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Thanks to a generous grant from the Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation, the East Walnut Hills Assembly (our neighborhood council) added a new community mural on the northwest corner of William Howard Taft Rd. and Woodburn Ave. during the summer of 2021.

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After a series of virtual and in-person engagements, muralist James Billiter incorporated changes based on the feedback to highlight East Walnut Hills as a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming community; full of active people who appreciate the neighborhood’s historic charm and lush greenery and gardens. To complement his original architectural design, he invited collaborators Maria Nacu, Michael Colbert, and Anissa Pulcheon to contribute new elements:

• Michael Colbert depicted the natural beauty of the neighborhood’s many trees, flowers and animals
• Maria Nacu crafted lettering for the corner of Taft & Woodburn that reflects the neighborhood’s historic charm
• Anissa Pulcheon introduced illustrations of the people of East Walnut Hills to highlight that it is people of a community that make it great.

About the Selection Process

The East Walnut Hills mural project launched in March 2021 with a community survey that reached over 100 people affiliated with East Walnut Hills. Each respondent shared what makes the neighborhood special, provided basic design direction, and had the opportunity to voice concerns about the project implementation.

Simultaneously, an open call to artists was posted soliciting applications from experienced muralists. The call was shared citywide by the East Walnut Hills Assembly (our neighborhood council), members of the business district, community organizations, arts institutions, job boards, and with individual artists recommended by community members.
 
Artist applications were reviewed by a committee of community stakeholders composed of residents, artists and neighborhood business owners to narrow the applicant pool down to three finalists. Finalists were selected based on their experience leading mural projects from start to finish, as well as on their demonstrated commitment to community engagement.
 
These three finalists drafted concept sketches, which were put to a community vote. Over 700 people responded, ranking the three mural design options. With 55% of the total first place votes, and 60% of the first place votes among East Walnut Hills residents, James Billiter’s concept sketch “An Urban Oasis” was selected as the mural design.

About the Lead Artist

James Billiter is a designer and artist specializing in illustration and custom typography. He is a graduate of Purcell Marian, where he became interested in art and continued his education at the University of Cincinnati, studying Graphic Design in the DAAP program. Later James studied printmaking in the Art Academy’s Community Education program and created Billiter Studio to develop personal artwork and to work with clients on branding and art projects.

James develops his work with the audience in mind using Design Thinking and brings this work to life using hand-crafted methods such as printmaking and painting. Billiter Studio’s work celebrates place-making and cultural history with the intent of inspiring community pride and belonging in the viewer.

“For the Taft and Woodburn mural I would like to celebrate all of the East Walnut Hills community; I wanted to capture all the natural beauty and cultural diversity —from the edge of Eden Park in the West to Torrence in the East, from Woodburn Avenue’s historic district and residential areas in the north to river views in the south.

“Creating a detailed ‘seek and find’ scene that engages the residents to find their part of the neighborhood as well as inviting them to explore parts of the neighborhood they haven’t visited yet. Illustrations feature buildings from the neighborhood mixed with icons of local culture. For motorists, larger typography and visuals invite them to visit the neighborhood with an abundance of visuals.“

If you have any questions, please contact Ellen Stedtefeld at TaftWoodburnMural@gmail.com.

Thank you for your participation!
Ellen Stedtefeld
Mural Steering Committee Chair

You can now recycle plastic tubs! A tub is made of #5 polypropylene plastic, and typically holds foods like yogurt, margarine, sour cream, or cottage cheese. You can also recycle the lid! Thanks to a grant from the Recycling Partnership, Rumpke is now able to accept these items as part of its recycling program.

What is considered a tub?
Containers for butter, sour cream cottage cheese, yogurt, Jello and fruit slices would fall into the tub category. These items are all made of polypropylene and are labeled #5. 
 
Are all #5 polypropylene plastics accepted?
No. At this time, Rumpke is only adding polypropylene tubs to its acceptable items list. 
 
Are coffee pods accepted? 
While pods are shaped like tubs, their size, color and cleanliness still pose an issue and aren’t accepted at this time. 
 
Are plastic cups accepted?
Rumpke is not expanding its acceptable items list to include cups at this time. 
 
Are the lids to these containers OK?
Yes. Like with bottles and jugs, Rumpke will accept the lids to tubs. Please place lid on empty container.
 
Do these containers need to be prepared a certain way to recycle?
Like with other items accepted in Rumpke’s recycling program, tubs should be empty, clean and dry. These items should be placed in recycling containers loose. 
 
How clean do tubs need to be?
Items don’t need to be washed, but please rinse. 
 
Can I nestle the tubs together?
To ensure the tubs are recovered in the recycling process, they need to be loose. Please don’t place containers inside of other containers. 
 
What do the tubs become when recycled?
Rumpke has established several long-term end markets for the plastic tubs. The vast majority are located in the Midwest. Tubs will be recycled into new containers.
 
Why are we able to recycle tubs now?
There have been many recent innovations in plastic recycling. Previous challenges with polypropylene recycling included color and smell issues. In recent years, manufacturers have partnered with end users and recycling centers to develop ways to overcome these challenges and establish long-term uses for these materials. 

For more information on local recycling options, please go to CincinnatiRecycles.org.

The Cincinnati Police Department reminds us to “put our junk in our trunk,” particularly during the holiday season. Here are some more safety tips courtesy of the CPD:

Driving

• Avoid driving alone or at night.
• Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car.
• Set your alarm or use an anti-theft device.
• If you must shop at night, park in a well-lit area.
• Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows.
• Park as close as you can to your destination and take notice of where you parked.
• Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside.
• Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. This creates a temptation for thieves. If you must leave = something in the car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight.
• Be sure to locate your keys prior to going to your car.
• Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and parcels. Do not put them down or on top of the car in order to open the door.
• When approaching or leaving your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings.
• Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area.
• Ask mall or store security for an escort before leaving your shopping location.

Automated Teller Machine (ATM)

• If you must use an ATM, choose one that is located inside a police station, mall, or well-lighted location. Withdraw only the amount of cash you need.
• Protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you.
• Do not throw your ATM receipt away at the ATM location.

Shopping

• Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
• Dress casually and comfortably.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
• Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible.
• Always carry your driver’s License or identification card along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use.
• Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.
• Keep cash in your front pocket.
• Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.
• Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
• Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, bus stops, on buses and other areas of rapid transit.
• Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
• Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, “con artists” may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.

Deliveries

• Have packages delivered to where you are, not to where you aren’t. Consider having packages delivered to your office or place of employment instead of your home.
• Use tracking numbers and delivery notifications. Most major shipping companies offer this free service, and can send you a text or email when your package arrives.
• Ask family members, trusted neighbors and friends to accept deliveries on your behalf or to pick-up your packages.
• Request packages to be placed in a less conspicuous spot, such as a side door or behind a planter or garbage can. Or, invest in a parcel locker/lock box.
• Many shipping companies now allow you to request delivery time or time frame—schedule packages for when someone is home.
• Install a smart security camera at your front door.
• Request signature on delivery if possible.
• Some companies and shippers offer locker service or for packages to be held at the delivery distribution center for pick-up.
• Keep an eye out for suspicious vehicles and people in your neighborhood and report suspicious activity to the University City Police Department (314) 725-2211.
• Additionally, residents should be aware of a secondary scam where identity thieves will order items and have shipped to unaware third parties and use their front door as a drop location. If you receive a pack-age you did not order, please call the shipping company ASAP and report the incident.

Children

• If possible, leave small children at home with a trusted babysitter.
• Teach your child to go to a store clerk and ask for help in case your child is separated from you.
• Teach children to stay close to you at all times while shopping.
• Never allow children to make unaccompanied trips to the restroom.
• Children should never be allowed to go to the car alone and they should never be left alone in the car.
• Teach children their full name, address and telephone number to give to police officers or mall security.
• Teach children to immediately inform you if a stranger is bothering them.

At Home

• Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes.
• When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.
• Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer.
• Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.
• Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home.
• When setting up a Christmas tree or other holiday display, make sure doors and passageways are clear inside your home.
• Be sure your Christmas tree is mounted on a sturdy base so children, elderly persons or family pets cannot pull it over on themselves.
• If you use lights on your Christmas tree, ensure the wiring is not damaged or frayed. Frayed or damaged wiring can cause a fire.
• Place your Christmas tree in water or wet sand to keep it green.
• Never place wrapping paper in your fireplace.

Strangers at Your Door

• Be aware that criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts.
• It is not uncommon for criminals to take advantage of the generosity of people during the holiday season by soliciting donations door-to-door for charitable causes although no charity is involved.
• Ask for their identification, and find out how the donated funds will be used. If you are not satisfied, do not donate.
• Donate to a recognized charitable organization.

Hosting a Party

• Have non-alcoholic beverages available for party guests.
• Find alternative transportation for intoxicated guests.
• Arrange for an official designated driver for your party who will not drink at all.

Attending a Party

• Have something to eat before consuming alcoholic beverages.
• Eat high protein foods that will stay in your stomach longer and slow the absorption of alcohol into your system.
• Remember only time will eliminate the alcohol from your body.
• Know your safe limit.
• Never drink and drive.

A special meeting of the East Walnut Hills Assembly (EWHA) was called at 7pm on Thu 27 Aug to discuss a potential $1.7 million allocation from the East Walnut Hills Tax Increment Financing (TIF) fund to support a proposed Walnut Hills development project on the Kroger site. 

At 3:55 pm on the day of the meeting, the East Walnut Hills Assembly Officers received notice from the City that said they would not be pursuing East Walnut Hills TIF funds to support the project. Please see below. 

We also learned at the meeting that there will be a City of Cincinnati Budget and Finance Committee meeting on Mon 31 Aug at 1pm, regarding the City capital funds being requested by the Walnut Hills Redevelopment Fund and The Model Group. This is one way you can show support for the proposed project if you are interested. You can find more information on the City’s calendar.

The East Walnut Hills community has been adjusting to the “new normal” due to Coronavirus restrictions, but there’s still plenty to do in our neighborhood! Please read on for ways to get involved.

The Beautification Committee needs volunteers to work in our neighborhood green spaces. You can make your own hours, no experience is necessary, and all work can be done while safely social distancing. Get in touch here to volunteer.

The Events Committee organizes monthly trash cleanups, but please help keep our neighborhood clean whenever you stroll our streets! Picking up litter is an easy way to get some exercise, too.

Speaking of walking, go Vibrant has created the largest network of walking routes in the US right here in Cincinnati, including four in East Walnut Hills! Choose a 1, 2, 3 or 5 mile route and explore our neighborhood!

go Vibrant‘s Million Step Challenge is a competition among Cincinnati neighborhoods to see which can log the most steps in 2020. The top prize is a donation to be used for a health and wellness initiative in a neighborhood park. Click here [PDF] for the printable Step Tracker.

The city’s annual Neighborhood Blitz has been postponed, but you can submit service requests for concerns like potholes, tall grass and missed trash pick-up. Download the Fix It Cincy! mobile app or call 513-591-6000.

Mercy Neighborhood Ministries seeks cash donations and sanitizer, masks and gloves to help continue its important community work, and donations of food and personal care items for its choice pantry. More details here [PDF].

La Soupe needs volunteers for positions ranging from food runner to kitchen help. Click here to create your volunteer profile and sign up for a shift.

Glean and Share Southwest Ohio is looking for volunteers to pick fresh produce in community gardens to distribute to local food pantries, shelters and La Soupe. Click here to sign up.

Queen City Kitchen, Cincinnati’s oldest soup kitchen, needs volunteers and donations to continue its mission of providing food with dignity to neighbors in need. Click here for more information.

Our neighborhood is home to two independent radio stations, and you don’t need a radio to listen! Click here for WAIF 88.3 FM and here for MRC Radio 95.7 FM. Both stations play music of all genres. Want to host your own radio program? WAIF 88.3 FM is currently accepting proposals.

Want to get started using Garage Band? Work on your vocal skills? Learn drumming? Click here for free video tutorials courtesy of the Music Resource Center – Cincinnati.

Please continue to support our neighborhood businesses in whatever ways you can — online shopping, carryout, purchasing gift certificates, or writing positive online reviews. Businesses are open as appropriate, in adherence to state guidelines.

If you’re looking for neighborhood eye candy to enjoy from the comfort of your home, please check out the Uplands Historic District, St. Frances de Sales Catholic Church and the historic homes of East Walnut Hills.

Questions? Concerns? Other ideas? Please contact us.