Remember, the Pumpkin Patch Fall Festival at Town Hall Park provides a day of fun for all ages this Saturday, October 8th, from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM at Town Hall Park.

McAuley High School students will be going to New York City in November to sing at Carnegie Hall. A benefit Talent Night concert will be held at McAuley on Wednesday, October 5, at 7:00 PM. Tickets are $5 and the proceeds will be used to help defray the cost of the two chartered buses which will transport the young women to New York.

For more information, contact Mary White at (513) 681-1800 extension 2228.

In our September 15 issue, Tom Strothers shared a letter from his friend Shannon in Biloxi (here). He has since returned from his own personal Biloxi Relief Trip, and has written an illustrated journal describing his experience in this doubly hurricane-damaged area with his friends.

The McAuley High School child development classes will again offer a free preschool program to area youngsters. The preschool is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning October 25 and is open to children ages 3 to 5.

The classes are planned and presented by McAuley students under the supervision of Diane Gibson, consumer science chairperson. They will be held at two times: 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM and 1:30 PM to 2:15 PM. There is no charge for the program.

To enroll a child in either session, please contact Diane Gibson at (513) 681-1800 extension 2275.

For 30 years, volunteers at People Working Cooperatively have worked fixing houses, raking leaves, replacing windows and screen doors and patching roofs--all in an effort to help seniors and the disabled live better lives. In September, PWC President Jock Pitts honored College Hill resident Amy Finnegan with a volunteer of the year award for her overall volunteer excellence and dedication.

At the September 27 meeting, the Forum voted overwhelmingly to support the Cincinnati Park Board’s Deer Herd Management Program. Jim Godby presented details of the program, which would use police sharpshooters to significantly reduce the number of deer in Mount Airy forest. If successful, this would reduce damage to the forest and improve the health of the remaining animals.

The Forum voted overwhelmingly to support Principal Eric Thomas’ recommendation to change the name of the Aiken Public Service Learning High School to Aiken College & Career High School. The name change is only one part of a comprehensive program to improve the quality of education at this high school, one of three high schools located on the Aiken campus.

Mr. Thomas identified three critical focus areas and discussed ways his school is planning to accomplish them:

• Develop positive school climate & culture of “high expectations”
• Improve on the State Report Card
• Market the school to increase enrollment.

Mr. Thomas pointed out that in today’s system students can choose to apply to any of 21 high schools in the Cincinnati system. In the past, little effort has been made to attract students to Aiken PSLHS, and as a result, this school has been the place students went when other schools were filled up. Aiken PSLHS needs to develop a marketing program in order to fill the school up with students who want to be there and who can benefit from its unique program. Mr. Thomas is looking for help from members of the community to develop a professional- quality marketing plan.

Said Mr. Thomas, “I want our school to be seen as a tremendous option by every parent in College Hill.” You can email him, or call him at (513)363-6760.

Give your spouse a special Weekend of Romance and Renewal October 21-23 at College Hill Presbyterian Church. This weekend will challenge you to re-ignite your marriage and strengthen your relationship. The program will provide you with the tools and a plan to make a good marriage better, a weak marriage stronger, or a cold marriage warmer.

The Weekend is open to any married couple regardless of age or faith. Trained Team couples from National Marriage Encounter of Greater Cincinnati will give a series of presentations, addressing a variety of thought-provoking topics that affect every marital relationship. As the weekend unfolds, you and your spouse will become reacquainted when you spend priceless moments alone with each other; talking, sharing and exploring these topics.

Many College Hill residents want to know: “Why should I vote for you?” “What will you do for College Hill?” The College Hill Forum Candidates Night is Tuesday, October 25, at Twin Towers. (This meeting takes the place of the regular Forum meeting at the Recreation Center.)

Details to follow.

Looking for something to do on the weekend in College Hill? Join us for Elegant Evenings at Six Acres. Every Friday and Saturday Evening starting at 6:00 PM, reservations can be made to have a four- course meal served in a beautiful historic home in a family style atmosphere.

Meals are prepared by local chef Terry Davis. Live jazz from noted local musicians will entertain. A tour of the home is included. Meals cost $30 and include soups, salad, entrée, and dessert. Soft drinks, iced tea, coffee, hot teal as well as complementary bottle of wine are included with meals. Reservations are required.

The Women of Grace Church collected those 37 Prayer Shawls to send to Katrina victims from other churches and retirement homes. They did not knit them all themselves.