News to Use

Ohio, Foreclosure Capital Did you know that Ohio has the highest foreclosure rate in the country? As a result, banks and other lenders own vacant and blighted property in Cincinnati neighborhoods.

Ohio, Foreclosure Capital

Did you know that Ohio has the highest foreclosure rate in the country? As a result, banks and other lenders own vacant and blighted property in Cincinnati neighborhoods. Did you know the city has never prosecuted a bank or lender in housing court? Why not? Ask city officials at 7 p.m. April 10 at Price Hill Will's office, 3208 Warsaw Ave. For more information, call 513- 251-3800

Progressive Coalition Building

From 6-8:30 p.m. April 8 Imago Earth Center hosts a dinner conversation on the theme, "Building coalitions of progressives to offer alternatives to current administrations at the local and state level." The suggested donation is $10. For more information, call 513-921-5124.

Freed from Death Row

Former Death Row inmate Gary Beeman shares his story of being an innocent man wrongly convicted and freed after the truth finally came out.

He speaks at 9 a.m. April 11 at Sinclair Community College in Dayton, at 3 p.m. at UC School of Law and 7 p.m. in room 218 of Alter Hall at Xavier University. For more information, call 513-579-8547.

Progressive Opinions

Following the monthly business meeting of Democracy for Cincinnati, a program, "Progressive Opinions," will focus on making progressive opinions heard using letters to the editor and other channels. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. April 5 at 879 Rue de la Paix in Clifton. For directions or more information, call Memory Ryan at 513-861-1544

Global 4 Conference

Global conferences bring people together to discuss the negative impacts of globalization upon social, political and environmental justice. Participants come from all walks of life and can experience numerous activities that serve to both inform and inspire. The University of Cincinnati hosts the conference April 7-9 at Swift Hall. Those interested in tabling or teaching a workshop are invited to submit proposals. Childcare and complimentary meals are available. E-mail questions to [email protected] and register at www.cincinnatiglobal.org/global4/attend/.

Quarterly Peace Brunch

Ruth Breach and Carol Rainey lead a discussion of environmental activism at the Quarterly Peace and Justice Brunch at the Peaslee Neighborhood Center, 215 E. 14th St. The program is from 10 a.m. - noon April 8. For more information, contact [email protected].

Immigrants in Society

The ACLU of Ohio Foundation will host a panel of experts to speak about the emerging role immigrants play in Ohio communities and some of the common misperceptions about them. A question and answer period will follow. The program is from 7-9 p.m. April 10 at Miami University. Reservations are recommended. For more information, call 216-742-2220

PULSE Report

PULSE is an extensive and ongoing research study spearheaded by the Greater Cincinnati Foundation to compile baseline data to be used to improve the lives of women and girls. The scope and results of this study will be presented from 7-9 p.m. April 10 at the First Unitarian Church, 536 Linton St. For more information, call 513-751-0100.

Monthly Peace Meeting

The Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center hosts its next Peace Committee meeting at 7 p.m. April 19 at the Peaslee Neighborhood Center, 215 E. 14th St. All are welcome. For more information, call 513-579-8547.

S.O.S. Art

S.O.S. Art, an exhibition of sociopolitical expression for peace and justice, is from April 21 through May 7 at the Mockbee, 2260 Central Pkwy., in Brighton. The program includes films, discussions, music and poetry readings, in addition to visual art. Admission is free. Selected highlights. For a complete schedule, write [email protected].

Women, Politics and Spirituality

Enjoy dinner and discussion about women, spirituality and politics from 6-9 p.m. April 20 and every third Thursday at Panera's, 3806 Paxton Ave. in Hyde Park Plaza. The program is sponsored by the Grail (www.Grail-us.org). For more information, write [email protected].

The Truth About Section 8

Section 8 housing is often blamed for problems of deteriorating property in neighborhoods. The Woman's City Club and the League of Women Voters are partnering to separate fact from fiction and myth. Two meetings will provide information on code enforcement and what neighbors can do to address the problems of neglectful landlords. The program is from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. April 25 at Mt. Washington Presbyterian Church. Call 513-751-0100 for more information

Cincinnati Goes Global

Learn about U.S. foreign policy and discuss global issues at Clifton United Methodist Church's "Great Decisions" series. The program is from 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, April 27 through June 14. Discussion topics include UN reform, the United States and Iran, energy resources, Brazil, human rights in an age of terrorism, China and India, Turkey and pandemics and national security. The deadline for registration is April 12. Only interested in participating in a specific topic? Call a week in advance of the topic to request discussion literature. There is a $15 fee for a copy of Great Decisions. For more information, call Chris Gutjahr at 513-541-0540.

Take Back the Night

The 17th Annual Take Back the Night Candlelight Vigil and March aims to bring awareness to the trauma of sexual violence in our community. Beginning at Sawyer Point at 6:30 p.m. April 28, the march proceeds across the Taylor Southgate Bridge to the Millennium Peace Bell in Newport. The keynote speaker is Holly Sowels-Jenkins, award-winning author of Daddy, Don't. For more information, contact Sarrah Kelly at 513-977-5550 or Susan Bartels at 859-491-0089.

FOP President Talks About Cops

The Seasongood Luncheon and Education Awards, sponsored by the Woman's City Club, features Officer Cathy Herald, president of the Queen City Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police. The program is at 11:45 a.m. April 21 at the Vernon Manor Hotel. Tickets are $35 for members and $40 for non-members. Call 751-0100 for more information.

Understanding Islam

Karen Armstrong, an original and inclusive thinker on the role of religion in the modern world, understands the acute differences among the world's great religions and calls our attention to their profound similarities. Xavier University hosts the event at 7 p.m. April 25 at the Schiff Family Conference Center. For more information, call 513-745-2043

Pay Equity Day

According to the 2004 U.S. Census Bureau, the average woman is paid 76 cents for every dollar a man is paid. Why is there a wage gap? What is pay equity? What is the legal status of pay equity? Discuss these questions and more over cookies from 6-7 p.m. April 25 at First Unitarian Church 536 Linton St. in Avondale. The panel includes State Rep. Catherine Barrett, Allison Steele of the AFL-CIO and City Councilwoman Laketa Cole. For more information, call 513-751-0100.

30-Day Experiment for Peace

This is an experiment using human consciousness to create a field around the earth as real and measurable as gravity. Over 3,000 people are needed to share their daily peace practice with the group field in order to change the discord in Greater Cincinnati. The experiment begins at 9 a.m. April 29 with group meditation and movement at Mirror Lake in Eden Park. For more details, go to movementsofpeace.org or call 513.791.9428.

City Council Works Nights

Cincinnati City Council will meet at least three nights in 2006, with scheduled meetings at 6 p.m. May 10 and Sept. 20. Citizen forums begin at 5:30 p.m. Those wishing to address council must fill out a request card prior to the beginning of each Citizen Forum.

Holocaust and the Children

The theme of the 6th Annual Holocaust Awareness Weeks, from the end of March through May, is "The Holocaust & the Children." The observance, sponsored by the Center for Holocaust Humanity Education. includes an art and writing contest, a lecture series, dramatic performances and exhibits throughout Greater Cincinnati. For details, visit www.holocaustandhumanity.org or call 513-487-3055.

Price Hill Will

Price Hill Will hosts a community-wide meeting from 10 a.m.-noon 12 p.m. April 29. Call 513-251-3800 for meeting location and agenda.

Concentration Camp Poetry

The Xavier Players present I Never Saw Another Butterfly, poetry written by children in the Nazi concentration camp Terezin, at 7 p.m. May 11 at the Krohn Conservatory. For more information, call 513-745-3939.

Taxing Assistance

Xavier University's accounting students will help prepare basic federal and state income tax returns for low income and elderly taxpayers and students, from 5:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, March 15 through April 12. Be prepared to bring a photo ID, social security card, tax-related forms and a copy of 2004 tax returns, if possible. To schedule an appointment for free assistance, call 513-745-3236.

Citizens' Police Academy

Learn about the citizen complaint process, community-oriented policing, gangs, mental health response team, traffic contacts and police use of force during the next Citizens' Police Academy. The eight-week program meets from 6-9 p.m. Wednesdays, April 12 through May 31 at the Police Academy, 800 Evans St. The deadline for applications is April 3. Contact Monica Ervin at 513-357-7554.

CPOP Summit

The first-ever Community Problem Oriented Policing (CPOP) Summit showcases the work being done in Cincinnati and provides citizens with tools and information to improve safety and reduce crime and blight in their communities. The free event includes a continental breakfast and lunch. No reservations are needed. The program meets from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. April 8 at the Community Action Agency, 1740 Langdon Farm Road.

Kids Peace Camp 2006

A free day camp for kids ages 6 -12 meets throughout Greater Cincinnati during June and July. The schedule is 9:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. June 19-30, Peaslee Neighborhood Center; 9:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. July 10-21, Walnut Hills Christian Church; and July 24-Aug 4, Northside, details to be announced. For more information, call 513-579-8547 or write [email protected].

Kids Ecology Camp

Ecology Camp is an opportunity for boys and girls ages 8-12 to spend the morning outdoors learning about sensory awareness, animal habitat, plants, insects and Earth Care Partners. The program is from 9 a.m.-noon July 31-August 4. Kids need to arrive with a water bottle, sunscreen and insect repellant. Registration and a $50 fee is required one week prior to the event. Call 812-933-0661 or e-mail [email protected].

Spanish Bilingual Coffee Hours

Share some caffeine with Spanish speakers at the Bilingual Coffee Hour at the Price Hill Branch Library at 6:30 p.m. every other Monday. Spanish speakers practice their English, and the English speakers practice their Spanish. The head librarian speaks both, and she facilitates. Call Price Hill Will for more information at 513-251-3800.

Drinking Liberally

Raise your spirits while you raise your glass every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Comet, 4579 Hamilton Avenue. Drinking Liberally gives like-minded, left-leaning individuals a place to talk politics. There isn't a policy-wonk requirement top attend, just a desire to learn from your peers, trade jokes, vent frustrations and or hang out where it's not taboo to talk liberal politics. For more information contact Chris Berger via [email protected]

Women in Black

Protest the U.S. invasion of Iraq from 5-6 p.m. Mondays on the grassy island at Vine Street and Central Parkway. Show your support for peace by wearing black or dark-colored clothes. For more information, call the Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center at 513-579-8547.