The bright wreaths and green garlands on Hamilton Avenue are back. A joint project of the College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation and the College Hill Business Association, the wreath project decorates all 60 lampposts in the business district.

According to Marty Weldishofer, College Hill's Director of Community Development, 47 of the wreathes are now sponsored by businesses, organizations, 13 more than last year. Money from each sponsor pays for the personalized banner. The city's Neighborhood Business District (NBD) Fund pays for their installation and takedown by professional landscapers and their storage.

"This is truly a community-driven project," Marty says. "CHCURC spearheaded the concept and the CHBA embraced the idea. Next year there will only be 13 sponsor slots available."

Story contributed by Gail D. Finke.

On November 5, people of all ages were treated to a group of Cincinnati youth changing their world with music. Some young Cincinnati musicians held a Music Marathon at the First United Church of Christ in College Hill to raise funds for the Measles Initiative.

The musical performances embraced the International Red Cross and Red Crescent principles of Neutrality, Humanity and Impartiality. Musical selections included pieces from all over the world. The 400 plus attendees heard everything from Bach to original pieces about insects, performances by classical musicians and public school choirs, young virtuosos and more.

Music Marathon 2006 raised more than $1,400 for the Measles Initiative. Young and old marked their calendar and helped these young musicians share the power of music from around the world, and in doing so helped save the lives of children around the world.

From a Red Cross Press Release.

Love it or hate it, here's your chance to tell Mayor Mallory what you think of the proposed city budget. City Council and Mayor Mark Mallory will hold a public hearing at the College Hill Recreation Center at 6:00pm Thursday December 14.

It's the last of a series of public meeting on the proposed budget, which includes more money for police and some services but less for many neighborhood programs--such as the NBD Fund, which gave College Hill the grant for the holiday decorations along Hamilton Avenue.

They haven't been built yet, but you can order one. All the condos in the future Linden Park development on the former Shuller's site are listed at Sibcy-Cline's website. Put in 6200 Hamilton and go shopping!

College Hill Presbyterian Church has chosen the Reverend Drew Smith as their new pastor.

Mr. Smith received his Master of Divinity degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois, was ordained in the Presbyterian Church USA, and has pastored churches in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Alabama. He and his wife Cathy have three children and have been foster parents several times.

Mr. Smith preached for the first time at CHPC on November 19, after which the congregation voted on his appointment. He and his family will move to the area in January.

The goal of the Love Letters to Cincinnati Campaign is to flood the local media and community with genuine praise for Cincinnati. We are constantly assailed by negative imagery and opinions of the place we call home. Instead of "trashin' the 'Nati," this campaign asks those who take pride in this beautiful city full of amazing people to contribute something positive and constructive to our community. Positive energy begets positive change.

To be a part of this effort, after contemplating what aspects you love or appreciate most about the Queen City, send an e-mail to lovecinci@yahoogroups.com containing your Love Letter to Cincinnati, or key it in on the website. Be sure to include your name, neighborhood, and a phone number (required by newspapers, will not be shared with public).

Classical Russian pianist, Polina Bespalko-Ellerhorst, who graces College Hill Presbyterian Church with her beautiful music every Sunday, is giving a Christmas concert at the next CHPC Supper Club. She will play some classical pieces along with sing-along Christmas music.

A soloist for the Moscow Philharmonic since 1996, Polina performs several times each year in the Russian capital and neighboring cities and countries. In January, her solo concert at the Xavier University Piano Series generated such response that she has been invited to perform again in January of 2007.

All are invited to this free event on Monday, December 18. Dinner is at 6:15pm in the College Hill Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall. Make your dinner reservations with Nancy Rice at 513-541-4434 or just come for the program at 7:15pm.

Nine girls from College Hill Fundamental Academy performed on November 18 as part of the Contemporary Dance Theater's presentation of H.T. Chen & Dancers.

As with most visiting dance companies that the College Hill-based CDT brings to Cincinnati, the New York company of H.T. Chen & Dancers spent the week before the concert engaging in community activities. But this residency was special, thanks to CHFA's Jenny Kuhn, who jumped at the opportunity to involve her students.

Jada Brown, Shawnda Crump, Sidney Davis, Shayla Edwards, Diamond Hankerson, Jazmine Mincy, Abrena Rowe, Jasmine Shaffer and Jasmine White spent the week learning a modern dance entitled "Some 'ol Day," which they performed beautifully at the Jarson- Kaplan Theater as part of Chen's program.

"The audience was abuzz over how well the girls danced," said CDT Director, Jefferson James. "This is one of the best groups I've ever worked with," said company member Sarah Godbehere after the first rehearsal. James praised the entire collaboration. "The girls, their parents and the school were a joy to work with. It was a great start to what I hope will be an ongoing partnership between CDT and CHFA."

Contributed by Helen Habbert.

In case you missed it, the Enquirer published a recent update on the proposed closing of expressway access to Hamilton Avenue.

P. Ann Everson-Price sends us word that Crazy By Faith, an evening of fun, fellowship and empowerment, is coming Friday, December 8, to The Rock Cafe at 7:00pm.

"It’s a sister thing--share and share alike," she says, "moderated by Sister Laura Blankenship, advisor & teacher of J.O.Y. Women’s Ministry Study Group."

Tina Stoeberl at the College Hill Coffee Company wants everyone to know that USA Today is now on sale there, in addition to the Cincinnati Enquirer. She also has several freebies for you: City Beat, Cin Weekly, Q City News and Whole Living Journal.

Pastor Ron Purdy tells us that the New Testament Christian Church on North Bend Road is having a special event on Sunday December 17 at 11:00am. It's called Come Home for the Holidays.

It is open to the public. There will be special singing, and a puppet show for the kids. Refreshments will be served afterwards. For transportation, just call 513-245-9009.

Mark your calendar for Journey to Bethlehem, 7:00pm, December 12th or 13th at Twin Towers.

Bring your family and friends (4th grade and up) to this unique, entertaining multi-media worship experience featuring photographs, music, and drama combined with spiritual insights of the Holy Land at the time of Jesus' birth. This Advent program is presented by Visions of Israel featuring Judy Haag, photographer/teacher and Judy Langdon vocalist/worship leader.

Story contributed by Linda Crank.

If you didn't sign up, you're out of luck: LaBoiteaux Woods' popular holiday craft night this Friday is full.

Naturalist Pat Agnew tells us there are plenty of upcoming programs that still have spots, however. Footprints of LaBoiteaux's Past, an-off-the- trail hike exploring sites such as the original LaBoiteaux family property will be February 17. A February 24 Vermicomposting Workshop will send you home with a worm composting kit you can use in your kitchen. And there will be more programs and art classes this spring.

Did you know that the naturalists can schedule programs for Scouts, homeschoolers, and other groups? Call the center for details. And of course, the trails are always available for a winter hike.

Story contributed by Gail D. Finke.

If you haven't made plans for New Year's Eve, CincySwing's 5th Annual New Years Eve Big Band Swing Dance and Party at College Hill Town Hall is an excellent opportunity for a real fun time right here in College Hill.

"Terry and Kandy Thompson-Cannon do a marvelous New Year's event," says Marty Weldishofer. "Kate and I attended two years ago and had a great time. Terry and Kandy are terrific dancers. If you enjoy watching dancing, there is plenty of good dancing. If you like to cut a rug yourself, this is a must. The big band sound is awesome, too."

The $25 per person cost covers the 20-piece big band, free refreshments and snacks including hot food and a Champaign toast at midnight, and a midnight balloon drop.

Tickets are limited to 175 people for this event and can be purchased online or by calling 513-290-9022.

The New Year's Eve Red and White Ball at the House of God Community Ministries on Marlowe is for teens and young adults (ages 13 through 21).

The ball begins at 9:00pm and goes until 1:00am with a Gospel DJ, a Gospel comedian, prizes and food. There will be a best-dressed contest and someone will be crowned King and Queen of the Hour. Formal attire is required.

Reserve $10 tickets in advance by calling 513-542- 3333, or pay $15 at the door.

Article contributed by Pastor Anthony Hoskins.

The Mercy Hospital Mt. Airy is hosting a book signing for the new Crosley Book at the Powell Crosley Mansion December 13 from 3:00pm to 7:00pm.

Aqapelyx Anonymous is a (primarily) vocal ensemble in its second decade of singing together for fun. Starting from two home-brewers passing the time good beer requires, the group now numbers ten, meeting monthly in a climate of benign, if rowdy, anarchy. They are equally at home singing drinking songs in a pub or Sacred Harp music in Sunday church.

But December 9 at the Coffee Company is a special holiday performance! The common threads through it all--the love of music and the joy of singing together--are delightfully contagious. Concert 7:30 to 9:30pm.