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Price Hill Press

March 16, 2011

EDITORIALS

CH@TROOM

Park in the driveway

About Ch@troom

You ever notice how nobody parks in their driveways? Everybody parks on the street in our neighborhood while their drive-

This week’s question: In light of reports of teachers cheating to prepare their students for standardized tests, what changes would you make to the testing and school evaluation system? What actions, if any, should be taken against the teachers?

LETTERS

Editor Marc Emral | memral@communitypress.com | 853-6264

COLUMNS

CH@TROOM

communitypress.com

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ways are empty. In our neighborhood of Tuxworth and Clevesdale you can’t drive up the street without having to go in and out to let cars down or up the street. Many of our

friends comment on this and ask us why no one parks in their driveways. And the city won’t put up a no parking sign on one side of the street. It’s a mess.

I just ask our good neighbors to please use their driveways or garages, so that everybody can get up the streets. Steve Cagney West Price Hill

Diabetes: Are you at risk for disease?

Every week The Community Press asks readers a question they can reply to via e-mail. Send your answer to westnews@communitypress.com with Chatroom in the subject line.

Last week’s question

Do you agree with theSupreme Court’s decision allowing protesters at military funerals? Why or why not?

“Having retired after 22 years in the U.S. Marine Corps it upsets me to the point that this ‘church group’ does the inconsiderate actions at funerals of young members who served their country with valor and courage. Yes, they do have the freedom of speech and the Supreme Court’s decision is correct for all the citizens of our great country, but less they forget if not for young people sacrificing their lives and time away from loved ones this ‘church group’ would not be able to protest. If we do not protect our rights we loose all that we the military have fought to keep for hundreds of years. Its shameful what this ‘group’ does and they somehow should be restricted or stopped; instead protest at the White House. In all actuality they aren’t really Christians as they claim to be nor are they religious in any way. In my opinion this ‘church group’ are the most disgusting people I have ever heard of or seen.” C.J.H. “While I believe in First Amendment rights, I think the demonstrations at military funeral are outrageous and cruel. I was disappointed that the Supreme Court couldn’t see how hurtful this is to friends and families of those who served their country bravely.” E.E.C. “I have not read the opinion. I understand freedom of the press and freedom of speech. While I understand those freedoms of ‘expression,’ there are ‘protections’ for invasion of privacy. What could be more private than a funeral? “You lose your freedom to be left alone when you make yourself a ‘public figure.’ A fallen military hero did not choose to be a ‘public figure.’ They had the privilege of serving all of their fellow countrymen. “We owe them and their families the decency of privacy at their time of grief. The court could have easily ‘carved out’ an exception based upon the fact that the fallen hero was not a ‘public figure.’ They did not. Shame on them. It is a price we pay for freedoms secured by these fallen heroes.” J.S.D. “As much as I despise the group that is besmirching the memory of our fallen soldiers, I value the First Amendment more. “Our freedom to speak our minds is unique in the world. No matter how offensive that speech might be our right to say what we want should be protected at all costs. F.S.D.

If you have been anywhere near any form of media lately I am sure that your have noticed a lot of discussion about the impact that obesity and lack of activity is having on the health of African Americans nationwide. One of the primary results of this has been an increase in the number of diagnosed cases of diabetes, a condition in which the body has trouble using a sugar called glucose for energy and, if left untreated, can result in major health problems. In our community alone there are over 200,000 people who are affected by the disease. There are two types of diabetes: Type 1, in which your body stops making the insulin that is required by your cells to create glucose to burn for energy; and Type 2, in which the body does not produce enough insulin to compensate for less glucose than normal moving into cells. But how do you know if you

are at risk for diabetes? There are a number of potential warning signs that our bodies give us including: Do you feel tired all the Maurice Huey time? Do you uriCommunity nate often? Press guest Do you feel columnist thirsty or hungry all the time? Are you losing weight for no reason? Do cuts and bruises heal slowly? Do you have numbness or tingling in your fingers or toes? If you are experiencing any of these symptoms it is recommended that you consult with your physician. While people of all backgrounds can get diabetes, people of African American, His-

About guest columns We welcome guest columns on all sides of an issue; however, potential columnists should reserve space in advance with Editor Marc Emral by calling 853-6264. Include with your column your name, address, daytime telephone number, and a two-to-three line biography outlining your expertise related to this topic. Either include a color headshot of yourself, or make arrangements when you call to have your photo taken here. panic, and Native American descent are most often affected. Another way that you can find out if you are at risk of diabetes is by attending the American Diabetes Alert Day at Fountain Square on Tuesday, March 22. Along with our partners from Kroger Pharmacy and other local health organizations, we will be providing health screening and

We reserve the right to edit for length, accuracy and clarity. Columns may be no more than 500 words. Deadline: Noon Friday for next wednesday’s issue. E-mail: memral@communitypress.com Letters, columns and articles submitted to the Price Hill Press may be published or distributed in print, electronic or other forms.

administering the Diabetes Risk Test to find out if you are at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. So take control of your health today and join us on March 22. Maurice Huey is the Executive Director of the American Diabetes Association of Greater Cincinnati. He can be reached at 513-759-9330 or by e-mail at mhuey@diabetes.org.

Covedale: Green before green was cool There’s a popular bumper sticker, promoting Seton High School that reads, “Our World was Green before Green was cool!” The message is testimony to the “green movement” that now consumes every aspect of our lives – from the shampoo we use, to the car we drive. But where we choose to live, perhaps best reflects the trend to live responsibility. Let it be said that, like Seton, Covedale was green before green was cool! Largely developed prior to and shortly after World War II, before the advent of air-conditioning, Covedale homes incorporate design features that are now considered to be eco-friendly. The proper location of windows takes advantage of “passive solar technology” and effectively circulates

air using the science of “stack and cross ventilation.” Ceilings are of reasonable heights and separate rooms for separate functions allows Jim Grawe for “zone heatCommunity ing and cooling” Press guest opportunities. A l s o , columnist Covedale residents have easy access to public transportation. And, sidewalks and “mixed use zoning” places resources and amenities close enough to walk to rather than drive - concepts that the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification program heavily promotes.

Most notably, the green movement has nixed the notion that housing should be a competitive sport – the bigger the house the better. According to Environmental Magazine, “today’s oversized ‘McMansion’ houses are giving us energy anxiety. A growing number of people are downsizing in response to rising energy prices and concern for the environment.” Covedale’s Garden District cottages and the Covedale Park District’s mid-century cape cods are classic examples of today’s housing trend, because they excel at maximizing space. I don’t wish to imply that everyone who lives in Covedale is a fashionmonger, having made a calculated life-style choice. Indeed, many are simply fortunate to be in the right place at the

right time. However, Covedale residents have, seemingly, tapped into a sense of environmental enlightenment. Adults are driving a little less. Adolescents instinctively remember to turn off the lights. And children are taught at a very young age not to keep the water running while brushing their teeth. Of this I am certain. Old ideas are challenging mainstream assumptions about progress and how to achieve “the good life.” And those who live in Covedale are feeling right at home in the modern world! Jim Grawe is the co-founder of the Covedale Neighborhood Association.

Hamilton County recorder explains function of his office Many times I am asked, “What does the county recorder do?” In Ohio, the county recorder keeps and maintains accurate land records that are current, legible and easily accessible. An important aspect of the recorder’s work is to index each document so it may be readily located. Accurate indexing makes it possible for persons searching land records to find the documents necessary to establish a “chain of title” (history of ownership) and ensures that any debts, liens, or encumbrances against the property are evident. Without the work of the county recorder in recording, organizing, and safekeeping all documents in a competent and logical manner, it would be nearly impossible to purchase land and be assured of a clear title or to lend money with land as security.

Wayne Coates Community Press guest columnist

These vital records are utilized by land title examiners, attorneys, historians, genealogists, and the general public. The practice of recording real estate documents is based on law in England which traveled to the New World with the

colonists. Public land registrars were appointed in colonial America to keep accurate records. A system of registration was necessary to prove the right of persons who first made claims to property. In 1787 the Northwest Territory was formed, encompassing all

Ohio became a state in 1803 and although the state constitution did not provide for a recorder’s office, the first state legislature mandated that a recorder be appointed in each county by the judges of the court of common pleas. lands north and west of the Ohio River. A recorder’s office was established in each county. Ohio became a state in 1803 and although the state constitution did not provide for a recorder’s office, the first state legislature mandated that a recorder be appointed in each county by the judges of the court of common pleas.

For more viewpoints from around Greater Cincinnati, go to cincinnati.com/opinion

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In 1829 the recorder’s office became an elective position and in 1936 the term was established at four years. Hopefully, this has helped to better understand what the county recorder does. You may wish to visit the Hamilton County Recorder’s website at www.recordersoffice.hamiltonco.org to get a better understanding as well. Should you or someone you know care to have your Hamilton County Recorder’s office make a presentation to your Hamilton County group, please contact us at 946-4561. We appreciate the opportunity to visit community groups and educate our citizens as to what we do at the recorder’s office. Wayne Coates is the Hamilton County Recorder, former state legislator, former mayor of Forest Park, and Realtor.

PRESS

Price Hill Press Editor . . . . . . . .Marc Emral memral@communitypress.com . . . . . . .853-6264

E-mail: pricehillpress@communitypress.com