Homes for Sale - 420 Deanview Dr - Cincinnati, OH 45224 - John Durso

FIRST VP DIRECTORY CASUALTY...

Just so you know, both John and Helen Hunter are alive and well and living happily in View Place even if the directory omitted John from the street listing.

Bob and Sylvia Mersfelder have moved away but I did see signs of family life  in their gorgeous mid-century modern home.

Want To Volunteer Nov. 20 or Donate Something?

The Finneytown Elementary and Secondary PTA will once again be providing Thanksgiving turkeys along with baskets of food for families in the Finneytown area who are in need. Please bring in canned goods or other non-perishable items between Monday, November 12th and Monday, November 19th.  There will be collection boxes in each elementary classroom and secondary main offices.

Classrooms, families, businesses and relatives are invited to help us reach this goal.  The need is genuine and all donations will be greatly appreciated. Below are suggestions for contributions for each grade level to help get a variety of items. Please feel free to send in as much of any of the items that you possibly can.

Kindergarten: Peanut Butter, Jelly, Bottled Juice

1st grade: Boxed mashed potato flakes, Stuffing mix, Macaroni &Cheese

2nd grade: Canned fruit, Canned sweet potatoes, canned cranberry sauce

3rd grade: Canned vegetables and soup, Canned Pasta

4th grade: Canned meat (tuna, beef stew, etc.), Spaghetti and Sauce

5th grade: Cake mix; Frosting, Brownie mix, Corn Muffin and Cookie mix, Jello and pudding

6th grade: Hand soap, Tear-Free shampoo, Kitchen plastic garbage bags

Secondary: Liquid Laundry detergent, Toilet tissue, Kleenex (tissues)

*Also, if your family would like to donate a complete food basket, please contact Rob and Joanna Eberhardt at 520-3125 or pta@finkyblu.com to get details.

The need is great this year and our Finneytown families can rise to the occasion with an outpouring of selfless, generous giving to fill many baskets and touch hundreds of hearts.

And please join us in assembling and distributing the baskets on Tuesday, November 20^that the Secondary Campus.  Sign up atelempta.ivolunteer.com/service

Wishing you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Finneytown School News...

Have you been to the school's webpage?  Do you know that Dr. Alan Robertson is retiring as Superintendent?  This is the guy that who kept it all together for the school community undergoing change in just the past 3 years with new principals, superintendents, teachers, leaky roofs, and new school tests.  This is the guy that made our  excellent school rating possible with his leadership, passion, and dedication to the district.

We are sorry to see him go.

Try following this link www.finneytown.org to look at other announcements about the school.

NEIGHBORHOOD DIRECTORIES ARE HERE!

The new  directories are ready to be handed out to the neighborhood. If you can help distribute the directories or if somehow we missed you, please contact viewplacenews@yahoo.com.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD DIRECTORIES ARE READY!

AFTERPROM PARENTS NEED YOUR HELP

Dear Finneytown  Parents,  Family,  and Community Members,

We are writing for your support of our AFTER PROM White Elephant Sale on January 19th, 2013, from 6 pm until 9pm at the Xenos Community Center on Northbend Rd.   The White Elephant sale is a fun way to raise money for After Prom.  Your family can enjoy a night out of auction fun, with appetizers and dessert, beverages and good cheer.

Our committee is dedicated to making this experience enjoyable by highlighting and promoting area businesses. We would be thrilled to highlight your business through a donation of a product or service as a prize to be auctioned off. You will receive exposure in newsletters and on our Face book page for the event.   Your business participation will make a difference in our efforts to make this a success.  

Families cleaning out the closet or basement to make way for the new holiday items can donate too. Some of last year’s items that went up for auction included baked goods, gently used furniture; old framed art, and the services of a local painter and electrician!  We can take just about anything.  Volunteers will be contacted to bring a dish to the event for our dine and bid.

Drop off days are: October 24, November 14, and December 19 from 4pm until 7pm at the Secondary Campus under the awning in the front of the school, just drive up! We will accept items and services at other times as well; this is just in an effort to maximize our chances of getting some really great items and make money for our students to continue to have a safe, fun place to go After Prom!!

Please contact us if you have any questions.

Thank you,

After Prom Committee members

 Tara McMahan  532-6149   nefretemerson@hotmail.com

Richelle Gill 658-1672     richellelgill@gmail.com

FINNEYTOWN CIVIC ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER

Volume 29, Issue 2
September 2012
www.fcaontheweb.org
Up Front
E-News of the Finneytown Civic Association
“For the Betterment of Finneytown”
FCA Officers and Board of Trustees
President JOE GORMAN
Vice President JEFF DECILE
Recording Secretary CATHY ZIM

Springfield Twp. Job Opening...

Springfield Township, Hamilton County, OH seeks to hire part-time Building Monitors with the Senior/Community Center.  Position responsible for facilitating the operation of the Grove and Senior Center by opening the building, greeting guests and renters, monitoring halls and rooms to ensure proper use, setting up and breaking down events, and securing building after use. Successful applicant will be required to undergo a CVSA/Polygraph, interview, and reference/background check. Application available at www.springfieldtwp.org <http://www.springfieldtwp.org/>  or the Administration Building, 9150 Winton Road, weekdays between 8AM and 5PM. Deadline: November 16, 2012. Springfield Township is a drug free workplace and EOE. All applications are subject to open records law.

Calling all registered voters!

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR FINNEYTOWN LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT! VOTE YES THIS NOVEMBER SO WE CAN MAKE IMPROVEMENTS ON THE BUILDING AND MAKE IT SAFE FOR OUR CHILDREN!

The Finneytown Board of Education, on July 23, 2012, approved placing a15-year 1.98 mill bond issue on the ballot to raise $4.7 million for new construction, improvements, innovations and additions to school facilities and to provide equipment, furnishings and site improvements.

If passed, this bond issue will add $58.77 per year to the tax obligation of a property with a valuation of $100,000.  The bond issue is just one part of a larger comprehensive effort to fund all $8.3 million worth of facility improvements identified in the district’s recently updated 6 year capital improvement plan.  These improvements cover critical building systems that are essential to protecting and maintaining the community’s investment in

its schools. These improvements will keep our buildings warm, safe, dry and physically inviting to our students.  Specific improvements included in the bond issue.

• Critical maintenance and repairs:

Replace failing roofs at Brent, Whitaker, Secondary Campus, and the William R. Swartzel Performing Arts Center; replace aging and inefficient heating, ventilating and air conditioning units and their controls; replace faulty ductwork; repave deteriorating parking lots and driveways.

• Safety and security: Secure, upgrade and replace exterior doors; install electronic controls at all entry ways; install vestibule doors at Brent; possible traffic flow enhancements for Brent and Whitaker.

• Energy savings: Installation of high efficiency lighting, boilers and electronic controls; conversion of the Performing Arts Center from electric to less expensive natural gas for

heating and cooling.

• Learning environment improvements: Electrical power upgrades will support expanded use of technology by students at all sites; improved lighting and interior retrofits will improve the look and feel of classrooms and the Performing Arts Center.

It has been a primary goal of the district to make the district’s Capital Improvement Plan as affordable to taxpayers as possible.  While the bonds could be financed over a longer period of time, equal to the expected life of purchased assets, the district has chosen to finance the

project over a shorter 15 year life. The district is saving money with a lower interest rate and total interest payments, in the same way a homeowner can save money by entering into a 15 year mortgage instead of a 30 year mortgage.

Still Missing Grey Tabby Cat

Still looking for a skinny, long body light grey tabby cat.  Last seen by owner from Bruce Hills Drive. If found, please call 1-888-466-3242 Microchip 985121005480774.

Red Flag Warning for Springfield Twp. Issued by Fire Dept.

(June 29, 2012, Springfield Township - Hamilton County, OH) Due to the recent dry weather conditions in conjunction with high heat, the Hamilton County Fire Chief's Association issues this warning and recommendation. The National Weather Service has issued a RED FLAG WARNING, which urges citizens to not leave anything ignited outdoors where it could catch fire.

On Wednesday, the State of Ohio Fire Marshal issued this statement:
"Ohioans are being urged NOT to use backyard fireworks because of the high fire danger from extremely dry conditions, the risk of personal injury - specifically to young children - and the potential penalty for breaking Ohio's fireworks law."

"In 2011, 9,600 people were treated in emergency departments for firework-related injuries, an increase of 1,000 injuries over the previous year. An estimated 6,200 fireworks-related injuries, or 65 percent of people treated, occurred during the one-month period surrounding the Fourth of July Holiday."

With the upcoming 4th of July Holiday, all area fire chiefs have serious concern over the use of backyard fireworks. Often, they are ignited by inexperienced and unqualified individuals. This, in conjunction with the dry weather, and in some cases, the presence of alcohol, all potentially adds up to a dangerous equation. A grass fire can ignite easily and spread quickly in these conditions. The potential is very real, and the risks at this time are very high.

Additionally, the following recommendations are advised:

• Until the Red Flag Warning is lifted, discontinue the use of outdoor fireplaces, chimineas, and the like.
• When grilling, do so on a non-combustible surface, such as concrete. Do not grill on wooden decks or in the dry grass. Be sure to not leave grills unattended, and be certain flames are fully extinguished when complete.
• Do not ignite any backyard fireworks.
• If you have any questions, contact your local fire official within the jurisdiction where you reside.

It is our hope that we can all work together in order to have an enjoyable and safe holiday.

Message from a neighbor about emerald ash borer....

Suggesting we put a message on the blogspot that the emerald ash borer is in the neighborhood. It will affect the View Place neighborhood a great deal due to the high numbers of ash trees, especially in the western part of the area. People should know to look for damage, and that the time to save trees you want to save is now if you see damage on nearby trees but before you see a great deal of damage on ones you want to save. Back Tree service offers a proven system to save the trees.  Forest Lytle offers a treatment with less percentage of success but cheaper, may be appropriate for large stands where Back's method would be prohibitively expensive.

Community Night at the Y

Residents of Springfield Township are invited to the Powel Crosley Jr,. YMCA with FREE admission to the pool at 6:00 p.m. Several local businesses will host booths offering give-a-ways and cash and carry shopping! Plus, we will have games in the pool and gift bags for everyone in attendance! Leave dinner to the pros! Concessions and dinner items will be on sale at the pool.

*Children will be required to pass a swim test to swim without a parent in the pool.
Festivities will last 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Registration is NOT required.
Check the website for a raindate.

Cancelled! Springfield Twp.-Finneytown Booster's Community Garage Sale!

Save the Date for Springfield Township-Finneytown Booster's Community Garage Sale at Finneytown High School, Saturday, June 2nd, from 9 am to 1 pm.

They say that one man's trash is another man's treasure! So on Saturday, June 2nd it's a treasure hunt like no other! With 48 indoor individual booths and up to 100 outdoor booths, you're sure to find something great! Doors open to public at 9 am.  There will be no early birds.  Due to vendors setting up outdoors, cars will not permitted in the parking lot until 9 am.  Anything unsold may be donated to Goodwill.

Those interested may purchase a booth space ranging in price from $10-20 to sell their unneeded items. No sales of pets, vehicles, firearms,  is permitted on property.

Indoor booths (located in the Main Gym) 10 x 10 = $20 per booth w/48 spaces available.  Each indoor booth comes with (1) 8 ft. table and (2) chairs.

Outdoor booths 10 x 10 concrete area  cost $15 w/52 spaces available.

Outdoor Grassy Grove area behind Main Gym 10 x 30 cost $10 w/56 spaces available.

Rain or Shine. Canopy no larger than space allotted are permitted for shelter in the event of rain.  Finneytown Boosters shall not be liable for injury or loss and therefore held harmless from any claim whatsoeveer.

Set up time is Friday, June 1, from 4-7 pm or no earlier than 6 am day of Garage Sale.

Register  for booths through Finneytown Boosters, 8916 Fountainbleau Terrace, 45224. Or register at FHS during hours of 9- 3pm Mon.-Fri.

Refunds will not be issued for any reason except in the event  Booster's  cancels the event.

More ??? See Sherry Enderle or call her 403-5644. Anything that goes unsold maybe donated to Goodwill. Trucks will arrive immediately following the Garage Sale.  Concession stand will be hosted by Boosters offering Breakfast and Lunch! Sounds like fun!

Finneytown Civic Association April Newsletter

 Follow the link here to read the FCA Newletter for April.

Some of the highlights from the meeting were as follows:

1) A guest speaker representing a company providing an energy-use inspection of your home for $50 and then coordinates a follow up to make necessary changes at a very low cost.

2) Concern from neighbors living near Brent Park who would like to reclaim this park for their neighborhood.   Vandalism, loitering, and misuse of the property has been a challenge for the neighbors  over there.  Many of the families have kids attending the school and don't see kids from Finneytown as the problem.   The problem  is from kids who are showing up who are not using the park for it's intended purpose of outdoor recreation use.

3) School superintendent was present giving a report about improvements being made in the buildings.  The district was eligible for funds that will help cut costs on energy use by becoming more energy efficient.

As soon as I get the official notes, this will have to do!

Shop at Humberts Sat. April 28th

Finneytown Civic Organization


CASH MOB: We are asking everyone to go to the Finneytown Humbert’s Meats on Saturday, April 28th and spend $15-20 (or more if you wish). Humbert’s is located at 9159 Winton Rd, by UDF. They are open 8-5 on Saturday’s and the phone number is 931-3324. A Finneytown Civic Association event! Joe 325-5202.

Finneytown Civic Association Meeting April 23

Finneytown Civic Association Discusses Energy Savings April 23

The public is invited to the regular meeting of the Finneytown Civic Association, Monday, April 23, 2012 at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Springfield Township Senior/Community Center, 9158 Winton Road, Room A.

Featured topic is energy saving tips featuring the Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance. Save 20% or More on Your Energy Bills through Home Energy Improvements! Lilah Glick, Marketing and Community Outreach Director will present on energy saving opportunities available through the Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance's Home Performance with Energy Star program. Come learn about cash incentives, low-interest loans, nationally certified energy professionals, and project assistance available to help you save money and enjoy a more comfortable home.  Other topics of discussion include housing, land bank, membership, and, safety.


For more information about the Finneytown Civic Association, please visit our web site at www.fcaontheweb.org.

News from the High School...

I wanted to make you aware of some upcoming events that may be of interest to you. First, the Music Scholarship Concert is next Thursday, April 19th, in our very own Finnneytown High School's  Performing Arts Center. The music faculty, parents, and some special guests will put on a concert to raise money for the Finneytown Music Parents Association Scholarship fund.

This fund helps students who may not be able to afford an instrument or instrument rental, the cost of honor group participation, or the cost of private lessons for students who wish to become even better musicians - just to name a few things. The cost is $4 for students and $8 for adults, and the concert starts at 7pm. We hope you can join us for this very worthwhile evening.

Also, here's some  news about the Finneytown Secondary PTA.  They are looking for Kroger Plus shoppers to register online to help raise money for their organization. If you are a Kroger shopper with a Kroger Plus card, go online to Kroger.com to register your card number or alternative ID.  Next, look for the blue "service" tab at the top of the page and scroll down to Community Rewards to sign in your name and address (again) and designate the "Finneytown Secondary PTA" to receive proceeds from what you spend at Kroger.

Great American Clean Up April 21st

The weatherman is calling for a bit of rain on Saturday morning during our scheduled Great American Cleanup. Since when did a little rain stop us!!!! At this time, we would like to share our contingency plan with you:




Your help is still greatly needed for Springfield Township's annual community cleanup on April 21st. There are over 25 projects we would like to complete before the end of the weekend. If you are able to give your time - please consider registering at either check in location. Check-In will be held rain or shine. Project activities can take place through the weekend if it is raining.



Check-in will be held INDOORS, RAIN OR SHINE at both check-in sites.



IF YOU ARE CHECKING IN AT PLEASANT RUN FARMS:

* Check in at the swim club at 8:30a.m.



IF YOU ARE CHECKING IN AT THE FIRE STATION ON WINTON ROAD:

* Park in the administration or neighboring plaza parking lot and check in between 8:00a.m.- 8:30a.m.



We are crossing our fingers for no rain, however if it happens to shower on us, we are asking that everyone register and select their assignments. We will be distributing the T-shirts (while available), McDonald gift cards, and clean-up supplies at check-in. We will also have a light breakfast available for volunteers. The projects can take place right away, or can be done later Saturday or Sunday if it rains. We plan to work from 9am-noon - then head to McDonald's for lunch!



HOW WILL CHECK-IN WORK?

There will be a designated check-in for pre-registered groups and for individuals who may or may not have registered online. (Didn't register yet? No worries! Just stop by and we will sign you up at the door!)



DID I REGISTER AS A GROUP?

We have the following "groups" pre-registered and have been assigned projects:

Bridge Creek Condo Team

Boy Scout Troop 390

Finneytown Civic Association

Daisy Troop 48729

Citizens on Patrol

Finneytown Middle and High School

LifeSprings Church

Pleasant Run Farms Neighborhood (Check-in at the swim club)



If you are not in one of the above pre-registered groups, you will check-in at the "individual registration table". You will be able to view the volunteer board and select a project. Limited supplies such as litter sticks and safety vests can be checked out for people working on Hamilton Avenue or Compton Roads. Everyone will be given trash and recycle bags, as well as plastic gloves.



EVERYONE VOLUNTEERING MUST TURN IN A VOLUNTEER WAIVER. FOR STUDENTS UNDER 18, A PARENT MUST SIGN THE FORM. You can download the form here!



A current list of projects and reporting procedures can be found online at www.springfieldtwp.org/greatamericancleanup.cfm. Additional projects may be added to this list.





To make the greatest impact, our goal to have 150 volunteers out in the community for three hours. With your help, this goal will be achievable and YOU can make the difference!



WHAT TO BRING:

It is a great idea to be prepared!



* Dress for the weather.



* Bring your signed volunteer form.



* If you are planting flowers, bring a small hand shovel.



* If you are picking up litter, it is helpful to have a 5 gallon bucket with a handle on it.



* Wear garden or work gloves.



* If you are painting, we have paint brushes - but if you have a favorite one - go ahead and bring it.



* If you are planning help with mulch, bring a rake or a pitch fork.



* Bring your cell phone for emergencies and better communication.



The entire community of Springfield Township thanks you for your participation! We hope to see you this Saturday, rain or shine!!!!







Register To Volunteer Now!

Springfield Township Community Day At The Reds - April 24th

Springfield Township, Forest Park and Greenhills Community Day At The Reds - April 24th


7:10 Game Against The Giants



Discount Tickets Available at Skyline (Springfield Township and Forest Park locations)









(April 5, 2012 - Springfield Township, Hamilton County, OH)



Opening Day is the perfect time to make the following announcement:







The communities of Springfield Township, Greenhills and Forest Park are celebrating community with a day at the Reds ballpark on April 24th for the 7:10p.m. game against the Giants.







Good C.A.T.C.H. is organizing Community Day at The Reds with proceeds supporting academic programs for students within our neighborhoods. Funds raised by ticket sales will support academic summer camp scholarships and free tutoring services for students.







Good C.A.T.C.H Community Day at the Reds tickets are now on sale at discounted prices and can be purchased online or at select Skyline locations. Mezzanine Level seats can be purchased for $15 (regularly $24) and View Level seats can be purchased for $10 (regularly $15). Proof of residency is not required and friends are definitely welcome!







The game will begin with the National Anthem sung by the Winton Woods high school choir. PLUS... anyone who buys a ticket through a Good C.A.T.C.H location will be entered into a drawing to throw out the first pitch AND will be entered into a drawing to meet Reds Hall of Fame Legend Joe Morgan before the game!







Join us for this exciting community event!!!











TICKET SALES



Mezzanine Level Tickets $15 (regularly $24)



View Level Tickets $10 (regularly $15)







Tickets can be purchased at the following locations:



Skyline Chili, Finneytown - 9115 Winton Road



Skyline Chili, Forest Park



Youth Motivational Learning Center -1116 West Kemper



Winton Woods Primary South - 825 Lakeridge



Winton Woods Board of Education - Kemper Road



Tickets may be ordered by calling 513-428-1002 or emailing: goodcatch.cincy@gmail.com

Order online here(online fee applies)











McDonald's Ticket Sales Event On April 17th



Meet The Gapper at McDonald's (9254 Winton Road) on April 17th from 6-7p.m. Good C.A.T.C.H will be on hand to sell game tickets. McDonald's will be offering buy one, get one for a penny Big Macs and Quarter Pounder with Cheese sandwiches.

Letter About the Akita Dogs on Beechtree

My goal for writing this letter is  to get the neighbors feeling comfortable about the reason why they like living here.   We like the space, the view, and we love our pets.   Many of the walkers and pet owners have come forward with concerns about the Akita dogs attacking family pets.  I want  families to lodge a complaint with the Springfield Township Police against the Akita dogs that have been responsible for mauling at least 4 family pet animals.

For the record, there are three Akita dogs at the end of Beechtree  that have been responsible for attacking at least four family pets in the neighborhood in the past few years -- two  dogs  for which the owner of the Akitas assumed responsibility to pay for vet bills but did not report to the police. But there is a record and  identification of the dog who did the mauling of all four.

Very recently, a very good family friend in the View Place neighborhood informed me that her family pet dog was mauled by an Akita.  They showed me the picture and I recognized it as one of dogs residing at the end of Beechtree in the cul de sac.   So why haven't the police done anything based on my identification?

Unfortunately, the family pet dog died from the injuries. The police were called but there was confusion naturally that night because of the was trauma to everyone witnessing the attack. The parents are not feeling safe about letting  their children out to play like they have done in the past.   I am afraid of losing great neighbors like this family. Our children go to school together.   At least one other neighbor claims a man approached her a few weeks ago about  about his Akita dogs  being loose while she was taking her dogs for walk so the Akita owners are aware that the dogs are not staying on the property.  The  car and the Akita owner reside at the house at the end of  Beechtree.

 Akitas define their territory by their "kill sights"and not by their owner's property lines or invisible fence.  Every mauling that occurs expands the "territory."    I also read that Akitas are known to intimidate and attack small children. There is a previous Akita owner in the neighborhood who informed me recently why they had to get  rid of their dog after it jumped up on the kitchen table and grabbed food from the children after spending thousands of  dollars on reputable training and obedience school.  This was after being assured by other Akita owners that the dogs can be trained to be around children.   

The concern for the police  in the neighborhood should be this -- what if  one of the Akita dogs wander into an area AGAIN where small children are playing or walking their pet?  What if a small child is injured?  

There are several families on Commonwealth aand  Beechtree who  observed the Akitas away from their property. I have observed at least one or two of the three dogs on the property Beechtree getting out from the invisible fence crossing into the neighbors yard. I called the police.

I've tried to stop to let the owner know because I know they would be concerned.  But I am afraid to get out of my car and walk to ther door because the dogs charged at me when I pulled into the driveway.    How can I  be assured that something has been done to keep the dogs on their property and from getting out and wandering into children play areas or where neighbors walk their pets?

Please ask this question to the police. Ask them why after a dog is identified after mauling a family pet why neighbors are not notified of a potential danger? Are they waiting for a young child to get to hurt before they can respond?

FAMILY PET ATTACKED ON COMMONWEALTH

Our condolences to the Hunn Family for the loss of their family pet.   Just this last Saturday, their pet was mauled to death by another dog recognized to be an "Akita."  If anyone sees  dogs roaming through the neighborhood, please snap a photo and call the Springfield Township Police to report. 
With the weather getting nice out and families more likely to be out, we don't want anymore family pets or children being attacked by dogs.  Please be a good neighbor and contact Springfield Twp. if you have any information about dogs off their leashes or beyond their invisible fence.  This is a picture of the dog that attacked the Hunn's dog.  There is a shadow/reflection falling on the side of the face.

If you suspect this was your own dog, please fess up and do the right thing.  Your dog is a danger and  cannot be contained by the invisible fence.  Is this what you wish to happen to people? To have them watch their family pet being mauled to death and then  grieve over the loss? What if the next victim is a small child out for walk with their family?

What To Do During A Tornado

Springfield Township Press Release




Joseph Honerlaw, Trustee

Tom Bryan, Trustee

Gwen McFarlin, Trustee

John Waksmundski, Fiscal Officer









For Immediate Release

For More Information

Contact 522-1410









In Hamilton County, the outdoor warning sirens will sound a steady tone for five (5) minutes when a Tornado Warning is issued by the National Weather Service (NWS). The Township was recently notified that The Hamilton County Emergency Management agency is in the process of replacing old weather sirens with new ones to maximize our weather coverage area. The siren upgrade and replacement project is due for completion before March 31, 2012.







The Springfield Township Fire Department warns residents not to depend on outdoor sirens to alert you of severe weather, especially during this time when the sirens are undergoing replacements. While the sirens are effective, they are not designed to penetrate the construction material of some houses or commercial buildings. Springfield Township Fire Chief, Robert Leininger recommends that residents purchase an electric weather radio with a battery back up to alert anyone indoors of severe weather and/or tornado warning. Weather radios can be purchased from hardware and electronic stores for under $30.00.







The tornadoes that touched down in close proximity to Cincinnati are a reminder that we need to be prepared for severe weather and have a plan of action in case a tornado warning is issued.







During a tornado, people face hazards from extremely high winds and risk being struck by flying and falling objects or down power lines. After a tornado, the wreckage left behind poses additional injury risks. Although nothing can be done to prevent tornadoes, there are actions you can take for your health and safety.







Taking Shelter



Your family could be anywhere when a tornado strikes--at home, at work, at school, or in the car. Discuss with your family where the best tornado shelters are and how family members can protect themselves from flying and falling debris. The key to surviving a tornado and reducing the risk of injury lies in planning, preparing, and practicing what you and your family will do if a tornado strikes. Flying debris causes most deaths and injuries during a tornado. Although there is no completely safe place during a tornado, some locations are much safer than others.





Please share this information with your children so they know what to do in an emergency:



At Home

Pick a place in the home where family members can gather if a tornado is headed your way. One basic rule is AVOID WINDOWS. An exploding window can injure or kill.The safest place in the home is the interior part of a basement. If there is no basement, go to an inside room, without windows, on the lowest floor. This could be a center hallway, bathroom, or closet.



For added protection, get under something sturdy such as a heavy table or workbench. If possible, cover your body with a blanket, sleeping bag, or mattress, and protect your head with anything available--even your hands. Avoid taking shelter where there are heavy objects, such as pianos or refrigerators, on the area of floor that is directly above you. They could fall through the floor if the tornado strikes your house.





In a Mobile Home

DO NOT STAY IN A MOBILE HOME DURING A TORNADO. Mobile homes can turn over during strong winds. Even mobile homes with a tie-down system cannot withstand the force of tornado winds.



Plan ahead. If you live in a mobile home, go to a nearby building, preferably one with a basement. If there is no shelter nearby, lie flat in the nearest ditch, ravine, or culvert and shield your head with your hands. If you live in a tornado-prone area, encourage your mobile home community to build a tornado shelter.





On the Road

The least desirable place to be during a tornado is in a motor vehicle. Cars, buses, and trucks are easily tossed by tornado winds. DO NOT TRY TO OUTRUN A TORNADO IN YOUR CAR. If you see a tornado, stop your vehicle and get out. Do not get under your vehicle. Follow the directions for seeking shelter outdoors (see next section).





Outdoors

If you are caught outside during a tornado and there is no adequate shelter immediately available--



Avoid areas with many trees.

Avoid vehicles.

Lie down flat in a gully, ditch, or low spot on the ground.

Protect your head with an object or with your arms.

Long-Span Buildings

A long-span building, such as a shopping mall, theater, or gymnasium, is especially dangerous because the roof structure is usually supported solely by the outside walls. Most such buildings hit by tornadoes cannot withstand the enormous pressure. They simply collapse. If you are in a long-span building during a tornado, stay away from windows. Get to the lowest level of the building--the basement if possible--and away from the windows. If there is no time to get to a tornado shelter or to a lower level, try to get under a door frame or get up against something that will support or deflect falling debris. For instance, in a department store, get up against heavy shelving or counters. In a theater, get under the seats. Remember to protect your head.





Office Buildings, Schools, Hospitals, Churches, and Other Public Buildings

Extra care is required in offices, schools, hospitals, or any building where a large group of people is concentrated in a small area. The exterior walls of such buildings often have large windows.



If you are in any of these buildings--



Move away from windows and glass doorways.

Go to the innermost part of the building on the lowest possible floor.

Do not use elevators because the power may fail, leaving you trapped.

Protect your head and make yourself as small a target as possible by crouching down.

Shelter for People with Special Needs

Advanced planning is especially important if you require assistance to reach shelter from an approaching storm (see specific instructions in the next section).



If you are in a wheelchair, get away from windows and go to an interior room of the house. If possible, seek shelter under a sturdy table or desk. Do cover your head with anything available, even your hands.

If you are unable to move from a bed or a chair and assistance is not available, protect yourself from falling objects by covering up with blankets and pillows.

If you are outside and a tornado is approaching, get into a ditch or gully. If possible, lie flat and cover your head with your arms.





This information is being presented to the community with your safety in mind. Township staff members have been extensively trained in disaster preparedness and are ready for emergencies as they arise. Keeping you informed is key to our community's success in any disaster. We appreciate your time and attention to prepare your family for weather related emergencies. Please remember to check on your neighbors and work together in keeping one another safe. If you have any questions regarding preparing for a tornado, please contact the Springfield Township Fire Department at 522-1410.

Message from Springfield Township's Kimberlee Flamm, Communications

This is a final reminder that Springfield Township is offering a free seminar taught by the FBI on cyber crime. This class is designed for top level advisors and IT professionals of our local schools, businesses, churches and neighboring jurisdictions. The class will be held in the Grove Banquet Hall on Wednesday, March 14th from 9a.m. - noon. Please register online if you are interested in attending. Multiple people can come from any one entity. A flier with further details is enclosed.

https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07e5lyfv4923e9fd8d&oseq=

Kimberlee Flamm

Projects, Events & Communications Coordinator

Springfield Township Administration

9150 Winton Road

Cincinnati, OH 45231

Phone:  513-522-1410

Fax:      513-522-1411

Email:  kflamm@springfieldtwp.org

Website: www.springfieldtwp.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/springfieldtwp

Springfield Township's Community Connections Group Program on Cyber Crime

Community Connections Group -

During the last Community Connections Meeting I announced that the Township would soon be hosting a program presented by the FBI on Cyber Crime. That program has been confirmed and your chance to register is now.

Please find an invitation enclosed to this important  training. This seminar is being conducted with the overall purpose of providing churches, civics, schools and business leaders/technical professionals with fundamental knowledge to protect their organizations, employees, students and customers from cyber crime. This training is only open to our public and private schools, churches, local businesses and the government entities in Hamilton County. It is NOT open to the public. (We will be offering a scaled back version of this training to the public at a later date.)

The 3-hour training will include an introduction to cyber crime, internet-based threats to children and cyber security best practices.  I highly recommend you send your IT staff, communications representatives (who is in charge of your web site), board of directors and/or top-level management. We are offering this program at no cost and we do expect the program will fill to capacity.

Specifics:

Date: March 14

Time: 9am-noon

Location: The Grove Banquet Hall, 9158 Winton Road

Cost: Free, by invitation only

How To Register: *We have set up a non-public registration at http://tinyurl.com/79rotza   (You can register multiple people at one time.)

Please see the enclosed flier for more details.

Kimberlee Flamm

Projects, Events & Communications Coordinator

Springfield Township Administration

9150 Winton Road

Cincinnati, OH 45231

Phone:  513-522-1410

Fax:      513-522-1411

Email:  kflamm@springfieldtwp.org

Website: www.springfieldtwp.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/springfieldtwp

Springfield Twp. State of Township Address

Sunday, February 26

State of the Township Community Address

2:30 p.m. At The Grove Banquet Hall

There have been several changes in state legislature affecting all communities across Ohio. Be informed and learn how these changes affect your community. The State of the Township community address will include a formal presentation of the community financial outlook and will reflect on accomplishments and plans for the future. Information regarding a 1 mill fire department levy will also be provided. After the presentation, the audience will have an opportunity to ask questions and chat with trustees and Township staff one-on-one. For more information, call 522-1410.





Saturday, March 10

Macy’s Fine Arts Sampler Presented by ArtsWave and Springfield Township

Noon-5p.m.

Free Admission

Springfield Township was selected to host one of the Macy's Arts Samplers on Saturday, March 10th. Macy's Arts Sampler celebrates the creative things - music, dance, theater, museums, and festivals - happening in large and small ways throughout our region. The March 10th weekend is a great opportunity for families, friends, and neighbors to connect with one another and experience the arts through free events. Springfield Township will host Southern Gateway Chorus, Wild Carrot and the Roots Band, Living History Dance and Laura Hazelbaker & The BuckeyRoos at The Grove Banquet Hall (9158 Winton Road, behind the fire station and senior center) from noon until 5:00 p.m. All events are free and open to the public. A complete performance schedule can be found at http://www.springfieldtwp.org/WinterEntertainmentSeries.cfm. For more information, call 522-1410. (SEE FLIER ATTACHED)