A College Hill mansion is for sale for less than $180,000--all it needs is a little TLC.

Located at 5865 Lathrop, adjacent to the McAuley Convent and close to Laurel Court, the 21-room Tudor home boasts a distinctive slate-roofed tower, four solariums, six fireplaces, and a whopping 4,549 sq. ft. of living space.

Built in 1900 by W. T. Simpson, whose steel company was the predecessor of AK Steel in Middletown, the house was converted into a four-family, was empty for many years, and then was converted back to a single-family home.

The College Hill Historical Society toured it recently, and President Sarah Mann says, "It is really a marvel! There are solariums on almost every side of the house, original woodwork, inlayed floors, tile, and plenty of space, space, space!"

It was once one of College Hill's grand homes, and could be again. If you've always wanted a mansion but can't afford even a bungalow in Hyde Park, now's your chance.

Jonathan Montagne at Huff Realty, 513-574-2300, is handling the sale. See the listing here.

College Hill Presbyterian Church celebrated the installation of its newest pastor, the Rev. Drew Smith, on March 25.

Guests from the community and the Presbytery participated in the ceremony. The Rev. Todd O'Neal led a combined choir made up of singers from CHPC and the House of Joy. Presbytery Moderator Rev. Erwin Geodicke began the installation, and former CHPC pastors "Chappie" Chapman and Jerry Kirk were among those who took part.

At the installation, the congregation formally accepted Rev. Smith as pastor and promised to follow his guidance and take care of his needs and those of his family.

College Hill Presbyterian Church was the neighborhood's first, church founded in 1853. Mr. Smith is the latest in a long line of pastors.

According to CHPC, the many guests and participants at the installation ceremony reflects the church's--and the new pastor's--commitment to the neighborhood and the city.

Photo provided by CHPC.

Friday's Sobriety Checkpoint at Hamilton and North Bend resulted in eight arrests for Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence, with an average blood/alcohol level twice the legal limit. (We assume that no eNewsletter subscribers were among those arrested, having been notified in advance in last week's issue.)

According to Capt. Dan Gerard, approximately 40 Cincinnati Police officers and Ohio State Troopers checked 751 cars. In addition to the above-mentioned arrests, they made four arrests for driving under suspension and six other arrests. The evening also resulted in a state record 105 citations for failure to wear a seatbelt.

"Thanks again for the support of the College Hill Forum and the Citizens on Patrol," said Cap. Gerard. "The Troopers are amazed at the level of support you provide, including the excellent coffee which was a most welcome addition! We want to use your support as a model for other parts of the state."

Another checkpoint will be scheduled for later this year.

Story provided by the College Hill Forum.

Most people take it for granted that when they go to work, they'll make it home again. Police officers and fire fighters aren't always so sure. Two heroes who didn't make it home again were fireman Oscar Armstrong and policeman Kevin Crayon.

For the last six years, the College Hill Forum has presented awards in their honor. Firefighters and police officers choose the recipients for their outstanding service.

At last week's Forum meeting, the Kevin Crayon award was presented to Jeffrey Howell by District 5 Lt. Stu Koeppe. Officer Crayon's parents, Herbert and Barbara Albright, were there for the ceremony.

The same night, while Armstrong's fiance and three children stood by, the outstanding firefighter award was presented by Engine 51 Capt. Rob Hart to Steve Seipelt.

As Forum President Elizabeth Sherwood said, "Who can we still look up to, who can our kids look up to, if not these officers?"

Story by Sarah Mann, photo by Tom Strothers.

Ramon Norris of The Avenue's American Heritage Flooring recently met with Aiken students to work on teambuilding skills.

Virginia Rhodes, Principal of Aiken University High School, reports that it was an excellent experience for the teens, who learned about resolving conflicts and dealing with people in different situations. These skills aren't honed enough these days, so Mr. Norris's visit was very much appreciated by students and staff alike.

Story by Sarah Mann, photo by Tom Strothers.

The Rock Cafe, a Christian gathering spot on Hamilton Avenue sponsored by the House of Joy Christian Ministries and the College Hill Presbyterian Church, announces its schedule for April and May.

• 1st Friday evening: Jeopardy and I Want to be a Millionaire
• 2nd Friday evening: Women's chat night, featuring guests and inspiring topics, frequently hosted by WAKW and WMOJ radio host P. Ann Everson-Price
• 3rd Friday evening: Youth night, featuring games and Youth Idols
• 4th Friday evening: Open Mkec/Family Night featuring Family Feud Games
• 5th Friday evening: Games and Karaoke
• Saturday morning 8:30-11:00 am: Men's and women's fellowship
• Saturday noon: The Rock opens for food sales
• Saturday 5:00 pm: Narcotics Anonymous
• Wednesdays, 11:30 am -1:30 pm: Community Bible Study with Pastor Clay Bell

After a year of planning and meeting, the College Hill Historical Society is ready to be back in full-swing and invites College Hill residents to come to this years Annual Meeting (and Party!) on Sunday, April 22, 3:00 pm at the Llanfair Campus Center.

In addition to electing officers, there will be a speaker, Andrew Thompson, who will give a brief history on Champion Paper where he worked for decades. Champion Paper’s founders were College Hill residents--find out all about it at the meeting! There will also be photographs and artifacts from the CHHS archives as well as honors paid to long-time College Hill history icon Betty Ann Smiddy.

You don't have to be a member to come to the meeting, but if you want to join the Society, you can sign up for membership with your check of $15 per individual and $25 per family which will give you the right to vote for officers that day.

Article contributed by Sarah Mann.

At the recent Forum Meeting, Jim Bodmer had a safety tip to share: If you have a key with an automatic car door unlock button, keep it handy when you are approaching or leaving your car. Then if anyone with ill intentions approaches you, you can startle them by suddenly making your car honk or sound its alarm.

Article contributed by Sarah Mann.

At the recent Forum meeting, the Recreation Center reported on the many camps and sports kids can join this summer. They will be starting programs a week early this year (the same week school is out) so that there will be no down time for College Hill and Cincinnati youth. The Rec Center is partnering with Skyhawk Sports Agency and will be adding a special cheerleading camp this year.

Stop by or call the Center to see what activities will keep your kids busy this summer!

Article contributed by Sarah Mann.

The elections for Forum officers will be at the beginning of the April Meeting on April 24. The current board: President Elizabeth Sherwood, Vice-President Marianne Puntenney,Treasurer Jim Bodmer and Secretary Amy Finnegan have all been renominated.

If you have any other nominations, get them in writing to Mary Bodmer of the election committee by April 11, 2007.

Article contributed by Sarah Mann.

The House of God Community Ministries on Marlow Avenue, a Christian church that observes Jewish traditions, invites the community to its Passover celebrations.

Saturday's events begin at 1:00 pm and include: "The Ten Plagues" children's play; The Almighty Hi-Steppers youth dance ensemble; Gospel recording artists Living Sacrifice; and speaker Cherry Washington of Dayton, Ohio.

Sunday's events begin with a noon worship service followed by a free, Final Feast Day Meal.

All events are free; all are welcome. For information call Pastor Anthony Hoskins at 607-3145.

Story by House of God Community Ministries.

Working in Neighborhoods (WIN) will hold its annual race/walk in Winton Woods Saturday morning. All proceeds benefit WIN, a non-profit organization that helps low-income homeowners in College Hill and other neighbors.

The race begins at 9 am. On-site registration is $15; parking at Winton Woods is $2. There are two runs, 5K and 10K; a 5K fitness walk; and a children's fun run. Trophies will be awarded to race winners in numerous age categories. For more information call 513-541-4109.

Two upcoming Art Walks at Essex Studios will feature College Hill artist Susan Deyo.

Essex Studios is at 2513 Essex Place, a former warehouse near Taft and McMillan that now houses the American Sign Museum and dozens of art studios. The public is welcome at Monthly Art Walks through the studios.

This month's Art Walks are Friday and Saturday, April 6 and 7, from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm. May dates are the 11th and 12th.

Susan Deyo works in color pencil and water-based oil paints. She takes commissions for portraits of children, pets, and homes. She and her work can be seen at Studio 125.

Story courtesy Susan Deyo.