A community of neighborhoods,
A great place to call home.
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Springfield Township Newsletter
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November 2009
Volume 1, Issue 7
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Dear ,
Thanksgiving ...
For many, it means eating delicious food and cozying up in the family room with apple cider, TV, photo albums, stories and the people we love. It's the time of the year we look forward to spending quality time with our families and giving thanks.
But as we give thanks, we are also reminded of the uncertain times in which we live. With the economy in flux, many are becoming more conservative in their spending habits and holding true to what's most important to them - home and family.
Home and family continue to be our focus here in Springfield Township. As we continue to evolve and grow, providing a safe community with opportunities for residents of all ages is our continuing goal. Over the past few months we have hosted eleven different neighborhood meetings to garner residents' input into a master planning process to lead the Township successfully into the future. We, along with the administrative staff, had the pleasure to meet with so many of you individually and we appreciate you taking the time to be part of the process to help make our Township the best place it can be. For your support, we give our thanks!
If you were unable to attend your neighborhood meeting, we would like to hear from you. On our website you will find a quick survey to provide your view from your neighborhood.
From your Township family - Happy Thanksgiving!
Sincerely,
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Three New Officers Hired By The Springfield Township Police Force
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Three new officers have been hired by the Springfield
Township Police Department with the support of a levy that was passed by the
residents in May of 2009. Passing
by over seventy percent, voters insured that no lay-offs would occur and that
the vacant positions in the police force would be filled.
Over 260 applications poured in for the limited number of positions. "It was our goal to find the best fit for our department
and our community. The hiring process was very competitive and intense," stated
Chief David Heimpold. The Chief
went on to say, "After this very thorough process we feel that we were able
to accomplish our goals in hiring quality officers". Springfield Township Police Department is pleased to welcome Benjamin
Huxel, Joseph Powers and James Scheeler, as the newest members of our
organization.
 Benjamin Huxsel is a graduate of Capital University. Originally from Cincinnati, Ben attended Capital University where he was a four-year starting football player. He graduated with a Bachelors of Science Degree
in Criminology. Ben worked for the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections
as a corrections officer, before becoming a full-time police officer with the
City of Columbus, Ohio Police Department.
 Joseph Powers grew up in the Cincinnati area graduating
from LaSalle High School. He
attended Wright State University for 4 years on a baseball scholarship before
being drafted by the Cincinnati Reds.
Joe played ball for five years in the Reds minor league organization.
After his ball career, Joe finished his degree at Northern Kentucky University
receiving in Bachelors of Science in Sociology in 2007. Joe graduated from the Butler Tech
Police Academy in May 2009.
Jam es Scheeler began his law enforcement career at a young
age as a member of the Springfield Township Police Explorer Post for several
years. Jim is also a graduate of LaSalle High School and attended the Butler
Tech Police Academy where he graduated in September of 2006. He began his career as a police
officer with the Village of Arlington Heights and moved to the Lockland Police
Department in 2007 where he continued his career in law enforcement until being
hired by Springfield Township.
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Residents Propose Ideas for the Township's Master Plan In Eleven Neighborhood Meetings
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Over 500 residents attended their neighborhood meeting, hosted by the Township Trustees and administration. The meetings were the first step in creating a custom Township-wide master plan. Many in the community came with ideas for the future.
Trustees are
currently working with the Administrator and Department Heads to address some
of the more easily remedied concerns immediately. The next stages of the master
planning process will include resident volunteers participating on a steering
committee.
The steering committees will be selected in January after Trustees and staff have time to analyze the data that was received both verbally and in a written survey. Only three to seven residents from each neighborhood will be selected. There will be an orientation for committee members and the common, recurring themes that each neighborhood addressed will be presented at that time. Individual neighborhood meetings will then follow. Each neighborhood committee will tackle the issues that are relevant in that neighborhood. The committees agreed upon highest priority items will then become part of the master plan. This process is expected to take one year.
If you were unable to attend your neighborhood meeting, you may visit the Township's Website (Under the link "Neighborhood Master Plan"). There you can watch any of the recorded neighborhood meetings, download and fill out the neighborhood survey, or request to be considered to serve on the steering committee. If you have any questions, please call 522-1410.
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Register Now For The Next
Citizens Police Academy
January 11 - March 22, 2010
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The Springfield Township Police Department began its first Citizens Police Academy in 1997. Since then, the program has graduated more than
100 engaged residents. The purpose of this program is to build a
better understanding between
citizens and the police through education and cooperation. THE CPA IS
NOT DESIGNED TO AND DOES NOT MAKE THE PARTICIPANTS CERTIFIED POLICE
OFFICERS.
The Citizens Police Academy consists of a 10-week program,
meeting three hours a week on Monday evenings. (6:30 - 9:30 p.m.)
Ranging from classroom-style learning with guest speakers to "hands-on"
activities, Citizens Police Academy members are exposed to all aspects
of police work.
All classes are taught by law enforcement professionals with the
majority of instruction held at the Springfield Township Police
Department, 1130 Compton Road. Classroom time includes presentations
and information regarding police special operations, criminal
investigations, basic law, narcotics investigations, accident
investigations, domestic violence, police ethics, K-9 operations and
more.
Graduates of the Citizens Police Academy will have opportunities for
additional training and can become a member of the Citizens on Patrol.
For more information on registering for the next Citizens Police Academy, visit this link.
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Winton Road Update
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Hamilton County is sending residents and business owners monthly updates on the Winton Road project. To be included on the regular communications, email your request to wintonroadconstruction@gmail.com
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Recycling Just Got Easier!
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Hamilton County Solid Waste district recently announced a few additions to the recycling program. It's now easier than ever to recycle!
No longer is it necessary to look at numbers on plastic jugs and bottles. Just remove the lids and recycle! Pizza boxes (minus any leftover foods) are also now recyclable.
For a full list of items that can be recycled, visit the Township's recycling web page or hcdoes.org.
Many Township residents have curb side recycling provided by their preferred waste collector. There also four convenient recycle bins located at the Springfield Township Civic Center at 9150 Winton Road.
The community as a whole benefits from recycling. Not only is it good
for the environment, its good for your community. Springfield Township receives
a graduated amount of Hamilton County Solid Waste District recycling grant dollars based on the percentages of the quantity of garbage/waste sent to the landfill versus the quantity of materials recycled.
The more we recycle, the more the community benefits! The grant money is used to fund additional recycling programs and can be used to purchase recycled products. This year the recycle grant paid for the much-needed flooring in the Senior/Community Center.
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Springfield Township Fire Department - A Host Site to Collect Coats For A Worthy Cause
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Residents are encouraged to drop off any new or gently used coats to the Springfield Township Fire Department, located at 9150 Winton Road. The coats are being collected for the eighth annual St. Vincent de Paul 5 Cares Coat Drive. The goal of the program is to collect 4,000 coats for distribution to local people in need.
For many families and individuals, there is simply no extra money to purchase a winter coat. The 5 Cares Coat Drive helps ensure that no one in our community goes without a winter coat.
The coat drive will be held until December 4th.
For more information about donating or helping with the drive, please call St. Vincent de Paul at 513-562-8841, ext. 226, or to learn how to receive a coat, call 513-421-0602.
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Halloween Window Painting Contest Winner
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Several Finneytown students participated in the Township's first Halloween Window Painting contest. The event was designed to attract business along the Winton Road corridor and introduce students to business owners.
Congratulations to Brandon Jump who painted Athena International Foods 's window. He received 41 votes of the 170 votes that were placed! He will be awarded with a $50 cash prize from Hill Hear Better Audiologist & Associates.
To see pictures of the painted scenes, visit http://www.springfieldtwp.org/halloweenwindows.cfm
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Paul Tensing - Celebrating 30 Years As A Firefighter/Paramedic
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Paul Tensing just celebrated 30 memorable years as a Firefighter/Paramedic
in September, 2009.
He began his service to the residents of Springfield
Township as a volunteer firefighter with the Northern Hills Fire
Department. In 1996, he joined the
newly formed Springfield Township Fire Department and is still active
today. According to Chief
Leininger, "Paul's dedication is amazing.
For 30 years, Paul has sacrificed time away from his family and business
to serve the residents of Springfield Township". His knowledge of heavy equipment has been an asset to the
department. Paul developed the
first auto extrication chain lifter.
By cutting a steel wheel in half and welding two pins on the bottom
plate, the chain lifter is placed on the dash to raise the chain, resulting in
better leverage when lifting a steering column off of a trapped victim.
Chief Leininger gets emotional when talking about Paul
because he says, "Paul saved my life years ago while we were responding to a
fire".
Paul is the type of employee that every manager dreams
of. He is very knowledgeable,
leads by example, has a positive attitude, and is always willing to help in any
situation.
Thank you, Paul, for your 30 years of service and your
continued dedication to the Springfield Township Fire Department.
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Helping Realtors Sell In Springfield Township
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 Living here, you know the benefits of homeownership in this great community. Proximity to downtown Cincinnati, central location, top notch police and fire departments, choice of seven different public school districts with a wide selection private academic opportunities and Winton Woods park right in your own backyard! The Township is continuing its efforts to market the Township and to encourage home ownership. In September we hosted our first ever Sold on Springfield Township event with 152 open houses held on one day. We have also hosted events with real estate agents, offering continuing education credits to learn more about Springfield Township. Our next selling strategy is in a new community magazine that was distributed through the Hilltop and Northwest Press. 23,000 issues have circulated both inside and outside our community. The Township reserved an additional 3,000 copies that will now be distributed to area real estate agents. We are also including DVD's with a 70 second marketing video that agents can play during an open house. These magazines will appear on the countertops of homes that are currently for sale. If you did not receive a copy of the magazine, you may pick one up at the Springfield Township Civic Center. You can also download a copy from the Township's website, www.springfieldtwp.org. Inside you will find useful phone numbers, an events section, interesting articles about our landmarks, information regarding the YMCA's new pool designs and much more! |
The Grove Banquet Hall - Restructured and Now A Major Source of Revenue to Fund The Senior Center
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The Springfield Township Board of Trustees and Administration have been exploring alternative funding resources for The Senior/Community Center and the Grove Banquet Hall.
Over the past year, Township staff has worked towards a plan to sustain the services provided by the Senior/Community Center and The Grove Banquet Hall. The main goal is to decrease the reliance on tax dollars through a more active room rental program. At the Senior/Community Center, rates have been adjusted, additional rooms have been made available for rent, and expenses have been tightened. Aggressive follow-ups on rentals for The Grove netted a 20% increase in rentals so far in 2009. Overall rental revenue generated to date has increased over 48%.
The Board of Trustees has approved additional changes in the rental strategy for 2010. Changes for The Grove Banquet Hall include: allowing clients to select from a list of approved caterers, providing more flexibility for business meetings and other non-catered event rentals, and providing all beverage packages by the Township. Depending on the caterer and menu selected, a client will have the opportunity to rent The Grove at a comparable rate to 2009. With the Township now managing the beverage service, the opportunity now exists to increase profit normally absorbed by the catering provider. The additional revenue sources from The Grove will help support the activities for the Senior/Community Center.
Both the Senior/Community Center and The Grove Banquet Hall are excellent resources for our community, providing the space and coordination for activities, meetings and other desired Township programs.
If you have questions about either facility or are looking for a venue to hold your upcoming reception, party or meeting, contact Thom Schneider at 522-1154 or via email at rentals@springfieldtwp.org.
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Poster Contest Winners
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 Congratulations to the winners of the Fire Safety poster contest! The winners were treated to a ride in the Fire Truck, a fire station tour and a pizza party with Township Fire Department!
The winners were:
Grades 1-3:
1st Place - Kalynne Schuermann, from John Paul II
2nd Place - Lindsie Ohl, from Welch Elementary
3rd Place - Rowan Obach, from New Burlington Elementary
Grades 4 - 6:
1st Place: Eli Flerlage, from John Paul II
2nd Place: Annalise Barber, from Whitaker Elementary
3rd Place: Leslie Noble, from Whitaker Eementary
The two first place winning designs will be sent to state competition. We wish them the best of luck!
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Join Us!
Springfield Township is on Facebook, Twitter and You Tube!
(Click on any link to join that group)
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Make Your Holiday Cards in This Fun Stamping Workshop!
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Discover the joy of making and
sharing handcrafted holiday greeting cards during a special two-part workshop
being offered at The Springfield Township Senior Community Center in November
and December on Thursday evenings - November 5th and 12th
and December 3rd and 10th - from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Cost for each two-part series is $30 for residents and $40 for non-residents.
This Technique Toolbox™ workshop
will be led by Mary Ann Mayers. She will introduce four rubber stamping
techniques at each meeting, and attendees will make four cards featuring those
techniques. Everyone will also make four 'reference" cards to save in their
Rubber Stamping Technique Toolkit books, so they can remember the instructions
for future cards and scrapbook projects. Attendees should bring a 12 inch paper cutter,
scissors, and a glue stick or tape adhesive. Each 1½ hour class is packed with
instruction, inspiration and fun, and all supplies for the cards, reference
cards, and Technique Toolbox book are included. For more information on the class, contact Mary Ann at
385-1637 or at mmayers@fuse.net.
A minimum of eight participants
will be required to conduct the class, with a maximum registration of 16. Register at the Springfield Township
Senior/Community Center, by calling 522-1154
or email to tschneider@springfieldtwp.org.
Check or money order payments will be accepted. Credit card payments will also be
accepted with a 3% surcharge.
Normal center enter operating hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to
4:00 p.m. and Friday 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
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Make an Heirloom Treasure - A Beautiful,
One-of-a-Kind
Stained Glass Kaleidoscope
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The Springfield Township
Senior/Community Center will be offering a unique artistic learning experience,
giving participants the opportunity to make their very own stained glass
kaleidoscope on Sunday, December 6th
from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. This would be the perfect gift to give as a keepsake, or
keep for yourself! You'll learn how to cut your own glass, solder
your pieces and created a piece of art like no other in this three-hour
program. This program is geared towards adults, 18 and over and includes
instruction and all materials necessary. Cost is $40 for Township residents and
$50 for non-residents.
A minimum of five participants
will be required to conduct the class, with a maximum registration of 10. Register at the Springfield Township
Senior/Community Center, by calling 522-1154
or email to tschneider@springfieldtwp.org. Registrations will be accepted until December 4th.
Check or money order payments will be accepted. Credit card payments will also be
accepted with a 3% surcharge.
Normal Center operating hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to
4:00 p.m. and Friday
9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
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School News
Something to Brag About!
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Springfield Township would like to congratulate its local schools for their recent accomplishments:
FINNEYTOWN:
· Congratulations to Brad Besserman and Alex Hughes of Finneytown for qualifying inthe Regional Cross Country meet! This is the third consecutive year that Brad has qualified for the regional meet.
· The Studio San Giuseppe Art Gallery at the College of Mount St. Joseph is very pleased to announce the opening of the exhibition with selections by Finneytown seniors Molly Hickey and Erin McCrate.
· Congratulations to the Finneytown marching band on its performance at the Lockland Band Invitational. The band received GRAND CHAMPION of the contest.
MT. HEALTHY:
· Congrats to Mt Healthy High School marching band for winning 9 trophies in local
competitions!
· Congratulations to Mt. Healthy High School head football coach, Arvie Crouch, assistants--Jeremy Rogers, Chad Murphy, Troy Bellamo, and the rest of the coaches and VARSITY PLAYERS on a successful season! The Owls beat Edgewood 14-13 Friday (Oct. 30) to win the FAVC Scarlet Division Championship. They will now face Trotwood Madison in the Dvision II State Playoffs in Dayton, Ohio. Go OWLS!!!
NORTH COLLEGE HILL:
· Goodman Elementary School was recognized by the Ohio Department of Education as a "School of Promise"
· The North College Hill City School District has achieved "above expected" on the state report card for the 3rd year in a row.
· The North College Hill High School marching band participated in the University of Cincinnati Homecoming Parade for the 47th consecutive year.
NORTHWEST:
· Northwest Local School District has been rated EXCELLENT by the Ohio State Report Card this school year!
· Northwest High School will be featured in the November issue of Cincinnati Magazine as one of the top 30 high schools in the area.
· Northwest High School band won first place in the UC Homecoming Parade in the high school division in October. The University of Cincinnati Alumni Association will present the Northwest Band Program with a check for $1500 for their award. Congrats to the Northwest Knights Band!!
WINTON WOODS:
· Congratulations to Winton Woods Middle School eighth grader, Tiffany Pemberton, who won the "My Education, My Future" composition contest.
ST. VIVIAN:
· The St. Vivian Students held a special collection of toiletries, games, and Cincinnati memorabilia that was sent to parishioners in our various armed forces in Iran, Iraq, andAfghanistan.
· Congratulations to the football, soccer, and basketball teams who just completed their fall schedules. Some of our teams will continue into the "postseason" and play in various tournaments! Go Sabres and SabreCats!!
ST. XAVIER:
· St. Xavier High School students earned 22 National Merit Semifinalist awards this fall, while another 20 are National Merit Commended Students and 127 were named AP Scholars.
· The St. X varsity golf team finished second in the Ohio Division I state tournament Oct. 24.
· St. X students raised more than $100,000 in tuition assistance for their fellow classmates via their annual Walk For X on Oct. 9.
John Paul II:
· Congratulations to John Paul II 7th and 8th grade students for their outstanding performance at Mt. Notre Dame's UN Simulation! The students received Honorable Mention, Best Represented Country, and Outstanding Delegate.
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Scratch & Win on Winton!
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Members of the Finneytown Business Network have been working on an exciting promotion to encourage holiday shopping on Winton Road. Visit local retailers, shop, and receive a scratch off card! Every card is a winner and four cards will reveal a much larger "gold-level" prize. The event will begin in December and will run through January 31st - or while supplies last. More details will be revealed in the next newsletter issue.
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Upcoming Community Events
See event details and more events here
November 1Roger Bacon Open House November 3Election Day November 5Holiday Greeting Card Making Class November 6-8"Stop... You're Killing Me" November 6 & 7Our Lady of Grace Fall Play November 7North College Hill Craft Show November 10Trustee Meeting - 5:30 p.m. November 11Powel Crosley Jr. YMCA Health Fair November 14Holiday Bazaar November 15Finneytown Hall of Fame Induction November 19-21Wintoon Woods High Presents Agatha Christie's Cards on a Table November 22Springfield Township Seniors Inc. Thanksgiving Dinner November 26First Baptist Church of Mt. Healthy Thanksgiving Breakfast December 5WinterFest (More Info)
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Pass it on!
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Many residents are not signed up to receive e-news from the Township. Pass this email along to your neighbors and encourage them to register for news and event updates.
If you are interested in volunteering for special events, let us know! Email your name, address, phone number and areas of interest.
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