Township Newsletter

From: Samiya Sebastian
Date: Fri, 9 Jul 2010 19:41:33 +0000
To: Kim Flamm
Cc: Ami Brown
Subject: RE: No Cost Mammograms

Hello:

I’m Samiya Sebastian, from the mobile mammography van, and we’re having an event on July 24th, 2010 at Rink’s Flea Market. We’re providing No-Cost Mammograms from 9:00a-2:00p. No-Cost means co-pays will be covered for those who have insurance and complete cost will be covered for those without. I have attached a flyer; please share it with women 35+. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me via email.

Thanks,
Samiya Sebastian, Health Education Intern
898 Walnut Street YWCA of Greater Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
513.361.2157 (p)
ssebastian@ywcacin.org

What is the View Place Civic Association?

For the new neighbors here in View Place, the View Place Civic Association goes back to about 1958 or so and was at one time a very active neighborhood group that offered neighborhood social events while also serving as a liaison to Springfield Township government.

The point of continuing this tradition in View Place is to keep in touch with each other about changes within the township and right here in the neighborhood. For example, it was brought to our attention recently that the Apostolic Covenant Church is selling their church and property which may or may not impact the neighborhood depending on how you look at it. As a "neighborhood association," we'll have plenty time to rally in the event the impact is greater than what a single neighbor can handle.

Currently, we have a President (Donna Saul), Vice President (Bill Merusi), Treasurer (Jeff Dean), and Secretary (Sue Hummer)continuing several VPCA traditions of attending township meetings, updating the neighborhood phone directory, having an Egg Hunt every Spring, inviting the police and fire departments to our small parade every 4th of July, maintaining two-season flower boxes at designated intersections, and collecting annual dues of $10.00 per residence every few years.

We also take requests, positions needed, and "help wanted" for yard work, snow removal, leaf raking, and babysitting. We also have a resident handyman, Roland Arrowood, who is available on call for emergencies.


As always, suggestions and ideas are accepted as long as people are willing to follow through on their own suggestion and ideas. Right now, we are looking for someone to manage this web blog and we are looking for street captains to update information in the directory last printed in 2002. (Most of the kids who were listed as babysitters and snow shovellers in that last directory have moved on and are probably raising a family of their own by now.)

The View Place Civic Association is not a replacement for the responsibility individual residents have to stay informed and keep in touch with the township officials and administrators. Even though Springfield Township makes every attempt providing current information and updates in the community through their meetings and web page, our job as a neighborhood civic association should be looking out for our neighborhood and neighbors.

July 4th Parade in View Place

News from the Township

The neighborhood steering committee is made up of residents throughout Springfield Township who were in attendance at a township information sharing meeting held back in 2009. It was at that time that this group of people volunteered to participate on a steering committee that would be responsible for getting the "word out" to their respective neighborhoods one of which was View Place. Currently, Jeff (Dean) on View Place, Donna (Saul) on Deanview, Bill (Merusi) on Blossom Hills, and Pat (Kramer) on Bruce Hills have been in attendance to at least one of the those meetings so if you know any of these people, please feel free to ask them for more information.

Most of what is discussed at the meetings has been made available on the Springfield Township web page ( See Neighborhood Steering Committee news http://www.springfieldtwp.org/neighborhoodmasterplan.cfm) and here on this blog so feel free to navigate on your own to review the meeting agenda and discussions. In general, most of the planning and ideas are coming from residents like yourself who have been attending the trustee meetings, state of the township meetings, information sharing meetings, or residents who are watching community access cable stations.


During the original neighborhood meetings, a few reoccurring themes in crime/safety were communicated by residents. Specifically, residents in every neighborhood singled out problems of vicious dogs, neighborhood parking violations, and negative or criminal juvenile activity.

We were provided with recommendations for the master plan regarding these three issues and were asked to accept, reject or modify the recommendations. Knowing that crime and police related issues are not the same in every neighborhood, the township had taken the time to analyze the neighborhood-specific data and brainstorm possibilities that would be pertinent to our specific neighborhood issues.

On hand at this meeting tonight were law enforcement officers assigned to every neighborhood steering committee to answer questions and provide feedback. We had Chief Dave for Finneytown South.


What I learned from a presentation given by Chief Dave of the Springfield Township Police Department was that crime in Finneytown is down 22%. Overall, the township is also seeing a decrease in crime activity by 26%. Great news!

The Chief also presented recommendations for parking resolutions due to all the complaints and concerns they've been receiving over the years. Since most of the parking issues in View Place are about "zoning" we didn't have much to contribute other than our ongoing concerns about dogs and the few neighbors who drive faster than what our speed limit allows.

The parking recommendation that were shared with the steering committee was as follows:

"Pass New Comprehensive Parking Resolution tht resinds all previous parking resolutions and creates new parking regulations, by sections, fire lane, and special parking restrictions on certain streets (as previously have been adopted), 72 hour parking regulation, snow emergency, commericial vehicle prohibition and temporary parking for construction pods and dumpsters.

- Parking on the street would be limited to 72 hours
- Parking of commecial vehicles would be prohibited
- Parking on the unpaved portion of ROW would be prohibited
- Allow for the special permitting for the placement of dumpsters and PODs for construction projects when the placement in the yard is not feasible"


Another topic was about dogs and the concern that many neighbors had with dogs that are not restrained and pose a safety issue for neighbors. It was recommended that they focus on creating a resolution about the "behavior" of the dog rather than the "breed" of the dog which I supported 100% due to the complaint I've been receiving about 2 dogs that are getting out of the "invisible fence" at the end of Beechtree.

Another topic was about finding ways to engage our youth more into the community. The Fire Department, for example, made a recommendation to create a pilot program that identifies at least 10 "at risk for dropping out of school" or "at risk for drug abuse or gang violence" by partnering with area schools in the township.








The next steering committee meeting is planned for August.

Updates from the Neighborhood Steering Committee Meeting"

There are many View Place residents who are not registered with the Springfield Twp. CODE RED program for emergency calling. If you want to be notified in the event in the emergency, you need to register through the website: http://www.springfieldtwp.org/searchresults.cfm





Crime



The PDF presentation wasn't available before the meeting so I'll post later what was shared at the meeting tonight. The news is good here in Finneytown. Due to the additional services and protections currently offered by the Police and Fire departments, it was reported that there was a big decrease in crime in our area:



Township-wide crimes for the first half of 2010 was 394. Township-wide crimes for first half 0f 2009 495 which means there is a 26% decrease overall. In 2010, Finneytown South crimes were 25 and 32 in 2009which means 22.5% decrease overall.





New Resolution about Dogs: Going After Dog Complaints



The police are writing a new resolution to protect neighbors from menacing dogs focusing on impounding the "bad behavior"of the dog (bites, attacks, etc.) and not the breed.





Parking



Police are working on resolutions about street parking that will bring it up to date. There will be a 72 hour limit for street parking in designated areas.







Youth Activity



The Fire Department will be focusing creating mentoring programs with students at who are at risk for dropping out of school.

Talking with Springfield Twp Video

State of the Township feedback with Mike Hinnekamp:

http://www.waycross.tv/Talking_with_Springfield_Township

Expanding Springfield Twp. Role in Community:

Plan/GoalsInternal Marketing – Resident Retention/Quality of Life
Inform and make aware to increase community involvement
Provide "good news" stories and experiences to improve image and bring awareness to current residents


External Marketing
Attract new residents and promote home ownership
Economic Development
Improve Website Information and Land Use Availability Data Base
Retain Existing Businesses
Attract New Businesses and Investment
The Grove Banquet Hall and Senior Center
Increase Rental Revenues by marketing as moderately priced facility with superior amenities in competitor class



Brush Service (Had to discontinue service due to loss in revenue & sustainability)

Options Evaluated:
　
Restore to Original Service – Unlimited 32 Week Service
Reduce Months June-Aug
Reduce Months and Offer Service One Week a Month
Reduce Months and Offer Service by District
Offer Service for a Fee as Subscription Service
Allow Drop-off Service

　
Do Not Restore the Service (Cannot justify the cost due to reduced revenues)

Cost and Long Term Sustainability
Difficulty Staffing Service – Unpredictable Demand Levels
Over 280 Miles of Road Frontage
Geographic Area of the Township
Confusion of Service/Fairness in Pay for Service
High Cost for Percentage of Users
No other Township in Hamilton County Provides
Service has already been eliminated
Hamilton County Offers Free Brush Drop-Off (Rumpke)


Working With Schools:


Working With Schools Recommendations
Goals:
Communication/Collaboration/Saving Tax Dollars
　
Initiate a variety of opportunities where relationships between school administrators and the Township can evolve. The dialogue may result in a collaboration of activities, shared resources, or the consolidation of supplies, service agreements, and initiatives


Community in the Classroom
　
Create volunteer projects and classroom experiences for students within our public districts and parochial schools.


Garbage:


Garbage Collection (Aggregation) Recommendations
Residents currently contract on their own for garbage collection service
Ohio Law allows for the Township to select and contract with a sole source garbage collection and dumping facility to provide this service to residents (at their own cost) thereby eliminating residents right to choose their own service


The Township should join a local consortium of 10 other local governments to contract residential garbage collection and other related services such as recycling through sole source garbage collection company in attempt to provide residents with a lower cost

Overview of Services offered by Township

Service Dept./Parks/Fleet

Staffing:
Director (1FT)
Roads (8 FT) (2PT)
Buildings (1FT) (1PT)
Parks (3 FT) (7 Seasonal Summer)
Fleet ( 2 FT)
　
Budget: (Includes Personnel, Capital, Material and Equipment)
Roads and Service Related = $2,297,000
Parks Buildings and Grounds = $689,000
Fleet = $208,000


Road Maintenance
Snow Removal
Sign Maintenance
Stormwater and Drainage Repairs
ROW Maintenance
Project Inspection
ROW Tree Removal
Parks:
Buildings:
Janitorial
Fleet

Fire Protection:


Fire/EMS Department
Staffing:
Command Staff (4 FT)
Full-Time FF/Paramedics (28)
Part-Time Paramedics (35)
Part-Time EMTs (30)
Budget: (Includes Personnel, Capital, Material and Equipment)
$5,120,000
EMS Division Accredited by Cincinnati Academy of Medicine
ISO Rating of 3


Senior Services:

Senior/Community Services
Staffing:
Director (1FT)
Facility Monitors (3PT)
Bartender/Event Facilitator (2PT)
Budget: (Includes Personnel, Capital, Material and Equipment)
$212,000
　
2010 Rental Income Anticipated at $160,000


Development Services Dept.
Staffing:
Director (1FT) (Also Serves as Assistant Township Administrator)
Office Manager/Clerk (1FT)
Code Enforcement Officers (3 PT)
Budget: (Includes Personnel, Material and Equipment)
$498,000
　
2010 Permit Fee Revenue Anticipated at $18,000

Police Services:


Police Department/DART
Staffing:
Command Staff (4 FT)
Communications (5 FT)
Support (2 FTE)
Road Patrol (35 FT, 3 PT)
Detectives/Vice/SRO (11 FT)
Budget: (Includes Personnel, Capital and Equipment)
$8,157,000 (PD)
$232,000 (DART) (Includes Grants and Member Jurisdiction Fees)
Nationally Accredited since 1999


Road Patrol
IMPACT
Traffic
K-9
DART/Vice
Criminal Investigations (Detectives)
Communications/Records (Dispatch)
Administrative
School Resource
DARE
Training/Accreditation
Community Programs
Block Watch, Citizens Police Academy, Citizens on Patrol, Community Awareness Seminars, CERT


Development Services Dept.Staffing:
Director (1FT) (Also Serves as Assistant Township Administrator)
Office Manager/Clerk (1FT)
Code Enforcement Officers (3 PT)
Budget: (Includes Personnel, Material and Equipment)
$498,000
　
2010 Permit Fee Revenue Anticipated at $18,000

Senior/Community Services
Staffing:
Director (1FT)
Facility Monitors (3PT)
Bartender/Event Facilitator (2PT)
Budget: (Includes Personnel, Capital, Material and Equipment)
$212,000
　
2010 Rental Income Anticipated at $160,000


Community Programming and Events
Hall Rentarogramming and Activities
Senior Programming (At Facility – Done by Others)
Meals on Wheels

News from the Neighborhood

June 3rd will be taking bids for the final streetscape project on Winton Road. Streetlights, flower baskets, and banners which will be controlled by ODOT.

Galbraith Road will be closed westbound to finish up the county construction project. If you have complaints, it's an issue you need to take up with the county. Springfield Twp. has limits to what can be done on this road.

Great American clean up was successful with 178 volunteers!

ID Theft Program - Police dept. just completed a theft program.

Results from Township Survey:

Results of Neighborhood Meetings


Positives:

Location
Excellent Services (Police, Fire & Service)
Leadership
Good Neighbors
Low Crime
Good Place to Raise Kids
Greenspace (Parks & Trees)
Quiet
Road Conditions
Results of Neighborhood Meetings
Weakness
Barking Dogs – Pit Bulls
Property Maintenance – Vacant Housing
Section 8 – Rental Property
Speeding
Deer
Streetlights
Noise
Drugs
Youth Activities
Litter
Brush
School Issues – taxes
Street Maintenance – Repairs – Sidewalks
Economic Development
High Taxes
Diversity


Weakness:
Barking Dogs – Pit Bulls
Property Maintenance – Vacant Housing
Section 8 – Rental Property
Speeding
Deer
Streetlights
Noise
Drugs
Youth Activities
Litter
Brush
School Issues – taxes
Street Maintenance – Repairs – Sidewalks
Economic Development
High Taxes

Strategic Neighborhood Action Plan

Taking Our Community from Vision to Reality

Like many first-ring suburbs, Springfield Township is faced with both tremendous opportunities and difficult challenges. In order to meet these challenges and preserve the distinctive character, services and quality of life that our residents have come to expect and appreciate, the Board of Trustees together with our staff and a cross section of community representatives have worked hard in recent years towards the creation of a Township Vision Plan. The Vision Plan outlines the needs, wants and aspirations of those who make a living and raise their families in Springfield Township.

Taking this vision and making it reality is the logical next step in this process and the focus of the newly proposed Strategic Neighborhood Action Plan. The Strategic Neighborhood Action Plan is a simple, straightforward approach which outlines goals, desired outcomes and specific strategies towards increasing property values, preserving and enhancing the quality of life, and decreasing the long-term residential tax burden for property owners.
We encourage all residents and business owners to take a look at these ideas and provide us with your feedback so we can work together to make this vision reality. Click here to dowload a brochure.

Community Garage Sale Event

Springfield Township Community Garage Sale

Web: www.springfieldtwp.orgEmail: kflamm@springfieldtwp.org


June 5, 9:00a.m. – 1:00 p.m. It’s spring-cleaning time, but don’t throw everything out! June 5th will mark Springfield Township’s annual Community Garage Sale Event! Last year over 1,400 came to shop!

This one day “sale-a-bration” is the perfect time to sell your unwanted items and make a few bucks! Both indoor and outdoor booth spaces are now available to residents of the Township for just $5-$15. The fees will pay for all of the advertising used to draw in the largest crowds.

As an added benefit, a non-profit center will be on site to take any donations after the event is over! There will only be 50 spaces available, so register early! Call 522-1410 to register

Great American Cleanup April 24th Volunteers Needed

Volunteers Needed

April 24th is the Great American Cleanup in the Greater Cincinnati area. This will be Springfield Township’s ninth year participating in this event. We are actively recruiting volunteers to help clean up neighborhoods and make this area sparkle! If you have a group interested in volunteering, simply log onto http://www.springfieldtwp.org/GreatAmericanCleanUp.cfm

On the website you will find a list of projects and an area for you to register online as a volunteer. Gather a group together and make an impact! *If there is a project you would like to complete that is not listed, please call me at 522-1410 so that it can be added it to the project list!

Great American Cleanup
April 24, 2010

Check in at 8:00 a.m.Grove Banquet Hall or the Pleasant Run Farms Swim ClubVolunteers will work from 9:00a.m. - 12:00 noonA light breakfast will be available at check-in

Free T-shirts, while available Kimberlee FlammProjects, Events & Communications CoordinatorSpringfield Township Administration9150 Winton RoadCincinnati, OH 45231

Picture Perfect Classes at Springfield Township Community Center

NEWS RELEASE


Picture Perfect Classes at Springfield Township Community Center





Just in time for those springtime weddings and summer vacation memories, the Springfield Township Senior/Community Center will be hosting two photography classes to help you get the most out of your treasured photo memories.

Advanced Digital SLR Photography will be held on Tuesdays, April 27 and May 4, 11 and 18 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. This four-part class is designed for teens and adults using their own digital SLR camera or for those looking to purchase a new one. You’ll learn about the digital SLR camera and its settings, using the “manual” modes, proper use of the flash, composition tricks and more. Cost for the four, 2 hour classes is $75 for Springfield Township residents and $85 for non-residents. Class size is limited to the first 30 registrants, with a minimum of 10 needed to conduct the class.

Photoshop Elements will be held on Tuesdays, May 25 and June 1, 8 & 15 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. This four-part class will teach you how to touch-up all those digital photos to make them picture perfect. You will learn how to import, format and save images; crop and tone; retouch photos; and advanced techniques including collages, layering and type effects. Participants may bring in their laptop and should download a trial copy of the Photoshop element software at http:adobe.com. Cost for the four, 2 hour classes is $75 for Springfield Township residents and $85 for non-residents. Class size is limited to the first 30 registrants, with a minimum of 10 needed to conduct the class.

Both classes will be taught by Springfield Township resident Malinda Hartong. In addition to her experience in portrait and studio photography, Malinda has freelanced for various publications for over 10 years and now serves as the Staff Photojournalist/Multimedia Producer for the Cincinnati. You can find out more about Malinda by checking out hartongdigitalmedia.com.

Complete information and registration forms can be found at both the Springfield Township Administration building, Senior/Community Center or online at www.springfieldtwp.org .
To register by mail, send completed form along with a check or money order (payable to Springfield Township) to Springfield Twp. Photo Workshop, 9150 Winton Road, Cincinnati, OH 45231.

Participants may also register on-line at www.springtwp.org and make payment using PayPal. Those using PayPal will incur a 4% handling fee.

Reservations can also be made via phone or by e-mail using Visa, Master Card or Discover. Credit card orders will incur a 3% handling fee. To make a reservation by phone, contact Thom Schneider at 522-1154. E-mail reservation requests can be made to tschneider@springfieldtwp.org.
Springfield Township Senior/Community Center is located at 9158 Winton Road, behind the Springfield Township Administration Complex. For more information on this or other activities sponsored by the Springfield Township Senior/Community Center, call 522-1154 or visit the Township website – www.springfieldtwp.org

Bob Dewar Passes Away ...

David Stephens sent this to me Jan. 21st, I'm sorry I'm so late here...

Bob Dewar of Beechtree Dr. suffered a fatal heart attack at his home We extend our heartfelt sympathy to his wife, Barb and children Richard, Sharon, David and their families.

State of Township Community Address Meeting

State of the Township Community Address
This Weekend!


All media, residents of Springfield Township, and business stakeholders are invited to attend Springfield Township’s annual State of the Township Community Address on Sunday, February 28, 2010. The meeting will begin promptly at 2:30p.m. at the Grove Banquet Hall, 9158 Winton Road. (Behind the Senior/Community Center)

Topics to be covered in the community address include:
• A review of 2009
• Tough budget decisions & Current Financial Conditions
• Success of Aggregation Program, Grants & New Community Programming
• Looking towards the future with a Community Master Plan

Following the meeting, residents may stay for the Meet & Greet Social. Trustees and staff will be on hand to answer your questions, one-on-one.


More information and on line registration can be found on www.springfieldtwp.org or by calling 522-1410.
( DIRECT LINK: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e2op3bf4bdad00c9)


Kimberlee Flamm
Projects, Events & Communications Coordinator
Springfield Township Administration
9150 Winton Road
Cincinnati, OH 45231

Phone: 513-522-1410 513-522-1410 513-522-1410 513-522-1410
Fax: 513-522-1411

Email: kflamm@springfieldtwp.org
Website: www.springfieldtwp.org

News from the Neighborhood

To the View Place Residents:

We invite you to the upcoming exciting musical celebration of the Peaslee Neighborhood Center's 25th anniversary which will take place at the School for the Creative and Performing Arts Auditorium, 1310 Sycamore Street (across the street from Peaslee) on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 7 pm.

David and Roxanne are performing two duets and the Keyboard Club Ensemble will play a duet and six hand arr. of the Sabre Dance. African Drumming will open and close the program and the OTR Steel Drum Band and Brasil Band will perform as well. The Morpheus Chamber String Ensemble from Miami University, the MUSE Women's choir, a vocalist, a cellist, and a Claude Bolling jazz suite for flute and piano will complete the program.

Reception with birthday cake and beverages for all !

Seats can be reserved by calling the Peaslee Center at - 621-5514 - at a sliding scale price of $15 - $20 .
All proceeds will benefit the Peaslee Music Programs.

Hope we see you there!

David and Roxanne Engle
(513) 948-9896

The mission of the Peaslee Neighborhood Center is to provide a peaceful place where
Over-the-Rhine residents create and participate in dialogue-based educational programs that foster creative expression, self-determination, personal and social change. Peaslee Neighborhood Center - (513) 621-5514

Housing Monitors Needed & Upcoming Twp. Meeting

Housing Monitors Needed
By Jim Golan

The FCA Housing Block Watch is simply a network of Finneytown residents looking for signs of housing distress, and directing this information to Springfield Township for corrective action.

How is distress defined? It is those visual signs which would cause its neighbor to lose resale value. The visual signs include vacancy, overgrown grass and plants, peeling paint, roof problems and suspicious activity.

Block Watchers agree to monitor certain streets at least monthly. The watching can be walking or “windshield” (by auto). The streets monitored could be nearby or reachable by auto. The data is then entered into a spreadsheet, processed and forwarded to Chris Gilbert at Springfield Township.

Interested in Block Watching? Call Jim Golan at 522-8075.

Springfield Township Master Plan

Please attend the public forum scheduled for your neighborhood to discuss the planning procedure and gather input for the creation of a neighborhood master plan.

A presentation of current neighborhood conditions will be included in each meeting. Existing land use, zoning, current proposed land use recommendations, redevelopment potential, property maintenance violations, street conditions, crime rate, fire and EMS call response time, service delivery issues and special characteristics of the neighborhood will be discussed. After the presentation, residents will be asked a series of information-seeking questions. The answers that residents give will provide the valuable feedback necessary to begin a plan for the future.

The Finneytown neighborhood meeting (Oct. 26 at the Grove) is the last of eleven public neighborhood meetings held throughout Springfield Township. Trustees will host similar meetings, with the same structure in every Township neighborhood district. Residents will be asked if they wish to participate as a focus group for their neighborhood. Each neighborhood master plan will take one year to complete.

For a street-by-street listing, visit the “Living in Springfield Township” tab (Neighborhood Master Plan) on www.springfieldtwp.org, or call 522-1410

Springfield Township Neighborhood Master Planning

Neighborhood Master Planning




Springfield Township is a unique, diverse community that is comprised of many different neighborhoods, each with their unique character, attributes and needs. In addition, the Township includes one school district that is entirely within the Township and portions of six others. With a total of 39,755 residents and about 16,000 households, we recognize that an overall Master Plan for the entire Township may fail to address the individual and specific needs of a particular neighborhood. Therefore, we are creating a Master Plan process that embraces the Township for what it is - a community of neighborhoods. You care about your neighborhood, what it looks like and what it could be. It's where you call home. Creating many individually customized, but unified neighborhood and district plans, will allow us to better ensure our Township's sustainability and create a path for a bright future.


The First Neighborhood Meeting:


Your neighborhood meeting has been scheduled. You are encouraged to attend and share your ideas.Each meeting will last approximately two hours and will be held at a location nearby. Starting at 7:00 p.m., each neighborhood meeting will begin with a presentation of your current neighborhood conditions: land use, economic conditions, housing conditions, rental statistics, crime rate, fire response time, road infrastructure, and neighborhood attributes. This will provide residents with statistical information as it relates to where they live. The second half of the meeting will be designed to gather specific suggestions from residents. This segment is to be used as an idea brainstorm from residents - things to make your neighborhood better, stronger, sustainable and prosperous. Your ideas will be written down for consideration. In larger neighborhoods, a moderator may be used to insure everyone's suggestions are heard and recorded. Your ideas will not be disputed or debated. Your Trustees, members of the police, fire and administration departments will be on hand at the conclusion of the meeting to address individual questions or concerns. If you are interested, you can sign up to be a representative in followup focus group meetings.









August 31
7:00 p.m.
Neighborhoods closest to Valleydale, Edgemont, Caldwell
Mercy Franciscan
100 Compton Road

Sept. 2
7:00 p.m.
The Neighborhood of Sevenhills
Frost Elementary
2065 Mistyhill Drive

Sept. 21
7:00 p.m.
The Neighborhood of West College Hill
West College Hill Neighborhood Services Center
2062 North Bend Road

Sept. 28
7:00 p.m.
The Neighborhood of Hollydale
Springfield Township Senior/Community Center
9158 Winton Road

Sept. 30
7:00 p.m.
The Neighborhoods of Lexington Heights, Glencoe & Wellspring
St. Mark AME Zion Methodist Church
9208 Daly Road

Oct. 5
7:00 p.m.
The Area Called "Hamilton Southwest" - Which includes the areas in and around Skyline Acres, Ranchill, Adams Ridge, Hudepohl & Miles
Mt. Healthy Junior High
1917 Miles Road

Oct. 7
7:00 p.m.
The Area Called "Hamilton Northeast" - Which includes the areas in and around Covered Bridge, New Burlington, Ridgevale & Golf View The Winton Center
10245 Winton Road

Oct. 14
7:00 p.m.
The Area Called "Winton Northwest" - Which includes the areas North & South of West McKelvey, and covers the streets off of Sarbrook, Lakeside & Bridge Creek
The Grove Banquet Hall
9158 Winton Road

Oct. 19
7:00 p.m.
The Neighborhood of Pleasant Run Farms
Welch Elementary
12084 Deerhorn Drive

Oct. 21
7:00 p.m.
The Area Called " Winton Northeast" - Which includes the areas in and around Long Lane, Millbrook, Windcrest Acres, Meadows of Wright
Farm, Bonham, Lakeshore & Lochcrest The Grove Banquet Hall
9158 Winton Road

Oct. 26
7:00 p.m.
Any resident in the Finneytown School District
The Grove Banquet Hall
9158 Winton Road

Oliver Needs A Home ....

4th of July 2009

Concert at Civic Garden Sunday, May 24, 2009

Hi Friends!

We wanted to let you know about the upcoming Beyer Musical Society program at the Civic Garden Center this Sunday at 3 pm.


Our involvement with the Society goes back many years. The program will include Broadway songs, "pop" standards, and a few gospel songs.

A young violinist is on the program and also a jazz clarinetist. All of the ten vocalists are experienced, fine singers.

David will perform as soloist and accompanist. It is sure to be a delightful and entertaining hour of music.

And it is Free!

Beware of Loose Dogs at 455 Beechtree Drive

Most of you know my daughter delivers the Hilltop Press in View Place and on several occasions, we have found three huge dogs at 455 Beechtree ready to come after her while delivering to the house next door. Are they Akitas?



Also while the kids are riding bikes, the dogs will come running out of the yard and into the street running after the kids. No one is ever home and quite frankly, I'm afraid to get out of the car to find out if anyone is home.


Please use caution in this area until I can phone the people living there and find out why the dogs are not on leashes or left outside when no one is at home.



Since this street backs up into the Commonwealth area, I would also advise families to keep an eye out for your kids.

The weather is nice and kids will be out. I would hate to see any of our kids hurt and I'm sure the homeowners would like to be made aware of the potentially dangerous situation they are putting the neighborhood by not supervising their dogs while they are out.

They are beautiful dogs, Akitas. The AKC breeders information, however, warns all owners not to let these dogs around kids or small pets while unsupervised. They are very territorial and if something is not right "in their mind" they will instinctively go after whatever it is they feel is a threat to their terrority. They are known to break through an invisible fence barrier to protect their territory.

This Weekend May 2nd

May 2 – Springfield Township Police Department Open House

May 2 – Hamilton County 1-Day Compost Bin Sale ($35 – Regular price $100!)

If you have not had a chance, you may want to visit the Springfield Township Community Calendar & News Board. It is packed FULL of programs: http://springfieldtwp.besavvy.egovlink.com/CommunityNewsBoard.cfm?MonthChange=Forward&LastDate=04%2F27%2F2009

Thank You for the Flowers!

A special thank you goes out to Melanie McNulty who gave us donated pansies to fill our flower boxes this Spring and Barb Rizzi who helped fill the boxes on the corners of Shelley & Blossomhill, Viewplace & Keats, Viewplace & Wellesley, and at the Welcome Board ... Thank you!!!

Community Cleanup April 25th, 2009

Springfield Township Hosting a One-Day Brush Drop Off for ResidentsSaturday, April 25

9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Springfield Township, Ohio April 2, 2009-

The Springfield Township Service Department will host a one-day brush drop off in conjunction with the Great American Cleanup on Saturday, April 25, during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. During designated hours, brush can be taken to the Service Department, located at 952 Compton Road. Brush and tree branches must be cut into lengths of 6 feet or less and can be no larger than 12 inches in diameter. Branches with thorns have to be tied in bundles with twine. Lumber, plastics, rock or other non-vegetative material will not be accepted.

Proof of residency will be required.Many residents have placed cut tree limbs and shrubs near the curb, apparently unaware that the curbside brush pickup service is no longer available. This drop off site provides an opportunity for those residents to dispose of their yard waste. Due to the failure of a November, 2008 levy supporting neighborhood services, Springfield Township Administrator Mike Hinnenkamp recommended to the Trustees a reduction in expenses to the community's general fund.

As a result of these necessary budgetary adjustments, an announcement was made in January that curbside brush pickup has been discontinued. The 2009 budget reflects several changes to assure fiscal responsibility and compliance with the law, while at the same time attempting to continue providing quality services to residents. In addition to this one-day brush drop off service being offered on April 25, Hamilton County residents may drop off their yard waste at no cost at any of the county's designated drop-off locations. Closest to Springfield Township, the Rumpke landfill, located at Struble Road and Colerain Avenue, is open for yard-waste drop off Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

This free service is available to Hamilton County residents only. A list of yard-waste guidelines can be found at www.hamiltoncountyrecycles.org.The Trustees and Administration of Springfield Township are committed to the Township's success, planning its future and paving the way for long term financial sustainability. The Trustees have made, and continue to make, those difficult choices that will ensure the highest quality of life and value of services for residents and business owners.


About Springfield TownshipSpringfield Township is a first ring suburb in the Greater Cincinnati area consisting of approximately 16 ½ square miles and 39,755 residents. The Township is governed by an elected Board of Township Trustees who is dedicated to delivering reliable and superior services to create a sense of community, enhance property values and improve the quality of life for residents and businesses in the Township.

Learn More About TheGreat American Clean-up in Springfield Township April 25, 2009
Brush Drop-Off 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Neighborhood Clean Up 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

*Learn More about how YOU can make a difference in your community by volunteering 4 hours of your time! Email your name and phone number to volunteer on April 25.

Michael Hinnenkamp Springfield Township AdministratorJoseph HonerlawTom Bryan Gwen McFarlin TrusteesKimberlee Flamm Projects, Events & Communications Coordinator
Springfield Township9150 Winton RoadCincinnati, Ohio 45231522-1410www.springfieldtwp.org

Egg Hunt

State of the Township

State of the Township Address
Sunday, February 8, 2009
The Grove Banquet Hall
9158 Winton Road
(Behind the Administration Complex)


1:45 p.m. Registration
2:30 p.m. Presentation
3:30 p.m. Question & Answer
4:00 p.m. Social


Click here to RSVP To the State of the Township AddressAsk a question about the future of Springfield Township


The current economy is presenting unprecedented difficulties on many levels, and local government is no exception. To address these concerns, Springfield Township residents are invited to attend an informal “State of the Township” Address on Sunday, February 8 at the Grove Banquet Hall, 9158 Winton Road. The Address will provide residents an opportunity to hear about the specific challenges that face Springfield Township, and to learn about the opportunities and strategies that the Trustees are considering to secure a positive future for the Township. Event registration, which includes a brief survey, will begin at 1:45p.m.

Township Administrator Michael Hinnenkamp and Trustees Joseph Honerlaw, Tom Bryan and Gwen McFarlin will begin their presentation at 2:30p.m. Upon conclusion of the presentation, residents will have an opportunity to ask questions of their Trustees and take part in a meet-and-greet social with Department Heads, the Trustees and the Township Administrator.

Residents will be receiving information about this meeting in the mail prior to the event. Although not required, residents are encouraged to RSVP by email to residentspeak@springfieldtwp.org.

An agenda and a reminder notice will be sent to anyone who RSVPs. If you are unable to attend, but have a question about the Township’s plans, inquiries may be submitted to the same e-mail address. Springfield Township is a first ring suburb in the Greater Cincinnati area, consisting of approximately 16 ½ square miles and 39,755 residents.

The Township is governed by an elected Board of Township Trustees who is dedicated to delivering reliable and superior services to create a sense of community, enhance property values and improve the quality of life for residents and businesses in the Township. To learn more about Springfield Township, visit www.springfieldtwp.org

ReCap from the Information CMHA Meeting ...

If you needed to be at a Springfield Township meeting this year, this was the meeting. Fortunately, it will be available on the community access cable station.

Before you read on, I'd like to say that there is a process to report homes falling in disrepair in Springfield Twp. by notifying the township. It works. I've seen two houses in Viewplace already where neighbors worked together to report, assess, and resolve the issues.

The point of the meeting was to help educate the community about the process by which a home or rental property suddenly becomes inhabited by families or individuals who have vouchers and to dispel the myth and misinformation that Springfield Twp. is being targeted by CMHA & HUD to settle a disproportionate number of people using vouchers into the community.

Although CMHA re-iterated that they have absolutely no control over where people use the vouchers, it was pretty clear that the 10% bonuses CMHA offers to voucher-ready homes and rental properties in Springfield Twp., Colerain Twp., and Norwood is steering the high concentration of voucher-users in Colerain Twp., Springfield Twp, and Norwood.


In general, most Township residents in attendance were in support of helping people by providing housing. What they didn't like is that this system which was designed to lift people out of their poverty was actually dragging the property value down in neighborhoods where many homes are falling into disrepair. Another big concern was about how rental properties are driving up the property taxes for additional township services and schools levies that are needed by people using federal and state housing vouchers who are not paying property taxes.


Township trustees assured residents of the procedure to report homes by calling 522-1410 to report homes that are falling into disrepair. Also, if the property is currently occupied through a voucher, it is also important to notify the CMHA that the property is in trouble so they can contact the owner. If there is any criminal activity, call Chief Dave.

The main frustration I heard at the meeting is that many homes in Springfield Township are owned by people living outside of the state with no ties or commitment to keep up the conditions of the home.

Many of the residents in attendance at the meeting expressed that home owners who rent their homes to voucher holders should live within a close proximity or that money should be escrowed into an account for repairs to be made if they are not going to be around to fix the home. It was also suggested that before they rent their homes, notification should be given to neighbors who own and reside near the property so that phone numbers can be exchanged to report unusual activities.

The flip side to this is in regard to the voucher holders who are are being "taken" by unscrupulous home owners who do not take responsibility for the homes they own and blame the "neglect" it on the voucher holders.

Many voucher holders with whom I have had contact tell me that the owners will sometimes blame the families for stuff that the owner neglected to repair over time.

News From Finneytown Civic Association ...

This Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009 ... The Finneytown Civic Association is meeting to update people about the civility project; Section 8 (again); report by a nomination committee; and an update about the school and quality of life issues.

Springfield Township Senior and Community Center
9158 Winton RoadCincinnati, OH 45231
Phone: 513-325-5202

Get directions

7 p.m.


Here's something I picked up from the their blog ....






Finneytown Civic Association now has a Green CommitteeContributed

By Joseph Gorman Finneytown Civic Association
David Gaines and Joe Gorman

The goal of the FCA Green Committee is to involve Finneytown residents in projects that improve our local environment. A list of possible projects includes community clean up days, rain barrel installations, rain garden development, recycling projects, and creation of a Finneytown community garden. "Plans are already in the works to team up with the Finneytown High School Go Green Club," said David Gaines, "and we are hoping to coordinate events with a variety of organizations such as scouting troops, church groups and garden clubs.

All are welcome." "There are a bunch of cool resources in the green community that we can tap into," said Joe Gorman. For instance, Cincinnati State has a coordinator of green resources who can share practical information on geo-thermal cooling and heating systems, and, solar energy ideas. Roof gardens can lower the "urban heat" index.If you are interested in the environment and want to make Finneytown a healthier, greener community, please contact committee chair David Gaines at 522-6696.

Springfield Township Information

Springfield Township Citizen Police Academy
SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP – The Springfield Township Police Department will once again be holding their annual Citizens Police Academy at the police station located at 1130 Compton Rd. The classes are scheduled to begin on February 16, 2009 and will be held on Monday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The classes are ten weeks long and are open to all residents of Springfield Township with a limited number of spots available for residents of other communities on a first come, first serve basis. Since the first class in 1997, there have been over 150 graduates of the program. Participants will also have the opportunity to join the Springfield Township Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, which is a non profit organization that supports the police department and has become instrumental in and around the Springfield Township community in various civic activities. Graduates will also have the opportunity to attend additional training to become a member of the Citizen on Patrol program that started in 2008. The class topics will again include patrol functions, domestic violence, K-9 operations, and investigations ranging from traffic crashes to homicides. There will also be classes covering the functions of township government and the townships property maintenance program. Anyone interested in attending may pick up an application at the police station, visit the townships web page at www.springfieldtwp.org, or call 729-1300 for additional information. The contact person is Lt. Rick Bley.


CERT Training Offered(The Community Emergency Response Team)

SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP – The Springfield Township Fire Department will hold Community Emergency Response Team training at the fire station located at 9150 Winton Rd. The classes are scheduled January 27, 29, February 3, 5, 10 and 12 from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Participants must attend all classes. CERT is open to residents of Springfield Township with a limited number of spots available for residents of other communities on a first come, first serve basis.

The registration deadline is January 19, 2009.

Applications are available at www.springfieldtwp.org. Following a disaster, community members may be on their own for a period of time because of the size of the area affected, lost communications, and impassable roads.

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program supports local response capability by training volunteers to organize themselves and spontaneous volunteers at the disaster site, to provide immediate assistance to victims, and to collect disaster intelligence to support responders’ efforts when they arrive.In the classroom, participants learn about the hazards they face and ways to prepare for them. Skills learned can be used to help themselves, their loved ones, and their neighbors until help arrives.

Local government, or one of its representatives, sponsors CERT training in the community. Training consists of 20 hours of instruction on topics that include disaster preparedness, fire safety, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster psychology. Upon completion of the training, participants are encouraged to continue their involvement by participating in training activities and volunteering for projects that support Springfield Township’s disaster preparedness efforts.

Information Sharing About Section 8 Housing

Springfield Township Trustees will host an informational forum from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 to answer questions on Section 8 Housing. Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority will present a twenty-minute informative discussion about the Section 8 program and then follow up with forty minutes of question and answer to address resident concerns. The time structure was set by CMHA.


The meeting will be held at The Grove Banquet Hall, behind the Administration Complex at 9158 Winton Road. Residents of Springfield Township are encouraged to attend. Springfield Township is a first ring suburb in the Greater Cincinnati area, consisting of approximately 16 ½ square miles and 37,587 residents. The Township is governed by an elected Board of Township Trustees who is dedicated to delivering reliable and superior services to create a sense of community, enhance property values and improve the quality of life for residents and businesses in the Township.

IT'S A MISTAKE!

Mrs. Merusi just confirmed what we all suspected. The Badger House on Keats went for $198k and not the $98k that we read in the Hilltop Press.

STOP SIGNS, COVENANT CHURCH LIGHTS, AND PANSIES

ONE OF THE NEIGHBORS ON COMMONWEALTH JUST REPORTED THAT PEOPLE ARE ONCE AGAIN DISOBEYING THE STOP SIGN AT VIEW PLACE AND WELLESLEY.

IS THIS STILL HAPPENING? IS ANYONE ELSE SEEING AN INCREASE?

IF YOU CAN GET A DESCRIPTION OF THE CAR AND APPROXIMATE TIME WHEN IT HAPPENED, I CAN SEND IN THE "COUNT" TO POLICE CHIEF DAVE. HE'LL GET ONE OF THE PATROL CARS OVER THERE IN A MINUTE. THEY ISSUED WARNING LAST TIME; THIS TIME THEY'LL ISSUE TICKETS.

FOR THE NEIGHBORS WHO ARE DIRECTLY IMPACTED BY THE ADDITIONAL 3 LAMP AERIAL LIGHTING AT THE COVENANT CHURCH PARKING LOT AREA PLEASE SEND WRITE VIEWPLACENEWS@YAHOO.COM SUBJECT: AERIAL LIGHTS

THE PERIMETER LIGHTING IS FINE BUT THERE ARE THREE LIGHTS THAT WERE ADDED AND ARE PROJECTED OUTWARD CREATING MANY SAFETY ISSUEs FOR NEIGHBORS NEARBY.

CERTAINLY WHEN THE CHURCH HAS SPECIAL EVENTS, WE EXPECT THEM TO USE THE ADDITIONAL LIGHTING, BUT ON NIGHTS WHEN THERE IS NO EVENT, THE PERIMETER LIGHTS AND THE FEW PARKING LOT LIGHTS ARE ALL THAT IS NECCESSARY.

Thanks to Barb on Blossomhill Drive... we received two flats of pansies from Melanie McNulty who donated the flats to the Finneytown Civic Garden Club. THANK YOU BARB!!!

View Place Drive

Last year, the Hamilton County Engineer resurfaced View Place Drive and replaced the curbs and catch basins. They did well with the road.

The problem is with the curbs. The way they are designed, it causes erosion to occur in front yards just inside the curbs. The new curbs were placed inside of where the old curbs were, so there is an area where vegetation cannot grow and blacktop shows in the yard - and the mailman cannot reach all of the mailboxes.

If anyone else besides me feels that they have the same or similar problems, I would like to know so that I can present their complaints along with mine. They can contact me at 244-1364 days 761-6277 eves or at jrdengenv@aol.com.

This applies to View Place Drive only. It is a County road.

Thanks,
Jeff Dean

EASTER EGG HUNT THIS SATURDAY!!!

We didn't forget ....

The annual neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt will take place this Saturday at the Badger Home located at 7633 Keats in the backyard beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the top of the hill. Parking is available at the church. You'll see us out there hunting for eggs. I have to go to a bell choir practice so I would appreciate if anyone can stay from 10:20 until 11 a.m.

Why is the Easter Egg Hunt at the Badger Home? Mrs. Badger let us use her backyard last year so she could watch the kids from her kitchen window and my daughter suggested we do it again even though Mrs. Badger will be with us in spirit.

I also hope that all our View Place family & neighbors will take every opportunity to see the home before it goes on the market this Monday.... it's such a beautiful home and if my chimney wasn't leaking right now I would buy it in a heartbeat. But I can't sell my home with a leaky chimney, right?

The home is beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. No leaks. And remember this is the home Art Badger built after they moved from their home on Brucehills to make way for Ronald Reagan Hwy. I hope somebody out there will appreciate the historic significance of this home. The Badgers were respected by the neighborhood and also much beloved by the kids who are all grown up raising their own families ... hint ... hint ....

Hope to see you at the Easter Egg Hunt!!!!!

Landfill Update on Northbend ...

Dan Taphorn, an urban conservationist with Hamilton County Soil & Water Division met with Mr. Kendall late in 2007. He learned that the District made Mr. Kendall re-seed a few areas where the previous seeding had not taken because of the drought. As far as the District is concerned Mr. Kendall’s project is complete and no more fill should be taking place.

I understand that Mel Rack now owns an acre of ground formally owned by Mr. Kendall and that he is installing a driveway for access to this property. We do not have issues with the driveway being installed on the Rack property, if he (Mel Rack) wants to accept fill he needs to file for an Earthwork Permit.

Have any questions give Dan Taphorn a call.

Daniel Taphorn
Urban Conservationist
Certified Professional in Erosion & Sediment Control #2730
Hamilton County Soil & Water Conservation District
29 Triangle Park Drive, Suite 2901
Cincinnati, Ohio 45246
Phone: (513) 772 - 7645 ext. 16 Fax: (513) 772 - 7656

Message from Randy Parsons, School Superintendent

Dear Donna,

I was happy we had an opportunity to talk earlier this week to address some of the questions about our high school program.

Concerning AP classes, we have not reduced, nor are there plans to reduce, our AP offerings. However, as our total student population gets smaller, it may to make sense to examine creative scheduling strategies – perhaps combining some classes, or offering some classes on alternating years. The data shows, however, that over the last five years, the number of students taking AP exams has increased from 69 in 2003 to 114 in 2007, with a corresponding increase in the number of students receiving Advanced Placement College Credit. (Last year we had 5 National Merit Semi-finalists and 1 Finalist.)

As for the scheduling issues, we are aware of only one student who was closed out of an AP class this summer. This student was in many other high level classes. Again, a smaller high school program naturally results in a tighter, less flexible master schedule with a greater likelihood of single course offerings. We believe this challenge is offset by the many advantages of attending a small school!

Although the state and federal (No Child Left Behind) accountability/testing programs have highlighted in recent years the need to provide intervention to struggling students, this does not need to be at the expense of meeting the needs of our academically talented students. We need to do both.

We also talked about the need to make sure the good news about Finneytown gets into the local press. Shawn Maus, our Communications Coordinator, sends 5 – 7 items per week out to the media. All of the news items that appear on our website are sent to them. It is solely their choice what to print.

I hope this response is helpful. Please let me know if you have additional questions, and let me know that you received this email. I would be happy to speak with anyone who has individual concerns. Your support in helping to facilitate good communication is greatly appreciated!

Sincerely,

Randy

Randall B. Parsons
Superintendent
Finneytown Local School District
8916 Fontainebleau Terrace
Cincinnati, Ohio 45231
(513) 728-3703
rparsons@finneytown.org

Don't forget:

GRILL OUT
TUESDAY, OCT. 23
AT HUMMER PARK

letter from Georgia ...

I grew up on Deanview and remembe Mrs. Badger saying good morning to us daily from her house when we’d wait for the school bus. Sometimes, just for fun, some of us would drop in after school and visit her, Mr. Badger, and their dog. They were truly wonderful people. I also remember the sign they always had up each year – season’s greetings from art and mary badger. They also were known for being the most generous to all of us at Halloween.

They were truly wonderful folks in every way possible. I’ve not lived in View Place since 1990 but it was wonderful, and came as no surprise, to read that the Badgers carried on as they always had, loving and giving to those around them.

Paul Larsen
Atlanta, GA.

Two Cats Still Missing ...

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE ...

CONTACT Viewplacenews@yahoo.com if you see a short haired black cat and long hair grey cat roaming around upper end of Viewplace, Wellesley or Pinebrook.

There are two little (SAD) girls who are missing their cats! Both cats pretty much stayed in the yard although the grey cat was known for crossing over to the Jesuit house...

New Excavation on Northbend Road behind St. X??

I would like to know what is happening to the hillside on North Bend Rd behind the St. Xavier ballfield. It saddens me to see yet another forested area destroyed. Thank you. Teri from Keats Lane

Pinebrook Court Update

If you have been in the vicinity of Pinebrook Court lately, you are well aware that we are in the process of rebuilding our home. It was basically deemed a total loss, and because of that, we had the remaining structure torn down and opted to start fresh. We were able to save the foundation...which is why we are so far along in the rebuilding process all ready!
This house does look a little different than it did before, but soon the same old people will be living there and our lives will hopefully return to normal.

Since the fire, we spent 5 weeks living with my parents, Al and Kathy Humbert. They live in the area, so we were able to still be close to home. Then we were able to find a house to rent on Shuman Lane. This is in the area behind Brentwood Shopping Center. It is not exactly what we are used to, but it has worked out for the summer and into the fall. If all goes well, and so far it has, we should be able to move back onto Pinebrook in late November...so we could be HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

Since the fire, we have been blessed in many ways, our friends in the area have been WONDERFUL. Looking out for our interests right after the fire happened and continuing to look out for us now. It is great to see so many smiling faces every day, as we travel in and out of View Place to drop off our girls at the babysitters. As of July, we have our newest addition as well. Lillian Claire Schwartz was born on July 21st and has been the best distraction possible after all of this fire stuff we have been dealing with! She is wonderful and her sisters, Hannah, Grace and Katherine, and her brother Joey, love her to death. We can't wait to introduce her to the View Place neighborhood

Mrs. Mary Badger Passed Away Last Night ...

Mary Badger's sister called this morning with very sad news. Mrs. Badger slipped away last night, Wednesday, October 3, around midnight. A visitation for Mrs. Badger is planned at Hodapp in Carthage this Sunday, October 7th from 3 to 5 p.m.

Recently, Mrs. Badger was diagnosed with an advanced stage of cancer. Late in September, she received her first chemo treatment and due to complications from pneumonia, she was rushed to the hospital on Saturday, Sept. 29th and remained until Wednesday, when her family decided to bring her home for respite.

Mrs. Badger will always be remembered by family, friends, and neighbors as being a kindred spirit, a naturalist, and a devoted wife. The neighborhood children growing up in View Place will always remember the Badger home to be a safe haven; a place to discover important values that would help shape their true character and help define their purpose in life which is always to serve others.



For Mr. and Mrs. Badger:

"The present flowed by them like a stream. The tree rustled. It had made music before they were born, and would continue after their deaths, but its song was of the moment. The moment had passed. The tree rustled again. Their senses were sharpened, and they seemed to apprehend life. Life passed. The tree rustled again."- E.M. Forster

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS

Commonwealth (two years Cash)
Dave and Kani

Wellesley
Rhonda & Joe and Family (Cash)

Beechtree
Greg & Lynn (Cash)

Brucehills
Tim and Family
(Is that you who gave me $10.oo for membership at Parade?)

Pinebrook
Mary and Family

CATS ARE MISSING: REPORT ABUSES 541-6100

Reported Sept. 12, 2007


WE HAVE DEER, WE HAVE MICE. THESE TWO ARE VERY INTERDEPENDENT AND CANNOT EXIST WITHOUT THE OTHER. Okay, I'm stretching it a little here but the fact is that if there is an abundance of deer, there will be even more of mice. With it being so dry, those little critters are going to be in our houses soon looking for water.

THAT'S WHY WE NEED CATS.

LATELY, COME OF OUR FELINE FRIENDS HAVE GONE MISSING OR HAVE BEEN MAULED by doggies. If you own a doggy and you do not keep it in on your own property, you run the risk of facing animal cruelty charges.

Through the grapevine, I heard that a dog mauled to death a child's beloved pet cat. The other cats are also missing. If you see any dog, including mine, running the neighborbood, dumping over garbage like I saw on Beechtree yesterday, please call the

SPCA 541-6100.

IMPROVING PROPERTY VALUE, RESIDENTIAL CLEAN UP, AND GRILL OUT

Hello ... just a few reminders about upcoming events.

IMPROVING PROPERTY VALUES FOCUS

Senior/Community Center 9158 Winton Road
Sept. 16
7 p.m.


5th ANNUAL RESIDENTIAL RECYCLE CLEAN UP DAY

Save that card that was mailed to you as proof of residency
Township Civic Center 9150 Winton Road
Sept. 22nd
9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

NO PAINT, NO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, NO CONTRACTORS, NO COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS.


NEIGHBORHOOD GRILL OUT PLANNED OCT. 23 AT HUMMER PARK

The Board of Trustees is holding a series of neighborhood grill-outs this fall to discuss the new Strategic Neighborhood Action Plan. We are planning to be in the View Place neighborhood on Tuesday, October 23. The meeting will be at 6pm and should only last an hour since we know how busy this time of year can be. We are planning to be at Hummer Park . Letters will be sent out to all residents but I wanted to let you know first.

New Members ...

On Shelley ... Carol and Tim & Family

On Wellesley ... Bernie and Ruby

Renewal on Beechtree - Carol and Bob S.

URGENT MESSAGE

THE STATE OF OHIO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES HAS A MAJOR ALERT OUT FOR EVERYONE:

DO NOT BRING IN FIRE WOOD FROM UNKNOWN SOURCES.

DO NOT BUY YOUR FIRE WOOD IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHERE IT CAME FROM. THE PROBLEM IS A LITTLE BUG THAT BORES IT WAY IN HOST TREES THAT CAN BRING DOWN A WHOLE FOREST. WE ARE ESPECIALLY VULNERABLE BECAUSE OF THE OLD TREES UP HERE AND THE CONNECTION WE HAVE TO CALDWELL, WARD, AND OTHER LOCAL NATURE PRESERVES.

THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES IS ASKING ALL OHIO RESIDENTS TO REFRAIN FROM USING FIRE WOOD FROM UNKNOWN SOURCES UNTIL THEY CAN GET THIS LITTLE PEST UNDER CONTROL WHICH MAY TAKE AWHILE DUE TO THE MANY PEOPLE WHO CONTINUE TO IGNORE THEIR WARNINGS.

VISIT THE WEB PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://www.emeraldashborer.info/

Yard Sales and the Criminal Element ...

Shortly after our community yard sale, one of the homes on Pinebrook was the target of theft. Since there was no sign of forced entry according to my source, there was some speculation that the thieves "cased" the home beforehand possibly during our community yard sale.

A few years back, one of our neighbors invited a sales person from a virtually unknown window company for an estimate and a few weeks later, their home was broken into. What was unusual about this break in was that the thieves took little things that were in clear view ... jewelry on the bathroom sink ... knicknacks on tables ... it appeared to be quick sweep with no time for unplugging televisions or dvd players.

At one of our last safety meetings, the Chief of Police urged residents to keep our homes secured by locking the doors, closing the garage doors, and reporting any suspicious cars or people in the neighborhood so they have it logged in. It may be all very innocent -- that strange car parked in front of our neighbor's home on vacation -- but AT LEAST THE POLICE WILL HAVE SOMETHING ON RECORD TO GO BY IN CASE IT WASN'T SOMEBODY THE FAMILY KNOWS.

PLEASE, DO NOT BE EMBARRESSED TO CONTACT SPRINGFIELD TWP. POLICE, THEY WANT TO HELP US BACK HERE BECAUSE THEY ARE PROUD OF THIS NEIGHBORHOOD, TOO.

Homes for Sale in View Place

If your neighbor's home has a "for sale" sign up front, take the time to go over during the "open house" or talk to any of the interested home buyers to let them know about View Place and the neighborhood in general.

A few times, I've attended the open houses to let prospective buyers know how much we take pride in our neighborhood, the history, the responsibility we share to keep up the value in all our homes, and general information about the township.

Many of the prospects were very appreciative that a neighbor stopped by to answer questions or to assure them that this is a neighborhood worth their investment or a good place to raise children.

Mrs. Sondra Merusi over on Blossom Hill is a realtor who is always happy to help out with questions. She has come to aide of many home buyers. Since she lives right here in View Place, she has a personal interest in representing all of us when it comes to selling or buying a home here.

If you have any questions for Sondra, contact our viewplacenews@yahoo mailbox and put a "forward to Sondra" in the subject box.

Membership Renewels...

On Beechtree ... Judy and Bob, Bill and Alice, George and Jeanette

On Blossom Hill Lane ... Donald and Sheila

On Wellesley ... Marianne and James, Louis and Zelda

On View Place ... Richard and Nancy

On Commonwealth ... Mary and Frederick

About Rumpke ...

More News from James Wright ... In case you didn't get to the bottom of the last post ...

Rumpke has resumed a yard waste pick up service, free of charge to Springfield Township residents. Therefore, the Township Service Department will no longer be picking up leaves in the fall as one of the many services offered to residents. Elimination of this service by the Township will save more than 800 man-hours now spent by Service Department employees

This Note is for You!

Submitted by James Wright, former VPCA President and current School Board member ....




Tax Budget Public Hearing 7/10


Kids Police Academy from 7/29-30 ages 8-12
Explorers meet on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. and is for young adults ages 15-20.


Kids Fire Academy 7/24 & 28 with graduation scheduled for Saturday with lunch.
EMS runs on the increase
07/12

Waycross Community Media Open House
Waycross Community Media Center 25th Anniversary Open House (5:00 - 9:00 pm)
Bridge Replacement-Shady Brook near Vine Mid July until end of year
Duke energy has started moving the Telephone poles, which is what slowed down the progress of Winton Rd reconstruction. Congestion is expected to go up.


Final Vision Draft is on the web
06/29/2007 computer classes 522-1154 872-3633


One Firefighter past probation and 2 Police officers past probation.


Key new Resolution # 159-2007
(Declaring Nuisances Pursuant to Ohio revised code section 505.87 At Various Listed Properties within Springfield Township and Authorizing Statutory Actions Necessary to abate the Nuisances.) 95 Nuisances due to increasing the hours of the inspectors and inspections.




09/22

Residential Recycle & Cleanup Day

Place: Township Complex, 9150 Winton Road
Time: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Accepted Items: Auto and marine batteries, Scrap metal, Computer components, Lawn mowers Propane tanks, Tires, Used motor oil, Tree limbs, branches, leaves, Household appliancesBicycles for repair and donation- Refrigerators, freezers and dehumidifiers – Freon will be removed at no cost


SummerBlast
Start: 06/29/2007 - 6:00pm – 11:00pm
End: 06/30/2007 5:00 p.m.-11:00pm
The Parade kicks off SummerBlast on Friday, June 29 at 6:45 p.m. at the parking lot of St. Bartholomew Church located at 9375 Winton Road. The parade route will be from St. Bart’s to Fleming Road East to Long Lane South to Compton Road West to Winton Road North to the Township Civic Center located at 9150 Winton Road.


9th Annual Car ShowCar show participants can register on Saturday, June 30 between 4 and 7 p.m. behind the Administration Building at 9150 Winton Road. Registration is $10 per car. Car show winners will be announced at 9 p.m. that evening. Any questions regarding the Car Show can be directed to Melanie McNulty at 522-1410. 2 winners of car show announced 9:00pm


Rumpke has resumed a yard waste pick up service, free of charge to Springfield Township residents. Therefore, the Township Service Department will no longer be picking up leaves in the fall as one of the many services offered to residents. Elimination of this service by the Township will save more than 800 man-hours now spent by Service Department employees

Link to Springfield Township News Web Page

http://www.springfieldtwp.org/

News from Springfield Township about the Parade and Event

It’s time to celebrate summertime! Springfield Township’s annual SummerBlast Barbecue and Music Festival is Friday, June 29 and Saturday, June 30 at the Township Civic Center, 9150 Winton Road. Bring the whole family and enjoy great local bands – including The Rusty Griswolds and Four on the Floor – free kids rides and plenty of good food and drinks all weekend long. In addition to free kids rides, there will also be a kids tent with games and activities. DJ’s from WGRR will emcee the event both nights and the station will be broadcasting Cincinnati’s greatest hits live from SummerBlast.

Saturday’s fireworks show at 10 p.m. will end Springfield Township’s fun community event with a blast. Join us!

Join the Parade!

The Parade kicks off SummerBlast on Friday, June 29 at 6:45 p.m. Any resident, civic association, church, business or group is welcome to join in the parade. If you can’t be in the parade, we encourage you to get together with neighbors and friends along the parade route and cheer on your fellow Springfield Township residents. The Parade Registration form can be downloaded from the Forms page on this website. For any questions regarding the parade or to obtain a parade form, please contact 522-1410.

The parade will form at 6 p.m. in the parking lot of St. Bartholomew Church located at 9375 Winton Road. The parade route will be from St. Bart’s to Fleming Road East to Long Lane South to Compton Road West to Winton Road North to the Township Civic Center located at 9150 Winton Road.

9th Annual Car ShowCar show participants can register on Saturday, June 30 between 4 and 7 p.m. behind the Administration Building at 9150 Winton Road. Registration is $10 per car. Car show winners will be announced at 9 p.m. that evening. Any questions regarding the Car Show can be directed to Melanie McNulty at 522-1410.

Open House at The GroveThe Grove has been going through many renovations including new windows and wall coverings. There will be an open house during SummerBlast for residents to check out the new facility, book an event and taste samples from Cincinnati Catering. We will also be distributing flyers with an Open House special discount good through the end of July.
Parking and Shuttle ServiceParking is not permitted at the Township Civic Center during SummerBlast. A free shuttle service will be provided to the event from the designated parking areas of the former Kroger store, Northminster Presbyterian Church and St. Bartholomew Church.

Appropriate accommodations can be made for any handicapped persons; please notify a Springfield Township police officer of the situation upon arrival at SummerBlast.
Friday

6:00 p.m. Grounds Open
6:45 p.m. Parade
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Open House at The Grove
7:30 p.m. Live Music by The Rusty Griswolds
11:00 p.m. Grounds Close
Saturday
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Car Show Registration
5:00 p.m. Grounds Reopen
5:00 p.m. Car Show Opens
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Open House at The Grove
6:00 p.m. Art Show Winners Announced
7:00 p.m. Live Music by Four on the Floor
9:00 p.m. Car Show Winners Announced
10:00 p.m. Fireworks
10:30 p.m. Grounds Close

Summerblast Parade-Neighborhood Participation Meeting ...

It's just around the corner and hope that you can plan to attend this Saturday, June 23, at 10 a.m. Come to 491 Deanview and bring a chair to help plan our neighborhood participation for this parade event.

Last year, the Scholles loaned us their '67 Chevy Malibu convertible for the parade.

Roland Arrowood to the Rescue!

Here's Roland's number for painting, remodeling, repairs, painting, wallpaper, electric, and plumbing. He is highly recommended for anywork around your home due to his professionalism, work ethic and craftmanship ... (513)-520-2810

Membership Renewals

View Place --- Nancy and Dick
Beechtree --- George and Jeannette
Deanview -- Mary and Matt
Bruce Hills -- Chen-Mei and Strong

499 Beechtree Drive Eye Sore ...

Thanks for calling the township ... the more calls we put in ... the faster the results. Yes, they are aware of the situation and trying to get a hold of the owners there ... there is a process by which they need to go through so it shouldn't be just a few more days ... in the meantime ... continue calling ... I've got a call into Gwen who always gets things done for us ...

News About the Fire

It's Judy over on Beechtree (Dave's wife). I had no idea this happened in our neighborhood. I feel that we should show our neighborhood support somehow to Fran and Chris and the family. Fran grew up in that house and often babysat our kids. The following is what she wrote in our Church e-lines. Yesterday we looked for ourselves and Dave took the pictures. Maybe we can include her story and the pics. on Viewplace website. What do you think? Judy Stephens
Parish - The Rest of the Story I have always know that my St. Vivian family is as wonderful as my immediate family, however I have been continuously reminded of this throughout this LONGGGGGGGG weekend. On Friday night, April 20th, our home on Pinebrook caught fire. At this point we know it started in the kitchen and it is believed to have been electrical in nature. I was at home with Joey, Grace and Katherine. We were able to calmly walk out the front door and call 911. Chris and Hannah were not home at the time. That is our biggest blessing...everyone is safe and no one got hurt. We did however lose our cat to the fire. She died in the basement from the smoke. The house has been very seriously damaged. We are waiting for the insurance company to finish their processing to determine exactly what should be done. The first floor was very heavily burned, the basement suffered serious water damage and the upstairs/bedroom area was burned in some areas, and heavily damaged by smoke in all areas. We are currently staying with my parents and will be looking for temorary housing in the area for the longer term. All of your offers of help have NOT fallen on deaf ears! Please rest assured in the coming months we will be asking for help in many areas, whether it be help with the children or furniture or whatever....but for right now, we just need your prayers and your loving support. A smile really goes a long way! Thank you for being there. Sincerely, Fran Vanarsdall-Schwartz

Handy Man Help

We have in our neighborhood one of the hardest working handymen ever. He's efficient, honest, and won't rob the piggybank. He is highly recommended, too. If you need your bathroom, kitchen or family room refurbished, upgraded, or just fixed, give me call so I can give you his name. If youhave the 2002 neighborhood directory, he's listed under A and 4th entry down. Or just e-mail me at viewplacenews@yahoo.com.

Neighborhood News April Update ...

Easter Egg Hunt was COLD! It was so cold that the donuts froze. About 20 little ones showed up with their family and kids who came from out of town. A lot of the Moms and Dads grew up around here and have very good memories of our neighborhood. They were happy that we still provided the Easter Egg Hunt for the kiddies.

A tall man handed me $10.00 for his membership but I forgot his name. Can anyone help me out here? Maybe Lori or Katie will remember.

Lynette is planning a neighborhood yard sale for us. It's scheduled for May 19th on Saturday 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. More later.

Has anyone heard about the fire on Pinebrook as reported by neighbor Carol Long? She's going to forward information so we can help this family?

SPRING MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS

On Wellesley
Jim and Marianne
Terry and Carol

On Shelley
George and Louise

On Blossomhill
Ruth and James
Bill and Sondra
George and Barbara

On Deanview
Fred and Donna
Amy and Ryan
Donna and Mike

I've been to "All About Computers" several times located next to the KirbyVacuum Repair Shop/Duffy Printing. Everytime I go in there, they find the most cost effective/efficient solution to the problems I've had with my computer at home.

They also do "home visits" if you have an emergency, too. Contact them at (513) 242 - 1800 or visit them at 907 North Bend Road, Finneytown. (The owner lives right here in View Place, too.)

Visit their webpage at (double click here) http://www.aacomputersplus.com or write them at aacomputers@bizcinci.rr.com for information and prices.

From Neighbor James Wright ...

FCA Notes
Website address is fcaontheweb.org
Block Watch Program has been received as one of the best in the State of Ohio
a) It is designed for troubled areas. The pattern is that when an area has problems they start a block watch program. The program becomes such a success that it is discontinued. Later the program get resurrected due the need once again.
b) If you are interested in having a BWP notify FCA and ask for Nancy
c) Alternate phone number for Police is 513-729-1300
The current membership is over 180 and climbing
Fire Report from year 2006
d) Fire Emergency response 895
e) Medical Emergency response 3784
f) Education instructed over 3000 children using the Safehouse trailer
g) Program Juvenile Fire Setters, Kids Fire Academy Open House in Oct.
h) Inspections 324 for schools, foster carehomes and commercial properties
5) Development Services Department
a) Zone Certificates Report (2006)
1) Permits issued 301
2) Total Revenue $ 20,080.08
b) Code Violations Report (2006)
1) Inspections conducted 1,057
2) Violations Reported 1,073
3) Violations issued 844
4) Violations Resolved 782
6) Misc.
a) Concerns came over the lack of snow removal from sidewalks along with the hazards and safety issued that happens. Due to snow on sidewalks
1. Person almost hit
2. Students having to walk in the streets
3. Reason for lack of snow removal is legal and liability
4. FCA will draft a letter to sent to various agencies so the issue can get addressed
b) Newsletter will be taking articles scheduled printing in a few weeks, sent letters to Chris Aufrey in care of FCA.

LETTER FROM VPCA PRESIDENT

I've been very lapse in my duties as the neighborhood representative and I apologize. I got into a slump after Mr. Badger died and things started snowballing so much that I pretty much threw in the towel and slumped into my corner. I am only revived somewhat over the beautification efforts on the corner of View Place and Wellesley. I secretly wondered what squirrel let the nut out with the chainsaw?

With April approaching, I will begin the start up of the VCPA once we acquire the financial resources to move forward with a new directory and new "front door." At this time, we have only collected about 1/4 of the information for a new directory. I think we have about $1,000 in the bank and will be working on filling the flower boxes.

I have membership checks from November and hope to get up to the bank to make the deposit. One thing at a time. One day at a time.

I'll try to keep you updated through the blog and memo board as best as I can.

Thanks.
Donna on Deanview

PLEASE VOTE FOR THE ROAD LEVY MAY 8TH

One of the biggest challenges facing the Township in 2007 is maintaining the 180 lane miles of Township roads and storm drainage systems. Due to the narrow defeat of the Road Levy, which was on the ballot this past November, the annual resurfacing budget will not keep pace with the growing list of streets in need of repair. In fact, the current annual levy revenue puts Townships streets on a 40-45 year repaving cycle. The goal is for a cycle of about 20 years between a full-depth street resurfacing.

As explained in more detail in the 2007 Budget information contained in this edition of the Newsletter, the vast majority of Township revenue does not increase with the rate of inflation or property value increases, because State law prohibits it. Therefore, the current 1 Mill Road District levy (known as outside millage), currently generates nearly the same amount of revenue as it did when it was passed in 1997. Yet, despite the fact that revenue has remained nearly constant, the costs associated with road resurfacing has nearly tripled over the past ten years.

Throughout the process of finalizing the 2007 Budget, the Board and Staff discussed various options regarding road resurfacing for the coming year. After evaluating the revenues derived from the current levy and the need to minimize the impact to the Township’s General Fund, which is used to fund many other essential services provided by the Township, it was clear that the issue should be once again presented to the electorate. Therefore, the Board has decided to place the 1 Mill Replacement and 1 1⁄2 Mill Increase Road Issue on the May 8 ballot.

Public meetings regarding this issue will be scheduled over the next few months leading up the election date. Please contact Township Administrator Michael Hinnenkamp at 522-1410 if you have questions or need more information about this critical issue for the short and long term future of the Township. You may also visit the Township’s web site at www.springfieldtwp.org. for the latest on Road Levy information.

SPRING CLEAN UP DATE SET

I'm hoping the FCA can help out again this year with the 2007 Great Finneytown Clean Up, part of the nationwide Great American Cleanup. Volunteers have done a wonderful job with the cleanup in past years. This year's date is Saturday, April 28th. We will meet in the Allen Paul meeting room in the back of the Administration Building (the old part where we hold the Trustee meetings every month).

Registration starts at 8:00 A.M. with the cleanup going from 9 until noon. We will provide light breakfast items and coffee, as well as a pizza lunch when we're done. We'll also have the Great American Cleanup T-shirts for volunteers, garbage bags and latex gloves. They should bring work gloves, wear closed toed shoes and bring any tools they think may be helpful. We had 11 FCA volunteers last year, so that was great. I have some of their email addresses and can send info to them directly, if you'd like. Information also went out in our recent Township newsletter.
Unfortunately the printer left out the part about registration beginning at 8:00. We would like folks to be there before 9 to sign release forms and find out where to begin the cleanup.

Thanks,

Melanie Melanie McNulty, CPRP Recreation Director Springfield Township 9150 Winton Road Cincinnati, OH 45231 Phone: (513)522-1410 FAX: (513)729-0818 mmcnulty@springfieldtwp.org