Friday, December 7, 2007

Berwick, Ohio. Kriss Galloway reports on events this week at Jewish Community Center

John Manning's guest on the morning show was Kriss Galloway, manager of marketing and communications for the Jewish Community Center of Greater Columbus.


Galloway reported that the comedy Mazel and Shlimazel opens tomorrow evening at 7:30 p.m. in the Roth-Resler Theater at the JCC of Greater Columbus, 1125 College Ave.

The production is being directed by Laurie Alexander. Adapted by Shawn Hartley from the tale by Isaac Bashevis Singer, the musical is a classic tale of good versus evil as Mazel, the spirit of good luck, and his entourage of Lucky Charms, face off against Shlimazel, the spirit of bad luck, and his henchmen, the Jinxes. This lighthearted Chanukah treat – perfect for the entire family – is complete with a quirky Queen, a strong-minded princess, a fake dragon, a loveable lion, and a poor peasant boy who teaches the lesson that it’s never too late to be great and that if we do our best, we make our own mazel.

Performances are scheduled for:
· Saturday, December 8, at 7:30 p.m.
· Sunday, December 9 at 2:30 p.m.
· Thursday, December 13 at 7:30 p.m.
· Saturday, December 15 at 7:30 p.m.
· Sunday, December 16 at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets are $12 for JCC members, $16 for nonmembers, $10 for senior members, $14 for senior nonmembers, $6 for children or students, and $8 per ticket for groups of 10 or more.

To purchase tickets or for more information on the Gallery Players’ season, call (614) 559-6248 or visit www.jccgalleryplayers.org.

The JCC of Greater Columbus, in conjunction with Beth Jacob Congregation, will be giving away compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) on Sunday, Dec. 9, while supplies last.

The giveaway is underwritten by a grant from the Melvyn Palius Environmental Protection Fund of the Columbus Jewish Foundation.

Galloway quoted Carol Folkerth, JCC Executive Director who said “The goal of this giveaway is to promote environmentally friendly living and educate the community about what each of us can do to help save our world." Galloway also provided a quote from Beth Jacob's Rabbi Napthali Weisz: "Because Chanukah is the Festival of Lights, we thought that giving away CFLs was a wonderful connection between the lights of Chanukah and the mitzvah of Tikkun Olam, or repairing the world.”

Similar giveaways have taken place in various cities throughout the nation – most notably in Atlanta, which has developed an entire study guide.

The guide notes that a 13-watt CFL requires less electricity than a 60 watt lightbulb, and therefore promotes:
Clean city air and clean water cycle by reducing the nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide created at power plants.
A more peaceful world by helping to reduce oil production needed for electric power generation.
A stabilized climate by reducing carbon dioxide created by burning fuel while generating electricity.
Getting a nuclear genie back in the bottle by not buying 658kWh of nuclear-generated electricity.
A safe food chain by preventing 73 milligrams of mercury from entering the biosphere by reducing the amount of coal needed to produce electricity.
Bountiful land by leaving an approximately 1.6 square foot patch of West Virginia forest undisturbed by mountaintop removal for coal mining.
A gift for the future by leaving 4 gallons of petroleum and 11,500 cubic feet of natural gas in the ground.

“This is just the sort of initiative that Melvyn Palius would have embraced,” said Jackie Jacobs, executive director of the Columbus Jewish Foundation. “The energy-saving project is a perfect kaddish for him because the Foundation is honoring his testamentary instructions to use his legacy to protect the environment.”

Palius also was an avid skier and proud member of the National Ski Patrol and the Central Ohio Hiking Club. A nature enthusiast since his youth, he loved hiking, traveling, photography, reading and was deeply committed to ecological preservation, conservation, wildlife protection, amateur archeology, historical societies, and protecting the rights and civil liberties of the underdog. Palius passed away in 2004 at the age of 83.

Kriss Galloway then reminded listeners that the JCC has a Judaica Gallery, where listeners can find gifts that are elegant or perhaps funky piece, maybe a modestly-priced gift, or a museum-quality collector's piece, or just something that is pleasing.

There is Judaica for everyone over a wide price range: Jewish arts and crafts, ritual items, Israeli and Yiddish posters, gifts, jewelry, and more. This season's feature: Chanukah Dreidel by Yossi Steinberg. Yossi Steinberg is a contemporary Israeli artist who uses hand painted acrylic resin in combination with silver or gold-plated wire to create beautiful Judaic art. He also incorporates beads and Judaic symbols. His style is whimsical yet rich in color and composition. All of his items are original designs. Yossi creates and works in Tel-Aviv, Israel.

Gallery Players, the JCC’s community theater group, will hold auditions for South Pacific on Sunday, Dec. 16, from 4 to 6 p.m., and Monday, Dec. 17, from 7 to 9 p.m. There are roles for 20 men, ranging in age from 20 to 60; nine women ranging in age from 20 to 35; one 35 to 50-year-old character woman; one 17-year-old girl, and two children, a girl (8 to 11 years old) and a boy (6 to 8 years old).  “A handful of roles are of Polynesian decent, so actors of ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to audition,” said Jared Saltman, JCC Cultural Arts director. “Singing and acting is required of all roles, and most roles must be able to dance.”  Those intending on auditioning should wear comfortable clothes for dancing, as well as bring their resume, photo, and at least 16 bars of music for their audition song. A pianist will be provided for the auditions. Eight performances will be staged from Feb. 23 through March 9.

The production will be directed by Pam Hill. Gallery Players, started in 1948, is the oldest community theater group in Central Ohio.

For more information, visit the Gallery Players website at www.jccgalleryplayers.org, or call (614) 559-6248.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Homer, Alaska. WCRX-LP culture correspondent Joanna Tornes reports on death of jazz musician.

In her regular culture dispatch, Joanna Tornes reported the death of jazz musician Howard Hedges.

The students and faculty at the Capital University jazz program and the rest of the WCRX-LP Bexley audience will recall Hedges as a prominent jazz trombonist who played in the Stan Kenton Band and in bands for singers Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Mel Torme, Ray Charles and Tony Bennett. He also played in the Lionel Hampton Band.

Besides his work in jazz, Hedges played in pit orchestras for the road companies of Broadway musicals such as Pippin and Chorus Line.

Hedges and his wife Kathy became residents of Homer, Alaska while he was still an active musician. He said he liked the friendliness and quirky character of the town.

Since most of his work was touring with singers, he said he could as easily go on road tours from Alaska as anywhere else.

Hedges was a native of Pompano Beach, Florida and his wife was from California. When they were first married, Hedges and Kathy lived in South Florida but Kathy wasn’t particularly enthusiastic about the location. On a summer vacation to Alaska, they visited Homer and liked the friendliness of the town.

They drove up a bluff behind the town to look at the mountains and Katchemak Bay. The breath-taking vista they saw convinced them where they would move without any discussion.

Kathy found employment as a case manager at a local mental health center. Hedges took on some local music students and joined a local blues band. He also hosted a jazz program “Jazz to Nowhere.'' on KBBI, the local public radio station. He was also a member of the Kenai Peninsula Orchestra.

In 1993, Hedges suffered a stroke and was diagnosed as diabetic. The Homer community responded with help, financial and practical. He worked at his rehabilitation and was successful enough that he eventually returned to playing music locally. He also became a disability advocate until his death on October 15 following an accident. He is survived by his widow Kathy and their son Michael.

Memorial donations for his son Michael’s education may be sent to John Hancock, P.O. Box 17603, Baltimore, MD 21297-1603. Checks should be made out to Freedom 529 Plan FBO Michael Hedges.

Donations may also be made to the Howard Hedges Performance Arts Scholarship Fund through the Homer Council on the Arts.

Other topics covered in the Tornes dispatch included the recent health fair and Veterans Day events in Homer, Alaska.

Tornes reported her dispatch during the Joe Contino Show.

The portions of Tornes’ dispatch dealing with Howard Hedges are based on the reporting of Tom Kizzia with the Anchorage Daily News.

Contact us.

WCRX-LP Editorial Collective
Bexley Public Radio Foundation operating as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com

Copyright 2007. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Bexley, Ohio. Student volunteers needed for research study on relationship between music and academic achievement.

First year high school student volunteers needed for research study on music and academic achievement.

Study tests multiple hypotheses concerning the relationship between music, school studies and achievement scores.

Student volunteers are needed to keep daily logs of music listened to during homework studies.

Students will also submit grades and achievement test results to principal researcher.

Data will be recorded for three years.

Hypotheses involve sociological, psychological, cultural and educational relationships.

Test results will be aired as a feature on a public radio show.

Students who do not listen to music are also needed to populate a control group.

Clerical positions and research analyst positions are also available.

Contact us.

WCRX-LP Editorial Collective
Bexley Public Radio Foundation operating as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com

Copyright 2007. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation.

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Bexley, Ohio. Bexley girls soccer wins against Bishop Hartley.

Beautiful autumn Saturday afternoon at Bexley stadium. Crisp temperature and overcast sky.

The only remarkable thing about the first half was a constant stream of substitutions from the Bishop Hartley bench. Bexley fans said the coach was using substitutions to run the clock down hoping for zero-zero tie followed by a shoot-out finish.

Accompanying the steady stream of substitutions on the field, the Bishop Hartley fans provided the cricket chatter of novelty noisemakers. A Bexley fan says the noisemakers are “clackers.”

Despite the Bishop Hartley clackers, score at the half is still zero-zero.

The second half begins.

Bexley parent Dave Banks notes that forty-seven seconds into the second half, the Bishop Hartley coach sends in his first substitution. More of the same.

In rapid succession, the Bexley girls get two goals. The remainder of the contest is scoreless. The teams are well matched and struggle for goals to no avail.

At one minute forty six seconds to go in the match, the Bishop Hartley clackers go silent.

Final score Bexley girls two, Bishop Hartley zero.

An afterthought. With this win, the Bexley girls team takes the district championship.

Contact us.
WCRX-LP Editorial Collective
Bexley Public Radio Foundation operating as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com

Copyright 2007. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation.

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Huntington, West Virginia. WCRX-LP culture correspondent provides text of art movement document.

The following manifesto is provided as a dispatch attributed to the WCRX-LP culture correspondent for West Virginia.

He received the manifesto in an unsigned piece of mail.

May 6, 2007
Atelier Sans Domicile Fixe
Will Work for Food Manifesto


To all of the Homeless: Rise up and breakfast. Smell the coffee.

To all the Destitute: Cash is near. Cash is on the way.


The Ten Core Principles of Atelier Sans Domicile Fixe.


The First.
Reaffirm the dignity of the homeless and the destitute.

The Second.
Help the homeless count loose change.

The Third.
Food is a political weapon. Cash is the ammunition of the war waged by Republicans.

The Fourth.
For the Man, Fast Food is a Weapon of Mass Destruction used against the Poor. It is only one of their weapons.

The Fifth.
Teach prostitutes new skills.

The Sixth.
Teach prostitutes skills useful in the next Republican administration in Washington D.C.

The Seventh.
Orthography is political.

The Eighth.
Global warming is the “Roast Cause” of homelessness except in Los Angeles. Global warming in Los Angeles is “The Coast Roast” of homelessness and drug addiction. The Electric Utilities have done this to the homeless.

The Ninth.
America is the absentee landlord denying Universal Human Rights to the homeless. Bush and Chaney are the clerks of the absentee landlord.

The Tenth.
Unacceptable Human Rights. Meet the destitute in front of the United Nations.

Contact us.
WCRX-LP Editorial Collective
Bexley Public Radio Foundation operating as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com

Copyright 2007. All rights reserved. Empire & Western Deposit Agency.

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Bexley, Ohio. No WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM broadcasts until Tuesday October 30,2007.

WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio begins installation of transmitter equipment software improvements on Thursday October 24, 2007.

During the installation and testing, there will be no regular schedule of programming on the radio station.

WCRX-LP has been featuring rebroadcasts of the public forum of the eight candidates for the Bexley mayoral job. The forum was sponsored by the Bexley Area Chamber of Commerce and was heald Thursday ctober 11 at the auditorium of the Bexley Public Library.

Once transmissions resume, WCRX-LP will continue featuring the candidates forum until election day November

Engineer Eugene Beer is installing and testing software that he is developing that permits the rebooting of the transmitter computer from a studio location.

The purpose if the new application is to increase reliability of transmission.

WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio is the broadcast radio service of Bexley Public Radio Foundation.

Contact us.
WCRX-LP Editorial Collective
Bexley Public Radio Foundation operating as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com

Friday, October 19, 2007

Bexley, Ohio. WCRX-LP to air Chamber Forum for Mayoral Candidates during week of Monday October 22.

WCRX-LP recorded the Bexley Chamber of Commerce forum for the eight candidates for Bexley mayor. The forum was held on the evening of Thursday October 11 at the Bexley Public Library auditorium.

WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio, is the Bexley community radio station. The station will broadcast the forum on Monday, Wednesday and Friday programs. Start-times for the broadcasts will vary depending on other programming. In general, start-times will be after 11:15 a.m.


WCRX-LP is broadcast from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. weekdays at 102.1 FM and simulcast at 98.3 FM.

From listeners reports, reception is best using automobile radios.

Contact us.
WCRX-LP Editorial Collective
Bexley Public Radio Foundation operating as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Bexley, Ohio. WCRX-LP’s Amy Maurer interviews professional rain-catcher Jonathan Meier on her “Noontime Gardener” Show.

Amy Maurer’s guest on her October 9 show was Jonathan Meier a professional rain-catcher.

Meier provides homeowners and renters with the ability to collect rainwater for use on lawns and gardens.

Meier and his business partner reconfigure used fifty-five gallon food-grade plastic drums from the food industry and transform them into barrels for collecting rain water.

When it rains, roof run-off usually empties into storm sewers and escapes into the rivers and streams.

The run-off water completely misses the lawns and gardens that need it. Meier helps people save this rainwater and put it to good use.

One rain shower can fill a barrel, then keep the water available for use on a lawn and garden.

Meier and his business partner have been in business since July. They operate as Rain Brothers.

The product that they sell is the reconfigured barrels and the barrels will be delivered to Columbus customers. Beginning next Spring delivery will be on bicycles specially equiped to carry the fifty-five gallon drums.

The sight of these young men bicycling with fifty-five gallon drums pulled behind their bicycles is all of the advertising that these two budding entrepreneurs will need.

Amy didn’t ask whether the barrels will have a distinctive logo displayed on them.

www.rainbrothers.com

Contact us.
WCRX-LP Editorial Collective
Bexley Public Radio Foundation operating as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com

Copyright 2007. Amy Maurer, Bexley, Ohio.

Bexley, Ohio. Joan Taylor is guest on Katy Taylor’s WCRX-LP program.

Monday guest was Joan Taylor who discussed children’s literature with her daughter, Katy Taylor. Katy offered her memories about the books of her chlldhood and youth. Katy’s list included Dr. Seuss, Wizard of Oz, and Harriet the Spy.

Joan and Katy then discussed the Nancy Drew series of stories (which Katy didn’t find interesting).

Joan described stories about Pippi Longstocking one of her favorites protagonists.

Pippi Longstocking is the heroine in a series of children's books written by Astrid Lindgren.
Pippi is assertive and strong, being able to lift her horse one-handed without difficulty.

Pippi mocks adults and regularly dupes the adults who encounter her.

Pippi reserves her worst behavior for the most arrogant and condescending of adults.

Joan said that as an adult, she had reread stories of her childhood written by Hans Christian Anderson. She said she was surprised at how gory some of the stories were.

She also recalled that her own mother had started her on the stories of Charles Dickens. She said that the Dickens books are now considered by many to be “heavy,” or “too heavy” for modern tastes.

Katy offered the thought that the Dickens books seem long to modern tastes probably because of the influence of movies on reading tastes. Stories in movies are much easier to take in than three hundred page books. Joan then recalled for WCRX-LP listeners that Dickens books were offered to readers as newspapers serials where only a short piece of each story was offered to readers on a daily basis.

Joan and Katy then continued their discussion of the influence movies on the reading habits of children and youth. Rather than discouraging children from reading long books, the Harry Potter phenomenon drew children to both movies and very long books. They also discussed the charm of watching Harry Potter grow up thorough both the books and movies.

Joan Taylor then offered listeners a report on what the children’s librarian at Bexley Public Library identified as popular fiction for children and youth. The librarian’s list includes the “Warriors” series. This is a group of books involving four competing clans of cats. The cats share the same forest but have conflicts when they come in contact with one another. A second recommendation from the librarian is “Among the Hidden.” This is a story set in an unidentified country that has a population law like that in China limiting a husband and wife from having more than two children. Despite the law, families have more than two children. The additional children are hidden, hence the name of the book “Among the Hidden.” Joan said this book is a “boy meets girl” tale. The girl uses a computer to email other hidden children and a protest demonstration is organized. The girl anticipates hundreds of fellow hidden children as protestors. Only a few dozen show up to protest. The government responds. All of the hidden child protestors are killed by the government troops.

Joan said she was stunned by this plot development and recalled how children’s literature once portrayed government as a source of protection and security. Government representatives such as policemen and firemen always brought safety and order to dangers. “Among the Hidden” in contrast identifies government representatives as sources of injury and death.

Katy then offered her insights about violence and media and how the Vietnam War ended the media’s reticence about violence. Where once the media focused on events, Vietnam marked the opening of the door to sensational coverage of carnage, blood and the savagery of conflict. Katy commented that her generation remembers the vivid photograph of a young girl standing naked and scarred by napalm burns.

Joan observed that much of the modern point of view involves portraying governments as the bad guy rather than as a friend.

Joan finished her discussion of the librarian’s list by noting that for children the popular items are the perennial pop-up books and picture books. No changes there.

Joan mentioned that among her favorites as a youth was a series of stories about the X-Bar X-Boys. The stories were set on a western ranch and involved two brothers and their younger sister. Since Joan was a younger sister to brothers, she enjoyed these stories about the young girl keeping up with the adventures of the older boys.

Katy then brought up the absence of a reference to any of the books by Judy Blume such as “Are you there God, I’m Margaret.” Joan said that Blume was a ground-breaking writer in creating stories about real situations that children confront. Joan gave an example of the story where a 6th grade girl moves to a new town and the difficulties of adjusting to a new community and finding new friends. Joan said that Blume also pushed the envelope by discussing some sexual matters and other controversial topics in children stories. Joan finished by observing that Blume’s stories are well-written.

Contact us.
WCRX-LP Editorial Collective
Bexley Public Radio Foundation operating as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com

Copyright 2007, Bexley Public Radio Foundation.

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Radio broadcasts of the Thursday night, October 11, 2007 Bexley Mayoral candidates forum

WCRX-LP recorded the Bexley Chamber of Commerce forum for the eight candidates for Bexley mayor. The forum was held on Thursday evening at the Bexley Public Library auditorium.

WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio, is the Bexley community radio station. The station will broadcast the forum on Monday, Wednesday and Friday programs from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m.

Additional broadcasts of the recorded debates will be offered during 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. time periods up until the elections.

WCRX-LP is broadcast from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. weekdays at 102.1 FM and simulcast at 98.3 FM.

From listeners reports, reception is best using automobile radios.

Contact us.
WCRX-LP Editorial Collective
Bexley Public Radio Foundation operating as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com

Friday, October 12, 2007

Berwick, Ohio. Jewish Community Center guest discusses “Jerry’s girls” production and other events.

WCRX-LP host John Manning had has his Thursday guest Kriss Galloway of the Jewish Community Center.

Kriss said that things are gearing up for the Gallery Players’ production of “Jerry’s Girls,” at the Jewish Community Center’s Gallery Player’s theater.

“Jerry’s Girls” is a musical review based on the songs of composer Jerry Herman.

The show opens Saturday, October 13 at 8 p.m., and runs for two consecutive weekends, closing on Sunday, October 28 at 2:30 p.m.

Herman is best known for his productions, Hello, Dolly (songs: “Before the Parade Passes By,” “Put on Your Sunday Clothes and “It Only Takes a Moment”), Mame (“It’s Today!” “If He Walked into My Life,” “Open a New Window” and “Bosom Buddies”), and La Cage Aux Folles (“I Am What I Am”), as well as Mack and Mabel and Milk and Honey.

Kriss also reminded WCRX-LP listeners that vendors are needed for the upcoming JCC preschool Holiday Bazaar. On November 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the JCC East Preschool will hold its bazaar at the JCC, 1125 College Ave. Kriss said that more information on becoming a vendor for this event is available by calling (614) 237-5223, ext. 102, or contacting Nili Talis at ntalis@columbusjcc.org.

She also mentioned the first annual Juried Member Art Show now on display in the JCC lobby. Thirty-two pieces were chosen from among the more than sixty works of art submitted by members of the JCC.

The exhibit is open now through November 4 during the JCC’s normal hours of operation: Monday through Thursday, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, from 1:30 to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The JCC, in conjunction with the League of Women Voters, is sponsoring a “Meet the Candidates” day at the JCC on Friday, October 12, beginning at 9:30 a.m. with a candidates’ reception. Expected to speak are candidates for Bexley and Columbus mayors’ races, as well as those for Columbus City Council. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Debbie Vinocur at (614) 559-6214.

Kurt Weiland, treasurer of the radio station said that WCRX-LP would record the “Meet the Candidates” event for later broadcast by the station.

Kriss reminded listeners that you don’t have to be Jewish to participate in programs. More information may be found on the JCC website at www.columbusjcc.org.

Contact us.
WCRX-LP Editorial Collective
Bexley Public Radio Foundation operating as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Bexley girls soccer team wins game against West Jefferson girls.

The evening was damp and cool, a beautiful night for autumn sports.

Final score was Bexley thirteen to West Jefferson zero. The West Jefferson team made an understandable showing. Not particularly enthusiastic but still understandable.

Against itself, the Bexley team was evenly matched.

If the Bexley squad had been divided into two teams for the evening, the final score would have been seven to six. Or possibly six to seven. What a game that would have been.

And either way it would have been the worst game ever for Bexley's goalie K T Sarvus. A night to remember. A devastating night to remember for K T.

But none of that was the game that was this evening. The real game was Bexley girls thirteen. West Jefferson girls zero.

Contact us.
WCRX-LP Editorial Collective
Bexley Public Radio Foundation operating as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Bexley, Ohio. Bexley artist Linda Burns awarded top honors by WCRX-LP editorial collective for Mayor Madison retirement sculpture.

Mayor David Madison is retiring in 2008. A distinguished career of public service ends after thirty two years.

Mayor Madison’s retirement year is also Bexley’s centennial year.

Somehow we have forgotten the Mayor in our discussions of how to commemorate the city’s anniversary.

The question that we should be asking is “What is an appropriate gift to commemorate Mayor Madison’s tenure as our city mayor.”

The gift that the WCRX-LP editorial collective chooses is a public sculpture of Mayor Madison.

The community should commission a grand sculpture of the man.

Not something like the prosaic bronze memorial to the late Governor Rhodes in downtown Columbus, a life size representation of the Governor walking with a brief case.

The work of art appropriate to Mayor Madison should be of heroic proportions.

Thirty two years is a long time to serve the Bexley public. That alone is an heroic endeavor successfully endured by this remarkable man. We are a handsome people in Bexley; we are cheerful, friendly and generous but we can be very demanding of our public servants and their time.

The sculpture of Mayor Madison should be at least twice life size.

The Mayor should be on a horse. A rearing horse.

And the Mayor should be represented in a manly posture with an unsheathed sword in his right hand.

And his face should have the stern look of authority like when he laid down the law to the Bexley girls soccer team and their parents last year.

Mayor Madison has been a very important part of keeping Bexley an easy place to live, a comfortable place to raise a family and a living place of beauty.

But who among us should sculpt this memorial work of art?

The WCRX-LP editorial collective knows of only two well-known sculptors in the Bexley area.

Alfred Tibor and Linda Burns.

Tibor is well-represented in Bexley, both in many public spaces and in even more private homes.

Tibor is almost the sculptor laureate of Bexley.

Tibor’s public sculpture can be viewed at Trinity Lutheran Seminary and the Ohio governor’s mansion in North Bexley.

Also in Bexley is Tibor’s recent work at Congregation Agudas Achim.

Tibor’s works are important views of significant events. But they are dolorous and introspective.

Not like the happy and inspiring incumbency of Mayor Madison.

Sculptress Linda Burns does not have any public works in Bexley.

Her sculpture appears in private homes.

Her pieces are strong and gentle. They are easy to feel and show us perfection.

Burn’s art informs us that we can touch perfection if only we will reach for it.

And isn’t that the message of Bexley that Mayor Madison represents?

After discussion, the question was called by the WCRX-LP editorial collective and the vote for the appropriate sculptor to commemorate Mayor Madison’s tenure goes to Bexley resident Linda Burns.

Contact us.
WCRX-LP Editorial Collective
Bexley Public Radio Foundation operating as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com

Bexley, Ohio. Student volunteers needed for research study of music, homework and academic achievement.

First year high school student volunteers needed for research study on music and academic achievement.

Study tests multiple hypotheses concerning the relationship between music, school studies and achievement scores.

Student volunteers are needed to keep daily logs of music listened to during homework studies.

Students will also submit grades and achievement test results to principal researcher.

Data will be recorded for three years.

Hypotheses involve sociological, psychological, cultural and educational relationships.

Test results will be aired as a feature on a public radio show.

Contact us.
WCRX-LP Editorial Collective
Bexley Public Radio Foundation operating as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Bexley, Ohio. Hannah Sassaman of Prometheus Radio Project is guest of WCRX-LP host John Manning.

On Friday October 5, 2007, Hannah Sassaman of Prometheus Radio Project was a guest on WCRX-LP. She discussed the low power FM radio movements with WCRX-LP radio host John Manning.

Sassaman is active throughout the U.S. in helping individuals and organizations establish local radio services. She is also active in Washington D.C. lobbying efforts on radio issues for Prometheus Radio Project.

Prometheus Radio Project is headquartered in Philadelphia. Its core activity is providing technical advice and physical assistance to groups establishing community radio stations.

Sassaman said that Prometheus Radio Project has helped farm worker organizations, civil rights groups and neighborhood groups establish low power FM radio stations. The kind of physical assistance Prometheus Radio Project has provided new stations is called a “barn-raising” where volunteers travel to the proposed station location and help the local group assemble equipment, raise the antenna tower and begin broadcasting. All of this work is accomplished by volunteers in a single weekend.

Sassaman came to her work for Prometheus Radio Project while she was a student at University of Pennsylvania.

Sassaman described her experience of street dynamics during the 2000 Republican national convention in Philadelphia. In confrontations, news reporting and subsequent legal proceedings, Sassaman recognized how the interaction of journalism and law enforcement define events.

On last Thursday evening at Ohio State University, Sassaman offered insights into local radio with a group of about seventy five listeners. She said that most of the audience were students and faculty. Her presentation was by invitation of a local group called Democracy Matters and was done in conjunction with a media conference at the Moritz College of Law at the Ohio State University.

She discussed Congressional legislative efforts to permit the Federal Communications Commission to open up the airwaves to more LPFM stations. In particular, she said that the legislative effort is directed at increasing the number of LPFM stations in the major metropolitan areas. Sassaman discussed the “Local Radio Bill of 2007” identical versions of which have been introduced in to the House as H2802 in the Senate as S1675.

Columbus, Ohio is fairly unusual in that it is licensed in one of the top fifty radio markets and is one of only two or three major radio market with a LPFM producing local material.

Contact us.
WCRX-LP Editorial Collective
Bexley Public Radio Foundation operating as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com

Saturday, October 6, 2007

Columbus, Ohio. Crew Stadium. Bexley girls soccer team wins over Bishop Hartley.

A hot early autumn Saturday afternoon. Wishing that the Bexley girls soccer game was in a small field with open bleacher seats that give full advantage to a breeze.

But the game is at the Crew Stadium. A metal oven. A solar metal oven.

This is one of the big games for the Bexley girls. Probably a rivalry because many of the girls on both teams have played with and against each other since their CESA club beginnings.

The entrance to the Crew Stadium is a bit confusing.

Too many activities in a large field going on at once. A young man who appears to be a parking lot gatekeeper is counting a large roll of currency. We stop to ask the charge for parking and he motions us into the parking lot.

The first building is the Ohio Historical Society. There are cars parked in front of the large floating block building but no sign that the building is open. What appears to be the frame for an Indian dwelling is built in a shady area on the west side of the Historical Society building.

Then the Highway Patrol Training Academy. Two student officers direct traffic through a stop sign to parking areas. Their directions are inconclusive. Much to learn for these student. The Ohio Quarter Horse Congress is in the fair grounds below 17th Street but the horse trailers are parked in the field near the Crew Stadium entrance. There are hundreds of the oversized trailers in the field.

My wife notes that “for sale” signs are on most of the horse trailers in the row that we pass on the way to the stadium.

We pass some parking spaces that are demarcated with Bexley banners. Later we figure out that the location is set aside for a Bexley tail gate party after the girls and boys games are over and before the Crew match begins in the evening.

We easily find a parking space in the third row from the entrance to the stadium. Row X, two cars west of a large oak tree. The only tree in that part of the field. Since we will leave the car keys with our daughter, Row X and the oak tree will serve as easy landmarks for her to recognize.

Parked in the third row are the Bexley Blue Boys, greasing up with their Bexley Blue grease paints.

As we walk to the entrance, we notice there are even empty parking spaces in the first row. That is an indication of the crowd size. As the sun moves to the western horizon, the shade from the tree is already disappearing where we are parked.

We are a little bit late, The loudspeaker is calling out the names of the Bexley team starting line-up.

When we step into the stadium, the Bishop Hartley team is being introduced.

The crowd, Bishop Hartley and Bexley fans, are sitting generally together. It is a large crowd for high school girls soccer. The rivalry might explain some of the crowd size. Also the ticket “sales” that financed the use of the Crew Stadium. The tickets weren’t sales really. A lot of friends and neighbors received comps I’m sure. Comps helped to build the audience.

Still, for the larger than usual crowd size, the Crew Stadium is eighty times too large for this crowd. Most Bexley backyards would have been suitable for the game field and crowd.

The Bishop Hartley coach has a reputation for being boisterous. Ten minutes into the game he is angry and his loud voice fills the stadium.

Twenty seven minutes into the game, Bexley player Brynn Kolada is down. Too long for her fans’ comfort. Finally, she gets up and walks to the sideline. Her mother walks back from the side line and offers neighbors the hopeful insight that Brynn doesn’t want Advil so it isn’t too bad.

This contest is very physical. The Hartley girls are larger and more muscular than the Bexley girls. When there are collisions and bumps, the Bexley girls go down on the field. But the Bexley girls spring back up and, frequently, have control of the ball. Two Hartley girls are down for extended periods of time. In the second half one Hartley player is carried off the field on a stretcher. A neighbor notices that a trainer is holding the player’s ankle so it won’t move. At another moment, Rachel Crane is hit by a larger Hartley player and she is spun 360 degrees around on a horizontal plane. I catch just the last moment of Bea Weiland in what was probably a full flip. Rachael Crane was back up immediately. So was Bea Weiland.

This is a physical game.

At the half, the score is zero to zero. Bexley dominated the first half and kept the ball on their offensive. But no goal. The same in the second half: Bexley dominates the field and keeps the ball on the offensive. At one point the Hartley fans were noticeably excited merely because the Hartley girls had the ball on offensive. To no avail.

Twenty minutes into the second half Jessie Linger scores Bexley’s first goal.

With only nine minutes and thirty seconds left in the game someone in the Hartley area screams. The scream ends quickly. No reason for the scream is apparent. A mystery scream at a soccer game.

Other than the single incident in the first half, the Hartley coach has been quiet in this game. Was the Hartley screamer the coach’s wife perhaps?

With thirty seconds to go in the game Jessie Linger scores the second goal for Bexley.

Final score: Bexley 2. Bishop Hartley 0.

Contact us.
WCRX-LP Editorial Collective
Bexley Public Radio Foundation operating as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Homer, Alaska. WCRX-LP Alaska culture correspondent Joanna Tornes victim of earthquake.

Joanna Tornes opened her monthly culture dispatch from Alaska with a startling announcement.

Tornes had been awakened this morning by earthquake tremors. She was quick to reassure listeners that she had suffered no physical harm or property damage. She also estimated the strength to be in the range of four or five on the Richter scale. “Insignifcant” she reassured listeners.

Tornes said that the big local story is the Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby. The top halibut caught this year weighed 360 pounds and the victory-fish was captured by a non-resident.

It is always a disappointment for the Homer community when one of their own fishermen is not the Derby victor.

The Derby winner is Clayton McDowell of Eagle River, Alaska.

McDowell takes home a Derby jackpot of $48,675.

Joanna Tornes then informed listeners that it is election week in Homer, Alaska.

Voters in the City of Homer are waiting for results for two city council seats out of a field of five candidates.

A ballot question will also be decided whether to raise the sales tax one quarter of one percent for capital improvements to recreational facilities and the development of a proposed town plaza and city hall.

There are three borough-wide issues on the ballot: a proposed cap on the senior citizens' property tax exemption to $300,000 of assessed value but to also provide an exemption for hardship cases. Another proposal will place term limits for serving in the assembly; and a third proposal will place term limits on the school board. In both proposals, the limitations are two consecutive terms.

There are also service area board seats on the ballot.

The broadcast day ended too quickly and the WCRX-LP culture correspondent agreed to call in a special supplement next Wednesday October 10 during the noon to 1:00 p.m. program segment.

Contact us.
WCRX-LP Editorial Collective
Bexley Public Radio Foundation operating as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com

Berwick, Ohio. Kriss Galloway updates the Jewish Community Center events calendar.

Kriss Galloway, manager of marketing and communications began her on-airpresentation with a very practical and festive announcment. The Jewish Community Center of Grater Columbus will be closed on Thursday and Friday for Shemini Atzaret and Simchat Torah.

The JCC will reopen on Saturday at 1:30 p.m.

She then offered a brief explanation of the holidays to the WCRX-LP audience.

In Israel, Shemini Atzeret is also the holiday of Simchat Torah. Outside of Israel, where extra days of holidays are held, only the second day of Shemini Atzeret is Simchat Torah.

Simchat Torah means "Rejoicing in the Torah." This holiday marks the completion of the annual cycle of weekly Torah readings.

Each week in synagogue a few chapters from the Torah are read publicly, starting with Genesis Chapter 1 and by the end of the year completing the reading with Deuteronomy Chapter 34.

On Simchat Torah, the last Torah portion is read and then the reader proceeds immediately to the first chapter of Genesis, reminding the listeners that the Torah is a circle, and never ends.

Galloway said that completion of the readings is a time of great celebration. There are processions around the synagogue carrying Torah scrolls and plenty of high-spirited singing and dancing in the synagogue with the Torahs.

Galloway then gave an update on the progress of the first annual Juried Member Art Show. Since her last report, the juror had selected the artworks for exhibition, the show has been hung and the show is open to the public and on display in the JCC lobby.

Thirty-two pieces were chosen from among the more than 60 works of art submitted by JCC members.

The exhibit is open now through November 4 during the JCC’s normal hours of operation: Monday through Thursday, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, from 1:30 to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The JCC, in conjunction with the League of Women Voters, is sponsoring a “Meet the Candidates” day at the JCC on Friday, October 12, beginning at 9:30 a.m. with a candidates’ reception.

Expected to speak are candidates for Bexley and Columbus mayoral races, as well as those for Columbus City Council.

The program is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Galloway recommended contacting Debbie Vinocur at (614) 559-6214.

Galloway then described the schedule for the JCC preschool Holiday Bazaars. On November 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the JCC New Albany Preschool at 79 N. High St. in New Albany, will hold its bazaar. She also said that vendors are needed for this event. For more information on becoming a vendor, call (614) 283-9672.

On November 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the JCC East Preschool will hold its bazaar at the JCC, 1125 College Ave. Galloway also said tha vendors are needed for this sale.

For more information on becoming a vendor for this event, call (614) 237-5223, ext. 102, or contact Nili Talis at ntalis@columbusjcc.org.

Dr. June Gutterman, vice president of Community Services at the Columbus Jewish Federation, will share stories from her life about being a member of the Jewish and Gay communities during “My Story: In the Life, Jewish and Gay,” on Friday, October 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Goodale Park Shelterhouse, 120 W. Goodale Blvd.

Sweets and refreshments will be served. RSVP to Lindsay Folkerth at (614) 559-6228 or e-mail her at lfolkerth@columbusjcc.org.

J-Link and the JCC North Preschool are hosting a Fall Shabbat Dinner on Friday, October 19, at Antrim Park, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. RSVP by October 12 to Lindsay Folkerth at (614) 559-6228 or the preschool at (614) 764-2414.

Galloway then reported on the Gallery Players’ production of “Jerry’s Girls,” a musical review based on the songs of composer Jerry Herman.

The show opens Saturday, October 13 at 8 p.m., and runs for two consecutive weekends, closing on Sunday, October 28 at 2:30 p.m.

Herman is best known for his productions, Hello, Dolly (songs: “Before the Parade Passes By,” “Put on Your Sunday Clothes and “It Only Takes a Moment”), Mame (“It’s Today!” “If He Walked into My Life,” “Open a New Window” and “Bosom Buddies”), and La Cage Aux Folles (“I Am What I Am”), as well as Mack and Mabel and Milk and Honey.

Galloway reminded WCRX-LP listeners that JCC has lots of activities for seniors and that the JCC provides transportation within a 10 mile radius. Any senior can participate whether or not they are Jewish. Kosher lunches are provided every weekday at noon by Life Care Alliance. Suggested donation is $1.25, and registrations should be made a day prior. For the day of the broadcast Galloway listed the menu: BBQ chicken, sweet potatoes, spinach, mixed fruit, and challah bread. For more information on any of the New Horizons programs, Galloway said listeners should contact Debbie Vinocur at (614) 559-6214.

Contact us.
WCRX-LP Editorial Collective
Bexley Public Radio Foundation operating as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com

Granville, Ohio. Bexley girls soccer team defeats Granville Blue Aces.

The evening drive from Bexley to Granville is during rush hour. The amount of traffic on SR 16 from Hamilton Road to Summit Station surprises.

Near the Reynoldsburg East Broad Street Giant Eagle, just before Reynoldsburg-New Albany Road, two police officers are walking in the bushes along the roadway.

With rifles.

Is there an injured deer from a collision with an auto? Escaped convict? Stopped speeder fleeing on foot?

Or has hunting season begun early?

By the time we reach Pataskala, the rush hour traffic has broken up. We realize, it is the early evening of a beautiful Autumn day.

Perfect for a girls soccer match. Or a boys soccer match or football for that matter.

Conversation turns to picking apples at the Lynd Fruit Farm just north of Pataskala. The apple crop was devastated by the Easter frost last Spring.

Most central Ohio orchards have cancelled pick-your-own harvest this year. The Lynds have only three weeks of pick-your-own scheduled: last week and the next two weekends. On their website they caution that there isn’t much of a crop.

We arrive in Granville at dusk. Retail commerce in downtown Granville bustles. The Alladin Restaurant has repaired and restored its sidewalk neon light. A period piece from the 1920s.

Simple black and white painted metal with white neon light giving a warm glow to the evening.

The Granville Inn parking lot is almost full and the Buxton Inn front porch is busy. Cocktails anyone? Perhaps a scotch and soda?

We turn on North Pearl Street. SR 661. A short distance further we enter the sports fields zone.

Granville is tidy but how they developed their local sports facilities has not been too orderly. An aesthetic of freedom. The design of liberty.

To the west of SR 661 are the Denison university fields. For football, soccer, lacrosse. All well maintained but not arranged with any pattern. Same for the Granville municipal fields to the northeast. A clutter of fences and surfaces. And then to the west again, yet more sports fields.

This time they are the fields of Granville schools. These are the ones we are looking for. The lighting on the soccer field casts a blue silver light. Spectators ignore the parking lots and use the lane running to the soccer fields. Seems to be both the Bexley guests and Granville natives who prefer parking close to the fields on the edge of the gravel lane.

Autumn chill is in the air. I take a blanket from the car.

Admission is $5.00 each. The ticket clerk is jovial. He is a little apologetic about the price of admission. I wonder why. Five dollars isn’t out of the typical range for high school sports.

Then I recall the ticket costs for the Bexley-Hartley game at the Crew stadium next weekend. Now those are prices that need apology.

The concession stand is nearby. It is clean and conveniently located. The menu is pretty standard. I get a hotdog with mustard. I want a Coke but they have only Gatorade and water. The hotdog is larger than usual, sweet and hot. Mustard jar is low on mustard. The mustard I use is a bit runny. I think someone has diluted the mustard to stretch it through the night’s sales.

The walk from the concession stand to the bleachers passes a group of six Granville fans. Baseball caps and jackets with Blue Aces logos and “Granville” embroidered into the fabric. Men, too old to be fathers of team members. Just local Blue Aces fans. They look like they might be the local bookies. I suppress the impulse to ask if I can place a bet.

The bleachers are wooden and well-maintained. A small press box is on the fifty yard line across from the bleachers. Fifty yard line? Is that the right expression? Mid field markers perhaps? The press box is small enough for maybe four reporters. The press box is elevated only about four feet off the ground. It looks like a toy. I really need to get a press pass for this WCRX-LP assignment. So I can sit in the smallest press box I’ve ever seen.

The unusual feature of the Granville field is that there is no fence separating the field from the bleachers. The effect is to make the game very personal, the fans are close to the action. Shouts of encouragement don’t have to work their way through a chain link to reach an athlete.

As the night progresses, we learn that the absence of any barrier restraining the fans doesn’t improve the calls of the referees. You would think that the absence of a fence would create a threat of imminent danger from the fans and would improve refereeing. But it didn’t.

The spectators for both teams share the same bleachers. The spectators are about equally divided between Granville and Bexley fans. The almost equal balance in part is because the Bexley junior varsity squad is sitting in the stands with the Bexley parents.

There are chain-link backstops behind both goals. A feature that make a lot of sense and isn’t widely used on soccer fields. Throughout the game I am surprised at how frequently the backstops prevent the soccer ball from leaving the stadium. This is particularly important on one end of the field that dips into a wooded declivity where soccer balls might easily disappear.

The game begins after the National Anthem. A recording by a choir, probably the Navy Chorus.

The sun has set in the west, but at the start of the game, the sky is pink and the clouds are purple. There is Autumn color in the trees. The air is moist and chilly. I wrap the blanket around my shoulders.

The first goal is scored nine minutes into the game. The point seems to relieve the tension among the Bexley fans. It confirms that Bexley can score against Granville. The second goal is thirteen minutes into the game. The third goal is with eight minutes to go in the first half. Some how I miss the fourth goal and then the fifth is scored in the second half.

At halftime, my wife tries the pizza offered at the concession stand. She says the sauce is sweet.

Rachel Crane is my stand out player. No. 10. She’s a sophomore and has a magnetic relationship with the soccer ball. Blue Aces slide off her. She gets through crowded moments without elbowing the opponents. Admirable sportsman.

In the final eight minutes, Granville puts in a new goalie who is loud and very verbal.

Her shouts of “I’ve got it. I’ve got it” fill the chilly night air.

In the last minute of the game, one of the Bexley j.v. girls jumps from her bleacher seat and shouts “Spider! That’s the largest spider I’ve ever seen.”

The stands rustle with movement as the j.v. girls scramble to flee the spider. Other girls spot some more spiders. The spiders are big. Enormous. Healthy spiders in Granville.

We’ve been sitting over a colony of giant spiders.

Then someone identifies the spiders as daddy-long legs and says they are harmless. The excitement dissipates into the chilly air.

We all miss the last minutes of the soccer game because of the spiders.. But the Bexley Lions have beat the Granville Blue Aces. Lionesses.

Final score is five to nothing.

As we are leaving the field the jovial ticket clerk informs us that the Bexley j.v. team has set a record at the Blue Aces field for eating the most pizza ever.

Contact us.
WCRX-LP Editorial Collective
Bexley Public Radio Foundation operating as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Bexley, Ohio. Representative Jim McGregor discusses legislative matters with WCRX-LP host Joe Contino

Ohio House Representative Jim McGregor was today’s guest on the Joe Contino Show. Representative McGregor gave an overview of legislative matters for WCRX-LP listeners.

The discussion began with comments on how wildlife is flourishing in Ohio. Wildlife such as bobcats, deer, geese, black bear, wild turkey, pheasant, otter and beaver are seen sometimes in abundance throughout the state. Some of these animals were only seldom seen two decades ago. McGregor said that his father was a trapper and spent many recreational hours outdoors but fifty years ago his father had not seen wild turkey or otter in the state.

There was a brief discussion of the Gahanna mystery lion of a few years ago. Representative McGregor said that the mystery lion was first seen by a Columbus police officer so there was some credibility to the first reported sighting.

McGregor’s father was a trapper but never saw turkey, deer or otters in the wild.

Contino then asked about educational funding. McGregor said that Ohio is going through an experimental period. He said there is a spirit of innovation and a willingness to try new arrangements in education. McGregor said that he saw value in small private innovations that address local needs. He said that there is recognizable benefit when top down, one size fits all arrangements are abandoned. Charter schools are providing valuable lessons in innovation.

Representative McGregor said that an important part of the answer is protecting the freedom of people to do things, and to do things differently if they want to try to solve their own problems. He said that not all of the experiments will be successful but freedom is not about always succeeding.

Contino and McGregor then discussed a Groveport Madison Local School District disagreement. Groveport Village wanted to separate itself from Madison Township. The result would have been each unit having its own school district. The demographics of both units were essentially identical. And the infrastructure division would have benefited Madison Township with newer larger facilities. The Village of Groveport basically wanted to run their own community schools. The separation was not approved and the combined system remained and has not flourished since the dispute.

Representative McGregor then offered a comment that “small systems work.” He described his own experience as a youth growing up in Gahanna where people knew their local officials. He said that in large cities, citizens are less likely to know the police officer, city councilman and water department manager

McGregor and Contino then traded remarks that “Big doesn’t work” and “Big works differently.”

They then discussed the kinds of choices that expanded liberty permits. Vouchers, special education, full day and half day pre-school, publicly funded or special program assessments, corporal punishment permitted or corporal punishment banned, charter schools. The greater freedom, the more individual solutions.

Producer Troy Patton commented that a wild card is parental involvement. McGregor and Contino both offered comments that parents are part of the mix, but that adult mentors, neighbors and others can be important parts of any child’s education.


Contino and McGregor then traded stories about Ohio history. Contino offered a comment on Admiral Perry’s defeat of the British on Lake Erie. McGregor recalled a battle at Fort Stephenson near Sandusky where American soldiers defeated British troops, including British marines and sailors. This battle was an important precursor to Perry’s victory on Lake Erie. Tecumseh attended the British during their unsuccessful fight at Fort Stephenson.

Representative McGregor then discussed the results of his recent constituent survey. He said the most common areas of concern are education and alternative energy.

Contino noted that McGregor is chairman of the House alternative energy committee. McGregor then described a study that estimated that 3,000 windmills could be built on Lake Erie. He said that the economics of wind energy are fast approaching parity with the cost of energy produced by coal.

McGregor also commented that the East Coast needs clean energy. Ohio can be on the leading edge of supplying clean energy to the East Coast or it can not try to be in the clean energy business and let a deep Midwest state like Iowa supply clean energy to the coast. In the first scenario Ohio will profit. In the other, Ohioans will subsidize the cost of energy supplied by other states to the East Coast.

McGregor said that his judgments are guided by the principle that alternative energy markets should be opened up so individual consumers have the freedom to choose the technology that they find useful.

McGregor offered Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio as an example of where an open market is needed. SWACO has a $30,000 annual energy bill. SWACO had an engineering proposal to utilize natural gas by-product of the SWACO landfills. SWACO proposed to American Electric Power that the energy produced be applied to its energy needs. AEP offered a “standby energy contract” for $60,000 per year. For SWACO to use its own by-product for energy would double its energy bill. Free markets eliminate the kind of irrationality AEP proposed to SWACO.

Representative McGregor is a four-term member of the Ohio House of Representatives from the 20th House District which includes Bexley and Gahanna.

Contact us.
WCRX-LP Editorial Collective
Bexley Public Radio Foundation operating as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Paul Peltier culture correspondent files dispatch with WCRX-LP

WCRX-LP received its first culture report from New Hampshire. Amy Maurer and John Manning were the morning hosts at the station.

Paul Peltier phoned in his dispatch from Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

He described the arrival of autumn in New Hampshire.

He mentioned whale-watching in the area. Amy Maurer recounted her own autumn whale-watching experience. She advised warm clothes.

Paul then said that the night before he and his wife watched the full moon, a bright golden circle, rise over the harbor in the Piscataqua River.

Quickly changing the topic away from romance, he commented on a noticeable presence of Ohio State University and University of Michigan alumni in the Portsmouth area.

Paul said that travelers in New Hampshire can expect increase in tolls on the New Hampshire turnpike system. He said that the New Hampshire transportation commission was proposing toll increases on some roads from 50 cents to 75 cents and on other roads from fifty cents to a dollar. The higher tolls will be used to finance the repair and replacement of “red-listed” bridges on the New Hampshire turnpikes. Gov. John Lynch backs the planned increases.
Paul also described the local discussion about the presidential primaries.

States are jockeying for first position to capture the perceived advantages of being the earliest primary.

New Hampshire law authorizes the secretary of state to adjust the date of the New Hampshire primary to compete with other states that want to be the first primary.

Paul said that the advantages of an early primary can be seen from his office window,

Across the street from his office is a Barack Obama campaign office and up the street is the Hilary Clinton campaign headquarters.

Paul and his wife were greeted at a recent lunch by campaigning former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney.

The advantages of a small state. If shaking a candidate’s hand is an advantage. If not, then it was just having your lunch interrupted by a politician.

Paul also reported on a local controversy about a public dock built on private land. An easement was missed. Paul said that it as a situation best described as “my kingdom for a good surveyor.”

Contact us.
WCRX-LP Editorial Collective
Bexley Public Radio Foundation operating as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com

Bexley, Ohio. Pulitzer Prize winning author Tracy Kidder speaks at Capital University.

Pulitzer prize-winning author Tracy Kidder discussed his book Mountains Beyond Mountains at Capital University’s Mees Hall auditorium Monday night. The book was this year’s common reader for the Capital University community.

Mountains Beyond Mountains is the story of Dr. Paul Farmer, a physician who works with the poor and sick in Haiti and war-torn nations in Africa. He is also the founder of Partners in Health that builds medical clinics and housing in Haiti and Africa.

Mees Hall held a crowd of about three hundred and fifty at the beginning of the lecture which started a few minutes late. A dozen and a half students arrived after the speech had begun so the total audience size grew to about three hundred and eighty.

Before the lecture began, standing in the entrance foyer and eavesdropping on conversations, the mix seemed about fifty-fifty community and university. Once inside the Mees Hall auditorium, the mix of students, faculty and community guests seemed about two thirds faculty and students and one third guests from the community.

A welcoming statement was presented by Dr. Kay Slocum, Gerhold Chairholder and Professor of History at Capital University. It was a brisk and friendly welcome. In only a few words, she contextualized the event as to time, occasion, finance and current affairs.

She noted the contrast between the remarks Capital University president Denvy Bowman is able to make welcoming Tracy Kidder with the hectoring remarks Lee Bollinger, the president of Columbia, offered to his guest Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. the president of Iran.

As ever, good manners and good judgment are more evident in the Midwest when compared to the East Coast.

In his remarks, President Denvy Bowman acknowledged the value of spending the day with Tracy Kidder and the importance of Kidder’s writings. Brief remarks that helped move the event to its feature.

Professor David Summers, Department Chairman and Professor of English gave a helpful conspectus of Kidder’s writings and insight into the significance of Mountains Beyond Mountains in the academic community. Not too much of an introduction. Nor too little.

And then to the featured speaker. Tracy Kidder offered anecdotes about Dr. Paul Farmer that were omitted from Mountains Beyond Mountains. Some were phrases from Kidder about the process of writing the book about Dr. Farmer. But most were memorable lines that captured Dr. Farmer’s character and his background.

“Someday this will all be yours.” Self-awareness and the joy of making progeny cringe.

“Free readers from irritating self-reflection.” Arrogance; perhaps self-deprecation. Ambiguity is always artful.

“Insultingly small bribe to return to an African project.” Corruption and vanity.

“The problem of good.” (Ironic allusion to Leibnitz’s Problem of evil…why would a loving god permit evil in His creation.) Realization that at some point Dr. Farmer might become a pest or a prig.

Reference to profanity in an anecdote. Acceptable to East Coast audience but avoided in the Midwest.

A second geographic demarcation of Midwest culture compared to East Coast stress.

Then to photos.

Photos. Emaciated Avante. Tuberculosis. Before and after. Avante now a worker with Partners in Health.

Photos. Josef. Tuberculosis and AIDS. Emaciated. Now TB cured and AIDS inactive. Last photo. Josef is smiling and holding a child.

Kidder offers the ironic comment that he tries to use photos very sparingly. Photos are too effective as competition for the written word.

A student’s question: “How did meeting and writing about Dr. Paul Farmer change you.”

“It didn’t.”

Kidder goes on: “I thought for a moment that I could give up my comfort and luxury and do what Dr. Farmer was doing. Then I thought I could live with only a third of what I have. And then I just gave up the thought. I don’t want to give up comfort and luxury.”

The book about Dr. Farmer. It is just a story.

Politics. A few brief references. Kidder satisfies the stereotype. One of his comments though surprises: “Pervasive cynicism but politics is how we arrange our lives.” Do people really think that politics arrange lives?

Stereotypes are satisfied. Kidder makes a reference to Rwanda and Kellogg Brown and Root of Texas, owned by Halliburton. A scattering of knowing laughs from one pack of faculty seats.

Kidder talks about a Boston contractor who makes major financial donations to Dr. Farmer’s projects and Partners in Health. The contractor is quoted: “ Sometimes I think about how much money I had before I met Dr. Farmer” and “In heaven I’ll have a credit card.”

Two student questions had the subtext “should I drop out of school and do volunteer work to help the sick in Haiti and Africa?” I wonder if anyone from the Capital University provost office cringed at those questions.

Another question was what is literature and why does your non-fiction feel like it is literature.

Afterwards there were refreshments in the Mees Hall entrance foyer. Punch, cookies and other sweets. The mix of university and community seemed ninety percent students and ten percent faculty and community guests. Students always appear where there is free food. Faculty are always ready to loiter. Nothing changes.

Kidder’s lecture was the premiere Gerhold Lecture at Captial University. Edward L. And Mary Catherine Gerhold established the Mary Catherine Gerhold Annual Lecture in the Humanities at Capital University. The purpose of the lecture is to promote peace and human understanding through higher education.

Donations and requests for additional information about the work of Dr. Farmer can be directed to

Partners in Health
641 Huntington Ave.
Boston, MA 02115

Partners in Health website is www.pih.org.

Mountains Beyond Mountains, It is just a story. And the Gerhold Lecture was just a lecture. But the lecture highlighted the problem of Christian institutions in a secular culture.

The lecture can be understood as a speech about the problem of Christian impulses in a secular world. Christianity without the Scriptures.

Professor Summers’ introduction observed that Capital University is a university following the Lutheran tradition. Was this a hint of a context to understand the lecture.

Was the purpose to offer students an appreciation of Christian service in the life of Dr. Farmer? Nothing in the lecture informed us whether Dr, Farmer is a man of faith, let alone a Christian.

Yet, the story of Dr. Paul Farmer is a story of service to the sick, the needy, the poor. It is a story about helping foreigners, strangers.

Are those themes familiar? Are they the story of countless religious on missions throughout the world.

Are they themes about religious orders, hospitals and clinics supported throughout the world by Christian communities and organizations?

The Good Samaritan was not mentioned. But Kidder and one student questioner talked about the common impulse most of us experience when we see a beggar sitting in a dark doorway. Our impulse is to walk to the other side of the sidewalk to avoid contact, to avoid the request for money. The Good Samaritan did just the opposite of our selfish impulse. Dr. Farmer too did just the opposite.

Kidder’s described some of his work for Partners in Health as proselytizing.

Kidder considered giving up all his worldly goods to help Dr. Farmer. Perhaps not a serious consideration but a thought he had. Did the phrase “and follow me” come to anyone’s mind?

Christianity wasn’t mentioned in the premiere Gerhold Lecture. Perhaps that makes a good deal of sense: the Gerhold Lecture is afterall a lecture in the Humanities. And Capital University follows the Lutheran tradition.

Still at a university that ”follows the Lutheran tradition” you might expect one public reference to faith.

Contact us.
WCRX-LP Editorial Collective
Bexley Public Radio Foundation operating as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com

Monday, September 24, 2007

Central Ohio. Items of interest in auctions this week.

Items of interest in the WCRX-LP central Ohio auction market report are:

Two-day garage sale to benefit Childrens Hospital.

Friday, September 28, 2007 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 29, 2007 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
215 N. Parkview Ave., Bexley


Auctions with coins.

Monday September 24, 2007 6:00 p.m.
Sharp’s Grove City Auction Gallery
4014 Broadway, Grove City

Thursday September 27, 2007 5:30 p.m.
Coin preview Thursday 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Plain City Auction
145 E. Main St., Plain City

Saturday September 29, 2007 10:00 a.m.
4775 McBane Ct., Columbus

Saturday September 29, 2007 10:30 a.m.
Days Inn, 1212 E. Dublin-Granville Road (I-71 and SR 161), Columbus
(This is an all coin auction)


Firearms

A private collection of 150 guns.

Saturday September 29, 2007 10:00 a.m.
3504 U.S. Route 50, Bainbridge
Ross County


Guitar collection

Friday September 28, 2007 6:30 p.m.
Plain City Auction
145 E. Main St., Plain City

Contact us.
WCRX-LP Editorial Collective
Bexley Public Radio Foundation operating as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com

Monte Carlo, Monaco. WCRX-LP covers charity auction to benefit muscular dystrophy research.

The Auction Market Report featured a charity auction scheduled for this Thursday. The sale is named the Only Watch 2007 and benefits the Monagasque Association Against Muscular Dystrophy.

The charity auction is becoming an annual event held in Monte Carlo at the Monaco Yacht Club. The auction begins this Thursday at 6:00 p.m.

Preview receptions for the thirty-five watches being auctioned were held in Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Geneva and Monoco beginning in late August.

The first Only Watch was held two years ago. And the name of the auction signifies exactly what is auctioned off for charity. Watches. Very high quality watches.

Prior to this charity sale becoming a specialized watch auction, it existed for three years as a charity auction called Only One. Items offered for sale to benefit the charity were either one of a kind items or the first in a small series of luxury items. In the first Only One auction during 2003, items such as Baccarat crystal decanters and handmade silk neckties were sold for the charity.

The sale began to limit its offerings to exceptional watches when the auction house Antiquorum became involved. Antiquorum specializes in the sale of watches at auction.
Antiquorum’s relationships with Switzerland manufacturers have also enabled the sale to have unique items for sale.

The highest pre-auction estimates for an individual watch is 400,000 EURO. This estimate is for Lot 9, a watch by DeWitt and Jean-Michel Wilmotte called “Incognito 2008.” The watch is a one-of-a-kind model. The watch with the lowest pre-auction estimate is Lot 31 at 4,500 EURO. This item is manufactured by Swatch. It is a uniques piece identified as “Pearly Pink.” It is also a uniques piece.

Among other items being offered for sale are a Joaillerie 101 Etrier manufactured by Jaeger-LeCoultre. The watch has the world’s smallest mechanical movement.

Also being offered for sale is a Starck-designed flyback chronograph. This watch has a cuff-style bracelet that forms part of the watch’s titanium case.

A Piaget Altiplano dress watch is also offered on the auction block. The dial of the watch is set with 316 diamonds in the form of an enlarged finger-print of Monaco’s Prince Albert II. An incidental note is that the charity auction is conducted under the patronage of the Prince.

Louis Vitton has donated a watch called the Tambour 18 Mandarine. The watch has a yellow gold case set with ninety-two diamonds. The dial is made of mother-of-pearl and is bright orange. The watch is encased in a miniature LV trunk decorated by a design created by eleven year old Paul Pettavino who has muscular dystrophy.

Last year thirty-four watches were offered for sale at a black tie dinner with three hundred guests. The sale raised 1.9 million Euros for the Monagasque Association Against Muscular Dystrophy.

Any one can bid at this charity auction through the Antiquorum real-time interactive bidding system. Photographs of the Piaget Altiplano and the Vuitton Tambour 18 Mandarine can be seen in the last weekend Financial Times Life & Arts Section. An on-line catalog of all of the items offered for sale can be viewed at www.antiquorum.com. This note is based on these sources. U.S. taxpayers should note that Monagasque Association Against Muscular Dystrophy is not listed as an exempt organization for purposes of IRC Section 501(c)(3).

Contact us.
WCRX-LP Editorial Collective
Bexley Public Radio Foundation operating as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com

Bexley, Ohio. Galloway reports on Jewish Community Center activities

Kriss Galloway, manager of marketing and communications for Jewish Community Center of Columbus was the morning guest with John Manning on WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio.

Galloway began by reminding listeners that JCC will be closed on Thursday and Friday for Sukkot, and will reopen on Saturday at 1:30 p.m.

Sukkot is a thanksgiving holiday, held at the time of the full moon, when the crops have been harvested. It also is known as the “Festival of Tabernacles” or booths, and is celebrated for seven-eight days.

Throughout the week, an observant family will eat its meals in a “succah” or booth that is set up outside, roofed with branches (the stars must be visible from inside), and decorated inside with flowers and fruit. The booth is intended to look temporary, as it represents the hastily set-up dwellings Jews used during their 40 years of wandering. Proper greeting is “Have a happy Sukkot.”

Galloway also reported that almost fifty entries were made for the premiere of the JCC Juried Member Art Exhibit.

Columbus artist Hani Hara is the JCC’s Visual Arts Committee chairman. He said about 20 pieces will be selected for the exhibit, which will be in the JCC lobby from Sunday, October 7 through Sunday, November 4.

Galloway also reported on the preparations for the Gallery Players’ production of “Jerry’s Girls,” a musical review based on the songs of composer Jerry Herman.

The show will open in three weeks on Saturday, October 13 at 8 p.m., and will run for two consecutive weekends, closing on Sunday, October 28 at 2:30 p.m.

Jerry Herman is best known for his productions of Hello, Dolly (songs: “Before the Parade Passes By,” “Put on Your Sunday Clothes and “It Only Takes a Moment”), Mame (“It’s Today!” “If He Walked into My Life,” “Open a New Window” and “Bosom Buddies”), and La Cage Aux Folles (“I Am What I Am”), as well as Mack and Mabel and Milk and Honey.

In other activities at the JCC, Galloway reported on some programs for teens that have just begun. One of these is the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization (BBYO). Weekly meetings for this group are scheduled each Tuesday at the JCC beginning on October 2.

BBYO also is sponsoring SAT and ACT preparations at the JCC. The preparations will be conducted by Kaplan, beginning Wednesday, September 26.

Galloway also discussed some activities for seniors. She reminded listeners that JCC provides transportation within a 10 mile radius, and that there is no requirement that seniors be Jewish to participate in the programs.

Opera Columbus performers will help celebrate the seniors who have September birthdays. The opera stars will sing Happy Birthday on Wednesday, September 26 for seniors who have birthdays in September.

JCC also offers Kosher lunches every weekday at noon by Life Care Alliance. Suggested donation is $1.25, and registrations should be made a day prior. Galloway said the menu for today is BBQ chicken, sweet potatoes, spinach, mixed fruit, and since it’s Shabbat, challah bread.

Contact us.
WCRX-LP Editorial Collective
Bexley Public Radio Foundation operating as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com

Saturday, September 22, 2007

Bexley, Ohio. No Thursday or Friday broadcast.

Engineering trouble Thursday and Friday. No broadcasts. The engineers had no solution as of a little before noon on Friday. In studio guest Kevin Kale of Manning and Napier was polite but disappointed. He'll rejoin us for next Friday. Call in guest Kriss Galloway from Jewish Community Center of Columbus has experienced this before with us. She is a trooper. She is an old hand at it. Gets up brushes herself off and gets ready for Monday.

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Bexley, Ohio. Residential tax abatements for restorations using authentic materials

One of the charms of Bexley is the residential architecture of the community. Design, materials and construction work together with superior landscaping to present pleasant vistas in the twenty seven neighborhoods of Bexley.

Small pleasant cottages grace many Bexley streets and neighborhoods.

Other Bexley neighborhoods have houses that look large and comfortable, timeless with quiet, unobtrusive architectural fittings of bygone eras.

Then there are austere Bexley mansions that amaze our eyes with architectural elegance, craftsmanship and fine materials.

An important component of these pleasing domestic buildings is the materials used in the original construction. Slate roofs, copper gutters and down spouts, quarried stones, bronze fittings, wrought iron fittings and hinges. All of these are subtle attributes that compliment the architectural features and landscaping of the homes of Bexley.

Sometime on a walk, focus only on the materials used to construct Bexley residences. You will soon recognize the houses with authentic materials. These are not loud pronouncements. They are quiet nuanced fittings that whisper “quality, skill, excellence."

Many of the materials used in contemporary additions and restorations are not authentic. Brass-plated steel replaces solid brass hinges; asphalt shingles replace slate and so on.

In small increments, perhaps only infinitesimal increments, the charm of Bexley residential architecture is being eroded.

A brass-plated steel hinge is substituted for a solid brass hinge. It’s not a major change. But the substitute is a small erosion of excellence. One hinge this year, one next year and then a plastic mail box replaces the wrought iron mail box.

Does anyone care that authentic materials are disappearing?

Of course practical household finance determines some of this erosion. Authentic materials are expensive, and sometimes not available. Sometimes, repairs are practical problems that surprise a budget. More often repairs are not ocassions for aesthetic reflections and so we choose the practical solutions.

As a community, should we encourage decisions that favor authenticity? How can we encourage the use of original materials in new construction, restorations and repairs?

Should the municipality take some action to encourage a market in Bexley for authentic materials?

In Bexley, real estate tax abatements have been granted for commercial, mixed retail and multi-family residential structures. Some of the tax abatements have been granted to buildings that imitate period architecture.

These same buildings use modern materials that give the impression of authentic period materials. But a moment’s glance tells the sad story of deception that these fake materials express.

The public tax abatements did not purchase something authentic for this community.

There are advantages to the modern building materials. Obviously.

But the advantages, whatever they might be, have nothing to do with aesthetics.

And living in Bexley is all about the aesthetics of daily life. Beauty in all that is quotidian.

Is it time to to subsidize things that bring beauty to our community life each day?

When families improve their houses and pick up the expense of authentic materials, should the community offer those families real estate tax abatements for their choice to preserve the beauty and the authenticity of their repairs and restorations?

Contact us.
WCRX-LP Editorial Collective
Bexley Public Radio Foundation operating as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Bexley, Ohio. Pulitzer Prize winning writer Tracy Kidder to speak at Capital University

Tracy Kidder will present the Gerhold lecture at Capital University on the evening of Monday September 25. The lecture series is held at Capital University to promote peace and human understanding through higher education.

Professor Reginald B. Dyck of Capital University discussed the work of Pulitzer Prize winning author Tracy Kidder this morning on WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio. Professor Dyck was the guest on the morning segment of WCRX-LP, the radio service of Bexley Public Radio Foundation. The morning show was hosted by John Manning.

Kidder will present his lecture at 7:30 p.m. in Mees Hall. Professor Dyck said that the lecture is open to the public and Bexley residents are welcome. There is no admission charge and no reservations are necessary to attend.

Author Tracy Kidder was born in New York City in 1945. He is an American writer and Vietnam War veteran.
In 2003, Kidder’s book Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr Paul Farmer, A Man Who Would Cure The World was published to critical acclaim. Kidder met Dr. Farmer at a chance encounter. The book became a New York Times bestseller and has been selected by a number of colleges and universities as the common reading book.

Kidder received a Pulitzer Prize for his book The Soul of a New Machine. This book is an account of the engineers who developed Data General's Eclipse/MV minicomputer. His next book was House, where he records the story of people who built the award-winning Souweine House in Amherst, Massachusetts. Critics compare House to a novel rather than a non-fiction book.

Professor Dyck has taught at Capital University for fifteen years where he is a member of the English Department. His current academic interests include the modern writings of Native Americans.

The Mary Catherine Gerhold Annual Lecture in the Humanities was established by Edward L. and Mary Catherine Gerhold. It is an endowed lecture series.

The Gerhold lecture is held at Capital University to promote peace and human understanding through higher education.

Funds from the Gerhold endowment also support symposia, conferences, study projects and other scholarly activities.

The couple also established an endowed chair in the humanities at Capital. Edward L. and Mary Catherine Gerhold were longtime Bexley residents. Edward Gerhold was a lifelong Lutheran. The Gerholds were awarded honorary alumni status in 1996.

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Bexley, Ohio. Bexley girls soccer team wins over Lakewood.

The scoreboard lights malfunctioned in part. Neither the home nor visitor score lights worked. The clock and first half, second half lights worked.

Since the score board didn't register, the score will not appear here either. Needless to say, the Bexley girls team won.

The crowd was small, both home and visitors. There was little excitement in the game. There was little excitement in the stands.

Calm event and quiet night.

Temperature was perfect.

Monday, September 17, 2007

Upper Arlington, Ohio. Cynthia Rosi reports on 15th annual writers conference.

Today’s featured segment on WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio was a report on the 15th annual writer’s conference at Fawcett Center just west of the Ohio State University campus. The report was made by Cynthia Rosi, senior reporter for WCRX-LP.

Rosi interviewed the conference keynote speaker Karen Harper about the work of a successful writer. Harper’s 2002 novel The Falls was a New York Times list book. Her most recent book is the 2006 Inferno published by MIRA Books. Her presentation was called “The Possible Dream: Veteran Advice from the Trenches.” Harper was first published in 1982. She has written more than 50 novels in four genres. She has worked with three literary agents, eight publishers, and many editors.

Harper’s presentation was both inspirational and informative. She discussed the practical realities of publishing and practical tips about achieving the dream of becoming and surviving as a published author. The core of Harper’s presentation is that the dream of being a published writer is a realistic dream, a dream that is possible.

Karen Harper is a former Ohio State University and high school English instructor. She is a The New York Times and USA TODAY best-selling author of contemporary suspense, historical mystery and historical novels.

Published since 1982, she currently has books listed by MIRA Books, Random House, and St. Martin's Press. Her books have appeared in many foreign, large print, audio, and e-book versions, and two of her novels have appeared in Good Housekeeping magazine.

In 2006 Harper won The Mary Higgins Clark Award in 2006 for Dark Angel, her suspense novel set in Ohio Amish country. Her most recent suspense novels are Hurricane and Inferno. Her historical novels The Last Boleyn and The First Princess of Wales have been included in the Borders summer reading program.

WCRX-LP’s correspondent Rosi also interviewed Lee K. Abbott about the market for short stories. Abbott’s presentation at the conference was called “Beginnings and Stuff, a Two-Part Workshop.” The first part of Abbott’s presentation focused on crafting effective beginnings. The discussion gave attention to the emotion that permeates the action of a story. The second part of Abbott’s presentation offered insight into the writer’s techniques that add the “stuff” that gives texture, depth and weight to the text.

Lee K. Abbott is the author of seven collections of stories, most recently All Things, All at Once: New & Selected Stories (2006, W.W. Norton). In addition, his work has been reprinted in The Best American Short Stories, Prize Stories: The O. Henry Awards, and the Pushcart Prize series. His stories have appeared in The Georgia Review, The Southern Review, The Kenyon Review, The Atlantic Monthly, and Harper's Magazine.

Rosi also interviewed some participants in the audience. Tijuana Canders and Lisa Dixon are writers who attended the annual conference and were interviewed by Rosi.

The two women’s writings are in the category of memoirs. Tijuana’s literary efforts are about the successes and achievements of her life and the importance of her Christian faith to what she has accomplished. Lisa spoke about her experience as a child in foster-care and how she has become active in efforts to improve the American foster care system.

The feature concluded with Rosi interviewing Antoinette Cross, who together with her husband John, are the proprietors of a Westerville, Ohio bookstore. The bookseller offers mysteries and detective fiction to customers at the shop appropriately named Foul Play Mystery Bookshop. Her presentation at the writers conference discussed the pitfalls and benefits of author readings and author signings at retail bookstores.

Foul Play Mystery Bookshop is Ohio's only bookstore devoted to the celebration of crime fiction. The retail shop is 18 years old. During that time, Cross and her husband have hosted more than a hundred author events.

Antoinette holds both a B.S. in Education and an M.A. in Early and Middle Childhood Education, both from The Ohio State University. She taught primary education for over 35 years. She is also a long-time substitute teacher in the Bexley public schools system.

Cross and the keynote speaker Karen Harper were also on a Panel discussion on “How to Win Friends and Influence Booksellers.” The panel also included Alexa Reck and Diane Spink. The panel discussion covered how booksellers can help authors sell their books.

Rosi’s feature will be repeated on WCRX-LP broadcasts this coming Wednesday and Friday at 11:30 a.m.

Comments are welcome at:

EDITORIAL COLLECTIVE
BEXLEY PUBLIC RADIO FOUNDATION
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, LOCAL POWER RADIO
BEXLEY 98.3 FM
2700 E. MAIN ST., SUITE 208
COLUMBUS, OHIO 43209
EMAIL WCRXLP@YAHOO.COM
VOICE (614) 235 2929
FAX (614) 235 3008
BLOG AGENTOFCURRENCY.BLOGSPOT.COM

Sunday, September 16, 2007

Bexley, Ohio. An open letter to the community of mayoral candidates.

To the eight candidates seeking the solitary mayor’s desk.

Help preserve the secret ballot.

No yard signs this election. Please.

Don’t ask us to put your signs in our front yards. Help preserve the secret ballot.

One of the many benefits to the long and frequently unopposed tenure of Mayor David Madison was that we didn’t have to choose sides in a very public way in our neighborhoods.

For the mayor’s race at least, we didn’t have to display partisan posters because there was no opposition.

In the current election, it’s almost as if at least one candidate lives down the block from everybody in this little town.

With so many names in the race for mayor, every resident of Bexley knows at least two of the candidates. Many probably know five or six of the candidates. The school-age daughter of one of the editorial collective members even knows one of the candidates. Some members of the WCRX-LP editorial collective have been approached by three candidates with requests to display campaign signs in their yards.

How do you choose which yard sign to display?

That is a choice Bexley residents don’t need this election.

The candidates should let us make our choice in secrecy at the voting machine not in our front yards.

Candidates for mayor, don’t ask us to put your sign in our front yards.

Comments are welcome at:

EDITORIAL COLLECTIVE
BEXLEY PUBLIC RADIO FOUNDATION
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, LOCAL POWER RADIO
BEXLEY 98.3 FM
2700 E. MAIN ST., SUITE 208
COLUMBUS, OHIO 43209
EMAIL WCRXLP@YAHOO.COM
VOICE (614) 235 2929
FAX (614) 235 3008
BLOG AGENTOFCURRENCY.BLOGSPOT.COM

Bexley, Ohio. Bexley Centennial Stakes, Bexley Centennial Lottery and the Bexley Centennial Casino

The Bexley Centennial is being celebrated in calendar year 2008.

The WCRX-LP Editorial Collective proposes three projects as appropriate commemorations of the Bexley Centennial.

o Establish a commemorative horse race and prize (say $100,000) for the winning stable. The race will be run at one of the local Bexley parks or nearby City of Columbus parks. There will be parimutuel betting.

o Work with the Ohio Lottery Commission to establish a commemorative lottery game. Most of the proceeds will be paid to the Bexley public school system. The game will be a model for the lottery commission to market to other school systems to use on appropriate centennial celebrations.

o Do the ground work to establish eligibility for an Indian gambling casino along the western banks of Alum Creek. Seek the assistance of state and local historical societies to locate tribal lands along Alum Creek. The Algonquin, Adena and Delaware tribes all have well-documented associations with lands on the banks of Alum Creek.

The concepts really are appropriate for a municipal centennial commemoration. The lottery is a revenue source for public schools and the Bexley Public Schools are central to life in Bexley. A horse race is appropriate because it reflects the agricultural beginnings of the organized Bexley community. There are several Bexley houses that are farm houses from the time period when the neighborhood was farmland.

There were horse races in a park in Eastmoor in the early part of the twentieth century. And nearby Driving Park has some association with horses.

Finally, the proposal for an Indian casino is evocative of the early inhabitants, the early history and pre-history of this geographic territory. All of these allusions are appropriate for a centennial commemoration.

Looking at some of the specifics:

o Offer $100,000 stakes for a horse race (thoroughbred or harness) to celebrate the centennial of the City of Bexley. The race will be called “The City of Bexley Stakes” or “City of Bexley Centennial Stakes” or some similar name.

o Location of the race will be Jeffrey Mansion park (A City of Bexley park) or Driving Park (a City of Columbus park), Franklin Park Conservatory (a City of Columbus park) or Wolf Park (a City of Columbus park).

o Parimutuel gambling permitted at the park.

o Number of horses limited.

o Entry fee for each horse of $5,000 for the main race.

o One, two or three preliminary races with lower entry fees and lower stakes.

o Race might be run once every three or five years.

General note: There might have been racing at a field in Eastmoor. Same as to Driving Park.

General note: Harness racing used to be a state fair event. The grand stand now used for entertainment shows at the state fair was the location for the harness racing. These races continue but the venue is now at Scioto Downs. The races are identified as state fair events. A representative of the Ohio governor attends the races. The representative is usually an assistant director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

Lottery commemorative game, portion of proceeds benefit Bexley schools

o Ticket named “Bexley Spot One Hundred” or perhaps the "Bexley Literacy One Hundred" to emphasize the educational purpose served by the tickets.

o Sold for a full year with instant prizes of $100.

o Annual drawing promises up to $100 million. It is a centennial after all.

o Large portion of proceeds go to Bexley public schools.

o Lottery commission gets to use the product concept for other school districts on appropriate anniversaries.

The proposal for indian casino gambling cannot be achieved in a year. Nonetheless major pieces of the project can be accomplished as a centennial event.

The lands around Alum Creek are associated with the Adena, Delaware and Agonquin tribes. Contact should be made with real estate developers, appropriate Native American tribe representatives and other casino operators who might be interested bringing casino gambling to the banks of Alum Creek.

Comments are welcome at:

EDITORIAL COLLECTIVE
BEXLEY PUBLIC RADIO FOUNDATION
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, LOCAL POWER RADIO
BEXLEY 98.3 FM
2700 E. MAIN ST., SUITE 208
COLUMBUS, OHIO 43209
EMAIL WCRXLP@YAHOO.COM
VOICE (614) 235 2929
FAX (614) 235 3008
BLOG AGENTOFCURRENCY.BLOGSPOT.COM