Dianne Garrett: Journal entry. National Cancer Awareness Month.

This is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. I like to call it "National Cancer Awareness Month". During "East Side News Round-Up" on October 15, I had the pleasure of interviewing Jowanda Thomas. She shared her touching story and experience with cancer four years ago, and I found a new friend in Jowanda. You see, I am also a cancer survivor.

My heart breaks for those who have had to endure so much suffering in order to survive, as well as those who did not. I don't know one person who has not been touched by cancer, whether it be themselves, a relative or a friend. I know that I have lost way too many loved ones.

On December 6, 2005 I was diagnosed with uterine cancer, just three days after my birthday. It was found on a routine, yearly check up. Hearing the doctor utter those three little words, "You have cancer", sounded to me like an exploding house falling on my head.
So many things raced through my mind, like, "I'm going to die", "How will I get through this", and I started making a mental note of all the things I wanted to do, and people I wanted to see before I died. My life seemed to suddenly be spinning out of control.

I had my first appointment with my oncologist on December 13. Here was a complete stranger who was going to hold my life in his hands. I'm a spiritual person, and began praying harder than I had in a long time. The doctor assured me that he was 99.99% sure that surgery would take care of it, since it was caught early. And, chemotherapy and radiation would probably never be necessary, but there was no guarantee. So he scheduled my surgery for January 19, and sent me home to enjoy my holidays, and prepare myself mentally for my journey. As he held my hand in both of his, he said that if he thought I needed to be admitted sooner, he would have sent me straight to the hospital that day. Those words gave me some calmness, and like Jowanda, I left the rest up to God. I called upon my faith, and remembered how many storms He had brought me safely through.

I called, emailed and told everyone I could, asking for their prayers and positive energy. My church family gave unbelievable support to my husband and me. I know of three other churches in Whitehall alone who had their congregations praying for me. I knew I had this horrible monster inside of me, and I also knew I wanted it OUT. But with all the positive energy I felt coming my way, I had this amazing peace right up until they rolled me into the operating room.

My doc was right. Surgery took care of it. I go see my docs every six months. Soon I will be three years cancer free. After my recuperation, I learned to say "no" more often so I can spend more time with family and friends, as well as doing nice things for myself. Like Jowanda, I tell everyone I know how important it is to have those yearly check ups, as well as self exams. It's only a small amount of time out of your life each year.

After cancer I see things more vividly. Sometimes it as if colors are brighter, laughter is louder and the smallest happy moments seem monumental. Instead of taking away from my life, cancer gave me insight INTO my life. It just gets better every day! It's amazing from where we receive our lessons and gain strength.

Dianne Garrett, Whitehall, Ohio

WCRX-LP Editorial Collective
Bexley Public Radio Foundation broadcasting 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
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Bexley Public Radio Foundation broadcasting as WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM is exempt from federal taxes under IRC Section 501(c)(3). Donations are deductible from federal income taxes for individuals who itemize. Checks may identify the payee as Bexley Public Radio Foundation WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.

Design is copyright 2008. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation. Text is copyright 2008. All rights reserved. Dianne Garrett.

The Matuszak photo album.

Sen. Barack Obama greets supporters following an Oct. 10 rally at Genoa Park near COSI.



Matuszak attended the rally. He estimates that thousands of people gathered to hear the presidential hopeful.

Candidates are making frequent appearances in Ohio, an important swing state.

WCRX-LP Editorial Collective
Bexley Public Radio Foundation broadcasting 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 Public Radio Foundation broadcasting as WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM is exempt from federal taxes under IRC Section 501(c)(3). Donations are deductible from federal income taxes for individuals who itemize. Checks may identify the payee as Bexley Public Radio Foundation WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.

Design is copyright 2008. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation. Text is copyright 2008. All rights reserved. John Matuszak. Photo is copyright 2008. All rights reserved. John Matuszak.

John Matuszak: On the town.

Ever the man about town, Bexley Public Radio correspondent John Matuszak attends light theatre on College Avenue.



Allen Gundersheimer, Fred Luper and Johnny Crawford, veteran Gallery
Players performers, sing "Fugue for Tinhorns" from "Guys and Dolls" as
part of the community theatre's 60th anniversary celebration Oct. 12.

The men entered the stage using walkers, getting a huge laugh from the
audience and later a standing ovation.

WCRX-LP Editorial Collective
Bexley Public Radio Foundation broadcasting 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 Public Radio Foundation broadcasting as WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM is exempt from federal taxes under IRC Section 501(c)(3). Donations are deductible from federal income taxes for individuals who itemize. Checks may identify the payee as Bexley Public Radio Foundation WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.

Design is copyright 2008. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation. Text is copyright 2008. All rights reserved. John Matuszak. Photo is copyright 2008. All rights reserved. John Matuszak.

John Matuszak reports: New police headquarters for Bexley police.

It's an all-points bulletin - Bexley will have a new police station.

On Oct. 14, after a decade of debate and indecision, Bexley city council voted 5-1 to approve $850,000 in additional spending for the police station project, paving the way for a groundbreaking in the next couple of weeks.

A meeting of the Board of Control - made up of the mayor, auditor an council president - will be held to award one of seven construction bids for the station.

Council President Matt Lampke cast the lone no vote, expressing concern over the future financing of the $7.4 million station with the city's increasingly tight budget. He re-stated his preference for having residents vote on a bond issue for the station.

Lampke did vote yes to allow the ordinance on the additional funding to go forward on its second reading. Councilman Mark Masser was absent, and six votes were needed to suspend the third and final reading.

Councilwoman Robyn Jones commented that the project has had more than enough discussion and was overdue for a final vote.

The 20,000 square-foot station, replacing a 55-year-old building about one-quarter of that size, is slated to be built on property purchased earlier this year on Delmar Avenue on the city's north end.

Councilman Ben Kessler, who was instrumental in shifting the focus of the project to the Delmar site as a cost-saving measure, pointed out that the current station is "literally falling down" and needs to be replaced.

Kessler added that, regardless of what happens with the station, the city is going to have to make drastic changes in its finances in the coming year.

Mayor John Brennan is convening a citizens task force to study the city's revenue and expenditures, and he expects to have recommendations by next April or May. Those recommendations could include a tax increase request on the ballot.

To get the city through it current budget crunch, council could also enact a temporary reduced income tax credit without a vote of the residents, according to Brennan.

The current budget picture has Bexley's end of the year balance down to $200,000 by the end of 2009.

Mayor Brennan told council he has been able to squeeze spending a little bit more, but he can't get to the $1 million balance Kessler had asked for.

Budget discussions will continue at a finance committee meeting on Tuesday, Oct, 21 at 6 p.m. in city council chambers.

In other business, city council voted 5-1 to defeat a proposed restriction on picketing in front of a specific residence.

City attorney Lou Chodosh determined that the law would be unconstitutional and unenforceable.

The ordinance was drafted after residents complained about protesters outside the home of a Bexley doctor who performs abortions.

Chodosh predicted long, expensive legal challenges on First Amendment grounds if the ordinance passed. And he added that it wouldn't keep picketers from marching up and down the street.

He also pointed out that the city already has at least 12 ordinances on the books to handle protesters who get out of hand.

"Leaving this alone is the best course of action we can take. We can protect our citizens without it," Chodosh said.

Again, Lampke cast the lone vote in favor of the ordinance, arguing that police officers culd be trained to enforce the law.

The measure drew a large crowd during debate last month, before i as tabled for further study. No residents spoke or or against the ordinance at last night's meeting.

An America in Bloom award was presented by ground maintenance supervisor Mark Moore. Bexley received a first-place award among 32 cities entered nationwide for landscaping, and a second-place awardamong six cities with populations between 10,000 and 15,000.

Moore said Bexley needs to mount a large-scale volunteer effort to earn a first-place mention next year.

WCRX-LP Editorial Collective
Bexley Public Radio Foundation broadcasting 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 Public Radio Foundation broadcasting as WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM is exempt from federal taxes under IRC Section 501(c)(3). Donations are deductible from federal income taxes for individuals who itemize. Checks may identify the payee as Bexley Public Radio Foundation WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.

Design is copyright 2008. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation. Text is copyright 2008. All rights reserved. John Matuszak.

MSMIB continues his reflections on public protests in Bexley.

"Protesters? …Not in Our Neighborhood" by the most sensitive man in Bexley, Simon Doer

What would the neighbors think? Protestors picketing on the public sidewalks of Bexley, Ohio on issues such as abortion or perhaps labor related issues by a union or employees of a corporate executive or students picketing a professor or teacher (probably not a good idea if they are still taking the class)?

It could and did happen when protestors decided to take their disagreement to the sidewalks adjacent to a Bexley resident who served as a physician for an abortion clinic. The result was a doctor, the point of that protest, (buoyed by residents concerned they may be future objects of protest) upset enough to seek an ordinance through city council prohibiting or limiting future protests in front of an individual’s residence.

While other laws address any resulting disturbances from pickets’ behaviors, such as threatening actions, harassment, stalking or acts of violence, at issue here is whether the assembly of protestors on the public sidewalks of the city adjacent to the home of a picketed individual can be prohibited. We are not here discussing publicly owned mansions, such as the governor's on Parkview Avenue (typically hosting protesters opposed to executions) or that of the Ohio State University's president on North Drexel Avenue (not recently hosting protestors, but the potential is there if, for example, the football program was downsized in favor of increased spending on academic pursuits).

It is a delicate (and yes, sensitive) issue. The right to assemble to present grievances and to exercise free speech are guaranteed by the constitutions of the United States and Ohio. Protesters must, however, by law remain on public property, the sidewalk, and not block public entrance or exit. Leaving sticky notes on the sidewalk is not an option for protestors as littering laws are sacrosanct.

Restricting or otherwise limiting those rights cannot be taken lightly and must account, as in the above access rights, for any infringement on the rights of others. Without going into a legal discourse, suffice it to state that you cannot yell “FIRE” in the Drexel (or any other theatre [unless of course there is a fire]) or use imminent “fighting words” as you could harm and infringe on the rights of others, but you can peacefully assemble in public and use your free speech (unless it is after hours and then other nuisance and noise disturbance ordinances come into play).
So, can an ordinance be crafted and drafted to properly and constitutionally limit protesters’ assembly on the public sidewalks adjacent to a picketed Bexley residence? The residence of the pro-choice abortion physician was located on East Broad Street, should the reaction be different when the house is on a small side street like Bullet Park Place? Perhaps the answer is no to both questions.

In a July 26, 2008 article titled “Bexley considers limiting protesters,” reporter Alayna DeMartini of The Columbus Dispatch astutely observed “Bexley is not exactly the next Berkeley.“ She noted that “Upper Arlington had enforced a picketing law until 1995. An anti-abortion activist sued for the right to protest in front of an abortion doctor's home there and won. The U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals found the law to be unconstitutional, so the council repealed it, “ and that “Upper Arlington's former ban reads exactly like the one being proposed in Bexley: ‘It is unlawful for any person to engage in picketing before or about the private residence or dwelling of any individual.’"

Ms. DeMartini wrote that according to Lou Chodosh, Bexley’s city attorney, “the law would allow protesters to march past several houses, but not focus on any one home,” and that “Chodosh modeled Bexley's proposed law after one in Brookfield, Wis. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld it as constitutional in 1988.”
So, if protestors would annoy the neighbors as well as the targeted individual, perhaps the ordinance would meet constitutional muster?

A friend in another Ohio city placed the argument in perspective when he observed that it is more likely the neighbors of the picketed resident would be annoyed and inconvenienced than the targeted individual(s). His point was that the protesters’ target would likely avoid their home during the protest and picketing and stay elsewhere for the time. Meanwhile the neighbors would be subjected to the protestors’ chants and displays.
So from a practical perspective what are the neighbors to do if an ordinance is ineffective to restrict protestors in the neighborhood? Become creative, counter-protest. For example, neighbors could place signs on their lawns (assuming they can comply with the Bexley yard sign ordinance, which may be doubtful), so better yet stand in their own yards with signs stating, “Protestors Go Home,” “Not in Our Neighborhood,” “Protect Our Children,” “Silence is Golden,” “Heave Ho,” or any other number of counter arguments to the protestors’ displays. In this manner neighbors would not address the issue directly (with the potential for altercations), however, could show their peaceful request that the protestors move their assembly elsewhere.

On August 7, 2008, the editorial collective of this radio station reflected on the situation and proposed a compromise ordinance. The text of that comment is provided on the agenctofcurrency blog. The core idea of the editorial collective proposal, which has not yet been proposed in the form of an ordinance nor provided a reading by Council, is that when any Bexley resident attracts demonstrators and protestors, that resident would be “required to provide refreshments [such as water or more properly perhaps mineral water or champagne] and suitable facilities and accommodations for the public protestors.“ “Umbrellas should be available for inclement weather and lawn chairs provided so the protestors can rest.”

City ordinances are intended to be taken seriously and the time taken to consider them through three readings is important, ever ready for any challenge to the supreme courts. This sensitive man has not yet checked it out, but several websites refer to a September 9, 1919 Bexley, Ohio ordinance number 223 that prohibits the installation and usage of slot machines in outhouses. If the ordinance suggestion by the editorial collective of this radio station is to be considered by the Bexley City Council, we hope that ordinance number 223 will be considered as City Council sets the standards for refreshments, accommodations and suitable facilities for public protestors.

This is one sensitive man’s opinion. What’s yours?

John Matuszak reports: Bexley council wrestles with budget, police bids

Is the starting gun ready to fire on construction of a new Bexley police station?

And could a tax increase request be on the horizon?

On the police station, it's "Ready - aim - wait."

As it moved achingly close to approving a bid on the long-anticipated station, council members last night opted to wait at least one more week before giving the green light to the $7.6 million project.

In the meantime, representatives are agonizing over next year's budget and appear anxious about whether they can even afford to build the new station.

At the Tuesday finance committee meeting, council members Rick Weber and Mark Masser argued that the public should be given one more chance to speak out about such a large expenditure - even though the public has been mostly mute over the 10 years the project has been debated.

On the table is an ordinance that would okay spending an additional $850,000 on the construction of the station. The ordinance received its first reading at a special council meeting after the finance committee discussion.

It is expected to have a second reading and a possible vote at the October 14 meeting.

The added expenditure became necessary when the first round of bids came in $1 million over the architect's original estimate, which has since been revised upward.

In the second round of bidding, Thomas and Marker Construction came in with the lowest offer of seven companies with a bid of $5,424,400.

Finance Director Beecher Hale has included the almost $500,000 in debt payments on the financing of the full project in next year's budget.

That budget estimates $11.5 million in spending through 2009, and $9.2 million in revenue, for a budget deficit of $1.6 million.

That scenario would deplete the city's fund balance, taking it from this year's $2.1 million to a little over $400,000 by the end of next year.

The city also has a $1 million rainy day fund for emergencies.

Hale blamed the persistent spending gap on tax revenues that have remained flat over the last several years, coupled with increasing labor, health care and other costs.

He pointed out that Mayor John Brennan and members of the administration have reduced spending requests for 2009 by a little over $600,000 in comparison to the current budget.

That might not be enough, some council members said.

Councilman Ben Kessler suggested that the administration should continue to tighten its belt until the projected fund balance for next year is at $1 million.

Mayor Brennan responded that he might be able to squeeze the budget a little more and get the year-end balance close to $500,000, but doubted the city could reach the $1 million mark.

"I think I've skinned the cat pretty well," Brennan said.

Councilman Weber interjected that the city could improve its bottom line by having residents vote on a tax issue to pay for the police station.

Councilwoman Robyn Jones floated the idea of requiring a balanced budget, but Brennan said that would be a mistake and would require laying off employees, including police officers.

Councilman Jed Morison suggested revisiting the budget in six months, but Kessler is worried that the city doesn't have six months before the global financial crisis worsens.

The budget picture ultimately affects large projects such as the police station, and the current fiscal crisis has officials questioning whether this is the best time to borrow.

Part of Brennan's plan to improve the city's financial standing is to convene a task force of citizens who would study the budget situation and make recommendations on cutting spending and boosting revenue. Those interested can get more information on the city's web site.

This could include a tax increase request next year. Brennan said he would prefer to ask for the increase before the school district places an issue on the ballot in 2010.

Councilman Masser expressed his approval of having a citizens' task force and added that the city needs to find a way to increase its revenue. Masser has been an advocate of a "tax equalization" plan that would bring the income tax rate paid by people who work in Bexley with residents who work outside the city.

WCRX-LP Editorial Collective
Bexley Public Radio Foundation broadcasting 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 Public Radio Foundation broadcasting as WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM is exempt from federal taxes under IRC Section 501(c)(3). Donations are deductible from federal income taxes for individuals who itemize. Checks may identify the payee as Bexley Public Radio Foundation WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.

Design is copyright 2008. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation. Text is copyright 2008. All rights reserved. John Matuszak.

Matuszak journal entry: Springsteen appearance at OSU

Bruce Springsteen urges a crowd of 10,000 fans to vote early, during a rally in support of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama on the Ohio State University Oval Oct. 5.

Springsteen performed solo acoustic versions of "Promised Land" and "Thunder Road," as well as his
folk-influenced "Youngstown" and Woody Guthrie's "This Land is Your Land."

He had appeared previously at OSU at a rally for John Kerry in the 2004 presidential election.

WCRX-LP Editorial Collective
Bexley Public Radio Foundation broadcasting 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 Public Radio Foundation broadcasting as WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM is exempt from federal taxes under IRC Section 501(c)(3). Donations are deductible from federal income taxes for individuals who itemize. Checks may identify the payee as Bexley Public Radio Foundation WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.

Design is copyright 2008. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation. Text is copyright 2008. All rights reserved. John Matuszak. Photo is copyright 2008. All rights reserved. John Matuszak.