|
Dear ,
 Welcome to the first newsletter issue of 2011. We hope that this year brings you good health and prosperity. In this issue, we would like to share with you some of the many highlights of 2010 in our community.
Happy New Year Springfield Township!
Sincerely,
Your Trustees -
Joseph Honerlaw, Gwen McFarlin and Tom Bryan
POLICE DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS
- Through well designed programs and initiatives aimed at reducing crime and apprehending criminals the Police Department was able to lower the Part 1 crime rate in Springfield Township by 16%.
- The Police Department achieved reaccreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, once again receiving national accreditation status, being one of approximately 988 agencies nationwide and one of 62 in Ohio to receive this award.
- The Springfield Township Police Department's Law Enforcement Explorer Program received the 2010 Post of the Year Award for the State of Ohio.
- The Springfield Township Police Department was successful in obtaining a total of over $96,000 in State and federal grants.
FIRE DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS - The Fire Department responded to 1,011 fires and 3,902 medical emergencies in 2010. Based on emergency responses and population served, the Springfield Township Fire Department is one of the busiest departments in Hamilton County.
- Fire Department personnel visited schools in and around Springfield Township educating children and young adults about fire safety, accident avoidance and severe weather preparedness. Over 3,000 children went through the Fire Department Safehouse Trailer and an estimated 800 people attended the Fire Prevention Open House at Station 79 on October 2.
- EMS billing has been a successful tax avoidance plan by raising over $500,000 to reimburse the fire department for EMS supplies.
- The STEMI - Cardiac Program continues to save lives. It is advanced technology that allows the paramedics to send a 12 lead EKG and diagnostic information directly to the Emergency Room Physician, Cardiologist and Cardiac Cauterization Team when a confirmed heart attack is determined. When a heart attack is occurring, rapid transport and advanced cardiac life support intervention is imperative to improving the odds of survival. In some cases, advanced STEMI notification will allow the paramedics to go through the Emergency Room and directly to the Cath Lab were a team of doctors and nurses are standing by ready to perform an angiogram to accurately diagnosis the area of coronary disease and set the stage for therapeutic intervention such as coronary angioplasty.
SERVICE DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS - Performed a complete resurfacing (including new curb and gutters) of portions of the North Hill Subdivision. Total project cost was $600,920.47. Of this amount, over $420,000 was from a State Capital Improvement Program grant (a little over $180,000 came from the Township's Road District Fund (road levy proceeds).
- Performed a Thin Overlay (resurface but no curb and gutter replacement) on six Township roads with $116,279 of Road District funds.
- Performed crack seal operations on 14 Township streets with Road Department personnel. Sealing cracks in asphalt streets is an important step in maintaining the integrity of our roadways.
- Obtained $691,872.00 in State Capital Improvement Project grant funds for complete resurfacing projects in the Kempermill Village and Country Mills Lane subdivisions for 2011. Total for both of these projects is $1,153,121.00. The Township will use $461,248.00 in Road District funds as our share for these projects.
RECREATION / COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT HIGHLIGHTS - Over 7,000 people participated in community events hosted by Springfield Township.
- 178 volunteers came out to the Great American Cleanup to plant flowers, pick up trash, restore a community park, and clear our waterways of debris.
- 61 residents, representing the twelve neighborhood districts of the Township actively participated in monthly meetings to provide feedback on a comprehensive Community Neighborhood Master Plan.
|
State Of The Township - March 6
The Unveiling Of
The Neighborhood Master Plan
|
After over a year of planning and resident input through focus groups, the preliminary master plan will be unveiled at the 2011 State of the Township Community Address. Mark your calendar for March 6 and plan to attend this information packed presentation. The State of the Township will take place in the Grove Banquet Hall (9158 Winton Road). Registration will begin at 1:45 p.m. and the actual meeting will begin at 2:30 pm. After the main presentation, residents will be invited to stay, take an up-close look at the proposed development maps and to talk with Trustees and staff.
The community master plan will address the challenges and plans for the future of Springfield Township. Land use maps with proposed areas for redevelopment will also be presented.
|
A NEW Community Recreation Activity Guidebook Is In The Works!
| |
 The Springfield Township Senior/Community Center, Winton Woods Park, The Powel Crosley Jr. YMCA, The Centennial Barn, Drake Hospital, West College Hill Senior Center as well as local schools and churches are all collaborating to bring YOU a one-stop-shop guide to all of the outstanding recreational opportunities available in the community!
This collaboration came about as one tiny piece of the Township's overall Community Master Plan with the desire to:
- provide better communication to our residents
- offer more recreational programs
- show added purposes and value for school buildings
- develop a sales tool for real estate agents selling in our neighborhoods
The first community activity guidebook will be out at news stands, inserted into the Hilltop and Northwest Press on Wednesday, February 16th. This spring and summer edition will cover programs running March 1 thru August 31, 2011. A second fall and winter guidebook will follow. The guides, paid for by advertisers, will also be available at any of the partnering facilities, at Kroger on Winton Road, and on the Township's website. (Other businesses may also feature the guide online.)
Here's What You Will Find In the Activity Guide Book:
* Special events
* Classes for preschoolers thru senior adults
* Youth sports
* Camps
* Fitness programs
* Open swimming pool times and locations
* Volunteer opportunities
* Important phone numbers
|
Welcoming New Businesses to Springfield Township!!!
| | New businesses are making their roots right here in the community. We are happy to announce the following businesses coming to the Township:
Guys in need of a good haircut can look forward to the opening of a new business here in the Township in February! We would like to welcome Jax Haircuts For Men. They will soon open at 824 North Bend Road. They are currently hiring cosmetologists and managing cosmetologists. Call Owner Skip Borgman at 931-CUTS for application information.
Pizza! Pizza! Little Caesar's Pizza will be adding a new location in the Seven Hills neighborhood. They will be taking up residence in the old Captain D's location on Hamilton Avenue. It will be a welcome addition!
Looking for a place to grab a bite for the big game? Buffalo Wild Wings plans to open in March next to Chipotle on Winton Road. They will be gearing up for a big grand opening. We will be sure to pass on the details as they come in!
Reconstruction on the Winton Road McDonald's is underway. The site was severely damaged in an electrical fire and had to be completely torn down. The new McDonalds will have a fresh look with a double order driveway, and YES kids, there will be an indoor playground!
|
Don't Miss Out!
Tickets on Sale for The Daddy Daughter Dinner Dance
And They Are Going Fast!
|
Dads, give your little girl the time of her life with a night out with you!!! The annual Springfield Township Daddy Daughter Dance will be the best ever this year with an "Under the Sea" theme! The banquet hall will be transformed into a magical sea adventure, filled with lights and beautiful displays! The dance will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2011 at the Grove Banquet Hall from 7-9 p.m. This event WILL SELL OUT, so please get your tickets early! Your night will include dancing, dinner (pizza), an ice cream sundae bar, a keepsake photo and keychain, and a special little gift for all our our dazzling mermaids! Tickets are now selling for $25 per resident couple, or $28 per non-resident couple and $6 for each additional daughter. (Nominal 4% PayPal fee applies for online credit cards) Checks may be mailed payable to Springfield Township, Attn: Daddy Daughter Dance, 9150 Winton Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45231. If you are mailing in registration, please include your name, address, phone number, email address and names of anyone attending. Also include any seating preferences. For more information, call 522-1410 or visit
http://www.springfieldtwp.org/daddydaughterdance.cfm
*This event is designed for children between the ages of 3-13. Dads, grandfathers, uncles or caregivers welcome. The gift this year will be a live gold fish. If you do not wish to take home the gift, it will be donated to a good home.
Event sponsors include Vincent Lighting, Walgreens, Jax Haircuts for Men, and Complete Pet Mart. Volunteers provided by Finneytown High School Key Club.
|
Playhouse In The Park Presents Dis/Troy!
| |
The Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park's regional premiere production of DIS/TROY by Yokanaan Kearns will be performed at The Grove Banquet Hall in Springfield Township. The show is FREE, open to the public, and will take place Friday, February 4th, 2011. The show will open with a Greek dance performance by The Hellenic Dancers at 7:00p.m. These performers are based out of the Greek Orthodox Church on Winton Road. After watching Dis/Troy, guests may sample authentic Greek cuisine prepared by Springfield Township's local business, Athena Foods! Admission is FREE for this Mediterranean event with support from a Target grant. The Grove Banquet Hall is located at 9158 Winton Road, behind the fire station.
DIS/TROY is an extraordinary theatrical adaptation of Homer's THE ILIAD. Set during the Trojan War, the play cuts to the core issues of the classic epic - glory, fate, revenge and homecoming. The Greek warrior hero Achilles refuses to fight, leading to disastrous results for both the Greeks and their enemy. Dramatic scenes in the mortal world alternate with comic scenes on Mount Olympus, where the gods are fighting their own, often ridiculous "war" to see which side will win. Funny, nimble and accessible, DIS/TROY retains the eloquence and complexity of Homer's well-known classic.
The play was developed and produced at Honolulu Theatre for Youth in 2004 and played at the John F. Kennedy Center New Visions/New Voices Festival in Washington, D.C. Four actors each play Greeks, Trojans and the Olympian Gods. The play features fantastic costumes, deep passions, high and low comedy, exciting stage combat and all the theatrical elements necessary to excite and engage people of all ages with this classic of western civilization. The themes of anger, self-control, jealousy and maturity, in particular, are deeply resonant for today's teens.
For other Playhouse in the Park productions coming to Springfield Township, visit http://www.springfieldtwp.org/playhouse.cfm.
|
|
Reducing Energy Consumption Around Your Home
| |
Submitted by Hannah McCartney, Public Relations Intern, Hamilton County Department of Environmental Services
Being environmentally conscious can take on many different forms. You may choose to recycle cans, compost your eggshells, drive a hybrid car or use reusable grocery bags. If you're still coming home to a high electric bill, however, remember that reducing energy consumption around your home is another viable and important way to "go green."
The average U.S. family spends over $1,600 on utility bills each year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. However, much of that usage is wasted. You can significantly reduce your utility costs simply by being more conscious of your energy choices around your home. Here are a few simple ways to reduce costs and energy without setting foot outside your house:
Unplug, Unplug, Unplug
Did you know that electronic devices like computers, TVs and cell phones will drain power even when they're turned off or fully charged? A whopping 75 percent of electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while products are turned off, according to the DOE. You can save energy by making sure you totally cut off power to your gadgets when they're not in use. Either routinely unplug devices from the wall after each use or purchase power cords that can simply be switched on and off to cut off multiple power sources at once.
Washing Wisely
Your dishwasher and clothes washer and dryer are three huge sources of energy depletion in your home. It's simple to use them more wisely. It is rarely necessary to use the hot water cycle when washing your clothes. Use cold water whenever possible, and make sure you gather a full load of laundry before washing and drying to maximize each usage. In the warmer months, consider drying clothes outside. Also, don't forget to clean your lint filter after drying your clothes. A clean filter improves air circulation.
As with your washer and dryer, make sure you have a fully loaded dishwasher before running a cycle. Also be conscious of how much you prewash your dishes before loading; just scrape off large chunks. No need to soak or rinse dishes before a rinse cycle.
You can also let your dishes air dry. Just turn off the dishwasher after the final rinse cycle. Opening the door a bit can help your dishes dry more quickly.
Cooking Consciously
Remember to keep range-top burners and reflectors clean. This will help reflect the heat more efficiently, and will save you energy. If you're cooking for one or two, consider investing in smaller appliances, such as a toaster oven. A toaster oven can use one third to half as much energy as a full-sized oven, according to the DOE. Be sure to cover your pots when boiling or heating liquids. Not only will it get the job done more quickly, but you'll be reducing your energy output.
Window Smarts
Sometimes our windows don't do as great a job of keeping out the weather as we might like. There are a couple ways to make our windows more energy efficient and useful. In the wintertime, you can use a heavy-duty plastic sheet and tape it to your window frame. If sealed correctly, the plastic can drastically reduce the infiltration of cold air, which will help keep your heater from working too hard. Decorate with lighter colors around the house to help best reflect daylight. Not only can this be useful in the wintertime to warm up a room by helping to reflect sunlight from the outdoors, but it can cut down on the need to leave on lights in the room year round. A good pair of drapes can also be very useful in reflecting heat or cold air away from your house. The market for windows has greatly advanced and expanded. Look into special double or triple pane windows and different types of glass that are best suited to your climate.
There are many more simple, small ways to cut down on energy use. To learn more about energy reduction, visit the U.S. Department of Energy website: www.energy.gov. For more information about the Hamilton County Air Quality Management Division, please visit www.hcdoes.org.
|
Join Us!
Springfield Township is on Facebook, Twitter and You Tube!
(Click on any link to join that group)
|
|
|
|
|
Springfield Township Police Explorer Post Wins "Post of the Year" For the Entire State of Ohio!
| Springfield Township Police Explorer Post 90 was recently named "Post of the Year" by the Ohio Law Enforcement Explorer Advisor Association (OLEEAA). This was the first year that this award was presented in the state of Ohio and is an exceptional honor for the Explorers and the Township's Police Department. 'Post of the Year' was judged upon several major components including, but not limited to, participating in Active in Learning for Life / (Explorer Post sponsored events), involvement in community events, involvement in law enforcement events, conduct and appearance in public uniforms and active scheduling in the Post program. Springfield Township Post Coordinator, Sergeant Brian Uhl states "The Explorers have done an exceptional job in demonstrating their commitment to law enforcement exploring and have provided invaluable assistance to the Police Department. This is a well deserved honor for the explorers and the officers associated with the program."
The Springfield Township Police Department, in conjunction with The Boy Scouts of America, has sponsored a law enforcement Explorer Program for sixteen years. This program is open to young men and women between the ages of 15 and 20. Members of the township's Explorer Post meets weekly to learn the various functions of police officers. Senior officers provide training and education in all aspects of police work and give students a real look into what it is like to become a police officer. Many of the Explorers go on to the police academy to become trained law enforcement officers. Most recently, Michael Mondillo was hired on as a Cadet for Springfield Township after five years with the Explorers. Sergeant Uhl comments, "Explorers who go on to become officers already have a good understanding of the daily operations and procedures within the department. This typically decreases the amount of time spent with a Field Training Officer and transitions the new officer to regular patrol duties eliminating overtime created due to the vacancy. "
Members of the post participate in weekly training exercises and log over 1,100 community service hours a year, helping with parking details, special events and traffic posts. Explorers participate in various fund raisers throughout the year to help support the program with equipment needs, uniforms, and various outings. Their training and preparation has enabled them to participate in the National Law Enforcement Conference since 2002 and in past years, have placed in the top 10% in several events amongst hundreds of posts. "It's a very beneficial program that builds positive police-youth interaction" adds Sergeant Uhl, "A program many of our officers went through years ago and continue to give back."
For more information on the Explorers, visit
www.springfieldtwp.org/ExplorerPost.cfm
|
Birth Certificates Now Available For All Ohio Births At The Hamilton County Health Department
|
|
Hamilton County Public Health is now able to issue birth certificates for persons born at any hospital in Ohio. The Ohio Department of Health just recently adopted a central issuance policy, simplifying the process of birth certificate requests across Ohio. Previously, customers seeking birth certificates had to work with the local health department in which the birth took place. With multiple health departments in southwest Ohio, this caused customers much confusion and frustration.
"This is a significant improvement in customer service and it's the right thing to do for customers seeking birth certificates," said Tim Ingram, Health Commissioner. "We no longer have to turn customers away and force them to drive all over town to the jurisdiction where the birth took place."
Certified copies of birth records are $24 and may be obtained in person, by mail or online. Hamilton County Public Health's Office of Vital Records also offers genealogical research by appointment.
For more information about vital records, visit www.hamiltoncountyhealth.org for more details.
|
Phone Numbers
|
Springfield Township Administration Offices
522-1410
Springfield Township Police
729-1300
Fire Station 79
(Winton Road)
521-7578
Fire Station 75
(Burlington Road ) 851-3030
Service Department (Roads)
522-1410
Senior/Community Center 522-1154
The Grove Banquet Hall (Rentals)
522-1154
Property Maintenance Complaint
522-1410
nuisancecomplaints
@springfieldtwp.org
Hamilton County Roads: 946-8900
Hamilton County Board of Elections
632-7000
|
| PICTURES NEEDED!!! | |
We are looking for special moments in the community captured by camera! Do you have a great shot of your son or daughter swinging at Winton Woods Park? Maybe you are most proud of the picture you took of the Covered Bridge when the fall leaves reached their golden peak. Or do you have one of a spectacular cannonball into the Pleasant Run Farms community swimming pool? We would like to use your photos in the community activity guide book or maybe even in the community master plan book. If you would like to share your favorite snapshots and have them published, please call Kim at 522-1410. Photo credit will be provided on any pictures used.
|
| Submitted Announcements |
Congratulations to Springfield Township resident, Roger Anderson who placed first and was named the Grand Champion in the Ohio Truck Driving Championships! _______________________ "Stay Warm" Coat Drive
Saint Mark AME Zion Church
9208 Daly Road, Springfield Township
We have free coats available to the community. Coats have been donated by our members and are in very good condition. Call 513.961.6862 and ask for Volita.
Need a coat for the Winter, come by the Church:
Sundays - 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Tuesdays - 2 pm to 6 pm
Wednesdays - 10 am to 2 pm
Thursdays - 2 pm to 6 pm
Fridays - 10 am to 2 pm
Coat drive will be ongoing until January 31, 2011 _______________________ YMCA LOOKING FOR MENTORS!Program: YMCA MENTORING... Build a Future, Change a Community Description: AN HOUR a WEEK is a small COMMITMENT to make a BIG DIFFERENCE! YMCA mentors spend one-on-one time with youth ages 6 - 18 that focuses on improving academic performance, relationships, and behavior. Mentors and youth meet one-on-one after school, in the evening, or weekends at a YMCA or school to "hang out" once a week for at least an hour for 12 months. Mentors and youth give back to their neighborhood through community service projects, explore the world of work, and have FUN!!! Required: Mentors are positive and caring adults, at least 23 years old who are willing to make a weekly commitment to a young person for 12 months. Mentors will go through a background check and training. Mentors skilled in a foreign language are desired, but not required. Mentors are only responsible for their own transportation. Supplied: Mentors have support from YMCA Mentoring Coordinators. Mentoring Coordinators help plan activities, and provide materials for mentors and youth. Mentors will go through a 15 hour training over 4 weeks, and have the option of monthly support meetings throughout match. Mentors and youth can access a YMCA for their meetings, regardless if they are a member. ***FREE YMCA MEMBERSHIP FOR 12 MONTHS *** Contact: Kate Feldhues Email: kfeldhues@myy.org or Phone: 513-246-3230 |
Citizens Police Academy
Delivers Food Over the Holidays
| Members of the Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association and the Springfield Township Police Department organized and distributed over 46 food baskets to area residents in need.
|
New Classes For KIDS Coming to the Senior/Community Center
|  The Senior/Community Center is gearing up for the pitter patter of little feet! NEW classes are coming soon!!! Right now, you can register your little ones for Tai Chi and/or ballet!
TAE KWON DO / MARTIAL ARTS Location: Springfield Township Senior/Community Center Room A
(9158 Winton Road) $40 Springfield Township Resident / $50 Non-resident per month (4% pay pal fee for online registration)
Register by calling 522-1154, or register online
Ken Phillips, from Spirit of the Tiger Martial Arts, brings his 25 years of experience as a martial arts instructor to offer classes in Tae Kwon Do to children and adults of all levels. Tae Kwon Do is a martial art employing self-defense techniques, kicking forms and sparring practice. Each session is one month long with classes offered on Monday and Thursday evenings. Students may attend as many classes as they would like during this month. Classes begin in March!
Ages 5 - 8 Mondays and Thursdays
6:00 - 6:50 p.m.
Ages 9 - 12 Mondays and Thursdays
7:00 - 7:50 p.m. Ages 13 - Adult Mondays and Thursdays 8:00 - 8:50 p.m. Students from all classes will be required to have a full set of sparring safety gear that will be included in the equipment fee due at the time they enroll. The equipment fee will include the sparring gear and the TKD uniform. BALLET Location: Springfield Township Senior/Community Center Room A
(9158 Winton Road) $93 Springfield Township Resident / $103 Non-resident
Register by calling 522-1154, or register online
Classes begin in March!
Instructor, Pamela Petrusch, brings her classical ballet training and many years of professional dancing and teaching experience to Springfield Township. Ms. Petrusch studied classical dance with Rita O'Neill and modern dance at CCM. She danced professionally in Europe with Stadttheater Hildesheim and the State Opera House, Hannover, West Germany. Classes are offered for 3 to 10 year olds at an affordable price. An open house will be held for families with a class performance on the last day of each session. No costumes or extra fees are required for the classes.
|
Learn All About Effective Couponing to SAVE - SAVE -SAVE! Register for this class and save big bucks at the grocery store!
|
COUPON COMMANDO
Location: Springfield Township Senior/Community Center
(9158 Winton Road)
Thursday, February 3
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. $25 Springfield Township Resident
$35 Non-resident
Register by calling 522-1154, or register online
It's a real financial jungle out there! Increasing prices mixed with tighter household budgets is a constant struggle.Well, how does reducing your grocery bill by up to 50% sound?If you want help stretching your food budget, Springfield Township has the answer in an informative class from which ANYONE can benefit!This one-day course will put you on the fast track for grocery savings - with no compromise to the brands you know and use on a daily basis.
|
|
|
