Finneytown Civic Association Newsletter JAN.. 2013

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 & 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 superintendent. 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.


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.


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