JFS Choir singer is recognized

The county commissioners are so proud of county worker Jo'Ram Griffin, they practically sang his praises.

Except David Pepper apparently can't sing, according to his colleagues.

Griffin, 22, of Walnut Hills works for the county's Job and Family Services Department and was a member of the now famous Clash of the Choirs "Team Lachey." The commissioners invited Griffin (who brought his mother) to Wednesday's meeting where he was recognized for his good work in the choir.

"I called Griffin to see if he was available last week and was told to speak to his agent," quipped Administrator Patrick Thompson, cracking up the audience.

"We were all very excited as a whole," said Commissioner Pat DeWine of Griffin and the chior.

"You did well," Portune told Griffin. "You made all of us proud." He also noted Pepper's addiction to the show. "He was so inspired he was singing the next day," Portune said of his colleague except, Portune added, the singing wasn't so good.

Pepper tried to defend himself. "I actually was a member of the B-Sharps singers in high school," he asserted. "But I think they needed men."

Griffin, despite weeks on the stage, admitted "I'm nervous" when he took the podium.

"I'm glad to be here today and thank everyone for the recognition," he said.

"Would you like to sing?" Portune asked.

"No, Griffin said shyly. "My choir's not with me."

Griffin and the rest of the choir are scheduled to perform 8 p.m. Friday at a Music Hall concert to benefit an AIDS-ravaged village adopted by Cincinnati Country Day students. (Patrick Thompson happily announce he has scored a ticket.)