Dear ,
We are aware how fast the world moves,
especially in the world of information.
In the founding days of our country, it may have been weeks or months
before information on an event reached the entire populous. Today we can get minute-by-minute updates from around the globe. Cable, radio, internet and text
messaging can keep us apprised of the latest and greatest as it
happens.
Springfield Township as been focused on finding the most
effective ways to communicate with residents and business leaders, which
includes better use of the fast-paced electronic media in addition to the
traditional print sources. One
source of communication that sometimes seems to get lost in the mix is personal
interaction, but not here in Springfield Township.
For the first time in 2009, Springfield Township conducted a
"State of the Township" meeting for residents and business leaders to get an
update on the current condition of the Township, potential impacts on the
community and future opportunities.
This year, the "State of the Township" address will be held on Sunday, February 28th
beginning at 2:30 p.m. at The Grove Banquet Hall.
Registration will begin at 1:45 p.m. or can be done online at www.springfieldtwp.org. Following the presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to speak with us, as well as many of the Township staff
one-on-one.
Communication between residents and our community is extremely
important to having strong and vibrant neighborhoods. We hope to see you there!
All the best!
Sincerely,
Your Trustees -
Joseph Honerlaw, Gwen McFarlin and Tom Bryan
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Township Natural Gas and Electric Aggregation Programs Save Residents
Money!
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Throughout the fall and winter months residents who are participating in the Township's natural gas and electric aggregation programs are paying on average, 29% less than Duke customers. The Springfield Township Board of Trustees initiated these
utility aggregation programs to offer residents an alternative to Duke and a
price that is lower than could be realized without governmental
aggregation. The
programs have proved very successful saving residents on average $235 on their
purchase of gas and electric.
Natural Gas Aggregation Update:
The Springfield Township Natural Gas Aggregation Program
will be entering its fifth year this coming April. Currently, over 85% of eligible
residents are enrolled and enjoying the savings in the Township Natural Gas Aggregation Program. Although this voluntary program does
not guarantee savings, it has proved beneficial to participating residents. The
Township's Gas Aggregation rate has been lower than Duke Energy's for 20
straight months and overall has been lower 36 out of the last 47 months. Since the Program's inception, the
average residential customer has realized a $134 savings and the average
commercial account has experienced a savings of $307.
Our current natural gas aggregation program contract expires in April. After conducting a thorough bidding
process, IGS Energy was again selected as the best and lowest bidder to supply gas
for the Township program. All qualifying residents will soon receive an "opt-out" notice this month. Please be sure to look for your "opt-out" notice as it will
explain the rates, terms, and conditions of our program and will include a list
of frequently asked questions. If you wish to continue using the Township's natural gas aggregation program, you do not need to do anything. If you choose to return to Duke Energy, you may fill out and return the "opt out" notice or call the phone number listed. You will automatically be enrolled in Springfield Township's aggregation program with IGS Energy if you keep (and not turn in) the opt out notice.
Electric Aggregation Update:
Springfield Township started an Electric Aggregation Program in June
of 2009. The program offers a low
fixed rate of 6.88 cents/kWh and compares favorably to Duke's current rate of
9.44 cents/kWh. In just six
months, the average resident has realized a savings of $101 and the average
commercial account $245.
Over the past month,
Springfield Township and many commercial customers were approached by
Duke
Retail, the unregulated portion of Duke Energy, with an offer to save
15% off Duke's current electric rate. Although a formal announcement has not been made, Duke
representatives may be contacting residents and offering savings for
switching back to Duke.
In most cases, an increase in your utility bill would bee seen. By
taking a careful look at your "Opt Out" notice, and reading further
about the program you can make an informed decision.
Township Government Buildings On Track To Save :
The Township recently entered into an agreement with an
alternative electric supplier for the purchase of electric for all Township-owned
facilities. (Examples: police station, fire stations, service garage) It is expected that the Township
will save nearly $80,000 over the next two years with a rate that is
approximately 29% less than Duke's current rate and almost twice as much as
Duke Retail's offer of a guaranteed 15% discount.
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Progress Report For The Community Master Plan
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Seventy residents have formally agreed to serve as steering committee members for their neighborhood districts. These committee members will provide feedback for Springfield Township's Community Master Plan process. The meetings will begin in March..
Kathleen Luhn, in the Lexington Heights, comments, "I am really excited to be a part of this process. I think it will be interesting to learn more about the community and I have many ideas about the future of Springfield Township."
Ideas and opinions from residents in the twelve neighborhood districts were collected in public meetings held last fall. The final plan will address everything from physical structures and new business opportunities to services the Township provides. The plan will also include a focus on financial sustainability and ways to market the neighborhoods to homebuyers.
The resident steering committtee members will participate in monthly meetings that will be focused on a single topic that affects every neighborhood in the community. Community services, crime, and land use are just a few examples. After listening to an informative presentation, the steering committee members will break into district groups. A member of the Township staff will then facilitate a discussion and request feedback on a portion of the developing plan.
Trustee Tom Bryan agrees, "It's important for Springfield Township to have a Master Plan. It will be the blueprint for many of our financial decisions in the near future."
We will continue to report on the progress of the Master Plan as it develops. A captain will be announced for each neighborhood district. You can be involved in the planning process by reporting your ideas to the district captain, or by contacting the Township at residentspeak@springfieldtwp.org. To learn more about the Master Plan or to look up what neighborhood district you live in, click here.
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A Second Sold on Springfield Township Event! Sunday, March 21, 2010
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In September, Springfield Township hosted its first "Sold on Springfield Township" event to showcase over 120 properties that were for sale. Since that event, 150 homes have sold. On Sunday, March 21st, Springfield Township will partner with Greater Cincinnati's Super Sales Weekend and highlight all this community has to offer!
If your home is on the market, call your realtor and let him/her know about this event. Call 522-1410 or email kflamm@springfieldtwp.org to have your home promoted in our marketing materials. Plan to host your open house anytime between noon - 4:00 p.m. Next, get your house ready to sell. Staging is everything!
If you are looking for a home, March 21st will be the day to shop!
Pick up the full list of open houses and their hours at the Springfield Township Civic Center on the day of the event (In the Allen Paul Room). You will receive a gift bag full of promotions, $250 off closing cost coupon at participating banks and tickets for a dinner with entertainment at the Grove Banquet Hall.For every open house you visit, you will receive a door prize ticket. The tickets will be drawn at dinner.
Looking for a way to promote your Springfield Township business? From adding a promotion to the gift bag to sponsoring the big day, there are many ways businesses can get involved. Please call Kim at 522-1410 for more information.
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Severe Weather Training
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STORM SPOTTERS ARE NEEDED IN OUR AREA!
SEVERE
WEATHER!!! Its effects are felt by many of us during our lifetimes. In
the average year, 10,000 severe thunderstorms, 5,000 floods, and over
900 tornadoes occur across the United States. During the past 10
years, tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and flash floods have killed
nearly 2,300 people in the United States and injured thousands of
others. Severe Weather Spotters are a vital link in the timely and
accurate flow of weather information in and out of weather forecast
offices. Your information, coupled with Doppler radar, satellite, and
other data, can enable the National Weather Service to issue more
timely and accurate warnings for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and
flash floods. You can take action by being trained as a Severe Weather Spotter.
In
partnership with the National Weather Service, the Springfield Township
Fire Department will host an exciting program that can teach you how to
become a trained Weather Spotter! We invite you to attend "Severe
Weather Training" on February 24.
Severe
Weather Training is a FREE course that will teach you how to spot and
report severe weather and will demonstrate the best practices to
protect your family when severe weather hits.
To register, please click here.
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Springfield Township Explorer Post Recognizes Excellence
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 (Picture: Explorer Post #90; Training for an open fire or hostage situation at a local school.)
The Explorer Post is a worksite-based program sponsored by the Boy Scout's Learning for Life career education program for
young men and women who are between the ages of 14 to 20. Explorer Posts help youth to gain insight into a
variety of programs that offer hands-on career activities.
Exploring's purpose is to provide career related insight and experience to help prepare them in becoming responsible adults.
For young
men and women who are interested
in careers in the field of law enforcement, Law Enforcement Exploring offers
experiential learning with hands-on activities. Springfield Township has had an active Law Enforcement Explorer program since 1994. Beyond the wealth of experience Explorers gain, the post provides a cost effective solution to the Township Police Department for parking details and
basic crime prevention assistance at various community events.
Many trained Explorers eventually become police officers with the Springfield Township Police Department and others have been hired by other law enforcement agencies, including the United States Secret Service. Over the past several years, the program has produced some of the best officers in the field.
Recently, six Explorers were formally recognized for outstanding achievements at an awards banquet. Congratulations to:
Jeremy Miller - Life Saving Award
Mike Mondillo - Commitment Award
Jeremy Ohl - Explorer of the Year
Andrew Caster - Commitment Award
Daniel Hayes - Bravery Award
Ollist Green - Spirit Award
To learn more about the Explorers Post, visit http://www.springfieldtwp.org/ExplorerPost.cfm or watch the 5 minute video spotlight on You Tube. (Video recorded by Waycross Television for "Talking with Springfield Township" show.
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The Mom Prom "A Knight to Remember"
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Register now for the mother and son dance! Moms can enjoy a special evening with their little guys! The evening's
theme will be "A Knight to Remember". (Grandmothers, aunts and caregivers
are all welcome to bring their special little boy(s)!) The room will be
decorated in a castle theme. The formal dance will be highlighted with
pizza and salad, a keepsake photograph, a make your own sundae bar and
a special trinket for all of our attending knights. This will be an
evening of unforgettable fun for moms and sons both!
Register by credit card by calling 522-1410 or print the registration sheet and mail it to 9150 Winton Road, 45231.
Click Here For Details About the Mom Prom!
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Nominate an Area to Clean Up In Springfield Township
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The 2010 Great American Cleanup Will Take Place on
Saturday April 24th - WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Every year Springfield Township participates in the regional Great American Cleanup event. Last year, over 80 volunteers gathered in April to clear litter from our streets, tires from our creeks and trash from our neighborhood parks. Through the neighborhood meetings, we heard loud and clear that
residents have the desire to do whatever it takes to clean up our
neighborhoods. With that, our goal this year is to double our cleanup efforts! This massive task cannot be done alone and we are now asking for your help to make Springfield Township a beautiful place to call home.
How can you help?
1) Nominate an area that you want to see cleaned up - an area that would make a big impact on the entire community or your neighborhood.
2) Commit to participate as a Project Leader for your neighborhood. A Project Leader would recruit volunteers and would meet regularly with other Project Leaders to maximize this year's clean-up efforts.
3) Register yourself, your church, girl scout or brownie troop, business, school, friends and/or neighbors to volunteer on April 24th.
Call Kim at 522-1410 or email your suggestions/registration to kflamm@springfieldtwp.org.
For more information, Click here!
NEW ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!!! Tire Drop Off For Residents Added
To Great American Cleanup
Springfield Township has securred a grant for a tire dumpster during the Great American Cleanup. Residents can drop off their old tires at the Civic Center at on April 24 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. The tires will be recycled. |
Announcing Promotions In The Service Department
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All too often the hard work of the Township Service Department goes unmentioned. The team works tirelessly through the rain, in the snow and through the scorching heat of the summer. They are always behind the scenes, keeping our streets safe to drive on, the parks clean to play in and our sewers clear from debris. Recently the department celebrated the retirement of a dear friend and long-time employee, Jeff Chamberlain. Jeff was a member of the Service Department for over twenty-three years. With his departure, the position of Road Supervisor became vacant and the best candidate to fill his shoes was found in-house.
 Congratulations to Scott Hadsell. Scott recently accepted the position for Road Supervisor. He has been with the Township, most recently as a Crew Leader, for over 25 years. His dedication and hard work are an asset to the Service Department. Scott is always looking for ways to save money and streamline our operations.
Replacing Scott Hadsell's position as Crew Leader will be Mike Gould. Mike, who has been with the Springfield Township Service Department for 10 years, previously held the position of a Service Laborer. Mike's experience and work ethic makes a perfect fit for Crew Leader.
Many applications were received and interviews have been conducted to secure two part-time positions that will perform the responsibilities of a Service Laborer. By replacing the single full-time position with two part-time positions, the Township will save money in both wages and benefit allowances. Watch for the next newsletter to read about the two new employees.
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Register Now For Identity Theft Workshop - Presented by the Springfield Township Police Department
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The
Federal Trade Commission estimates that as many as nine million
Americans have their identity stolen each year. In fact, you or someone
you know may have experienced some form of identity theft. Identity
theft is serious and can happen to you at any time.
The
Springfield Township Police Department will be hosting a FREE seminar
to address identity theft on Wednesday, April 21 at 7:00 p.m. at the
Grove Banquet Hall. We encourage you to attend. In this informative
seminar you will learn how to detect suspicious activity, how to deter
identity thieves and how to defend theft as soon as it is suspected.
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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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State of the Township
Community Address
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You Are Invited! February 28, 2010
Residents
and businesses in Springfield Township are cordially invited to attend the
annual State of the Township event scheduled for Sunday, February 28,
2010. The State of the Township is a community address to recap the
achievements of 2009, to communicate the issues facing our community and
to announce the plans to secure a bright future. Your attendance is highly encouraged.
Doors
will open for registration at 1:45 PM. You may also pre-register to save time. The meeting will begin at 2:30 PM and a social will follow.
The social is a great opportunity to reconnect with your neighbors,
meet your trustees and have your questions about living in Springfield
Township answered by administration and staff.
Click here for more information and to pre-register for The State of the Township.
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Make 2010 Count!
The Importance of the Upcoming Census
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Why fill out the census form?
Every household
in the country will receive a questionnaire in 2010. To ensure an accurate and
fair count of all populations at all geographic levels in the nation, the
Census Bureau needs you or someone in your household to respond to the census
questionnaire.
It's important. Census data affect funding for
your community, your community's representation in Congress and your
community leader's planning decisions. More info.It's easy. The census questionnaire takes
only a few minutes to answer and return by mail.
It's confidential. Your responses are protected by
law (Title 13, U.S. Code, Section 9). All Census Bureau employees have
taken an oath to protect confidentiality and are subject to a jail term, a
fine or both for disclosing any information that could identify a
respondent or household. More info on privacy
It's required by law. The information you provide is
combined with responses provided by your neighbors and other households
across the country, to provide statistical data that is used by
various local, state and federal agencies.
It's important-
Census data affects funding in your
community
Census data directly affects how more than $300 billion per year in federal
and state funding is allocated to communities for neighborhood
improvements, public health, education, transportation and much more.
That's more than $3 trillion over a 10-year period. Spending just a few
minutes to fill out your census form will help ensure your community gets
its fair share of federal and state funding.
Census data affects your representation
in state and local government
Census data is used to define legislative districts, school district
assignment areas and other important functional areas of government.
Census data informs your community's
decisions
The census is like a snapshot that helps define who we are as a nation.
Data about changes in your community is crucial to many planning
decisions, such as where to provide services for the elderly, where to
build new roads and schools, or where to locate job training centers.
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Greeting Card Workshops
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Discover
the joy of making and sharing handcrafted greeting cards during a
series of special workshops at the Senior/Community Center. Classes
will be held on the second Tuesday of each month from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Cost for each class is $10 for Springfield Township residents and $15 for non-residents.
This Technique Toolbox™ workshop will be led by Mary Ann Mayers. She will
introduce three rubber stamping techniques at each meeting, and
attendees will make three cards featuring those techniques. Each
one-and-a-half hour class is packed with instruction, inspiration and
fun, and all supplies for the cards.
Each month's class will feature a different theme:
March 9th - Spring Holidays
April 13 - Engagement / Wedding Theme
May 11 - Mother's Day / Father's Day Theme
June 8th -
brides; July 13th - babies; August 10th - kids; September 14th - all
occasion; October 12th - Halloween; November 9th - Thanksgiving;
December 14th - holiday.
To register, contact Senior/Community Services Director Thom Schneider at 522-1154 or at tschneider@springfieldtwp.org; full payment will be required to confirm registration.
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H1N1 Clinic Served as An Important Training Exercise In Disaster Preparedness
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On January 20th Hamilton County Public Health hosted an H1N1 Clinic at the Grove Banquet Hall. Six hundred and eighty-four vaccines were distributed during the four hour event.
A special H1N1 Task Force was appointed by Township Administrator Mike Hinnenkamp to coordinate the efforts. Fire Chief Rob Leininger served as the Incident Commander. "The clinic served as an excellent training exercise for the Township. We were able to utilize our CERT volunteers to execute the many roles needed in a mass vaccination."
If you were unable to attend, but still wish to receive an H1N1 vaccination, Hamilton County Public Health is offering the following free clinics in the month of February. No appointment necessary.
February 10
1:30-3:30 p.m.
Reading City Hall
1000 Market St., 45215
February 12
8:30-11:30 a.m.
The Community of the Good Shepherd Church
8815 East Kemper Road, 45249
February 16
12:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Kemper Heights Family Center
924 Waycross Rd., 45240
February 18
8:30 -10:30 a.m.
Deer Park Community Center
7640 Plainfield Rd., 45236
February 22
12:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Symmes Township Municipal Building
9323 Union Cemetery Rd., 45140
February 24
12:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Anderson Township Senior Center
7970 Beechmont Ave, 45255
February 25
1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Harrison Community Center
300 George St., 45030
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AARP providing Senior Tax Help In Springfield
Township
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The Springfield Township
Senior Center is coordinating with AARP to provide free tax preparation help for
seniors 55 and over. Volunteers
from AARP will be available on March 4th, March 18th; and April 1st from 9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. at
the Springfield Township Senior/Community Center, 9158 Winton Road, located
behind the Springfield Township Administration Complex.
Appointments are required
to take advantage of this service; space is limited and appointments are made
on a first-come, first-served basis.
Seniors should come prepared with their W2 forms, all information and
statements needed to prepare their tax forms, as well as a copy of their 2009
filing statement.
Appointments
can be made at the Springfield Township Senior Community Center or by calling 522-1154. Normal operating
hours are Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Upcoming Community Events
See event details and more events here
February 6
Northminster Fine Arts Fair
February 9
Trustee Meeting
February 11
Colerain High School Booster Stag
February 12
Sunset at Glenwood Gardent Event
February 17
Winton Woods High School Orchestra Night
February 17-28
Maple Sugaring Display at Glenwood Gardens
February 20
Daddy Daughter Dinner Dance
TIckets in advance only
February 21
McAuley Spaghetti Dinner
February 22
West College Hll Civic Meeting
February 24
Winton Woods Cherry Pie Concert
February 24
Severe Weather Training - By Springfield Township Fire Department and the National Weather Service
February 27
Poco at Xavier HS
February 27
Winter Fire Event at Glenwood Gardens
February 28
State of the Township Address
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