These rail cars will be used on the nightly trains across Ohio and will likely impact numerous Ohio rail industry suppliers considering that Ohio is the nation's fifth-largest number of rail industry suppliers jobs in the nation (more than 26,000 Ohio employees at 225 companies)....  KJP

___________

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 23, 2010
    ATK-10-101
   Contact: Media Relations
   202 906.3860
 

AMTRAK BUYING 130 NEW PASSENGER RAIL CARS

To support long-distance train service
$298.1 million contract creates 575 jobs in Elmira, N.Y.

            WASHINGTON –    Amtrak is implementing the first step in a long-term, comprehensive fleet renewal plan with the purchase of 130 new single-level rail cars to support its long-distance train services.  The five-year, $298.1 million contract is being awarded to CAF USA which is creating 575 jobs to perform manufacturing and final assembly work at its plant in Elmira, N.Y.  The first car is scheduled to roll off the assembly line in October 2012.

            "This major equipment purchase demonstrates our strong belief in the future of intercity passenger rail in America and Amtrak's leading role in meeting this critical national transportation need," said President and CEO Joseph Boardman.

            Thomas Carper, chairman of the Amtrak board of directors, added:  "We are replacing and renewing our fleet to improve reliability of our operations, to meet passenger expectations for quality service and to be in a better position to handle the growing demand for more passenger rail service.  Addressing Amtrak's equipment need is long overdue."

            Boardman explained that the 130 single-level passenger rail cars are similar to the popular Viewliner model and includes 25 sleeping cars, 25 diners, 55 baggage cars and 25 baggage / dormitory cars for use primarily on long-distance trains.  They will replace and supplement the existing fleet, improve financial and on-time performance, and foster a more modern, positive image of Amtrak.  In addition, Amtrak can begin to retire some of its oldest cars still in service that date back to the 1940s and 1950s.

            Passengers will experience many improvements with the new equipment including:  modern interiors with better layouts; better lighting and more efficient air conditioning and heating systems; additional outlets to power personal electronic devices; bicycle racks in the baggage cars; as well as improved accessibility for passengers with disabilities.
 
            CAF USA along with its parent company, Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles of Beasain, Spain, is an experienced rail car manufacturer to the U.S. and world markets.  CAF USA will manufacture the stainless steel car shells and perform final assembly of the cars at its Elmira, N.Y., facility where it currently produces transit rail equipment for several U.S. transit systems.

"This is a very exciting and pivotal moment in the history of CAF USA.  As we move to consolidate our presence in the US, we view this contract as merely the first in what we hope will be many opportunities we will have to partner with Amtrak.  We look forward to combining our maximum effort and expertise with the leadership and vision that the current administration has shown where passenger rail is concerned in the U.S.," said Virginia Verdeja, CAF USA vice president.

The first year of the five-year contract will be paid for with $29.8 million from Amtrak's current revenues which are running above budget estimates due, in part, to ridership that is on a record-breaking pace.  Amtrak will seek to fund subsequent years of the contract with other sources such as loans or direct Congressional appropriations.
 
Furthermore, this equipment purchase is just the first step in Amtrak's multiyear Fleet Strategy Plan to replace its entire fleet of passenger rail cars and locomotives over the next 30 years and help support the growth of a domestic rail manufacturing industry.  Amtrak is currently reviewing bids to replace many of the electric locomotives used along the Northeast Corridor and may make a contract award yet this summer.
 
About Amtrak
As the nation's intercity passenger rail operator, Amtrak connects America in safer, greener and healthier ways. Last fiscal year (FY 2009), the railroad carried 27.2 million passengers, making it the second-best year in the company's history. With 21,000 route miles in 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian provinces, Amtrak operates more than 300 trains each day—at speeds up to 150 mph (241 kph)—to more than 500 destinations. Amtrak also is the partner of choice for state-supported corridor services in 15 states and for several commuter rail agencies. Visit Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and more information.
 
About CFA USA
 
CAF USA, Inc. is a fully owned subsidiary of CAF S.A., a Spanish railway equipment manufacturer with over 100 years experience in designing and manufacturing all types of vehicles, from High-Speed to Light Rail, as well as overhauling, maintaining and financing projects, in summary providing solutions to all types of transportation challenges.   CAF and its 12 subsidiaries constitute the CAF Group.  CAF has maintained consistent growth for the last 15 years and is a financially sound company gradually establishing its position as one of the major players in the world's railway industry.  CAF USA has a 12 year history and has secured four major contracts in the United States.  CAF purchased a state of the art facility in Elmira Heights, New York in the year 2000 and has continuously invested to upgrade it during the last ten years.

 

_________________

 

Ken Prendergast
Executive Director
All Aboard Ohio
12029 Clifton Blvd., Suite 505
Cleveland, OH 44107
(216) 288-4883
kenprendergast@allaboardohio.org
www.allaboardohio.org

Media Alert - Recycling Update

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEDIA ALERT   For Immediate Release: July 21, 2010   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

 

RECYCLING UPDATE

 

WHO:

 

Councilmember Hearcel F. Craig

Mark Kelsey, Director, Public Service

Erin Miller, Columbus Environmental Steward

 

WHEN:

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

5:30 PM

 

WHERE:

City Council Chambers

City Hall

90 West Broad Street

 

WHAT:

Columbus City Councilmember Hearcel F. Craig, Chair of the Public Service & Transportation Committee, will host a community briefing on Columbus’ effort to implement a comprehensive curbside home recycling program.  This is the latest in a series of community briefings on the recycling issue and is an informational meeting only.  Future meetings will be used to collect additional community input. A residential curbside recycling program could be operational by 2012.

 

 

 

Free parking is available in the Gay Street parking lot on the north side of City Hall after 5:00 pm.  The meeting will be broadcast live on CTV, Columbus’ government television channel 3 on local cable systems.

 

 

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Meeting Highlights 7-19-10

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS   For Immediate Release:  July 19, 2010   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

scioto mile and bicentennial park go WIRELESS:  Administration Committee Chair A. Troy Miller is sponsoring ordinance 1048-2010 to accept an in-kind donation from Time Warner Cable for WiFi Internet service, cable TV, and digital phone service for the Scioto Mile and Bicentennial Park.  These services will support various business functions and provide all citizens access to Internet service at no charge along the Scioto Mile and Bicentennial Park for a period of 10 years beginning June 30, 2011.  The Internet service will support up to 1,000 users and be a great benefit during festivals and events along the Scioto Mile as vendors will be able to perform wireless credit card transactions utilizing this service.  The donation will also provide digital phone service and cable TV for the Bicentennial Park Café.  

VACCINATING CHILDREN AGAINST INFECTIOUS DISEASES:  The Columbus Health Department offers routine vaccines for children of all ages. Ordinance 1067-2010, sponsored by Health and Human Development Committee Chair Charleta B. Tavares, will direct the Board of Health to accept a grant from the Ohio Department of Health in the amount of $165,000 for the Peer Advocate for Immunization Program.  The program’s goal is to improve and extend immunization outreach to underserved urban neighborhoods by providing staff representatives to assist parents in protecting young children from vaccine preventable diseases.  The grant funding will provide services through December 31, 2011.

PURCHASING SOLAR POWERED ELECTRICITY: Finance & Economic Development Committee Chair, Andrew J. Ginther is sponsoring ordinance 1117-2010 to authorize a ten year solar power purchase agreement with SolarVision LLC for the roof of the Fleet Maintenance Facility at 4211 Groves Road.  The agreement allows SolarVision to own, operate and maintain a photovoltaic (PV) system on the roof of the facility.  The city, in return, will agree to provide SolarVision LLC a lease on the roof and purchase electricity produced by the system.  This agreement will allow the city to have the benefit of clean energy without the upfront costs of purchasing, installation or the long-term maintenance of the system.  SolarVision proposes to operate a 440 kW system, which would be the largest non-utility owned roof-top solar array in six states.  The system will provide up to one-third of the Fleet Maintenance facility's electricity. The city will have a fixed price per kW/h for a ten-year term and expects to purchase between $30,000 to $60,000 of electricity per year. This power purchase agreement demonstrates the city's commitment to reducing its own carbon footprint, as well as committing to be a leader in the growth of the solar industry, especially in central Ohio.

IMPROVING THE DUBLIN ROAD WATER TREATMENT PLANT:  The city of Columbus provides drinking water to more than one million residents, businesses, and industries in the Columbus area.  Utilities Committee Chair Eileen Y. Paley is sponsoring ordinance 0938-2010 to authorize the expenditure of $10.4 million from the Water Build America Bonds Fund for engineering improvements to the Dublin Road Water Plant (DRWP) Treatment Capacity Increase – Detailed Design Project.  Modifications to the plant’s treatment process will increase capacity from 65 million gallons per day (MGD) to 90 MGD to comply with new rules announced by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA).  The new technology will include state of the art reverse osmosis water treatment to remove additional organics, nitrates, and other compounds found in the Scioto River.  This improvement will satisfy future requirements for the next several years.  The Dublin Road Water Plant was built in 1975 and has provided an average of 47 million gallons of drinking water each day. 

PURCHASING NATURAL GAS REFUSE TRUCKS TO REDUCE EMISSIONS:  In 2008, the city of Columbus received a Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant to purchase compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles to help reduce emissions from heavy-duty diesel vehicles.  Public Service Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig is sponsoring ordinance 1030-2010 to authorize the expenditure of $1.925 million for the purchase of three CNG automated side loaders and four front end loaders for the Public Service Department’s Refuse Collection Division.  The Refuse Collection Division is responsible for mechanized refuse collection throughout the city of Columbus.  CNG vehicles produce significantly lower amounts of harmful emissions such as nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and toxic and carcinogenic pollutants.  Natural gas is readily available, clean-burning and costs less than gasoline or diesel fuel. The city will save 46% in fuel costs while operating the new vehicles.   

ENSURING CITY BRIDGES ARE SAFE: Every day, motorists, cyclists, runners and walkers use bridges that are owned by the city of Columbus Recreation and Park Department.  Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson, chair of the Recreation and Parks Committee, is sponsoring ordinance 0870-2010 to authorize the expenditure of $20,940 from the Voted 1999/2004 Parks and Recreation Bond Fund for professional services related to the inspection of these bridges. The services will include the inspection of eight vehicular bridges and reports for all 94 department-owned bridges. 

 

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State wants passenger trains to Toledo and Pittsburgh, too

State wants passenger trains to Toledo and Pittsburgh, too
Engineering firm will study new routes
Thursday, July 15, 2010  04:21 PM
By Matt Leingang

ASSOCIATED PRESS
COLUMBUS -- Toledo and Pittsburgh are among the next cities that Ohio wants to connect as part of its developing passenger rail project, state transportation officials said today.

The state has signed a $7.8 million contract with an engineering firm to study new routes that would branch off from Ohio's marquee federal stimulus project -- a $400 million rail system with 79 mph trains connecting Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati beginning in 2012.

The contract with AECOM, a Los Angeles-based company that has worked on California's planned high-speed rail system, will determine routes for a future 110 mph service on four corridors: Detroit-Toledo-Cleveland, Cleveland-Pittsburgh, Toledo-Columbus and Cleveland-Columbus-Cincinnati.

READ MORE AT:

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/07/15/ohio-rail-toledo-pittsburgh.html?sid=101

 

 

Ken Prendergast
Executive Director
All Aboard Ohio
12029 Clifton Blvd., Suite 505
Cleveland, OH 44107
(216) 288-4883
kenprendergast@allaboardohio.org
www.allaboardohio.org

Federal $$ OK'd for WestShore Corridor Alternatives Analysis

GREAT NEWS!! This is the first step in the federal transportation planning process for a project to become eligible for federal construction funds. This announcement is courtesy of the:

 

LORAIN COUNTY COMMUNITY ALLIANCE &
WESTSHORE COMMUTER RAIL TASK FORCE
 
Federal Grant Approved for Phase I Alternatives Analysis!!!
 
The Federal Transit Administration has approved a federal grant of $343,000, bringing the total to $428,750 to pay for Phase I of the WestShore Corridor Transportation Project Alternatives Analysis Phase I!! 

 

Here's how the funding breaks down, especially for the local funding partners....

NOACA                        $ 34,600
Lake Erie Shores & Islands     10,000
GCRTA                           5,000
City of Avon                    5,000
Lorain Port Authority           5,000
Downtown Cleveland Alliance     5,000
West Shore Rail Task Force      3,800
                               ______
Subtotal                     $ 68,400
In-Kind Contribution         $ 17,350  (non-Federal amount of projected staff hours)
                               ______

Total Local Contribution     $ 85,750 (20% of total)

Total Federal Contribution  $ 343,000 (80% of total)

Total For Phase 1
 of Alternatives Analysis:   $428,750

 
Since shortly after its establishment in 1996, the Lorain County Community Alliance (LCCA) has been actively involved in seeking to identify and implement cost effective regional transportation investments that will speed travel and improve multi-county access and mobility within the WestShore Corridor. This Transportation Project is centered at the City of Lorain in Lorain County, Ohio and extends west to Sandusky, Ohio in Erie County and east to Cleveland, Ohio in Cuyahoga County.
 
Alternatives Analysis Phase I will study a range of alternatives including:  no build, TSM, road improvements, express bus, bus and rail rapid transit and commuter rail.
 
Thank you to Congresswoman Betty Sutton, Federal Transit Administration, Lorain County Commissioners, Lorain County Community Alliance, WestShore Commuter Rail Task Force, NOACA, Lake Erie Shores & Islands, City of Avon, Lorain Port Authority, Cleveland Alliance, RTA, All Aboard Ohio!, Cuyahoga County Commissioner Peter Lawson Jones, and the many individuals and organizations who continue to move this project forward! Check FACEBOOK for the complete list of supporters and current updates. 
 
Follow along on FACEBOOK and Twitter and participate in discussion on this exciting project. FACEBOOK at WestShore Commuter Rail Task Force and Twitter at Twitter.com/WCRTF
 
 
Coming soon….. WestShore Corridor Transportation Project Website: www.ridewestshore.com
 
Feel free to contact Dr. Hintz or myself if you have any questions.
 
**Next Alliance Meeting is Friday, August 6, 9:00 a.m. @ the Lorain County Administration Building
 226 Middle Ave. Elyria.
 Topic is "STORMWATER UPDATE"
 
 
Sincerely,
 
Virginia Haynes
Co-Chair,
WestShore Commuter Rail Task Force
Administrative Coordinator
Lorain County Community Alliance
226 Middle Ave. Room 515
Elyria, Ohio 44090
440-328-2362
vhaynes@loraincounty.us
www.lccommunityalliance.com
 
"Partnerships for the Future"

Rail service revitalizes towns with stops, Maine expert says

Rail service revitalizes towns with stops, Maine expert says
By Jessica Holbrook, Staff Writer
9:04 PM Wednesday, July 14, 2010

A passenger rail line through the Northeast U.S. has revitalized towns and created jobs, but relies on state funding to keep rolling, a rail service expert told a Springfield audience Wednesday, July 14.

That summary was the message for Springfield city officials at a forum Wednesday held to drum up support for a passenger rail system in Ohio.

Patricia Quinn, director of the Downeaster rail service — a passenger rail line between Boston and Portland, Maine — said the train system has benefited her region.

READ MORE AT:
http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/news/springfield-news/rail-service-revitalizes-towns-with-stops-maine-expert-says-811918.html

 

Ken Prendergast
Executive Director
All Aboard Ohio
12029 Clifton Blvd., Suite 505
Cleveland, OH 44107
(216) 288-4883
kenprendergast@allaboardohio.org
www.allaboardohio.org

What's so conservative about federal highways?

What's so conservative about federal highways?

By William S. Lind

 

Conservatives do not like public transportation—or so libertarians and Republican officeholders tell us. If that means we must spend hours stuck in congested traffic, so be it. Under no circumstances would conservatives ever ride public transit.

 

Except that we are riding it, in growing numbers. Studies of passengers on rail-transit systems across the country indicate many conservatives are on board. Chicago's excellent METRA commuter trains offer one example. A recent survey revealed that in the six-county area METRA serves, 11 percent of commuters with incomes of $75,000 or more commuted by train. In Lake County, the mean earnings of rail commuters were more than $76,000. (The figure for bus riders was less than $14,000.) Not surprisingly, the area METRA serves regularly sends Republicans to Congress.

 

So why are conservatives using the public transportation we are told they oppose? Because being stuck in traffic isn't fun, even if you are driving a BMW. On a commuter train or Light Rail line, you whiz past all those cars going no-where at 50 or 60 miles per hour—reading, working on your laptop, or relaxing, instead of staring at some other guy's bumper.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://amconmag.com/article/2010/aug/01/00023/

 

 

Ken Prendergast
Executive Director
All Aboard Ohio
12029 Clifton Blvd., Suite 505
Cleveland, OH 44107
(216) 288-4883
kenprendergast@allaboardohio.org
www.allaboardohio.org

What's so conservative about federal highways?

What's so conservative about federal highways?

By William S. Lind

 

Conservatives do not like public transportation—or so libertarians and Republican officeholders tell us. If that means we must spend hours stuck in congested traffic, so be it. Under no circumstances would conservatives ever ride public transit.

 

Except that we are riding it, in growing numbers. Studies of passengers on rail-transit systems across the country indicate many conservatives are on board. Chicago's excellent METRA commuter trains offer one example. A recent survey revealed that in the six-county area METRA serves, 11 percent of commuters with incomes of $75,000 or more commuted by train. In Lake County, the mean earnings of rail commuters were more than $76,000. (The figure for bus riders was less than $14,000.) Not surprisingly, the area METRA serves regularly sends Republicans to Congress.

 

So why are conservatives using the public transportation we are told they oppose? Because being stuck in traffic isn't fun, even if you are driving a BMW. On a commuter train or Light Rail line, you whiz past all those cars going no-where at 50 or 60 miles per hour—reading, working on your laptop, or relaxing, instead of staring at some other guy's bumper.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://amconmag.com/article/2010/aug/01/00023/

 

 

Ken Prendergast
Executive Director
All Aboard Ohio
12029 Clifton Blvd., Suite 505
Cleveland, OH 44107
(216) 288-4883
kenprendergast@allaboardohio.org
www.allaboardohio.org

See you at the Pizza Crawl August 3rd from 6-9pm

Everyone –information about 5^th by Northwest First Annual National Night Out Pizza Crawl is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 3 ~ check it out at www.fifthbynorthwest.org or on Facebook under “Fifth by Northwest”! Sounds like it is going to be BIG!! We are finalizing details and will have the whole packet of information ready for distribution soon – but wanted to provide you with a “sneak peek” as to all of the great activities that are going to be kicking off starting at 6pm @ Kroger’s side - parking lot and going from there to Sprano’s, etc.! We will have the fire department, possibly a dunking booth, police officials, and much more there on hand to make it a fun opportunity to walk our neighborhood! More to come! So, bring your bikes, wear your walking shoes – and be prepared to walk the ‘hood! The 5^th X NW neighborhood – that is!

 

Fifth by Northwest National Night Out August 3rd!

0 comments

Posted by admin on Jun 30, 2010 in Crime and Safety, News And Events | 0 comments

On Tuesday, August 3rd, neighborhoods throughout Columbus are being invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the “27th Annual National Night Out” (NNO) crime and drug prevention event. The Fifth by Northwest Area Commission will be sponsoring the National Night Out for our area. It is also sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and will involve over 14,624 communities from all 50 states, US territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world. In all, over 36.7 million people are expected to participate. NNO 2010 is being supported in part by TARGET, a national corporate sponsor.

Our goal for the evening’s activities throughout Fifth by Northwest is get our residents out and about, walking and biking, meeting each other and unifying against crime.

We want to offer you the opportunity to be involved in the National Night Out in two simple ways.

• Display a poster in your office, store or restaurant so residents, customers and colleagues are aware of the evenings festivities. If you have a Facebook page, Twitter or Linked In account, be sure to post our info there.
• Be present! Residents will be walking around Fifth by Northwest the evening of August 3 from 6-9PM. Will YOU be there, too? What can you to show our residents that you are a part of this community and unified with them against crime in a creative, unique way? Are you a dog groomer or vet? Maybe you can offer pet photos. Are you a landscaper? Give a demonstration on how to properly trim hedges so burglars can’t hide there. Maybe you just want to offer free hot dogs or balloons or play games. Great! Let us know what you want to offer at your location during the National Night Out, and we’ll be sure to include it on our map of activities. Keep in mind that the National Night Out is a family-FRIENDLY, but not necessarily family-FOCUSED event, so feel free to be creative with your participation.

There will be planned events and block parties all throughout Fifth by Northwest. There will even be a PIZZA CRAWL highlighting the 10+ locally owned pizza establishments in Fifth by Northwest! All of this activity designed to get our neighbors out and about, meeting each other and unifying against crime. We hope you’ll join us.

If you are interested in becoming a part of our 2010 National Night Out, (and we certainly hope you are), please reply to nno@fifthbynorthwest.org at your earliest convenience. Of course, we will include details of your participation on our promotions for your kindness.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts

 

 

 

Hi everyone,

 

The Pizza Crawl promotions are posted on the website and the Facebook account, and has been scheduled to tweet (Twitter has been terrible the past few days). The complete National Night Out promotional packet is not available yet because I have a few things to add to that post and flyer before I’m comfortable adding it. I hope to finish those things Thursday and post it on Thursday, then send you back and email when it has been done.

 

Getting there!

 

Quick question – does anyone have a connection with a dunk booth operator, and / or a mobile karoke operator who might come out at no cost?

 

Angie Meeker

www.angiemeekerdesigns.com

Twitter/angiemeeker

614.353.0633

 

Becky Obester

Financial Associate

TS Finance

614-217-1399

614-516-8577 (Mobile)

 

US is borrowing to subsidize driving

And neither of these two articles below discusses the oil subsidy that's hidden in the defense budget.  The Department of Defense has estimated that if the cost of keeping the 6th Fleet in the Persian Gulf were collected from users of motor fuel (as it should be), gasoline in the U.S. would sell for about $8 a gallon.  Those sailors are not keeping the sea lanes open to make sure Americans get an adequate supply of figs and dates. 
  
  
 
Tax truth: We need to raise the levy on gasoline
Thursday, July 8, 2010

SUMMER DRIVING season is upon us. This year, the annual migration of vacationers coincides with rising concerns over the federal debt and a nasty oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. What better time to revisit the enduring, maddening, illogical contrast between how little Americans actually pay to drive -- and how fiercely they resist even modest gasoline tax increases that would go a long way in addressing the nation's environmental and fiscal crises?

By any measure, driving in the United States is cheap. The price of a gallon of regular gasoline averaged about $2.70 during June. That's up almost a dollar since the depths of the Great Recession in December 2008. But the price has been steady for about a year, and adjusted for inflation it is 66 cents per gallon less than it was in 1980. Gas prices have had their ups (the $4-a-gallon spike in mid-2008) and downs (the consistently low prices of the late 1980s and 1990s). Overall, though, driving today is substantially cheaper, in real terms, than it was about a generation ago. In fact, it's cheaper than it was at the end of World War I. Government forecasts suggest prices may rise slightly over the next year.

READ MORE AT:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/07/AR2010070704480.html

______________
 
Gas taxes give us a break at the pump
By Dennis Cauchon, USA TODAY 7/2/2010
 
When drivers hit the road in large numbers for the Fourth of July holiday, they will have something extra to celebrate — the lowest gasoline taxes since the early days of the automobile.

Holiday drivers will pay less than ever at the pump for upkeep of the nation's roads — just $19 in gas taxes for every 1,000 miles driven, a USA TODAY analysis finds. That's a new low in inflation-adjusted dollars, half what drivers paid in 1975.

...The nation's roads are increasingly financed by other taxes and borrowing. The federal stimulus plan set aside $26.7 billion for roads, most of which will be spent by year's end.

READ MORE AT:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/energy/2010-07-01-gas-tax_N.htm?csp=N003 

 

 

Ken Prendergast
Executive Director
All Aboard Ohio
12029 Clifton Blvd., Suite 505
Cleveland, OH 44107
(216) 288-4883
kenprendergast@allaboardohio.org
www.allaboardohio.org

Derailed - Ohio has money for intercity trains - and few who agree on what to do with it

Derailed
Ohio has money for intercity trains — and few who agree on what to do with it
by Anastasia Pantsios
Cleveland Scene


IMAGINE GETTING ON A TRAIN in Cleveland and arriving in Columbus for a meeting — relaxed, rested, and prepped for your presentation. Or your football game, or your night on the town. No more staring through the windshield at long, dreary stretches of I-71 in Richland and Morrow County.

That's already a reality for travelers from Boston to Washington, D.C. There, an Amtrak passenger train travels the so-called Northeast Corridor, delivering riders to New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore at the same average speed as driving — if you weren't sitting in traffic — and occasionally reaching speeds up to 150 mph. The service debuted in December 2000 and has proved popular in the densely populated region, where driving and parking are perpetual challenges.

Full story at: http://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/derailed/Content?oid=1948882

 

 

Ken Prendergast
Executive Director
All Aboard Ohio
12029 Clifton Blvd., Suite 505
Cleveland, OH 44107
(216) 288-4883
kenprendergast@allaboardohio.org
www.allaboardohio.org

{SPAM} Meeting Highlights 7-12-10

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS   For Immediate Release:  July 12, 2010   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

PUBLIC HEARING TO DISCUSS DOWNTOWN STRATEGIC PLAN: Councilmember Andrew J. Ginther, chair of the Finance & Economic Development Committee and Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson, chair of the Development Committee, will hold a joint public hearing on Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers to discuss the proposed Downtown Strategic Plan as endorsed by the Columbus Downtown Commission.    The 2010 Downtown Strategic Plan creates an overall vision for downtown economic development for the next 10 years.  The proposed plan will serve as a guide for development, redevelopment, and the planning of future public improvements within the Central Business District.  The goal of the plan is to provide residential opportunities, business development, job creation, recreation, dining, transportation and entertainment options which are key factors to the long-term economic success of Columbus and the Central Ohio region. 

IMPROVING CITY STREETS:  Public Service Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig is sponsoring two pieces of legislation to resurface 43 streets in the city of Columbus. Ordinance 0988-2010 authorizes the expenditure of $4,851,067.00 for the Resurfacing 2010-Project 4 and ordinance 0989-2010 authorizes the expenditure of $4,035,049.00 for the Resurfacing 2010-Project 5.  Project 4 will repair and resurface 7 city streets and construct 260 ADA curb ramps.  Project 5 will repair and resurface 36 city streets and construct 335 ADA curb ramps.  The work for both projects consist of milling the existing pavement, overlaying with new asphalt concrete, and replacing curbs and sidewalks associated with the installation of the ADA wheelchair ramps.  Click Here for a complete list of city streets included in both projects.

CONNECTING broadband access STATEWIDE: Administration Committee Chair A. Troy Miller is sponsoring ordinance 0998-2010 to authorize the expenditure of $31,200 for fiber network and broadband access and related services with The Ohio State University and the Ohio Supercomputer Center (OSC).  The OSC is a local non-profit educational institute and the provider of the State of Ohio's OSCnet.  OSCnet provides advanced technology by linking communities, universities, and colleges through a network.  The system provides internet information transmission to support education, research, health care and economic development programs throughout the state. The agreement allows Ohio State and the city of Columbus to work together to connect OSCnet's statewide network to the Columbus community fiber network.

CONTINUING THE LEAD SAFE COLUMBUS PROGRAM:  The Lead Safe Columbus program offers resources to remove hazardous lead-based materials for eligible property owners.  Funding was provided through the 2007 Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Grant from the Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  The grant included contingency funding.  Housing Committee Chair Charleta B. Tavares is sponsoring ordinance 0993-2010, which authorizes the expenditure of $66,561.33 of unspent contingency funds from the General Government Grant Fund for continuation of the program.  The funding will enable the program to continue to be publicized and promote educational activities about healthy housing principles and neighborhood revitalization efforts.  The program demonstrates the city’s commitment to generating lead-safe affordable housing and the prevention of lead poisoning in children and adults.

SUPERVISING OMVI OFFENDERS:  Judiciary & Court Administration Committee Chair Eileen Y. Paley is sponsoring ordinance 0981-2010 to accept a grant in the amount of $346,205 from the State of Ohio, Department of Rehabilitation and Correction for the Probation Department of the Franklin County Municipal Court.  The grant funding will be used to pay for the work release program and fund the salaries and benefits of three probation officers who will perform specialized supervision to individuals with multiple convictions for operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

 

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FW: This Week's Events and Announcements

 

 

From: Rebecca S Obester
Sent: Monday, July 12, 2010 9:43 AM
To: Rebecca S Obester
Subject: FW: This Week's Events and Announcements

 

 

 

From: Michelle Wilson [mailto:mwilson@grandviewchamber.org]
Sent: Monday, July 12, 2010 7:42 AM
Subject: This Week's Events and Announcements

 

1.  Tomorrow, Tuesday, July 13th
Coffee & Coaching

7:30-9:00 a.m., Marshall's Restaurant
GHPD Detective Carol Harper will talk about
Embezzlement; Can it happen to you?
Register Here: http://bit.ly/ajYrVQ



2. FORE!

It's time to register for the TriVillage Noon Lions/Grandview Area Chamber
Annual Golf Outing
This year's outing is at Little Turtle Golf Club
on Monday, August 9
Flyer and registration instructions are attached!



3.  Tuesday, July 27th
Coffee & Coaching

7:30-9:00 a.m., Marshall's Restaurant
Health Care Reform - What's In It For You?
Gary Bast will enlighten us on recent health care reform issues as well as
introduce us to the benefits of Mini-Medical plans
Register Here: http://bit.ly/c8GKK2



4. August 19
A Taste of Italy (Right Here in Grandview)
Join us this evening from 6-9 for some delicious food and wines at
Gentiles, The Wine Sellers on King Avenue
This is a ticketed event with a limited number of tickets being sold.
$20 for GAC Members/$30 for Non-Members
Register here:http://bit.ly/aoSxzA

Michelle Wilson
Executive Director
Grandview Area Chamber
1258 B Grandview Ave.
Cols  OH  43212
614.486.0196
www.grandviewchamber.org

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook:
www.twitter.com/grandviewchambr
www.facebook.com/grandviewareachamber

Media Alert - Public Hearing

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEDIA ALERT  For Immediate Release: July 9, 2010 For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter Nancy Burton, ODOT District 6 Communications, 205-3131

 

 

Public Hearing on Proposed Phase 1 I-70/71 Split Improvement Plan 

 

WHO:

Councilmember Hearcel F. Craig, Public Service

& Transportation Committee

 

Councilmember Andrew J. Ginther, Finance and Economic

Development Committee

 

Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson, Development Committee

 

Various Councilmembers

 

Representatives of the Ohio Department of Transportation

 

 

WHEN:

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

5:30 PM

 

WHERE:

City Council Chambers

City Hall

90 West Broad Street

 

WHAT:

 

The Columbus City Council will hold a public hearing regarding the Ohio Department of Transportation’s proposed phase 1 of the I-70/71 split improvement project.  The meeting will include a presentation by representatives of ODOT and public testimony will be accepted. Those wishing to testify should fill out a speaker slip on the day of the hearing between the hours of 8:00 am - 5:00 pm in the lobby entrance of City Hall located on the Front Street side of the building. Speaker slips will also be accepted in Council Chambers until 6pm.  Free parking is available in the Gay Street parking lot on the north side of City Hall after 5:00 pm.  The meeting will be broadcast live on C-TV, Columbus’ government television station on all local cable outlets.

 

 

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Downtown Strategic Plan Public Hearing

Dear Community Leader,

 

I want to draw your attention to an exciting meeting that Councilmembers Andrew J. Ginther and Priscilla R. Tyson are holding next week. The two will be holding a joint hearing to discuss the proposed Downtown Strategic Plan which was recently endorsed by the Columbus Downtown Commission.

 

The Downtown Columbus Strategic Plan creates an overall vision for downtown that builds on previous planning efforts. Over the past several months, the planning team

conducted an interactive public process, hosting three town hall meetings and gaining input from more than 1,000 comments. The result? 10 Principles, 12 Ideas and 8 Strategies that will guide the revitalization of Downtown Columbus. The Columbus Downtown Commission endorsed the plan in June, and Columbus City Council will accept the plan as a guide for downtown development during our July 19 meeting. You can view the Downtown Strategic Plan online now.

 

While next week’s meeting will be at least the fifth public forum to focus the plan, it will provide a unique opportunity for Columbus residents to join City Council to hear more about the plan, ask questions and provide feedback. Because downtown Columbus is really everyone’s neighborhood, we want to make sure we reach out to our neighbors across the City to make sure you were aware of the meeting, and that you are invited to attend.

 

This meeting was published in the City Bulletin, and we will also be promoting it on Council’s Facebook and Twitter pages as well as our radio program.   However, please take a look at the meeting notice below and plan to join us if interested and your schedule allows. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call me at 645-6798.  

 

Thank you,

 

John Ivanic

Communications Director

Columbus City Council

 

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEDIA ALERT   For Immediate Release:  July 7, 2010   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

 

CITY COUNCIL HOLDS PUBLIC HEARING ON DOWNTOWN STRATEGIC PLAN

 

WHO:

 

Councilmember Andrew J. Ginther

Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson

Columbus Department of Development

 

WHEN:

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

5:30 PM

 

WHERE:

City Council Chambers

City Hall

90 West Broad Street

 

WHAT:

Columbus City Councilmember Andrew J. Ginther, Chair of the Finance & Economic Development Committee and Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson, Chair of the Development Committee will conduct a joint public hearing to discuss the proposed Downtown Strategic Plan as endorsed by the Columbus Downtown Commission.

 

Public testimony will be accepted. Those wishing to testify should fill out a speaker slip on the day of the hearing between the hours of 8:00 am - 5:00 pm in the lobby entrance located on the Front Street side of City Hall. Free parking is available in the Gay Street parking lot on the north side of City Hall after 5:00 pm.

 

The meeting will be broadcast live on C-TV, Columbus’ government television channel 3 on local cable systems.

 

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