Ohio Sen. Mark Mallory, West End, will step down as co-chairman of the Hamilton County Democratic Party Monday to concentrate on his bid in the 2005 Cincinnati mayoral race. Mallory, twice elected to the Senate, became a state legislator in 1994. He has been party co-chair since 1999. His resignation will leave Tim Burke as lone chairman. Mallory can't run for re-election in the Senate because of term limits. In his July announcement, Mallory said he would have an open-door policy as mayor and would be willing to listen to "any idea" that would move the city forward. He said neighborhoods are his primary focus, pointing to crime and census figures that show the city's homicide rate is rising faster - and its population is declining faster - than any other major U.S. city.

Findlay Center redone, reopens

The Findlay Neighborhood Center will hold a grand opening celebration today at the center's renovated building at 1830 Race St. The center, designed to preserve and promote the positive influence of neighborhood residents in the Findlay Market area, provides opportunities for residents to develop, share and market skills and products. The heart of the center is an area with 10 sewing machine stations where visitors can learn to sew clothes and other items that can be sold in a shop, part of the second phase of the neighborhood center. Today's event runs from 1-5 p.m. with a ribbon-cutting at 2 p.m.

TO OUR READERS: Thanksgiving traditions?

Thousands of area residents will celebrate Thanksgiving with an annual tradition. Do you or your family recognize Thanksgiving Day with a custom? If so, the Enquirer would like to hear from you. Please tell us about Thanksgiving Day traditions, big or small, near or far, by Nov. 14 by e-mailing cradel@enquirer.com or call (513) 768-8379 or write Cliff Radel, Cincinnati Enquirer, 312 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202. Please include your name, residence and daytime phone number. Photos are welcome.

TRAFFIC WATCH

The ramp from northbound Interstate 471 to eastbound U.S. 50 over the Daniel Carter Beard "Big Mac" bridge will be closed at times for bridge replacement on U.S. 50. To access east U.S. 50, remain on northbound I-471, exit on Sixth Street, turn left on Sycamore, left on Fifth and proceed eastbound over the Columbia Parkway viaduct onto eastbound Columbia Parkway. The work is scheduled for completion Jan. 2.