4TH OF JULY PARADE AND MORE NEWS!

The 4th of July Parade is scheduled for 10:30 am and meet up is at Deanview Drive and Keats! Remember to wear your red, white, and blue ensemble and decorate your bikes, wagons, and tractors!  The parade goes from Keats, to Beachtree, and ends at the parking lot of St. X. High School. It is less than a 20 minute walk and fun for the kids and grandkids.  Family and friends are welcome to participate! 

Also welcome our new neighbors Ashley and Leroy on Commonwealth! Also new neighbors Alicia and Tom on Deanview in Bob and Janet Dean's mid-century California ranch. Wow! They restored the home to picture perfect mid-century Modern! 

Thanks to all the neighbors updating their homes, mowing and gardening their front lawnscape! Please continue to represent what we're all about here in View Place - community pride, caring neighbors, and a friendly a place we call home! 

About the Zoning Board and Appeal/Special exception to expand the Boy's Hope Home, there is no news. Last I heard, they were deliberating in an "executive" meeting to go over the information. I am hoping that Boy's Hope will see the safety issues, parking issues,  ongoing traffic of caregivers, and wear on neighborhood morale by considering another location for the boys.  More on this later.

Something we should all be concerned about -- a car was broken into on View Place.  Here is the account from one of our neighbors;

"Monday June 8th sometime during the night my car was broken into.  There was cigarette ashes left all over the steering wheel and belongings in the console were thrown around.  I filed a report with the police and they said if we see anything that seems funny in the neighborhood, or someone that looks like they are up to no good.....call!  Also, a reminder to keep any exterior lights on at night.  The officer did say they will try and increase the patrol during 3rd shift in our neighborhood."

See ya at the parade!

Donna on Deanview

Cheryl on Commonwealth

Dinner and Show News!

Finneytown High School will explore uncharted territory this winter when it presents the student version of LES MISÉRABLES. Director Shawn Maus "dreamed a dream" years ago that students would someday mount a full-scale production of LES MISÉRABLES. That dream will be realized on January 30 through February 1, 2014. This powerful tale is a story of hope, redemption, and love. Epic, grand and uplifting, LES MISÉRABLES packs an emotional wallop that has thrilled audiences all over the world.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for senior citizens and $8 for students.

FMPA invites you to enjoy unlimited spaghetti dinner by LaRosa’s, desserts donated by your neighbors, and entertainment by Finneytown’s finest musicians. On Friday, January 31st from 5-7PM, the Multipurpose Room is transformed into an Italian restaurant and nightclub. Take it easy, feed the family cheaply, and get a great parking place for the Finneytown High School theatre production of LES MISÉRABLES, which follows at the William Swartzel Performing Arts Center. Between bites and while you enjoy the music, browse the Bid-and-Buy tables! You can pick up some great deals while supporting the work of FMPA.

For more information click here.

To Order tickets for the dinner on line click here.

Get your tickets for the FHS Theater Performance HERE

Finneytown Civic Association Meets Monday, September 23 at 7 pm at Senior Center Room A

Finneytown Civic Association Meets Monday, Sept. 23 to Discuss Schools and Township

Joseph Gorman • President

The Finneytown Civic Association holds its regular meeting, Monday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. at the Springfield Township Senior Center, Room A, at 9158 Winton Road, 45231.
Finneytown Schools Superintendent, Tyrone Olverson, will address the association for about 20 minutes expressing his vision and goals for the district. There will be 10 minutes allotted for QA.
Springfield Township Trustee President Joe Honerlaw will share an update on the Township, including local and State budgets.

The FCA encourages you to come to the meeting and share your concerns or suggestions. It is a very good opportunity for you to get updates from local government and school staff.

We will also be reporting on housing issues, land use and zoning, membership, and new Township developments.

Please call Joe at 325-5202 to learn more about the FCA or visit our website at: www.fcaontheweb.org.

Joseph T. Gorman, President
FCA
(513) 325-5202 cell
www.fcaontheweb.org

MOELLER PLANT SALE THROUGH FINNEYTOWN PTA

BUY A FLOWER VOUCHER AT A DISCOUNT PRICE!  USE YOUR FLOWER OR MULCH VOUCHER AT MOELLER’S GREENHOUSE TO SELECT VARIETY, COLOR, QUALITY.   Don’t forget a voucher to select a flower basket for Mother’s Day. 

MOELLER’S GREENHOUSE IS LOCATED AT 2471 Banning Road.   The vouchers are valid from APRIL 5^th - May 31, 2013.

PTA/FLOWER VOUCHER FORM -

 Please cut-out and complete this form to purchase a voucher.  Don’t forget to include your check.

______Annual Flats (8 pack – 32 plants) $16.50
______10” Standard Hanging Basket $21.00

______Annual Flats (15 Pot Flat 4 ½” pots) $62.50

______Perennial Flats (5” Deep Pot – 8/flat) $50.00

______Vegetable Flats (Flat of 18 – 4 inch pots) $22.50

______Hardwood Mulch (black) 2 cubic feet/bag $4.00/bag

______Total Cost                               ______Total Vouchers

NAME_________________________________________________ 

PHONE________________________________________________

ADDRESS____________________________________________ ZIP _______________________

PLEASE MAKE YOUR CHECK PAYABLE TO FINNEYTOWN SECONDARY PTA AND RETURN THIS FORM BEFORE MARCH 22 TO DAN OR LINDA DEITSCH AT   1199 W. SEYMOUR AVENUE, 45216, OR RETURN FORM TO YOUR SCHOOL OFFICE IN AN ENVELOPE MARKED “PTA FLOWER VOUCHER SALE.” If you have questions, please contact Dan or Linda at (513) 761-8619.  

Finneytown National Honor Society

Featured in the Hilltop Press this week are Finneytown National Honor Students serving the Senior Citizens in our community.  CLICK HERE

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.