FROM THE OFFICE OF MAYOR THOMAS F. WILLIAMS

            What is the spirit of Norwood?

     In years past, I have had many opportunities to speak with former students and residents of Norwood.  Those, to whom I have spoken, range from a four-star general to corporate leaders to fighter pilots, poets, actors and average people like me.  They all share one belief and have one thing in common – a deep feeling for Norwood.  I have met people who have not only traveled the United States but the world and all say that the spirit of Norwood always stays with them.

     A quick and true story:  A number of years ago, someone very close to me who was living in Los Angeles, California was told about a personal ad in the Los Angeles Times.  The ad simply stated that anyone from Norwood, Ohio wanting to meet should be at a particular restaurant on a certain date and time.  No phone number or any other information was provided. Two weeks later this person went to the location and to his amazement, 50+ people from Norwood met in Los Angeles, California and a good time was had by all.

     Recently, Marc Edwards returned to be honored by having his football jersey retired.  The spirit of Norwood never left him no matter where his life took him, he was always proud to say he was from Norwood.

      In September the following individuals were inducted into the Norwood City Schools Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame. 

                                                Colonel Richard K. Ely                              Class of 1951
                                                Wayman E. Brown                                      Class of 1953
                                                Sandra Woeste Heimann                          Class of 1961
                                                James R. Ballinger                                    Class of 1962

     Each of these inductees has been successful in their lives and has always returned to support their home town of Norwood in their own special way. 

     Whether you have lived in Norwood all your life or you just arrived, you are part of the spirit of Norwood.  We may not always agree with each other but when times are tough, we all band together to solve whatever problem faces us at the time.

     Think about the people you know who volunteer throughout the community.  We have people who volunteer for soccer, knothole, football, churches, food closets and many civic organizations.  Take some time and when you see the volunteers you know, thank them for all they do.  Without these dedicated people, the quality of life in our City would not be as we know it.

     You may ask yourself what does this have to do with what is going on in the city today?  Very simply, the same spirit of Norwood that existed in the past still remains today.  With that being said, it is just something I felt needed to be expressed.

      “The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.
                                                                                                          Samuel Johnson 1704 - 1784

     Please feel free to call my office at (513) 458-4501 any time with questions or concerns.  We are at your service.

                                                                                                                Sincerely,
                                                                                                                Thomas F. Williams, Mayor
                                                                                                                City of Norwood