Art Badger Memorial Update

A memorial is planned this Saturday, November 4th. Visitation from 3 - 3:30 p.m. and Eulogy at 3:30 p.m.

Here is the notice in the Cincinnati Enquirer, Nov. 1st, 2006


Originally published on 11/1/2006
BADGER, Arthur H.

BADGER Arthur H., beloved husband of Mary Elizabeth Badger, dear brother- in-law of Martha and Burton Eby and Phyllis Paffhausen, also survived by nieces and nephews in Cincinnati and cousins in Michigan, Canada and England. Friday, October 27, 2006, age 81. Funeral services private. Memorials may be made to St. Clare Guild Life Care Fund, 100 Compton Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45215.

Membership Renewals for November 2006

Thank you for your renewals!

Delaney family
Jamie on Wellesley
Hutchins
Rizzis
Roberts Family

MEMORIAL FOR ART BADGER

SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH, COVENANT CHURCH FROM 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.

Please bring a story or memory of this man's wonderful life.

SPRINGFIELD TWP. ROAD LEVY INFORMATION

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE...

FOR THOSE OF YOU UNABLE TO ATTEND OUR LAST MEETING, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU EDUCATE YOURSELF ABOUT THE UPCOMING ROAD TAX LEVY ...

THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE AT THE TOWNSHIP BUILDING ON OCTOBER 25TH ... PLEASE CALL THE TOWNSHIP FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ... 522-1410 ...

THE LEVY WILL COST VERY LITTLE COMPARED TO THE VALUE IT WILL ADD TO OUR PROPERTY IN SPRINGFIELD TWP, BUT PLEASE DO NOT TAKE MY OPINION AS FACT...

ATTEND THIS MEETING TO FIND OUT MORE ..

Break in Information ...

MANY OF OUR NEIGHBORS HAVE HAD PERSONAL ITEMS REMOVED FROM THEIR CARS IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS ... PLEASE CALL THE TOWNSHIP IF YOU NOTICE ANY VALUABLES REMOVED FROM YOUR CAR ...

MY DAUGHTER HAD STUPID STUFF REMOVED FROM HER CAR WHICH WAS NOT LOCKED ... THE PANASONIC SECURITY FACE-PLATE SO SHE NO LONGER HAS USE OF HER CD PLAYER ...

A NEIGHBOR FOUND A BAG FULL OF KEYS ... WRITE ME E-MAIL IF YOUR KEYS ARE MISSING ...

NEWS ABOUT RACK & ST. XAVIER

In case you had heard, St. X is having Rack fill in behind the new baseball fields to create more parking. I spoke with Chris Gilbert, and he says that St. X and the people on North Bend and Seymour affected by the operation have come to a deal on a buffer or whatever else, so I guess there is no need to get involved.


All Ways Trucking is also dumping on Seymour next to the nature preserve. They have encroached on the stream above the park. Chris Gilbert is going out there with Hamilton County Soil and Water.

Jeff

NEWS ABOUT RACK & ST. XAVIER

In case you had heard, St. X is having Rack fill in behind the new baseball fields to create more parking. I spoke with Chris Gilbert, and he says that St. X and the people on North Bend and Seymour affected by the operation have come to a deal on a buffer or whatever else, so I guess there is no need to get involved.


All Ways Trucking is also dumping on Seymour next to the nature preserve. They have encroached on the stream above the park. Chris Gilbert is going out there with Hamilton County Soil and Water.

Jeff

Zoning Information

This evening Ben Lawrence and I attended the Zoning Board meeting. The> single agenda item was a case to replace the old firehouse with a 6400 SF> structure for two prospective tenants, including 89 parking spaces. The> tenants are not yet known.> > The applicant is New Plan Realty. Some parking will be shared with Kroger.> Two connections to Kroger parking plus right-in and right-out at Winton> provide auto access.> > Chris Gilbert presented the case and reviewed the plot plan. We'll bring> this material to the next Board meeting. The Township Staff Recommendations> included particulars about signage, lighting, landscaping and architecture.> > Bob Trendkamp of Thos Graham were present on behalf of New Plan Realty.> > The Zoning Board approved the case.> > At the next Zoning board meeting on Oct. 18, the final Walgreens plan will> be submitted.> > The old Kroger plan has been scaled back, but the timing for a case> submission is unknown.> > Jim Golan

STREET CAPTAINS - DIRECTORY

WE NEED STREET CAPTAINS FOR VIEW PLACE, WELLESLEY, COMMONWEALTH TO COMPLETE OUR NEIGHBORHOOD DIRECTORY FOR 2007.


PLEASE CONTACT DONNA AT VIEWPLACENEWS@YAHOO.COM IF YOU ARE AVAILABLE.

STREET CAPTAINS HELP COLLECT/DISTRIBUTE INFORMATION TO NEIGHBORS. CURRENTLY THE ONLY PROJECT IS UPDATING THE NEIGHBORHOOD PHONE/ADDRESS DIRECTORY AND REQUIRES GOING DOOR TO DOOR.

HERE IS OUR STREET CAPTAIN LIST:

Beechtree - David or Judith at 468 Beechtree, Jeff or Lisa at 565 Beechtree (thank you!!!)

Blossomhill - Jim or Ruth at 502 Blossomhill, Barbara at 542 Blossomhill, Sondra or Bill at 562 Blossomhill (thank you!!)

Brucehills - Patricia or Tom at 452 Brucehills and Peg or Chuck at 447 (thanks!!!!)

Christmas Lane & Colorama - Mary Noel at 566 and Janice or Mike at 524

Commonwealth - Elisabeth at 7369, Christa at 7368 (thanks!!!)

Deanview - Donna at 491, Fred at 490, and Natalie at 411 (thanks!!!)

Georgetown - Mark or Barb at 7280 (thanks!!)

Ipswich - Cathy (thanks!!)

Pinebrook - Fran at 7440 (thanks!!!)

View Place - Lynette at 7491, David at 7742, and Lori or Andy at 7621 (thanks!!)

Wellesley - Steven or Karen at 499, James and Marianne at 558 (thanks!)

Warm Loving Doggy Needs Home

Medium mixed breed dog needs home. "Happy" is 8 years old, has been living with loving senior citizen who can no longer care for her. She is 28 lbs. Very loving pet who needs a companion.
If you are interested, please call Janet at 236-6283

Link to Hamilton County Sex Offender search ...

Here's Hamilton County neighborhood search for people listed as "sex offenders." I look periodically ...

http://www.hcso.org/PublicServices/SexOffenders/offender.asp

Thanks to our neighbors on Colorama!

VPCA President would like to thank Larry and Janet on Colorama for the use of their 1968 Malibu Chevy! Talk about a "Presidential Perk!"
Life can't get any better when your in a 1968 Chevy!
Thanks again for your kindness, trust, and support!

VPCA 2006 Parade and Springfield Township's Finest

Double click on the link in this window and do nothing else ... just sit back and enjoy! A special thanks goes to Chief Leininger and his firefighters and the Township Police staff and VPCA community representative Officer Emily Smith (who for some reason did not make into the ending credits... what do you expect for free software???)

Like I said, double click on the link here and do nothing else ...http://www.photoshow.net/scripts_main/build/player.php?show=niEACIGdf

Happy 4th &
God Bless America!
View Place Civic Association

Slide Show of VPCA neighbors in Summerblast Parade

Double click below and wait ... it should start without any prompting...

http://www.photoshow.net/scripts_main/build/player.php?show=dIbYKCGaf

On your mark!

Get Set!

Get Ready!

GeGet

GO!

Lessure & Schubert representing VPCA since 1953

JULY 1ST PARADE UPDATE

THE PARADE ROUTE WILL BE BRENTWOOD PLAZA TO THE FIREHOUSE.

WE ARE IN NEED OF RESIDENTS TO PARTICIPATE. PLEASE MEET AT THE HALLMARK STORE AT BRENTWOOD AT 10 A.M. AND BRING A BAG OF CANDY TO THROW AT THE KIDS AND POSTER BOARD.

THE POSTER BOARD CAN HAVE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

VIEW PLACE RESIDENCE
SINCE
( NUMBER OF YEARS OR YEAR YOU MOVED IN...)

OR SOMETHING FUN/INTERSTING... HERE ARE EXAMPLES:


VIEW PLACE RESIDENCE

ON (NAME OF STREET)

BEEN TO TIMBUKTU AND BACK IN (YEAR)

OR

VIEW PLACE
CUTEST DOG
ON
(NAME OF STREET)



VPCA
FORMER PRESIDENTS
(WILL RIDE IN SPECIALLY DECORATED VEHICLE)


VIEW PLACE KIDS
"ABOVE AVERAGE WHO BRUSH WITH CREST"

VIEW PLACE VPCA PRESIDENTS OF PAST



WE ARE ALSO IN NEED OF A VEHICLE TO BE DECORATED AND DRIVEN IN PARADE (PLEASE CONTACT DONNA ASAP!!!! AT VIEWPLACENEWS@YAHOO.COM

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH/ALERT STATUS

HERE'S A MESSAGE FROM A GOOD NEIGHBOR ON VIEW PLACE ...

AS ALWAYS PLEASE WRITE DOWN THE LICENSE PLATE NUMBER/TIME OF DAY/DESCRIPTION IF YOU SEE UNUSUAL MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES/PEOPLE AND CALL TOWNSHIP POLICE 522-1412 ... ASAP

WE'RE COMING UP TO A HOLIDAY AND MANY OF OUR OUT OF TOWN FAMILY/FRIENDS WILL BE VISITING SO IT IS NATURAL TO CONFUSE THE "UNUSUAL" WITH "VISITORS" BUT LET THE TOWNSHIP POLICE DETERMINE WHAT IS "UNUSUAL MOVEMENT."


24/7
CALL 522-1412


Hi Donna:

I just wanted to inform you that some one broke into house on Thursday around 1:30 pm. The burglar was able to open one of the entry doors but
security alarm saved us…

Will you send this to the bigger distribution and ask people to stay on the look out for any unusual movement of people in the neighborhood.

Thanks for your support.

Regards,

Tyag Sehgal

Parades and June Memberships!!!

I have not yet deposited the membership checks from May ... and it's June! (This is something on my list of "things to do" so hang in there with me!)

There are TWO parades coming up ... one on JULY 1st sponsored by the Townshipalong Winton Road and one on the 4th of July for the neighorhood. Both parades begin at 10 a.m. At this time, we have no takers for forming a committee to put together a "float" for the Township's parade. Any ideas? The earliest I can have a meeting is June 25th which leaves us with exactly one week for preparation ... What about June 25th at 7 p.m. at 491 Deanview Drive?

Remember, I am the person who has not yet deposited your membership checks from May ...

MEMO BOARD UPDATE

We are still saving for a friendly neighborhood sign to attach below the memo board or to post on Wellesley/View Place (located near the lovely landscaped area around the Bell Box). If any of you creative types have ideas for quirky "slogans" incorporating safety and friendliness, please write me at viewplacenews@yahoo.com. There might be a "gift card" in your future if yours is selected...

If any neighbor would like to donate flat landscaping (limestone...) rocks or red bricks bring them up to Memo Board anytime. Eventually, we'll be placing them around the memo board. I have the landscaping cloth/mulch all ready to go, I just need something to create a path/drainage for the area around the memo board.

What else is new?

I have a new neighbor at 481 Deanview and WOW! What they are doing to that house is ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS! The former owneers, Leroy and Janice, moved out about year and half ago after they learned Janice had cancer and needed care. Janice, who passed away in December, would be very happy to know someone is caring for her home. A few year back, when she was well, she told me that she hoped a young couple would "buy it and take over" because the house was getting too big for her and Leroy.

A big thanks to Sandra Merusi, Bob Dean, Fred Lippincott for stopping over to say "hello" to the new young couple, Ryan and Amy. Mrs. Merusi used her network to track down for the couple the home's architect-- Denny Mahan.

FREE PICK UP SERVICE!!!!!

HERE'S A MESSAGE FROM ONE OF OUR GOOD NEIGHBORS REMINDING US ABOUT PILING UP CUT LIMBS, BRANCHES, HEDGES, ETC. IN THEIR BACK OR SIDE YARDS!!! CAL 522 1410 AND ASK FOR PICK UP SERVICE!



"I am really tired of seeing my neighbors pile up their cut limbs, branches, hedges, etc in their back/side yards. Can we add a notice to the website (and I will be glad to make a poster about it for the bulletin board) about the absolutely FREE pickup service by the Township. In many cases all they have to do is haul it to the front yard instead of the back yard and make a phone call. Or Rumpke will pick up the stuff too if it is bundled to fit in their truck--at no more charge than they already pay. If I can drag my stuff to the street from where I live, so can they!"

VPCA President Speaks: It's Time to Pick Your Neighbor!

Have you seen the that gorgeous home on Beechtree that's set back from the road? It has the gazebo in back with a VERY private back yard? I hear through the grapevine that an open house is planned this Sunday, Memorial Weekend, from 1 - 3 p.m.

Why don't you stop by to say hello to any "lookers" and talk up the neighborhood? This is a very good way to stay involved in the neighborhood community by talking up our good name. And hey, know any newlyweds or family looking for a good investment? Invite them to come look at it ... We'd love to have your family move back home here in View Place.

Memorial Weekend is coming up and I'm looking for mini military flags to put in the flower boxes... any ideas???

Springfield Sandy's Survey Results ... Part I

Part I.

Do you own or rent your home?
Own (157 respondants)
Rent ( 2 respondants)
Total 159

Please indicate the age category you fall into:
18 to 25 (2)
26 to 35 (15)
36 to 45 (17)
46 to 55 (33)
56 to 65 (37)
66 or older (57)

What is your gender?
Male (79)
Female (76)
Total

How long have you lived in Springfield Township?
Years
Average number of responses received
26 year


Overall, how satisfied are you with living in Springfield Township?
Very Satisfied (54)
Satisfied (88)
Dissatisfied (14)
Very Dissatisfied (1)
In general, how satisfied are you with each of the following services?

Police:
Very Satisfied (70)
Satisfied (72)
Dissatisfied (5)
Very Dissatisfied (5)
No Opinion (12)
Total
Fire/Emergency Medical
Very Satisfied (84)
Satisfied (58)
Dissatisfied(0)
No Opinion (17)

Road
Very Satisfied54
Satisfied 81
Dissatisfied19
Very Dissatisfied 2
No Opinion 3

Brush/Leaf Pick-Up
43
57
12
5
42

Parks
57
66
8
3
23

Senior Programs
14
30
5
0
108
157

Zoning
16
51
15
11
64


Based on importance to you, please rank in order the three most important Township services listed below.

Ranked Number Uno
Police 97
Fire 37
Road 7
Brush/Leaf 0
Parks 1
Senior Prog.
Zoning 0
Total

Ranked #2
40
89
1
1
1
0
4
136
Ranked #3
3
6
75
7
18
4
24
137
11
Given the fact that approximately 24% of your tax bill goes to Springfield Township, how satisfied are you with the value you get for the 24% you provide to fund the Township Services?
Very Satisfied 28
Satisfied 101
Dissatisfied 20
Very Dissatisfied 5

How likely would you be to support a tax levy if it improved or increased the Township services listed below?

For Police:
Very Likely 33
Likely 54
Not Likely 67

Fire/Emergency Medical
Very Likely 31
Likely 56
Not likely 68

Road
Very likely15
Likely 49
Not likely 87

Parks
Very likely 16
Likely 38
Not likely 94

How likely would you be to support a tax levy that would enable the Township to provide high-speed wireless internet service and provide waste and recycling pickup if residents increase in taxes was less than the cost you currently pay for those services?
54 Very Likely
52 Likely
47 Not Likely

When you think about the information you receive concerning Township news, meetings, and events, from what source do you typically receive this information?
Local Newspaper
72 Public Access
16 Newsletter
136 W ebsite
Other 14

How would you rate the Township’s ability to communicate with residents?
23 Excellent
81 Good
40 Average
12 Below Avg.
1 Poor

Will you be attending the Neighborhood Grill-Out?
Yes
175

RESULTS
Surveys
Sent
626
Received
162

Neighborhood Meeting Notes ... May 10th

Springfield Township Neighborhood Meeting
View Place & Parkview Heights
5/10/06

Township representatives:
Mike Hinnenkamp, Chris Gilbert, Sandy Haner, Police Chief Dave Heimpold, Asst. Police Chief Rob Browder, Fire Chief Rob Leininger, John Musselman
Trustees McFarlin, Honerlaw, & Bryan; Clerk John Waksmundski

Residents: about 150, only about 5-10 from Parkview Heights, rest View Place

Complaints/Comments/Questions
Nuisance residents & poor property maintenance in rental housing
Investors buying up houses?
Section 8 vouchers are good anywhere in US of owner is willing. Owner subject to additional inspections.
Section 8 % in township is not more than most other places. 14,000 residents in Township; about 960 are Section 8 (7%). 25% if Galbraith Pte. is on rent subsidy (not Section 8).
Issue is usually not property maintenance with Section 8, but residents (Chief Heimpold)
Wish for more active monitoring of property maintenance violations on regular basis.
Township did an A-B-C-D rating of housing overall when property maintenance implemented.
You have to report to Township for them to do something. Telephone or website report.
Fear of retaliation. Can remain anonymous.
69 nuisance resolutions at yesterday’s Township meeting
Nuisance complaints take month minimum because of state law.
What about internet service & recycling mentioned on questionnaire?
Internet may be possible at perhaps $20/month
Recycling probably won’t work at any significant savings
St. X traffic in the morning is a big headache
Increased use of North Bend if close I-75 exits?
Parks
Paul property est. $3-5 M to develop into fields by Ham. Co. Parks. Even cooperative effort is probably not enough.
No money!

Submitted by VPCA Secretary

Neighborhood Meeting Notes ... May 10th

Springfield Township Neighborhood Meeting
View Place & Parkview Heights
5/10/06

Township representatives:
Mike Hinnenkamp, Chris Gilbert, Sandy Haner, Police Chief Dave Heimpold, Asst. Police Chief Rob Browder, Fire Chief Rob Leininger, John Musselman
Trustees McFarlin, Honerlaw, & Bryan; Clerk John Waksmundski

Residents: about 150, only about 5-10 from Parkview Heights, rest View Place

Complaints/Comments/Questions
Nuisance residents & poor property maintenance in rental housing
Investors buying up houses?
Section 8 vouchers are good anywhere in US of owner is willing. Owner subject to additional inspections.
Section 8 % in township is not more than most other places. 14,000 residents in Township; about 960 are Section 8 (7%). 25% if Galbraith Pte. is on rent subsidy (not Section 8).
Issue is usually not property maintenance with Section 8, but residents (Chief Heimpold)
Wish for more active monitoring of property maintenance violations on regular basis.
Township did an A-B-C-D rating of housing overall when property maintenance implemented.
You have to report to Township for them to do something. Telephone or website report.
Fear of retaliation. Can remain anonymous.
69 nuisance resolutions at yesterday’s Township meeting
Nuisance complaints take month minimum because of state law.
What about internet service & recycling mentioned on questionnaire?
Internet may be possible at perhaps $20/month
Recycling probably won’t work at any significant savings
St. X traffic in the morning is a big headache
Increased use of North Bend if close I-75 exits?
Parks
Paul property est. $3-5 M to develop into fields by Ham. Co. Parks. Even cooperative effort is probably not enough.
No money!

Submitted by VPCA Secretary

VPCA President Speaks on Issues from May 10th Meeting at Hummer Park

It is vital that VPCA neighbors, all VPCA neighbors, report nuisances, eyesores, and anything else that reflects poorly in our neighborhood. The Township cannot assist us in anyway unless they are notified.

If there is an issue that has not been properly addressed after taking steps to contact the Township, then be assured that the neighborhood will back you up as long as it is a legitimate issue. Remember, the Township meetings located at the Meeting House on Winton Road are held the second Tuesday at 6:30. After the business report, anyone with a gripe, complaint, or issue can go before the Trustees.

Remember:

We cannot control how fast somebody drives or whether they use the Stop signs. We can notify the police when we see people going over the speed limit or not stopping at the signs.

All people should feel welcome in our neighborhood and we cannot make assumptions about our neighbors or their children. Sometimes our neighbors or their children make bad choices. When this happens, we need to band together and address the issue or use the Township to mediate. Sometimes a simple call to your neighbor can resolve an issue. Don't make assumptions about your neighbors that they don't care.

Everyone should feel safe to go to Graeters or Krogers. It is a very sad mistaken assumption that what happens here doesn't happen in places like Kings Mills, West Chester and Milford. We just don't hear about it.

My sister-in-law, for example, who lives in an upscale neighborhood has had her car keyed, her neighbors' houses and cars spray painted with graffiti, a few of her neighbor cats skinned alive or torched, and neighborhood kids arrested for drugs and drunk driving.

Elsewhere in these outlining communities, drunk drivers are killing innocent people, banks are being robbed, and people are murdered in their homes. We don't hear about it because we don't read the community papers from these communities, do we? What we see on the news is bias mis- representation of the city. They want to make things sound "newsy" to sell papers. People thrive on this kind of garbage.

One fallacy is that when we think we are moving away from a "problem," the problem goes away. But really, problems are really a result from people failing to act or respond proactively.

We can't fix a problem but we can resolve issues.

This is why we have VPCA.

E-mail me at viewplacenews@yahoo for any questions or concerns or comments.






The Township Police are VERY, VERY good about keeping things anonymous! Besides, people who are offenders usually don't pay attention to details like we think.

2006 Hamilton Fairfield Relay For Life...

Here's information submitted by good neighbor Mr. Joseph Burst at 7343 Commonwealth Drive:


POWER OF PURPLE RELAY FOR LIFE
18-hour walking event that raises funds to fight cancer. During the event, a special luminary ceremony is held to recognize cancer survivors, and to honor those we have lost to disease.
JUNE 10-11, 2006
2 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Fairfield Football Stadium


Double click here for more information and forms:

alice.fisher@cancer.org

News from Christa Criddle ....

Just a note about gearing up for articles in our Summer edition of "Grapevine" newsletter. Please send your comments, articles, and information to Christa Criddle at christa.criddle@fuse.net.

Please give her big thank you for doing the Easter Egg Hunt this year, again. She did a terrific job as always and we very much appreciate the time she spends organizing the event. With everything else she has on her plate, we are so lucky she is giving of her time!

Just in from the Ohio Department of Health ....

Greetings!

The second annual 2006 Healthy Ohioans Fitness Walk is just around the corner! Wednesday, May 17th in communities all across the state, Ohioans will walk one mile for better health. Healthy Ohioans, in conjunction with the Governor’s Advisory Council on Physical Fitness, Wellness and Sports, is encouraging individuals, schools, communities, businesses and civic organizations to walk one mile at 12:00 Noon that day in recognition of National Employee Health and Fitness Day.

If Noon is not convenient, any time the week of May 14 – 20 is suggested. To register, go to www.healthyohioans.org And, don’t forget to re-visit the website after your walk to report the number of walkers and miles walked because this year, we’ll have a random drawing of those registered and reporting their results. Fifteen lucky groups will each receive 100 Healthy Ohioans pedometers! Remember, small steps lead to big strides in becoming a Healthier Ohioan!


Janet Phillips
Ohio Department of Health
Janet.Phillips@odh.ohio.gov

Springfield Township Meeting 5/06

Springfield Township invited a Hamilton County Health Department staff to talk about "Pandemic Influenza" information & strategies. For details, contact the Hamilton County Health Department at http://hamiltoncountyhealth.org and click on article. The police, fire, and EMT have all been trained for prevention/intervention in the event this bird virus hits the heartland. As for the "epidemic" part of the presentation, let's just say we'll probably read about it happening elsewhere in the US if it hits here. The vaccines are not ready and won't be ready for at least 6-9 months. Ms. McFarland asked about "symptoms" specific to this flu, which I thought was a very good question. Unfortunately, the representative could not respond but pointed to the website for further information.

More on this later. Mr. James Wright, our school board representative, former VPCA Pres, and neighbor, took notes for the rest of the meeting since I had to scoot out at 7:30 p.m. to get my babysitter home on time. He's a much better note-taker than me, so I'll wait for his notes through e-mail.

Speaking of birds, did anybody see the Baltimore Orioles in town last week? The bright orange/black birds were migrating overhead and stopped in our neighborhood. I counted 5 perched high up in the oldest/tallest trees in my backyard.

Every May, for the last 12 years, I've been watching them fly through Cincinnati. They are very, very reliant on the tallest trees here in the Ohio River Valley area. They are flying northeast...

They are beatiful to watch... but only briefly ... because they move on...
More to come ...

Submitted by our neighbor on Deanview Drive ...

Kathy Edelen will present "The Truth About Bats" at the Audubon meeting at Winton Center at 7:30PM on Monday, May 15th. Winton Center is just west of the stop light on Winton Rd. just north of the lake in Winton Woods County Park. Admission is free. Kathy worked at the Cincinnati Zoo for 5 years including stints in the Nocturnal House, She has been a naturalist with the Hamilton County Park District for 4 years. In 2004 she founded a group called Echo Bats for Kids. A recent mother, Kathy is the wife of zoo bird keeper Chris Edelen. Please come and hear Kathy.

If you can't walk, then carpool to Hummer Park on Wednesday!

Here's another suggestion: Do you have a new neighbor next door or down the street or have an old friend in the neighborhood. Give them a call or drop over to see if they want to carpool to the meeting.

The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.

Special Thanks to .... (Revised 5//10/06)

I'd like to extend a very special thank you to Mr. Shubert for installing 7 brand new flower boxes around the neighborhood. Mr. Bob Dean and Greg from the Township put up 4 ... THANK YOU!

Our good neighbors at Georgetown and Wellesley are working on installing a new post at the corner there thanks to Hasler Lumber on Blossomhill. We are ten down, and two to go.

A special thanks to Dave Hasler for helping me stain the flower boxes. He had an assembly line going and we finished in no time.

I also want to thank personally Pat Kraemer, her daughter, and Roxanne Engel for putting up with my indecisiveness. When I purchased the lettering for the memo board, I was very positive about my choice in style. Both Pat and Roxanne came to the rescue and painted the lettering. It was tedious and time consuming. When I put the lettering up this past week, I realized I made a terrible choice in style and replaced it with the letters on display now.

I owe a major apology to all three woman for their time and effort. I really appreciate that you stepped up to the plate to help me with this project. We will be using this unused lettering for a future project when we can find somebody to make us a nice wooden sign at the corner of View Place and Wellesley to hide the Bell box eyesore.

It is my hope that all the flower boxes will be ready by Mother's Day. If you have an empty flower box in front of your house, please call me at the number listed on the memo board. To the good neighbor who put the Lantana in the box at VP and Wellesely, when we put the new flower box on we will carefully transfer your flowers. Thank you whoever you are!

And I think Mrs. Rizzi and crew are working on the boxes at Blossomhill and Shelley. Thanks to all of you!

Hope to see you all at Hummer Park on Wednesday. I'm sure at least one of my kids will have something going on this evening like many of you... but I will try my best to be there. I know you will, too!

Donna on Deanview...

TO VIEWPLACE PARENTS: DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR CHILDREN ARE AT 7:45 P.M.?

At least one parent did not know that on Tuesday, May 2 at approx. 7:45 p.m. their darlings were vandalizing yards/homes on Viewplace, Wellesley, Blossomhill and Shelley.

I don't know the details but it appears that two of our neighborhood kids had nothing better to do on Tuesday except for using homes and yards for target practice. Neighbors heard a potato "gun" going off and tried to go after the kids running down the street. I heard through the grapevine they have a good description of the boys.

Also heard through the grape vine, in case any of you parents reading this are wondering what happened to the oranges you bought for school lunches, I hope you give the township police a call. It appears your boys may be in for a few years of "hard labor" like cutting grass, house painting, and cleaning kitty litter trays to pay for the damage.

The neighbors who were victimized are also in need of an apology. Big Time!

Welcome May Members!

Alicia & Harry at Georgetown
Mark & Barb on Georgetown
Thiemann & Ohr renewed after re-joining in October! THANKS!!!
Dick & Nola on Deanview
Mary & Art on Keats at the top of the hill renewed, too! Thanks!
Dave & Elizabeth at Blossomhill
Joseph on Commonwealth
Jen and Chris on View Place -- newer neighbors -- welcome!!!
Phillip and Barb on View Place!
Anne on Deanview -- another new neighbor but not new to Finneytown
Donna & Thomas on Shelley Lane
Hesse's on View Place
Hester's on View Place
Duffy's on Deanview
Debby and Tom on View Place
Richard and Mary on View place

*77 May Save Your Life! Posted by View Place Neighbor on Keats ...

YOU MUST KNOW *77

I knew about the red light on cars, but not the *77.

It was about 1:00 p.m. in the afternoon, and Lauren was driving to visit a friend.

An UNMARKED police car pulled up behind her and put his lights on.

Lauren's parents have always told them never o pull over for an unmarked car on the side of the road, but rather to wait until they get to a gas station, etc.

Lauren had actually listened to her parents advice, and promptly called *77 on her cell phone to tell the police dispatcher that she would not pull overright away. She proceeded to tell the dispatcher that there was an unmarked police car with a flashing red light on his rooftop behind her!

The dispatcher checked to see if there were police cars where she was located and there weren't, and he told her to keep driving, remain calm and that he had back up already on the way.

Ten minutes later 4 cop cars surrounded her and the unmarked car behind her. One policeman went to her side and the others surrounded the car behind. They pulled the guy from the car and tackled him to the ground. The man was a convicted rapist and wanted for other crimes.

I never knew about the *77 Cell Phone Feature, but especially for a woman alone in a car, you should not pull over for an unmarked car.

Apparently police have to respect your right to keep going to a safe & quiet; place. You obviously need to make some signals that you acknowledge them (i.e. put on your hazardlights) or call *77 like Lauren did.

Too bad the cell phone companies don't generally give you this little bit of wonderful information.

Speaking to a service representative at **Bell** Mobility confirmedthat *77 was a direct link to state trooper info. So, now it's your turn to let your friends know about *77.

Send this to every woman (and person) you know; it may save a life.

Please send a Thank You ...

If any of you have a moment, please drop a letter to the following individuals for helping stain and install the flower boxes. We are 7 down and 4 to go ...


Mr. Bob Dean
498 Deanview Drive

Mr. Robert Schubart
462 Beechtree

Mr. Dave Hasler
528 Blossomhill

Mr. Dick Godfrey
480 Deanview Drive

And don't forget Greg R. who went above and beyond the call of duty by responding so quickly to our needs here in View Place ... He helped Bob and Dick move the address plates to fit the boxes on the poles at View Place & Beechtree and Keats & Brucehills. Write his supervisor, John Musselman: Springfield Township Service Dept., 752 Compton Road, 45231

http://www.springfieldtwp.org/

Statistics on Membership 10/05-04/06

Beechtree 43 residents - 23 paid memberships
Blossomhill 18 residents - 6 paid memberships
Brucehills 14 residents - 3 paid memberships
Caldwell 1 resident - 0
Christmas 5 residents - 2 paid memberships
Colorama 4 residents - 1 paid memberhips
Commonwealth 24 residents - 12 memberships
Deanview 20 residents - 10 paid memberships
Georgetown 5 residents - 3 paid memberships
Ipswich - 10 residents - 6 paid memberships
Keats 6 residents - 2 paid memberships
Northbend 12 residents - 1 paid membership
Pinebrook - 5 residents - 1 paid membership
Shelley 8 residents - 4 paid memberships
View Place 61 residents - 22 paid memberships
Wellesley 41 residents - 13 paid memberships

A Public Service Announcement from a View Place Neighbor

Cincinnati is the site of one of the national gatherings to provide congress with grassroots input on our health care status, and by law they have to listen!!!

We can make a difference.

April 29

CINCINNATI HEALTH CARE COMMUNITY MEETING
Presented by the Citizens' Health Care Working Group

Residents of the Greater Cincinnati area will have the opportunityto lend their opinions, experiences, and insights to the national discussion on health care at the upcoming Cincinnati Health Care Community Meeting.

This community meeting is one of approximately 35 community meetingsbeing held by the Citizens' Health Care Working Group> to get input from citizens about how to make health care work for all Americans. The President and Congress are required by law to respond to the> recommendations that are generated.

Participants at the Cincinnati meeting will engage in small-group discussions of about 10 people led by a facilitator and will vote anonymously using electronic keypads on key themes that arise from across the small group discussions

WHEN: Saturday, April 29, 2006
Participant check-in: 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m
Program: 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

ADMISSION: Free but registration is strongly recommended
WHERE: Cinergy Center 525 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH
REGISTRATION:

Online: www.citizenshealthcare.gov
<http://www.citizenshealthcare.gov

SERVICES: Free parking, continental breakfast, lunch, and beverages will be provided free of charge to all participants.

Child Care: We will offer limited child care on site--free of charge to registered participants for children out of diapers between the ages of 3 and10.

Transportation: We will also offer free bus transportation to and from the Cinergy Center to registered participants> from a limited number of convenient pick-up locations throughout the region (to be determined.)

The focus of the discussion in Cincinnati will be similar to discussions hosted by the Working Group across America:

* What health care benefits and services should be provided?
* How does the American public want health care delivered?
* How should health care coverage be financed?
* What trade-offs are the American public willing to make in either benefits or financing?

The Citizens' Health Care Working Group is a nonpartisan group authorized by the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003. The group consists of 14 citizens from diverse backgrounds and from> across the country, in addition to Secretary of Health and Human Services Michael O. Leavitt.

For more information about the Citizens' Health Care Working Group, visit: www.citizenshealthcare.gov
http://www.citizenshealthcare.gov

Additional Notes from Township Meeting in April

Additional Notes from Township Meeting in April

Fire Department Report
Firefighters will be out in community servicing fire hydrants. This is done in spring as well fall.
They will purchase another ambulance in the near future.

Police Department Report
Up coming events in the near future are Car Shows, 5 K run, Various Contests and Parade.
Office will patrol the Brentwood Plaza on regular basis.
Meet with members in Columbus regarding I-75 left lane closings. ODOT had various plans none excluded closings of left lanes.

THANK YOU TO NEIGHBORS RENEWING IN APRIL!

Sophie and Frank
Mark and Barbara
Rhonda and Joe
Barb and Bob
DE Lewis
Carol
Earl & Joyce
Louis & Sally
Robert & Robin
Mary & Frederick

The New Flower Boxes are Here!!!!

The new flower boxes have arrived and are ready for stain and installation ... write me at viewplacenews@yahoo.com to let me know if you can help and what your availability is ... Thanks!

News from Springfield Township Trustees ...

News from Sandy, Springfield Township:

Within the next few weeks, Springfield Township will be sending out a community "customer-service" survey to identify how we can be better served back here in View Place. Once the results are tabulated and ready to share, we will be invited to a "community-picnic" at Hummer Park on May 10th at 6:30 p.m. for discussion and hotdogs.

This is very good new for View Place and other neighborhoods in Springfield Township. Look for the survey coming soon to your mailboxes...

Great American Clean Up ...

Sue Hummer e-mailed me to remind me to post this ... sorry it's so late ...


Just a reminder about the Great American (Great Finneytown!) Clean
Up tomorrow (Saturday, April 22) from 9 am to Noon.

Volunteer registration begins at 8:30 am at the Sentior/Community Center where you will get b-fast, t-shirt, gloves and bags.

Pizza & sodas will be served at Noon.

As has been our custom, the FCA will do the Winton/Galbraith Road Intersection back to approximately 1,000 feet and the ramps to Cross County Highway. Melanie agreed to have reflector vests for those of >us doing the ramps. Based on my visual this week and past experience, If we have 8 persons on both tasks it will take about 2 to 3 hours max. Then if at least 5 of us can take a border street & Hemstead to do a quick snipe sign raid, we should be in great shape.

Remember, this event is rain or shine.
See you tomorrow

Robin

Bald Eagles of the Great Lakes

Message from our good neighbor, Mr. Beach ...

Cheryl Dykstra, PhD from Univ. of Wis. and raptor wildlife biologist will present "Bald Eagles of the Great Lakes" at 7:30 PM at Winton Center at the Audubon Meeting.

Cheryl also worked for US Fish and Wildlife and the US EPA before becoming a free lance consultant on raptor research and wildlife biology and ecology. She has also been doing research on red shouldered hawks.

We invite you to attend this free presentation. Winton Center is just west of the stop light on Winton Rd. just north of the lake in Winton Woods. Hope you can make it. Allan B. Beach, Program Chairman, Audubon Society of Ohio

SLOW DOWN: WHAT IS MORE PRECIOUS THAN TIME AND LIFE?

HERE'S SOME VERY BAD NEWS FROM A VERY GOOD NEIGHBOR ...

I would like to know if you could put an appeal to View Place residents regarding the speed of their vehicles when going up and down View Place Drive.

Another animal (PET) was killed Friday morning. Please use caution. Having been a resident for over 20 years it is getting worst.

I don't think our fellow residents would like it if View Place residents came to their dead end street and sped in speeds over 50-60 miles an hour.

Slow down people!!!! Please.


Editor's note: Change is good; but this kind of change is not. Be civil, be kind, and be considerate when driving through our neighborhood. We want people to feel safe here. What is the rush anyway? What is more precious than time and life?

Public Service Announcement Only

Submitted by View Place neighbor ...

House to Vote on Budget that is Bad for Children

Take Action!
Call Congress Toll-Free NOW!

The House of Representatives will vote on the federal budget for fiscal year 2007 tomorrow morning, Friday, April 7.

The House budget resolution severely underfunds discretionary spending for essential education and health services for children and poor and working-class families in communities nationwide. If passed, this budget would have a detrimental impact on millions of Americans for years to come.Your Representative needs to hear from you! Call your Representative toll-free at 1-800-459-1887 and tell him or her that children matter. Tell your representative that* Adequate funding for education and child welfare programs is essential to the economic prosperity of our country.* If we are serious about keeping America competitive, we must be equally serious about our support of education and child welfare programs. Investing in America’s children is an investment in both the current and future economic well-being of our nation.* Urge him or her to vote for adoption of any amendments offered on the floor of the House that will increase education funding.* Vote NO on the budget resolution unless significant increases in education funding are made. Congress must adopt a budget resolution that will strengthen our nation’s commitment to our children and families.

Call now! You can reach your representative through the House switchboard toll-free at 1-800-459-1887. After you've called, write your representative too! We've provided a letter for you that you can customize.

Just click on Take Action

Regarding Chevis Jackson's Family

Sent: Thursday, April 06, 2006 10:54 AM
Subject: Chevis Jackson Bank Account

There has been an account established at the Brentwood Key Bank for the Jackson family to assist in funeral expenses. Could you please pass this information on? I spoke with Alison Stacey this morning and she is going to send it out to the Booster distribution list.

Thanks.
Kimberly Payne

I-75 Galbraith Road Exit Closure Info.

Submitted by Melanie Allen, View Place resident

MEMO TO THOSE AFFECTED BY THE I-75 GALBRAITH ROAD EXIT CLOSURE PLANS

This memo encourages individuals and businesses to actively speak up before the decision is made to close off the Galbraith Road I-75 ramps. Three alternative plans of the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) I-75 project "Through the Valley" would close these ramps. Wyoming City Council, working closely with Springfield Twp., Hamilton County Commissioners, Reading and many other communities and groups has been actively opposing these changes. ODOT plans to make its final decision soon after the last public comments, July 19, 1-7, Sharonville Convention Center. Once the decision is made by ODOT, funds will be sought in 2007; engineering done in 2007-8; then in 2009 construction will begin and the permanent closures will occur.

Unanimous (repeat, a word rarely heard, unanimous) objections to the closure have been expressed by all (repeat all) political jurisdictions around the exits and by all major employers in the area (UC, Patheon, Drake, McCluskey) and all realtors and all community groups (Hartwell, Carthage etc.). If the effort is not successful, Springfield Twp. will be affected by the large flow of traffic down one-lane eastbound Galbraith exit off Reagan Highway; Winton Road businesses would be impacted by the indirect change in traffic flows and backups at exits serving Galbraith; the Valleydale area will be much more isolated than it is now; and the tax base of businesses in the Springfield Twp. area of the Vine St. corridor will be diminished.

I have grave concerns based on my meetings in Columbus and elsewhere that this closure cannot be stopped without 4 key actions –
Businesses and residents should write to Gordon Proctor, Ohio Dept. Transportation, 1980 W. Broad St., Columbus 43233, urging ODOT not to close the Galbraith exits; and copies should be sent to Wyoming City Manager, 800 Oak St., Wyoming 45215 for gathering into our mass presentation.
State Sen. Patty Clancey and State Rep. Jim Raussen, and any others who are known to your businesses and residents, should also hear of your desire to keep open the Galbraith exits (each at State House, Columbus OH 45215).

Please come to the Monday April 17 7:30 pm meeting at Wyoming Civic Center, Springfield Pike at Worthington Ave. to see our "best case" and hear ODOT present its reasons for the closures.
Every possible effort should be made for extraordinary turnout of opponents on Wed., July 19, 1-7 pm at Sharonville Convention Center.

Once the closures occur, the deed is done and the state’s engineers will not change it. So our efforts now, and with legislators on funding decisions, need to be vigorous and sustained. Thanks for doing your part to help this large group effort.

FLOWER BOXES

The township is removing our old street signs/post and adding them to the top of the stop signs. Right now, I have an e-mail into Mike H. about what our options so we can keep the flower boxes. I'll keep everyone "posted" on this ...

Neighborhood Updates: Street Captains and Help Wanted!

Street Captain Meeting for 2006 Neighborhood Directory, Saturday, APRIL 1st, 3 to 4 p.m. at Donna's 491 Deanview Drive. If you cannot attend, please let me know through e mail only ... Still looking for more street captains for View Place, Beechtree, and Wellesley.

Help Wanted: Experienced person for VPCA's "work crew" for stripping, repairing, and painting flower boxes on Friday, April 7th, from 9 to noon; lunch at Paneras afterward... Bring whatever you have laying around in your workshop ... rags, scrapers, hammers, nails, etc. Please RSVP to me (Donna) on this one.

Plans for Easter Hunt underway; look for announcement at Memo Board

Information about I-75 Closures

From neighbor Melanie Allen - Community Outreach - Voter Education & Training CoordinatorHamilton County Board of Elections
824 BroadwayCincinnati, Ohio
45202513 / 632-7030
(Office) 513 / 632-7076 (Fax:)
Melanie.Allen@hamilton-co.org


Wyoming - Effect of I-75 Closures

Friends, this is a "heads up" which I hope you will> share with your> neighbors. > > Last night Wyoming Council voted unanimously to> support my motion to oppose> the ODOT planned closure of the Galbraith Road I-75> exits which many of us> use in our commutes or leisure driving. The issue is> one I have been> bringing to council, as the rep to OKI, and it now> faces us as an imminent> prospect. (More details are on the city website,> wyoming.oh.us)> > I write to encourage you and neighbors to attend> next Monday's special> meeting at the city council chambers at 7 pm. We are> launching a coordinated> grass roots effort to keep Galbraith accessible and> we frankly need the> skills of wide variety of our residents. > > Ask your neighbor, if I-75 access were cut off,> would your home be worth as> much to new buyers?> > The agenda that I have proposed to the city council> follows.> > WYOMING COMMUNITY> AD HOC TASK FORCE> ON INTERSTATE ACCESS ISSUES> Jim O'Reilly, Councilmember joreilly@fuse.net> > Council committed on Feb. 21 to actively oppose> closure of I-75 Galbraith> ramps and to consider other impacts of the "Through> the Valley" project.> Building on Mayor Savage's 3-part program, let us> enlist community members> to help with each of the three areas of work to be> done in the next 7 weeks> before the April ODOT Wyoming meeting. > > POLITICAL> > A. Easiest sell to a politician: "Just let it be as> it is."> B. Politics must be driven by campaign fundraising> C. Candidates go where the money is, to fund their> TV needs ($80k/wk)> D. Wyoming residents are politically savvy and> involved "prime donors"> E. Leverage is greatest prior to gubernatorial> election, now>>11/7/06> F. Attract Strickland, Petro, Blackwell during SW> Ohio visits> G. Convince them to pledge "no change to Galbraith> exit" in their new> administration of Ohio Dept. Trans. (ODOT)> H. Once the Gov. is on record, bureaucrats can't> play usual games> I. Buttress this with Sen. Pat Clancey on Sen.> Transportation Com.> J. Enlist Raussen (not on relevant committees) for> additional help> > > BUREAUCRATIC> > A. Follow the flow of money> B. OKI done, now ODOT > TRAC > Budget > Build> C. Intercept the closure decision at ODOT if> possible: 4/06, 6/06> D. Make persuasive record to do no changes at> Galbraith> E. Convince TRAC (Chip Gerhardt) champion to> advocate for us> F. Persuade appropriators - Tom Raga, Lt Gov> candidate from Mason, is> vice chair of appropriations - to champion our> "least cost alternative" as a> net savings to the project> G. Get Alan Schreiber's advice as highest ranking> insider (commutes to> Ohio PUCO Chair from Reily Rd. home)> > TECHNICAL> > A. Traffic studies from OKI files> B. Meeting with ODOT Lebanon field office, Diana> Martin> C. Commuter patterns surveys> D. Use patterns - where do people drive and why?> E. Traffic engineer consultant report needed:> leaving Galb. Ramps open> will not ruin the I-75 project> > > Please forward this invitation to others in Wyoming.> Thanks for your> consideration. > > Jim O'Reilly> Councilmember> >

Report of Township Meeting 3/14/06

Notes were submitting by Finneytown Board of Education Officer and former VPCA President, James E. Wright




SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES
3/14/06


Police Chief Report: 120 applied and the top 20 will continue in the process i.e. interviews, physicals, and etc. The number of expect hire is not yet known.
I asked about data for problem areas and the Chief stated it was broken into zones. He would provide me with that data later.

Fire Chief Report: Kids Fire Academy will start some time in June. This project will focus on fire safety, 1st aid and environmental weather awareness.

Recreation Report: Great American Clean Up: Meet at Sr. building class rm. A 9158 Winton Rd. Registration begins at 8:30 am Clean up from 9:00 until noon. Food, drinks, T-shirts will be provided along with fun during and after project. Targeted areas will be Winton and Galbraith roads.

Contact numbers 513-522-1410

The web site is www.greatamericancleanup.org

Senior/Community Services: Medicare Matters question and answer period along with learning more about the program is scheduled 3/20/06 from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm at 9158 Winton Rd. contact numbers 1-800-648-1176 and 513-522-1154

Meet at Sr. building class rm. A 9158 Winton Rd. and take pictures with Easter Bunny April 9th 1:00 thru 3:00 pm


Administrator’s Report: Finneytown’s school resource officer agreement passed to get renewed.
Wyoming Council voted unanimously to support my motion to oppose the ODOT planned closure of the Galbraith Road I-75 exits which many of us use in our commutes or leisure driving.

Springfield Township Trustees are in agreement with the area communities and will send one or two representatives to attend a hearing regarding this matter 3/21/06 in Columbus.

Declaring a Nuisance: properties that are listed are declared as nuisances 7710 View Place Dr. 8405 Cottonwood Dr. 8413 Cottonwood Dr. 785 Finney Trail and 1027 North Bend Rd.

Energy Report: there are no guarantees that the prices will not be cheaper, however they should get cheaper in the long run.

New Ballot Issue: TELL amendment (Tax payers’ Bill of Rights) the context of this is that you will not be allowed to spend more that 3.5% of the monies allowed. This had a negative impact in Colorado on all levels; they are currently trying to amend it. Example is energy prices have risen more than 3.5% and in order for the budget amount change you have to get 50% of registered to say yes. We can not get 50% to come to the poles.

A Message From View Place Resident and Finneytown Current School Board Member

Submitted for posting from the Office of
James Wright, View Place Resident and Finneytown School Board Member:


FINNEYTOWN LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BLUE RIBBON FINANCE COMMITTEE

Tuesday, February 13, 2006

The following members were present: Chris Auffrey, Ben Lawrence, Kevin
Berlon, Randall Parsons, Dan Howett, James Wright, Kevin Holder, Dale
Miller, Barb Parry, Bob Earley and David Oliverio.

I would like to thank members of the Blue Ribbon committee for doing such a fantastic job monitoring the expenditures of the monies.

Keeping a good handle on the value of education as well as putting in perspective the amount of currency spent on our students is worth it.

Finneytown as compared to some of the other district we get more houses for our dollars as well several extra curricular activities.

Finneytown’s our property taxes repay rated 7th out of 23.

Winton Road Expansion Project: Mr. Lawrence reported on the Hamilton County's planned

Winton Road Expansion Project between Reynard and Fleming projected to begin next winter.

The committee chose May 1 at 7:00 pm as the date and time for its next meeting.

Mark reported on the Finance Committee meeting.


Finneytown Athletic Association Report

I was Unable to make meeting this past month. I will communicate with the President or Vice President and bring a report next month if I cannot attend the meeting in March.



LEGISLATIVE LIAISON REPORT

Governor delivers final State of the State address

Gov. BobTaft delivered his eighth State of the State address on Jan. 25, announcing his goals for the rest of his term and the remainder of the 126th General Assembly.

Taft discussed several topics, such as mortgage lending and workers’ compensation reforms, but primarily focused on education. He called for a more rigorous core curriculum requirement for high school graduation, beginning with the class of 2011. The "Ohio Core" plan would require all students to take:

four years of math (including Algebra II);
three years of science (including biology, chemistry and physics);
four years of English;
three years of social studies;
two years of foreign language.
He also proposed an expansion of the school breakfast and lunch program to serve an additional 120,000 children.

Passed by the House of Representatives the week of Jan. 23:

Board of education membership

House Bill (HB) 455, would allow employees of a city director of law to serve on a board of education for which the city director of law is not the legal adviser. It was favorably passed out of the House and now heads to the Senate.
School bullying bill

Substitute HB 276 requires:

each school board to adopt a policy prohibiting harassment, intimidation or bullying of any student on school property or at a school-sponsored activity;
the State Board of Education to develop a model policy prohibiting student harassment, intimidation or bullying;
the state auditor to determine whether a district has adopted an anti-harassment policy.
The bill also clarifies that that local policies may not infringe on First Amendment free speech rights. In addition, it authorizes school districts to form initiatives to prevent bullying, and requires districts to provide training and education on student harassment, intimidation or bullying, if funds are appropriated for that purpose.

OSBA Delegate Report

I have not received anything formally from them as of yet.

Secondary Campus Report
1)

Coach Effner's Comments
"Ron is a two-time NCAA qualifier, where he has won a match each year, and is one of our co-captains. He represents all of what is good about coaching and being a student athlete.
2004-05 - Junior Season
NCAA qualifier...finished third at 184 in the EWL Tournament
2003-04 - Sophomore Season
NCAA Championship qualifier at 184...finished third at 184 in the EWL Tournament
2002-03 - Freshman Season
Posted a 22-17 record, finishing second at the Slippery Rock Open

Personal

Born Jan. 7, 1984 in Hopewell, VA....son of Lisa and Ron Howard...has a sister, Destanee, and a brother, Jaime. Ron’s digital media and film are his majors.

2)
Please view Finneytown Website for up to date as well as past information on the latest News.
3) The dinner date for seniors is Friday, May 26th!

Beth Mizelle and Marty Mayer can give you more information regarding this event.


SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP MEETING REPORT

SPRINGFIELD Township’s web address is www.springfieldtwp.org

Kroger Building has been purchased by developer. The plans are not yet forth coming; however, the developer will notify the Township of said plans.

There are three or four properties that have been declared nuisances in the Finneytown Community. After this has been declared the owner will be notified and repairs made at owner’s expense by the Township.

The property south of Xavier School has permits for filling in the land. The area is zoned for residential.

SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP CHAMBER OF COMMERCE REPORT

I attended a luncheon were the Treasurer of the State was there to answer some questions.
Look to website for information regarding the financial condition of the state as well as programs that are available to help you.

The website address is www.tos.ohio.gov


I talked with some of the members on the STCC and Randy Parson’s regarding using the media package as a means of enhancing the district as well as business opportunities in the community.

STTC Website address is http://www.springfieldtwpchamber.org/

Thursday, May 12, 2006, 11:30 AM is the next meeting.Lunch: $5.00
RSVP to: Rhys Reynolds, 522-3885 rhys@howardreynoldsworks.com



Technology Committee Report
Nothing to report as of this date regarding Technology






VIEW PLACE REPORT

The VPCA currently have a website, the address is http://viewplacenews.blogspot.com

Congrats to Conner Doyl for making Eagle Scout.

VPCA have teamed up with the Springfield Township Police department to head of any potential crime.

Our thoughts and prayers are with The Hummer Family: Sue, Dan, Tom and Jeff

View Place Through the Ages

At the southern end of Springfield Township is a quiet residential community called the View Place Area. Its name was derived from View Place Drive which runs off North Bend Road and affords the only accessibility to the community.

The area encompasses one-half square mile and is comprised of 263 homes located on fifteen streets. The land is quite hilly with elevations ranging between 750 and 960 feet above sea level. It is basically located on a hillside overlooking Millcreek Valley to the east.

Early records indicate the land was once owned by Clara Ingersoll and Harold Anderson. In 1953 Ms. Ingersoll sold her portion of the area to Frank L. Jackson and Walter Tiemeyer who began dividing up the land into lots for houses. In 1963, Mr. Tiemeyer sold his protion to Morton Bruce. As the developers, Mr. Jackson and Mr. Bruce had the streets paved and the area surveyed so they could divide up the land into five areas known as Beacon Heights, Brookhill, Jill's Hill, Valley View Acres, and View Place Subdivisions.

In the beginning the area was not served by utilities. After building their homes, early residents banned together to form the View Place Civic Association and petitioned The Cincinnati Gas and Electric Company to install electric and gas service. Subsequently water mains and telephone lines were extended in the area. One of the early settlers who still resides in the area is Mrs. Arlene Norris. She and her husband built their home on Beechtree in 1955. Theirs was the fourth residence built in the area.

In 1959, St. Xavier High School was constructed at the corner of North Bend Road and View Place Drive. A sewer line was installed from the school to an interceptor adjacent to Galbraith Road. Any of the residents of View Place that were on the high side of the this new sewer line were invited to tap into it at that time. Some residents took advantage of this opportunity and made the connection.

in 1959, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Cushman purchased 12 acres of land and several houses at the north end of the area from Harold Anderson. Mr. Cushman owned a business in Reading and in his spare time he planted and cultivated a peony farm on this land. Each year thousands of blooms could be seen on this farm before they were cut and taken to market. After retiring, Mr. Cushman sold his property to the Covenant Apostolic Church. In 1980, the church-school building was constructed on this land.

In 1993 a section of Ronald Reagan Cross County Highway was constructed on the north end of the community after many years of delay. This construction required the demolition of 5 housed in the area with subsequent loss of one street and shortening of another. There is no access to this highway from this community.

The View Place Civic Association is very active in civic affairs and organizes a number of activities for adults plus parades and parties for children during the various holidays.

- Submitted by Art Badger

ReCap of December's Township Meeting

POLICE DEPARTMENT

On January 18, 2006, there will be a self defense program which requires reservations with the police department. It is being held in conjunction with the police adademy.

The police department did receive a grant in the amount of $30,000.00 for the DARE Program.

The police have been taking some flack for being stationed at Wellsley Drive stop sign. The complaints were "don't the police have better things to do than be stationed at this stop sign?"

SERVICE DEPARTMENT

Under the Service Department they will be picking up Christmas trees starting December 27 through Jan. 12. Just put the tree at the curb on either Tuesday or Thursday for pick-up.

There were a couple of complaints on the snow removal, but not from our area.

ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT

The annual organizational meeting will be held on December 29, 2005, at 8:00 a.m. at the township building.

The Energy Aggregation Update - An RFP will be published the second week of January '06.

The Board honored St. Xavier High School football team with a resolution that signs will be posted at four locations in the township stating that they were Division1 State Champions.

On January 11, 2006 at 4:30 p.m., there will be a zoning change hearing for three apartments to be placed on Caldwell Drive on top of the horse boarding barn (FYI).

I made a couple of comments to the Trustees for the excellent snow removal service, the Police Chief attending our last VPCA meeting and thanking Michael Hinnenkamp for his township update.

Very truly yours,


Bill Merusi

Thank You to VP Bill and Sondra!

For their contribution to the Flower Box Fund!

Welcome VCPA Members for January 2006

Retired Lt. Col. Probst and Linda!
Allan & Paula
Bob
James and Family
Steve and Bettie
Art & Mary - thanks, by the way! I understand that residents over 65 are exempt from paying dues. Your contribution and other contributions made by residents over 65 is greatly appreciated!!!


Special Note: Still haven't made it to the bank to deposit your checks from December... I'll to get up there by Jan. 14th.

Thanks for your patience!!