Park district lauds Rumpke for donation

COLERAIN TWP. - The Hamilton County Park District recognized Rumpke Consolidated Companies Inc., which runs the Rumpke landfill, with its Evergreen Award on Thursday.

Rumpke was acknowledged for a $300,000 contribution toward acquisition of a 136-acre tract on West Kemper Road. The land is next to the park district's 265-acre Richardson Forest Preserve. Rumpke also donated 40 acres of green space to the park district that will expand Triple Creek Park on Buell Road.

Both parcels are in the township.

Volunteers to help clean up Pendleton

Nearly 100 volunteers from Give Back Cincinnati are expected to join residents of the Pendleton neighborhood in a "Clean-Up the Town" event Saturday . The goal is to beautify and clean out trash-filled lots, a park and gardens in the area surrounding 12th Street and Broadway.

Volunteers will begin working at 8:30 a.m. and expect to finish by 3:30 p.m. They will plant flowers and create pathways and green spaces.

Keep Cincinnati Beautiful is providing a Dumpster and supplies. Dave White, formerly of the Civic Garden Center, led the planning for the project.

To volunteer, visit www.givebackcincinnati.org.

Mall fountain coins go to local groups

COLERAIN TWP. - Northgate Mall is donating coins tossed in its three fountains to local charities through its Fountain Fund.

The American Diabetes Association and The Hands Health Center at Taylor Elementary, 3173 Springdale Road, received an unspecified amount of donations, collected in June and July. The Diabetes Association provides research, information and advocacy. Hands offers on-site health care services to elementary schools in the Northwest Local School District.

The Hamilton County Special Olympics, March of Dimes and the Northwest High School Boosters have been previous recipients of fountain coins.

Kings Island stories sought for book

Author Charles J. Jacques Jr. is writing a book about Paramount's Kings Island and is looking for help from the community. Bring memories, pictures and stories to share with Jacques on Aug. 30 at the Public Library, Symmes Township branch, 11850 Enyart Road, and Aug. 31 at the Public Library, Harrison branch, 10398 New Haven Road. Both programs run from 7-9 p.m.

Jacques has written a number of books on amusement parks, including Cincinnati's Coney Island: American's Finest Amusement Park. He is editor of the Amusement Park Journal and a charter member of the American Coaster Enthusiasts.

This program is sponsored by the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. Information: call 369-6900 or visit the library's Web site: www.cincinnatilibrary.org.