BCWG meeting set for January 2, 2012.

BCWG meeting set for Monday January 2, 2012.

Bexley Comedy Writers Guild meeting for Bexley Public Radio. 4:00 p.m. Monday January 2, 2012.

The location will be announced Friday December 30, 2011 to individuals who RSVP by Thursday December 29, 2011.

Community residents are welcome.

Admission is $35.00 per person.

Cash, check, money order and ID.

Please RSVP to wcrxlp@yahoo.com or voice mail to (614) 235-2929 no later than Thursday December 29, 2011.

Bexley Comedy Writers Guild
an operating division of
Bexley Public Radio Foundation
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209

Bexley Public Radio Dividend Note. No. 5, April 30, 2009.

An occasional note on dividends that have been increased recently.

This is an informal collection of some information on dividend increases.

No commentary, analysis or recommendation is offered in this informal journal.

AmeriGas Propane, Inc., Apr 28, 2009 (NYSE: APU) general partner of AmeriGas Partners, L.P. have declared a partnership distribution of $0.67 cents per limited partnership unit, payable May 18, 2009 to unitholders of record May 8, 2009. 

The increase in the regular quarterly distribution to $0.67 represents a 5% increase. The annualized distribution rate including this increase will be $2.68 per limited partnership unit. The partnership also announced that it will consider a one-time distribution in August 2009 of a portion of the proceeds of its November 2008 sale of its California propane storage terminal. 

AmeriGas Partners is the nation's largest retail propane marketer. UGI Corporation (NYSE: UGI) through subsidiaries owns 44% of the partnership and individual unitholders own the remaining 56%.

Costco Wholesale Corporation Apr 28, 2009 (NASDAQ: COST) today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend on Costco Wholesale common stock and approved a quarterly increase from $.16 to $.18 per share, or $.72 per share on an annualized basis. The dividend of $.18 per share is payable May 29, 2009, to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 15, 2009.

Costco currently operates 554 warehouses, including 407 in the United States and Puerto Rico, 76 in Canada, 21 in the United Kingdom, six in Korea, five in Taiwan, eight in Japan and 31 in Mexico. The Company also operates Costco Online, an electronic commerce web site, at www.costco.com and at www.costco.ca in Canada. The Company plans to open an additional seven new warehouses and close two Home Stores prior to the end of its 2009 fiscal year on August 30, 2009.

W.W. Grainger Inc. Apr 29, 2009 (NYSE: GWW) boosted its quarterly dividend 15%, the industrial-supplies company's 38th-straight year of increases, as Grainger highlighted its "confidence in its future."

IBM Apr 28, 2009 (NYSR: IBM) board of directors declared a 10 percent increase in the company’s quarterly dividend and also allocated $3 billion more for stock repurchases.
Big Blue raised the dividend by a nickel, to 55 cents per common share. It’s the 14th straight year IBM has increased its quarterly dividend, which has gained 175 percent in value since 2006.

Johnson & Johnson Apr 23, 2009 (NYSE: JNJ) said today it raised its quarterly dividend by 6.5 percent, or 3 cents a share, to 49 cents a share. The new dividend is payable June 9 to shareholders on May 26.

L-3 Communications Apr 24, 2009 (NYSE: LLL) increased its quarterly cash dividend by 17% to $0.35 per share.

The Procter & Gamble Company Apr 14, 2009 (NYSE: PG) announced that its Board of Directors declared an increase in the quarterly dividend from forty cents ($0.40) to forty-four cents ($0.44) per share on its Common Stock and on the Series A and Series B ESOP Convertible Class A Preferred Stock of the company, payable on or after May 15, 2009 to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 24, 2009. This represents a 10% increase compared to the prior quarterly dividend.

J.M. Smucker Co. Apr 21, 2009 (NYSE: SJM) increased its quarterly dividend from 32 cents to 35 cents a share. The dividend is payable June 1 to shareholders of record May 15.

Southern Co. Apr 20, 2009 (NYSE: SO) boosted its annual dividend rate by 4.2 percent to 43.75 cents a share.
The 7-cent-a share increase (on an annual basis) marks the eighth straight year the Atlanta-based energy giant raised the dividend on its common stock.

"Southern Company has provided its investors with an exceptional total return over the long term, and the dividend is a key component of maintaining that commitment," said David M. Ratcliffe, chairman, president, and CE), in a news release.

"Continuing our tradition of more than 61 years of paying quarterly dividends is a reflection of our confidence in the long-term viability of our region's economy and the strength of our business."

Southern Co.’s profit was flat at $1.74 billion in 2008. Annual revenue jumped 11.6 percent to $17.1 billion.

Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. Apr 23, 2009 (NYSE: SKT) reported a dividend increase approved by Board of Directors to raise the quarterly common share cash dividend from $0.38 to $0.3825 per share, $1.53 per share annualized, representing the 16th consecutive year of increased dividends.

HELP BEXLEY PUBLIC RADIO UPGRADE ITS ANTENNA. SEND YOUR MONEY PROMPTLY. BE GENEROUS.

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 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 or WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.

Design is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation. Text is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Editorial Collective.

Joanna Tornes Update No. 7 on Redoubt volcano.

Tuesday midday ADT, southcentral Alaska was shaken by an earthquake. The event was measured at magnitude 4.7. The earthquake originated about 15 miles southwest of Wasilla.

This report is based on material from the from the Alaska Earthquake Information Center and reports of the Anchorage Daily News. No current information has been obtained from Homer Alaska.

HELP BEXLEY PUBLIC RADIO UPGRADE ITS ANTENNA. SEND YOUR MONEY PROMPTLY. BE GENEROUS.

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 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 or WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.

Design is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation. Text is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Editorial Collective.

Joanna Tornes Update No. 5 on Redoubt volcano

Anchorage Daily News reports that oil storage tanks at Cook Inlet have only limited space left for additional oil.
Some of the tanks are located at on the banks of Drift River downstream from the still active Redoubt volcano.
Officials have given a tentative OK for a ship to take on 6.3 million gallons from the Drift River oil terminal.

During the current two week period of episodic eruptions of Redoubt, the Drift River terminal is the man-made site that has been most effected.end of its second week.

The last major Redoubt explosion was Tuesday. The volcano continues to emit a steady stream of ash and dust into the atmosphere. The ash and dust create the haze that is visible over the Cook Inlet region.

As of 4:01 a.m. ADT Friday, the Alaska Volcano Observatory reports there are small, repeating earthquakes continuing at the rate of 3-4 per minute. Larger, discrete earthquakes are continuing to occur at a rate of 2-6 per hour. Low elevation steam emissions are likely to continue.

HELP BEXLEY PUBLIC RADIO UPGRADE ITS ANTENNA. SEND YOUR MONEY PROMPTLY. BE GENEROUS.

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 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 or WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.

Design is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation. Text is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation Editorial Collective.

Joanna Tornes Update No. 4 on Redoubt volcano eruption

Wednesday, the Alaska Volcano Observatory status report is not significantly different than yesterday. Redoubt continues to produce emissions of steam, volcanic gases, and minor amounts of ash.

The emissions have been visible in the Redoubt Hut web camera images and Satellite data have shown a plume containing some ash extending about 40 miles east-northeast of Redoubt.

These emissions have been at low altitudes (less than 15,000 feet above sea level). The plume may occasionally rise as high as 25,000 feet above sea level.

Seismicity consists of volcanic tremor and occasional discrete earthquakes.

HELP BEXLEY PUBLIC RADIO UPGRADE ITS ANTENNA. SEND YOUR MONEY PROMPTLY. BE GENEROUS.

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 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 or WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.

Design is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation. Text is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation Editorial Collective.

Dianne Garrett: 2009 Angel Food Ministries Order and Pick Up Dates:

Whitehall Church of the Nazarene Angel Food Ministries order and pick-up dates:

Order Due Date Order Pick-Up Date

March 15 March 21
April 12 April 18
May 10 May 16
June 14 June 20
July 12 July 18
August 16 August 22
September 13 September 19
October 11 October 17
November 8 November 14
December 6 December 12

To find a location near you, log on to: www.angelfoodministries.com

There are no income requirements or qualifications to order.

Chuck Gehring. Lifecare Alliance Report.

Chuck Gehring visited Bexley Public Radio for his regular Lifecare Alliance report on Thursday February 19, 2009. When Chuck arrived at the studio, Mel Greenball was finishing his twice-weekly report on news published in The New Standard.

Mel is a retired OSU accounting professor and Chuck introduced himself as a former student. Just one more example of “Old Home Week” at Bexley Public Radio.

Digital TV.

Chuck began his discussion with a topic that was practical and timely. Broadcast television is changing from analog to digital technology and February is the month when most viewers will be connecting converter boxes.

He described the difficulty and confusion that the new equipment is presenting many people. Some people have vintage televisions that cannot be converted and that these people will have special challenges if they wish to continue receiving a television signal. He said that some people paying attention to the technology switch are calling the situation the “Nightmare of February.”

Chuck said that Lifecare Alliance has a corps of volunteers who can assist central Ohio residents who need assistance in attaching converter boxes to their televisions and making the required adjustments.

Individuals who need assistance or want to volunteer as technicians for this service should call Lifecare Alliance. Donations of televisions and converter boxes are also welcome.

Winter Meals on Wheels.

The cold winter Thursday of the broadcast was a reminder that volunteers who deliver Meals on Wheels have to deal with the winter risks of ice and snow as they make their appointed rounds. Chuck described some of the challenges and difficulties the heavy icing of the prior two weeks caused volunteers.

Food Safety.

Salmonella-contaminated peanut butter cracker sandwiches are also in the news. Chuck described the safety procedures and inventory controls at the Lifecare Alliance food pantries.

He also described some simple food safety practices useful at home. From the simple attention to expiration dates; regular washing of hands and counters: refrigeration and separation of raw meats, poultry and fish from other foods; food should be hot and refrigerate food promptly.


Gardens, Community Gardens and Parsley.

Chuck briefly discussed gardens as a way for households to supply themselves with fresh fruits and vegetables. He also said that community gardens are receiving interest throughout central Ohio. He said that at Lifecare Alliance, there is some thinking about how a garden might provide some fresh produce such as tomatoes for the Meals on Wheels. He said that they also discuss whether a small experimental garden might be useful at their new facility on Harmon Road to learn how a garden might fit into the operations. The example Chuck offered was an herb garden where something like fresh parsley would be available for the Meals on Wheels kitchen. This though is in the discussion stage only.

Tax Deductions for Volunteers.


Chuck then turned to a topic on everyone’s mind: taxes. He reminded listeners that the IRS permits volunteers to deduct mileage related to volunteer work at the rate of 14 cents per mile. The deduction is permitted those taxpayers who itemize their deductions. He also reminded listeners that when they donate boxed food and canned goods the actual cost of those food paid at the grocery is a deductible when the taxpayer itemizes deductions. Save the grocery receipts. He discussed also mentioned the tax benefits of donating to charities gifts of appreciated property including stocks and bonds.

Vicious chimpanzees are suspects in billboard vandalism.

Whitehall. Local residents report seeing two chimpanzees in the vicinity of a vandalized billboard during the late night hours of Thursday February 12 or early morning hours of Friday February 13.

The billboard towering a full thirty-five feet in the air displayed a message on behalf of the Freedom from Religion Foundation. The message urged residents to “praise Darwin” and “evolve beyond belief.”

The billboard also displayed an image of Charles Darwin.

Darwin, now deceased, was English and also author of The Origin of Species, a book treasured by many and ridiculed by others. The plot of the story is usually simplified to say that some men are descended from monkey ancestors..

Local law enforcement officials initially theorized that two men with a ladder were responsible for the damage. Reports of the vicious chimpanzees offered the police an alternate theory to lead their investigation. The chimpanzees could have done the damage without the use of a ladder. This simplifies the investigation for the police because they will not have to find the offending ladder nor will they have to introduce it in evidence to make their case.

As reported in a Suburban News publication, Annie Laurie Gaylor, a high official of the Freedom From Religion Foundation said she called Columbus police when the vandalism was discovered.

Gaylor is also quoted by Suburban News as blaming the damage on “undoubtedly a Bible believer.”

One local resident commented that Gaylor overlooks the likelihood that chimpanzees are responsible for the damage because “she underestimates how smart the little fuzzy fellows are.”

The billboard was rented by the Freedom From Religion Foundation as its response to Whitehall civic leaders who refused in December to remove a Nativity scene displayed at the Whitehall municipal building. The billboard also responded to the city council's later refusal to adopt a resolution recognizing Darwin and astronomer Galileo as scientists.

Darwin's 200th birthday was Feb. 12. Darwin died on April 19, 1882.

The WCRX-LP editorial collective recommends that the Whitehall City Council amend its recently enacted vicious animal ordinance to include specific reference to vicious chimpanzees.

It is sad but true, chimpanzees will have to be made examples and suffer the consequences so that residents of Whitehall can learn the exact birth date of Charles Darwin.

The foregoing parody is based in part on the Suburban News reporting of Kevin Corvo.

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 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 or WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.

Design is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation. Text is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio editorial collective, parody subcommittee.

WCRX-LP Editorial collective asks "Video cameras to reduce property theft?"

Camera #1
Does Bexley need more video cameras as a deterrent to petty property theft?

In a recent broadcast interview with Bexley police chief Larry Rinehart, Bexley Public Radio senior correspondent John Matuszak asked about property theft in Bexley. The chief reported that during calendar year 2008, there were more than six hundred property thefts in Bexley. In the Monday morning Dispatch newspaper, the chief is quoted as describing Bexley as "a city in peril" because of this property crime.

A two hundred dollar bicycle stolen from a Bexley garage isn't a peril for the city but the editorial collective understands the chief's point.

Six hundred thefts, mostly petty thefts, is a large number for sure but not significantly different from the property crime frequencies in Dublin, Gahanna, Upper Arlington, Westerville and Worthington.

For sure, the dollar value of stolen Bexley property is greater than these other suburbs because, well, it's a matter of quality and taste.

Sperling’s Best Places publishes crime rates in American cities on a scale of one (low) to ten. Dublin, Gahanna, Upper Arlington, Westerville and Worthington are rated at eight and Bexley alone is rated at nine. Still all of these communities including Bexley are in the same fourth statistical quartile.

Camera #2
If the average theft involves stolen property valued at $500, there is an economic impact of $300,000 each year on Bexley residents. If the average is $2,000, then the impact is $1.2 million. If damage to door frames and windows averages $1,100, there is an additional $660,000 in economic loss to residents in the community.

Those dollar amounts help to set a range for how much money might be spent prudently to respond to the problem of property theft.

Equipment needs might be eighteen network digital recorders (at $900 each), one thousand infra-red digital night video cameras ($700 each), connecting cables for each camera and installation ($350 each) for a total of $1,066,800. Operations, staffing and repairs will add another $180,000 each year. AEP, Verizon and AT&T will want some compensation when the best camera location is on a utility pole.

Bexley police chief Larry Rinehart is promoting the formation of neighborhood block-watch teams in response to the number of property crimes suffered by Bexley residents.

Camera #3
The Bexley Public Radio editorial collective wonders whether neighborhood block-watch volunteers can be assisted by video cameras.

Currently, video cameras are used in some Bexley retail stores, banks and residences. Should video cameras be installed in all commercial locations in Bexley? Should video cameras be required at all residences?

Should the city install cameras in all of the alleys and along all of the streets?

How should installation be prioritized? Does the Bexley police department analyze property theft by location? Does the police department know which neighborhoods have the highest frequency of property theft? Should frequency of theft be used to prioritize installation?

Camera #4
Does the police department know how many businesses and residences use video cameras? Does the police department have a map of Bexley that shows what views are currently recorded. Banks, CVS and carry-out convenience sores obviously use video cameras currently.

Should Bexley adopt saturation coverage by digital video cameras as part of its response to unacceptable levels of property theft?

Do Bexley residents really want video cameras recording vehicular and pedestrian movement in the neighborhoods? What happens to privacy in our neighborhoods? Is this too much a Big Brother proposal?

Camera #5
Who should own the cameras, computers and discs recording digital data? Should the city own them?. Should the property insurers that carry the property risks in Bexley own the equipment? Should a Bexley property owner cooperative be formed to own the equipment? Should ownership be on a block by block basis?

Installing video cameras everywhere in Bexley sounds like a good stimulus public infra-structure program.

Listener thoughts are welcome. Email to wcrxlp@yahoo.com.

Contribute to Bexley Public Radio now!!!

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

Camera #6
Bexley Public Radio Foundation 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 or WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.

Design is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation. Text is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Editorial collective.

Matuszak: Bexley's trash-picking permit idea dumped

Bexley City Council has decided to curb a proposal for a trash-picking permit, but the issue could be recycled as a ballot initiative.

Council's service committee voted 3-0 on Feb. 3 not to go forward with a suggestion from resident Robert Jessberger to change an ordinance that prohibits individuals from scavenging trash for items that can be repaired or re-sold. The recommendation was prompted by police warnings issued to Jessberger, who for years has periodically perused the city's alleys for salvageable items that he collects for charities and for profit.

Jessberger, who admitted to repeatedly skirting the law, suggested that Bexley residents could pay a $50 fee for a yearly trash-collecting permit, and that fines for violations could be raised to $250.

Police Chief Larry Rinehart has been adamantly opposed to the permit idea, that he warned could bring more people to the city's streets and alleys and add to property thefts.

A bicycle left in a driveway looks good to someone out at 2 a.m. looking for loot, according to the chief.

"The reality is, we are a city in peril," Rineheart told council, pointing out that 600 incidents of property theft were reported in 2008, and that arrests jumped by 200 from the previous year.

No other city the size of 2.5-square mile Bexley experiences this rate of crime, the chief added.

Rinheart said he is not against recycling and reusing items. "There is only thing that trumps that, the safety of the community."

Council members also stated that they did not want to discourage recycling household items, but ultimately sided on the safety issue.

Councilman Mark Masser noted that the law prohibiting trash picking was passed after Bexley began curbside recycling, which attracted those looking to sell cans and other items.

Rumpke, the city's waste hauler, makes part of its money from recyclables, he pointed out.

The anti-scavenging ordinance has not been stringently enforced. But service commitee chairman Rick Weber recommended that officers begin to issue citations to violators.

There are numerous organizations that will pick up household items for repair and reuse, including the MAP furniture bank, Masser said, and residents need to know about these options.

"The problem is the education of residents," Masser said. "That route is much better, not Mr. Jessberger's theory of Robin Hood."

Weber commented that this information could be included with quarterly water bills.

Not quite willing to dump the issue, Jessberger brought up the possibility of mounting a ballot initiative to change the law, although he said it would depend on the number of signatures he would need to collect.

In the meantime, he said he would be ending his trawling for trash.

Bexley Public Radio volunteer snapshots from President Obama inauguration.

Bexley Public Radio volunteer Glenn Soden braved bitter cold weather to attend and photograph the inauguration of President Obama. Glenn also attended a breakfast for Medal of Honor recipients and sat in the 20th row.








Nice photo of Michelle Obama and the President













President Obama at the lectern




The invitation to the inauguration.







Medal of Honor breakfast.






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 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 or WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.

Design is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation. Text is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Glenn Soden.