The 20th Easter Feast of Love fed 230 people a heaping holiday dinner at the College Hill Presbyterian Church (CHPC). In addition, meals were delivered to 580 more people throughout Cincinnati and Kentucky.

Sponsored by CHPC and other neighborhood churches, the Feast of Love gives hurting people what they need most--love and human contact--along with food. The Feast of Love's dedicated founder and volunteers are determined that people in need will be helped to experience God's love via these dinners.

The Feast of Love was founded by CHPC member Karen Lane. This ministry now hosts three annual dinners (Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas) and distributes baby formula and personal care items as well as food. People donate food and/or money to buy food for days before each Feast. Volunteers cook and serve the meal at the church and additional volunteers deliver meals to shelters and residences. Some volunteer families find the experience so meaningful that they return year after year.

If you would like to help at any Feast of Love, see if your church participates. If not, you are very welcome to call Karen Lane (513-541-5676, ext. 167). She will happily put you to work!

The College Hill Gardeners are offering plants for your home garden at their annual plant sale this Saturday, May 6, from 9:00am until 1:00pm in the lot at at Hamilton and Llanfair.

Plants available include tomatoes of several varieties, lettuces, cucumber, herbs; flowering vines and annuals, container gardens; perennials, tropicals, cannas and brugmansia. Many plants were grown by the gardeners themselves and/or Aiken students in the Aiken High School Greenhouse.

All proceeds from sale benefit beautification projects undertaken by the College Hill Gardeners.

Next week, the College Hill Farm Market starts up again on the 11th. This year, it's every Thursday from 3:00pm to 7:00pm.

All the seats were full, so they sat on the windowsills and the floor. It was a packed house last Saturday night at the College Hill Coffee Company, which recently brought live music back to College Hill dining.

People of all ages came to see "Those Guys," four Aiken graduates who reunited last summer and are now playing at venues around the city. Mike Biere, Paul Conners, Bill Jenny, and Jeffry Weidner were all early Aiken grads--the school opened in 1962, but we won't divulge their graduation years.

In high school, Conners and Biere helped make and produce an album narrated by Bob Braun, "The Aiken Sound," about life at the high school. Braun wasn't spotted in College Hill last week, but who knows? Maybe next time.

Here is a selected list of favorite things that Amy ("I have so many favorite things in College Hill!") Finnegan reports finding in College Hill.

• Beautiful tree-lined streets, especially Savannah.
• Enjoying a hot summer evening neighbors and friends--old and new--at the National Night Out.
• The beauty of the Luminaria on a cold winter’s night.
• Our Citizens on Patrol who walk the streets of College Hill to help keep everyone safe and protect our neighborhood.
• The ability to go anywhere in College Hill and run into a friend or neighbor at the Coffee Company, Bacalls, LaRosas or any of our other great businesses.
• Working the Feast of Love for College Hill Presbyterian Church.
• The Farm Market.

What are a few of your favorite things in College Hill? Tell the editor here.

Janine (a.k.a. Lady J) will be in concert Saturday evening, May 6 at the College Hill Coffee Company from 7:30pm to 9:30pm.

"SpokenwordSoul" is Lady J’s unique style--original, thought-provoking music that moves the spirit and the heart. Call it cool jazz, call it sophisticated soul-- whatever you call it, Lady J has the ability to actively control her dreams--and translate those dream visions into her music.

Janine’s latest CD is “Shades of J.” She’ll be performing original songs from that album and some earlier hits as well.

There is plenty of free parking in the well-lighted lot behind the Coffee Company.

Paula L. Davis, lead secretary at Aiken College and Career High School, asks us to pass on a big big "thank you" to the College Hill community from all of the Aiken College and Career students and staff for all the support the community has offered this year.

The Rev. Dr. Francis Wade will speak on "Re-Imaging God" at Grace Church on Sunday, May 14, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm.

Dr. Wade is a nationally renowned speaker, teacher and theologian. He is sought out by NPR for comments, by the National Press club as a keynoter and his sermons have been collected in a number of anthologies. We are privileged to have him here among us.

Grace Church invites everyone to come and hear this insightful speaker with a great sense of humor. Reservations not required.

Dr. Wade is a graduate of The Citadel and the Virginia Theological Seminary and has served as an Episcopal priest since 1966. He recently retired from St. Albans Parish, Washington D.C. He is currently the Theologian in Residence in the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio and is the author of The Art of Being Together: Common Sense About Life Long Relationships.

The College Hill Recreation Center is having an Open House on May 11 in conjunction with Aiken College and Career School. This Thursday event will be held from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. All are invited to come see the programs and classes offered and meet the instructors.

Were you late getting home earlier this week? Here's why: The city was replacing sewer pipes at the corner of North Bend Road and Colerain Avenue.

It's all part of the Wet Weather Project, one of the largest public works projects to take place in and around Cincinnati for years. Outdated sewer pipes and pipes that combine both storm and sanitary sewers are being replaced.

The work will go on until 2023, but in College Hill it's already half over. Pipes in the Ludlow Run Sewer were replace earlier this year, and the only other project scheduled (North Bend and Connecticut) will be over by spring.

Gail Finke provided this article and photo.

Doug Carlisle of the Recreation Center reports that members of the community have donated $320 to buy Recreation Center memberships for teenagers in the community. These donations, matched by the Cincinnati Recreation Commission Foundation, equate to 80 teen memberships.

With all the camps taking place in College Hill, there is no need to leave the neighborhood to keep your children occupied. Camps of all kinds, from sports camps to general camps--even circus camp--will fit every family and every budget. In addition to these camps, Cincinnati Parks, area churches, area schools, the YMCA, and other organizations also offer camps.

Here's a look at some of what's available close to home:

• Performing Arts Camp: The Cincinnati Black Theatre presents a month-long performing arts camp at the College Hill Town Hall. Open to all children ages 7 to 14, this is the CBT's second annual camp and the first to be offered here in College Hill. The cost is $650 for the first child, with discounts for siblings and flexible payment plans available. Call the CBT offices at 513-241-6060 for registration forms.
• Nature Camp: LaBoiteaux Woods offers popular week-long nature camps for children from preschool to high school, including art camp, outdoor skills camp, and service camp. Most camps are $50 per child for city residents, $60 non-residents; Teen Service Camp is free! Teens 13 and up can volunteer to be aides at all Cincinnati Parks camps. For information and registration call 321-6070, or visit www.cincinnati-oh.gov/parks.
• Christian Camps at CHPC: The College Hill Presbyterian Church has offered a variety of summer camps enjoyed by generations of children. This year's offerings include two sessions of drama camp, a family camp, an overnight camp, a resident camp, mission trips and other camps geared to age groups from preschool to high school. Children of all faiths are welcome. Most camps last two days to one week and cost $50 ($100 for teen mission trips; more for resident camp). For complete information contact the CHPC (513-541-5676) or drop by the church for registration information.
• Character Camp with Christ's Community in College Hill: For more than 30 years, CCCH has offered a summer of fun and learning. This year's camp is eight weeks long, runs from 9:00am to 4:00pm and will include field trips and guest speakers. It will be held at the College Hill Presbyterian Church. Character camp is open to all children in grades 1 through 8, and costs $400 Flexible payment plans and multiple child discounts available. Call 513-541-0303 for registration information or visit the CCCH offices at 5819 Salvia Avenue.
• Sports Camp at Colonial: Many College Hill families belong to Colonial Family Sports Center just up Hamilton Avenue in North College Hill, but you don't have to be a member to register for up to 10 weeks of summer camp. Children ages 6 to 11 will enjoy all sorts of games and crafts, in addition to swimming and racquet sports--for one day or all summer long. Cost is $112 per week or $32 per day for up to three weeks; $104 per week for three weeks or more; or $85 for three days a week. Camp runs from 8:30am to 4:00pm; late pickup is available for an additional charge. For more information call 513-729-3738.
• Girls Sports at McAuley: Girls from grades 3 to 8 can hone their skills in cross-country, lacrosse, basketball, soccer, softball, tennis, and volleyball at week-long camps. Each week is $55 For information call the school (513-681-1800, ext. 1122) or see www.mcauleyhs.net.
• Boys Sports at LaSalle: Though it's up North Bend Road and not in College Hill, LaSalle offers similar camps for boys. Call 513-741-3000.
• McAuley Enrichment Camps: Boys and girls from kindergarten through eighth grade can enjoy half-day camps focusing on knitting, musical theater, crafts and dance. Special topics include treasure hunting, study strategies, babysitting, and "CSI"--as well as a 'tween camp based on the popular book "Chasing Vermeer." Camps run from $50 to $65 For information call the school(513-681-1800, ex. 1125) or see www.mcauleyhs.net.
• Recreation Center Youth and Teen Camps: The College Hill Recreation Center is offering summer-long camps for youths and teens. Camps run from 7:00am to 6:00pm from June to August and include field trips, parties, and other activities. Teen camp (ages 12- 15) is $700; youth camp (to age 11)is $700-$720, depending on payment options. Other programs-- such as a one-week camp for girls, basketball and other sports--are also available. Visit the Recreation Center for details and applications.
• Soccer Camp: Former pro soccer player Joe Hermans started his famous Hermans Soccer Unlimited Camps right here in College Hill and he's held one week-long soccer camp here ever since. This year the College Hill Players Camp for boys and girls makes a temporary move to Stephanie Hummer Park on North Bend Road in Finneytown (next to St. Xavier High School). Hermans, former head coach at XU and the coach for Cincinnati Excite, runs one of the best soccer camps around. June 5-9, 9:00am to noon, $85 For information call 579-9555 or see www.osysa.com.
• Circus Camp: My Nose Turns Red Theatre Company offers two sessions of its unique Circus Camp at the Cincinnati Waldorf School campus in Winton Place. (The school is planning a future move to College Hill.) Children can learn clowning, juggling, stilt walking and other circus skills, and can return every year for more. Camp #1, for ages 4-5, will be held June 12-16 and costs $95 Camp #2, for beginners ages 7-16, will be held June 12-23 and costs $110 Advanced Circus Camp is held at another location. For information call 581-7100 or email rednose@fuse.net.

Thanks for Gail Finke for compiling all this great information.

College Hill Fundamental Academy invites the neighborhood to its spring program, "This is America," next Wednesday and Thursday, May 10 and 11.

Children from all six grades will participate in a patriotic program focusing on the many peoples who have come to America and their struggles for freedom. One hundred and fifty students, including the Academy Singers, will sing, dance, drum and speak during the program, which will include a special recognition of veterans in the audience and a parade of flags. Members of all branches of the service will be present.

Students will present the program twice each day, at 8:30am and 7:00 pm, so there's sure to be a time that fits your schedule. Dr. Hauck, the school's music director, promises a wonderful time at all the shows, and asks you to keep an eye out for next year's show--an encore of "The Lion King."

A small charge of $1 for adults, 50 cents for students, will go to the school.

McAuley High School will hold its annual Spring Showcase for 6th and 7th grade girls and their parents on Thursday, May 18, from 6:00pm to 7:30pm.

The showcase includes tours, activities, demos, an information packet and a barbecue buffet dinner. Administrators and teachers will be available. Visit McAuley’s website at www.mcauleyhs.net for complete information and an RSVP form. Direct questions to Kathy Dietrich (513-681-1800 x 2272).

Just in time for the movie release of the blockbuster novel The Da Vinci Code, the College Hill Presbyterian Church will be hosting a four-week Sunday morning program open to anyone interested in exploring many of the provocative claims in Dan Brown’s thriller.

The first session is May 7. The program will utilize video footage featuring author and journalist Lee Strobel as he journeys to key sites mentioned in the novel and includes interviews of four prominent biblical and historical scholars: Dr. Mark Strauss, Dr. Scot McKnight, Dr. Kathy McReynolds and Dr. Paul Maier. The program will also include a small group discussion format that will allow participants to share their own thoughts.

Celebrate spring with the Cincinnati Waldorf School at the annual Mayfaire on May 13 from 11:00am to 3:00pm. Admission is free.

The Waldorf School, which will move from Winton Place to a new building in College Hill in 2008, emphasizes seasonal festivals, imagination and art in its unique curriculum.

Featured Mayfaire events include plant sales, a garden décor raffle, a container garden raffle, spa treatments, Maypole dancing, crafts and games for children, a petting zoo, food at the café and the Queen's Stage amateur talent show. The Magic Meadow, a store featuring beautiful toys and games, will also be open.

This introduces a new eNewsletter feature--a summary of what's happening in or about College Hill during the coming week. Go to the College Hill Calendar page for details and more dates.

• May 4: First United Church of Christ: First of Four First-Time Homebuyers Classes.
• May 4: McAuley High School Auditorium: Harmony Showcase Choral Concert.
• May 4: Grace Episcopal Church: Spaghetti Dinner.
• May 5: Conaton Room, Xavier University: Revitalizing Hamilton County Neighborhoods, A Community Response to Property Foreclosures.
• May 5: Feldenkrais(R) Within Studio (Northside): Art Show Opening Reception.
• May 6: Hamilton and Llanfair Lot: College Hill Gardeners Spring Plant Sale.
• May 6: Eden Grove Academy: Open House.
• May 6: College Hill Coffee Co.: "SpokenwordSoul" Entertainment with Shades of J.
• May 9: Feldenkrais(R) Within Studio (Northside): The Feldenkrais Method (R) Introductory Workshop.
• May 10: College Hill Branch Library: Readquest Kickoff.
• May 10: Eden Grove Academy: 85th Anniversary Celebration.
• May 10, 11: College Hill Fundamental Academy: "This is America" Spring Program/Salute to Veterans.
• May 11: First Day of the Farm Market.
• May 12: College Hill Branch Library: Fossil Scavenger Hunt with Avon Woods.
• May 12, 13: College Hill Town Hall: The Contemporary Dance Theater presents Performance and Time Arts, an evening of experimental theater.
• May 13: College Hill Coffee Co.: Dave Sams and Jen Reid Perform.
• May 13: York Street Cafe (Newport, KY): Emmett Art Show.
• May 13: Cincinnati Waldorf School (Winton Place): Mayfaire.
• May 14: Six Acres Bed and Breakfast: Mother's Day Tea.