While the Finneytown Music Parents Association does a terrific job fundraising and raising awareness about the importance of enhancing the public school experience for students attending public school, they are in need of used musical instruments for students wanting to be in the orchestra or band. The new director, Mr. Carl Phlipot (pronounced "fleepoh") informed me that it doesn't matter if the instrument is broken because they have a volunteer who repairs and refurbishes from parts.
Thank you for supporting quality public school education in Finneytown. Helping out with an additional donation or scholarship to the many parent volunteer organizations only adds to the success of individual students and our community. See the school's webpage at www.finneytown.org and click on "support organizations" at the top of your screen for more information about how you can make a special contribution to honor or memorialize your loved ones.
"GrapeVine Online" is the View Place Neighborhood Newsletter for residents located in Springfield Township, Ohio. Feel free to leave a comment or forward a comment to "viewplacenews@yahoo.com." For security reasons, please leave your address in the "subject box" for email communication.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Focus Group at Finneytown ...
Here is an ARTICLE IN HILLTOP PRESS about the what parents want in a new superintendent.
Finneytown School Superintendent Update ...
Just a quick reminder that we are down to the final last days of a career in education spanning 37 years of promoting quality educational opportunities and experiences for students attending public schools. If you haven't done so already, there's still time to send off your note of congratulations and best wishes to Dr. Alan Robertson, Superintendent of Finneytown School District, before he slips quietly into that "retirement" phase of his life after spending 22 years right here in Finneytown guiding our district through a roller coaster-like ride of changes in federal and state legislation impacting funding and curricula that would make most of our heads spin!
Click here for future plans to hire a new superintendent.
Look HERE for more information about Dr. Robertson.
Click here for future plans to hire a new superintendent.
Look HERE for more information about Dr. Robertson.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
PETITION ABOUT NUISANCE LIGHTING
THE PETITION IS ON A CLIPBOARD NEAR THE FRONT DOOR. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO DROP BY TO SIGN THE BACK OF THE LETTER.
January 25,2013
Mr. Chris Gilbert
Township Administrator
Springfield Township, Hamilton County, Ohio
8375 Winton Road
Cincinnati, Ohio 45231
Subject: Nuisance Lighting generated from the Gracepoint Church
Dear Mr. Gilbert:
We the residents of the View Place neighborhood in Springfield Township who reside near the
Gracepoint Church wish to register the following complaint concerning the lighting generated by
the Gracepoint Church from its parking lot lights. The lights were installed approximately 3 years
ago, and the nuisance has increased as described below.
Specifically, the parking lot light poles are equipped with lights which have the strength normally
seen in stadium lights, much stronger than street lights. The light penetrates houses through
windows and even curtains, spills onto the lots, and blots out the sky. The nuisances include but are
not limited to reducing the enjoyment and value of property by the necessity of shutting blinds and
curtains when that action is not desired, annoyance of having one's yard lit up, forcing people to
look the other way when on the property or nearby streets, and having the sky blotted out. The light
spills onto adjacent properties that are a good distance from the building and across the street, and
onto properties at least two doors away from those adjacent properties on Deanview and Brucehills,
and as far away as the east side of View Place Drive.
Last winter, the residents reached an informal compromise with Gracepoint. Gracepoint agreed to
limit the lighting to between 6:00 pm and 10:00 pm on nights when acdvities occurred, and the
residents agreed to tolerate the lights at their current strength. This compromise was largely adhered
to by Gracepoint until this winter.
Starting in late October or early November, the lights have been on 7 days per week, and from 6:00
pm to sunrise the next morning. In addition, the parking lot lights at the back of the church building
are also on, where they were not usually on in the past. The ones in the back increase the area of
influence of the lighting, which is already very significant.
We believe that the lights at their current strength cannot be tolerated, and should be reduced to a
brightness appropriate for a quiet, relatively low-density residential area. We believe that the
Township has a responsibility to protect our residential property. We suggest that the Township has
the authority to remedy the problem through its Zoning Resolution sections 5.08, 5.09, and 10.30.
Thank you for your help in this matter.
Sincerely,
Residents of Springfield Township
January 25,2013
Mr. Chris Gilbert
Township Administrator
Springfield Township, Hamilton County, Ohio
8375 Winton Road
Cincinnati, Ohio 45231
Subject: Nuisance Lighting generated from the Gracepoint Church
Dear Mr. Gilbert:
We the residents of the View Place neighborhood in Springfield Township who reside near the
Gracepoint Church wish to register the following complaint concerning the lighting generated by
the Gracepoint Church from its parking lot lights. The lights were installed approximately 3 years
ago, and the nuisance has increased as described below.
Specifically, the parking lot light poles are equipped with lights which have the strength normally
seen in stadium lights, much stronger than street lights. The light penetrates houses through
windows and even curtains, spills onto the lots, and blots out the sky. The nuisances include but are
not limited to reducing the enjoyment and value of property by the necessity of shutting blinds and
curtains when that action is not desired, annoyance of having one's yard lit up, forcing people to
look the other way when on the property or nearby streets, and having the sky blotted out. The light
spills onto adjacent properties that are a good distance from the building and across the street, and
onto properties at least two doors away from those adjacent properties on Deanview and Brucehills,
and as far away as the east side of View Place Drive.
Last winter, the residents reached an informal compromise with Gracepoint. Gracepoint agreed to
limit the lighting to between 6:00 pm and 10:00 pm on nights when acdvities occurred, and the
residents agreed to tolerate the lights at their current strength. This compromise was largely adhered
to by Gracepoint until this winter.
Starting in late October or early November, the lights have been on 7 days per week, and from 6:00
pm to sunrise the next morning. In addition, the parking lot lights at the back of the church building
are also on, where they were not usually on in the past. The ones in the back increase the area of
influence of the lighting, which is already very significant.
We believe that the lights at their current strength cannot be tolerated, and should be reduced to a
brightness appropriate for a quiet, relatively low-density residential area. We believe that the
Township has a responsibility to protect our residential property. We suggest that the Township has
the authority to remedy the problem through its Zoning Resolution sections 5.08, 5.09, and 10.30.
Thank you for your help in this matter.
Sincerely,
Residents of Springfield Township
Monday, January 21, 2013
FINNEYTOWN CIVIC ASSOCIATION
HAPPY’S PIZZA NOW OPEN
ROBIN HENDLEY • FCA LIAISON
Besides the opening of Taj Mahal Indian Cuisine at 8592 Winton, and, the relocation of Fantastic Wok in the former PJ Restaurant space, the latest business addition to the Finneytown area is Happy’s Pizza located at Daly and North Bend Roads. Happy’s menu features more than 220 items, including pizza, seafood, chicken, ribs, various side items and desserts. There is something for everyone. The convenient drive up window allows for advance phone orders 541-5500 and free delivery is offered for all catering orders and orders of $25.00 or more.
CASH MOB AT BRENTWOOD SPIRITS and WINE - FEBRUARY 9, 1 PM - 5 PM
GREGORY HOPKINS • CASH MOB COORDINATOR
FCA will conduct another “cash mob” to benefit one of our small businesses in Finneytown. The premise is simple: an alert goes out via Twitter, Facebook, email, etc. that directs like-minded shoppers to a particular retail store or restaurant. This is not only an opportunity to support a local business but also a chance to meet new neighbors and see old friends.
Brentwood Spirits and Wine will be our cash mob target on Saturday, February 9th, from 1 pm – 5 pm.
Brentwood Spirits and Wine fits the profile because they are locally owned and independently operated.
We are asking everyone to stop by Brentwood Spirits and Wine on Saturday, February 9th and spend $15-20 (or more if you wish). This is a great opportunity to pick up some heart-healthy red wine for your Valentine’s Day celebration. Brentwood Spirits and Wine is located at 8621 Winton Rd, near Arby’s. Their phone number is 522-5830. Be sure to mention the FCA Cash mob when you stop by on Saturday and please spread the word to others!
DEB SEMINICK TAKES OVER FEB. 1 AS SUPERINTENDENT
ROBIN HENDLEY • FCA LIAISON
The Finneytown Local School District Board of Education named Ms. Deb Semenick as interim uperintendent. Semenick takes over February 1, 2013 when current superintendent, Dr. Alan Robertson, retires. The vote was unanimous. ”She has an in-depth knowledge of the community, curriculum and instruction, and also knows what it takes to continue the great tradition,” said Mrs. Horn. Ms. Semenick is no stranger to the Finneytown traditions, having been a principal at Whitaker Elementary from 1997-2008. She is currently Director of Student Services for the Finneytown district. Semenick, who is licensed as a superintendent, principal, and teacher, has served as a principal and teacher of both regular and special needs students in five different school districts. She has received numerous awards and accolades as an effective leader, including the Council for Exceptional Children Principal Award, a nomination for the Leadership Award from the Inclusion Network, and Finneytown Educator of the Year. She has participated in the High Aims Math and Science Academy for Principals, and is a certified trainer for Ruby Payne’s Framework for Understanding Poverty. At Whitaker she spearheaded a school improvement project to expand the academic achievements of all students based on Effective Schools research and the 8-Step Instructional Model. One parent commented about Ms. Semenick’s “astute ability” to support change with grace. She “has been an excellent role model of change for her peers, staff, and Whitaker students and families.”
AUDITOR WARNS ABOUT PROPERTY VALUATION APPEALS
Hamilton County Auditor Dusty Rhodes is warning property owners to beware of companies offering to assist with valuation appeals. ValueAppeal, LLC of Seattle is one of several companies mailing letters to area residents saying they could be overpaying their taxes because the County value of their property might be in error, Rhodes said. “The information is available and free,” Rhodes said. The letters come on the heels of the 2011 reevaluation of all Hamilton County properties. Overall, property lost $5 billion in value. The
current values became effective on the first tax bill in 2012. “We advise homeowners to contact a realtor who is active in their area for an independent opinion of their value as a first step,” he said. Owners can also review recent sales of comparable properties on the auditor’s Web site www.hcauditor.org. Rhodes added nobody can offer a “guarantee” or “a very high likelihood” of a value reduction. Owners who believe their value is inaccurate should submit their Board of Revision complaint forms to the auditor’s office by 4 p.m. on March 31. Complaint forms and instructions are available from the Auditor’s office or may be accessed on the Auditor’s Web site.
Duke Energy Appliance Recycling
Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky has launched a new program designed to give customers the ability to
recycle outdated refrigerators and freezers in a convenient way (and earn some money too)! The Appliance
Recycling Program (ARP) was launched in October, specifically targeting older refrigerators and freezers
that customers often keep in garages or basements to aid in food and beverage storage. Older appliances that are not as energy efficient as newer models can cost an additional $150 per year to operate.
To have your refrigerator or freezer picked up, appliances must be in working condition and between
10 and 30 cubic feet in size. An incentive check for $30 will arrive within 4-6 weeks. Call Duke Energy at
(855) 398-6200 or visit duke-energy.com/recycle.
2013 Meeting Dates:
• General FCA Meeting
Monday, April 27, 7 - 9 p.m.
Township Senior Center, Rm. A
• General FCA Meeting
Monday, September 23, 7 - 9 p.m.
Township Senior Center, Rm. A
• Meet The Candidate’s Night
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Township Senior Center, Rm. C
We Need Your Help!
FCA Membership
Annual Dues are:
Family $20; individuals $10
Mail to:
Finneytown Civic Association
P.O. Box 317696
Cincinnati, OH 45231
VIEW PLACE NEIGHBORS FIGHTING GRACE POINT CHURCH LIGHTS
JOSEPH GORMAN • PRESIDENT
I really hate to give up a chance to talk out problems, but it appears that is the case concerning bright
lights from a church that disturbs neighbors.And, I mean, REALLY bright lights!View Place neighborhood has always been known as a star-gazer’s delight, with dark skies perfect to see stars and the night sky heavens. The Township is now undertaking a study to determine if the stadium-like lights installed at Grace Point Church that borders Keats and View Place are in fact against the law. The pastor has revealed that he is not going to cooperate with the neighbors by either replacing the bright lights with a softer light, or, by turning the lights off after 10 p.m. Now, we are at the mercy of Springfield Township
Monday, January 14, 2013
STATE OF THE TOWNSHIP 2013
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