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Dear ,
 Hello and welcome to the September and October edition of the Springfield Township newsletter. Summer vacation is over and residents are getting back into the swing of a new school year, football season and raking leaves. For the Board of Trustees and our staff, fall always means the start of preparations for our upcoming budget. This year, that task will be more daunting then ever before due to actions taken by our state legislature. The passage this June of the State's Budget will mean the reduction of over $2 million in revenue to Springfield Township by 2013. Unfortunately, as a taxpayer you will be paying the same amount of income tax to the State of Ohio, however far less of the taxes you pay will be returned to your local community. The State Legislature has decided to keep more of your money in the State coffers to plug the $8 billion deficit they faced, leaving us with the difficult challenges to determine how to make up this revenue shortfall. Specifically as it relates to local governments and Springfield Township, the adoption of the State's Budget will mean significant reductions to the Local Government Fund (LGF) revenues. 10% (or about $65,000) from the current budget has been eliminated and an additional 40% (or $215,000) will be eliminated in in 2012. An additional 5% (or $15,500) reduction will be seen in 2013. The total difference of the LGF annual revenue between 2010 and 2013 will be nearly $300,000 per year. Coupled with the 2013 repeal of the estate tax, (a loss of an average of $1.39 million per year) the Township General Fund 2013 revenues will be reduced by more than 45%. The General Fund is used for road, sidewalk and catch basin repairs, salt and snow plowing services, the maintenance and mowing of parks and public right-of-ways, community events , senior services, zoning code enforcement, public streetlight and utility costs, and other essential roles of government. In addition, the state budget cuts have also reduced Township revenues in other funds by about $320,000 per year by eliminating the Tangible Personal Property Tax replacement and Public Utility Personal Property Tax replacement revenues, effective immediately. The Board of Trustees and our staff are busy formulating options to deal with the enormous financial challenges that lie ahead. These options entail the review of collaboration and consolidation opportunities as well as cost reduction and revenue enhancement possibilities. These options will be vetted by our citizen led Budget and Finance Committee and eventually presented to the public later this Fall so that we can receive your feedback and hear your ideas and concerns. Now is the time to become involved in your community. Now is the time to participate and to be positively engaged. You can always reach us by email, phone or letter. We look forward to meeting these challenges and rising to your expectations of a progressive and sustainable community. Sincerely,
Your Trustees - Joseph Honerlaw, Gwen McFarlin and Tom Bryan
513-522-1410
josephhonerlaw@springfieldtwp.org gwenmcfarlin@springfieldtwp.org tombryan@springfieldtwp.org View the current 2011 Township budget online at http://www.springfieldtwp.org/GeneralBudget.cfm |
Looking For Retail, Office Or Industry Space For Your New Business?
Springfield Township's New Web Pages Designed To Help Businesses Locate Here!
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Springfield Township's Economic Development Department just launched a series of web pages to help business owners find available properties in Springfield Township. The interactive site provides Google map imaging, square footage, photos of available sites, lease or sales information as well as contact information for the available properties. "There is not a comprehensive multiple listing service website out there that provides all of the business listings as there is for residential real estate", explains Trustee Gwen McFarlin. "We wanted to have that for the available properties in Springfield Township. We want to make it as easy as possible for people to find retail, office and industry space in our community."
Other new web pages introduced in Springfield Township's Economic Development site include development opportunities in the "Core District", business testimonials, Springfield Township demographics and psychographics, various downloadable maps, links for business tax incentives offered through Hamilton County and a Township business directory. (Click any of the underlined words to view the new web page.)
Do you know of a listing not in our site? Please send the business address to kflamm@springfieldtwp.org
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Fire Department and Senior Center
Open House Events Scheduled For
October 1
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 Mark your calendars now and plan to bring the entire family to the annual Springfield Township Fire Department and Senior Center Open House events on October 1st from noon to 4:00 p.m.
The Fire Department Open House features activities for all ages! Fire demonstrations, tours, and hands-on fire safety activities will keep the entire family entertained. Antique fire vehicles and newer trucks with all the lights and sirens will be on display. Watch emergency training exercises and demonstrations in life-saving techniques by the rescue teams and be sure to test out a fire hose yourself! Hot dogs, chips and drinks will be available for purchase, so pack up the family and plan to stay for lunch! More information on the Fire Department Open House can be found at
http://www.springfieldtwp.org/FireOpenHouse.cfm
Just across the lawn, the Senior Center will host its open house. Take a tour of the center, meet many of the active members, enjoy the art exhibit, enter the raffle for the "Taste of the Township" gift basket and have cool refreshments and homemade desserts. Memberships will be on sale and include the remainder of 2011 and all of 2012!
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New Springfield Township Facebook Page. "LIKE" Us and Join In On The Conversation!
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Are you on Springfield Township's new facebook page? If not, "Like Us" and be connected to your neighbors and the news of the community. We will be creating contests and games just for our facebook fans soon! Click the button below to start up a conversation!
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Springfield Township and ArtsWave bring "The Frog Prince" by Children's Theatre to The Grove Banquet Hall
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Children's Theatre Presents
"The Frog Prince"
Thursday, October 6, 7:00 p.m.
The Grove Banquet Hall, 9158 Winton Road
(Behind the Administration Complex) Free Admission
www.springfieldtwp.org 522-1410
A pretentious princess, a curious curse, and an awkward amphibian meet in this tale of persistence and dedication. When a young prince is transformed into a frog by a cruel fairy, he is forced to bide his time in the slime of the swamp until "Princess Charming" comes along to save him! Imagine his dismay when the princess who arrives is much less than charming! This Frog Prince must stay focused on his task of breaking the spell if he is ever to become human again. Admission is FREE - Maximum 350 people. This FREE event is made possible by a community programming grant with ArtsWave Presents.
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Playhouse In the Park Returns To The Grove Banquet Hall
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Playhouse in the Park Presents "What's Buggin Greg"
Friday, October 21, 7:00 p.m.
The Grove Banquet Hall, 9158 Winton Road , 522-1410
Free Admission!
springfieldtwp.org/playhouse.cfm
Winner of the 2011 Macy's New Play Prize For Young Audiences
Recommended for ages 7 and up
Playhouse in the Park returns to The Grove Banquet Hall with a partnership and grants from Playhouse in the Park and Target. Admission is free to this community program!
A world premiere written for Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park by the noted playwright of O Pioneers!, Darrah Cloud. Fifth-grader Greg Samsa wakes up one morning to discover that he has turned into a giant cockroach! What will he tell his friends? How can he face his schoolmates? Can he still perform the lead in his school play? Will his mom ever hug him again? Or is he doomed to be a science exhibit for the rest of his life? This riotous comedy inspired by Franz Kafka and Shakespeare touches on issues of friendship and self-confidence, as well as body image and disability.
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Volunteer With Waycross Community Media And Gain Valuable Video and Television Production Experience!
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Waycross Community Media, in partnership with the Springfield Township Trustees, provides government, education, and public programming services to the township and its residents.
These services include LIVE cablecast of trustee meetings and coverage of many community events like the summer concert series.
In addition, Waycross cablecasts school board meetings, as well as
sports, concerts, and academic events in the Finneytown, Winton Woods
and Northwest School districts, and selected programming from
the Mt. Healthy schools.
So what kind of things can you do at Waycross?
- You can volunteer on a production crew, making local government
transparent by videotaping trustee and school board meetings or
highlighting community and school sports and concerts - helping to
present the positive things happening in the community.
- You can produce your own program, using Waycross training and
equipment, including a full TV studio, to cablecast and webcast your
local programming to your neighbors in the community. Equipment use
is free and open to all residents.
- You can participate as one of the thousands of players, musicians,
government officials and guests that appear each year on Waycross
programming.
- You can participate as a viewer, following your local government,
school, church or organization.
This programming can be viewed in a variety of ways:
Government programming, including Trustee and School Board Meetings
and the recent summer concerts, can be viewed on Time Warner Cable,
Channel 23, or online at http://www.waycross.tv/WaycrossGovLIVE.
Education programming, including sports and concerts from Finneytown,
Winton Woods, Northwest and Mt. Healthy High Schools can be viewed on
Time Warner Cable, channel 4, or online at http://www.waycross.tv/WaycrossEducationLIVE
Programming produced by residents and non-profit organizations can be
seen on Time Warner cable, channels 8 and 15.
In addition, all current Waycross programming including "Talking with Springfield Township" and the community summer concert series can be seen online, anytime, at Waycross on Demand - http://www.waycross.tv/vod.
For information on production workshops, volunteering, upcoming
productions, online videos, a complete playback schedule and more,
visit www.waycross.tv, or call 825-2429.
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Household Hazardous Waste
New Drop Off Site Announced
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Take a look around your house. There are likely all sorts of items lingering that should not be thrown away with the rest of your trash. Household hazardous waste (HHW) is defined as household products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable, or reactive ingredients. These items can include everything from pesticides to motor fluid, all things most homeowners have around.
Improper disposal and storage of such items can injure family members, waste haulers or harm the environment. Thats why the Hamilton County Recycling and Solid Waste District continues to sponsor a Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Program, free and available to all Hamilton County residents. Please note that locations have changed from last year's program.
Dates: July 30 - December 3, 2011
Locations: Environmental Enterprises, Inc.
Locations:
4600 Spring Grove Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45232
(Directly across from Winton Road)
Tuesdays - 2 - 6 p.m.
Saturdays - 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
OR
10163 Cincinnati-Dayton Rd.
Sharonville, OH 45241
(corner of Cincinnati Dayton and Crescentville Roads)
Wednesdays - 2 -6 p.m.
Acceptable Items: Unacceptable Items:
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Pesticides/fertilizers
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Latex paint *
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Solvents/thinners
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Radioactive materials
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Lawn/pool chemicals
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Medical waste/prescription drugs
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Cleaners
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Explosives/ammunition
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Household/auto batteries
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Smoke detectors
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Fire extinguishers
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Tires
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Propane tanks
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Yardwaste
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Oil-based paint
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Garbage
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Mercury
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Roofing materials
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Fluorescent bulbs
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Appliances
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Driveway sealer
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Computers/electronics
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Gasoline/motor oil
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Heating oil or fuel tanks
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Antifreeze
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Unmarked cylinders
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Thermostats
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Fireworks/gun powder
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*Latex paint will only be accepted if resident brings other household hazardous waste. If resident brings only latex paint, resident will be charged $1.50 per gallon of paint.
The HHW Program prohibits the acceptance of materials from businesses, churches, schools and non-profit organizations. Please bring proof of residency, such as a driver's license or utility bill. Residents, must remain in car at all times.
For more information about the program, visit HamiltonCountyRecycles.org or call the Household Hazardous Waste Hotline at 946-7700
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Ribbon Cutting And Grand Openings In The Township!
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 | | Trustee Gwen McFarlin prepares for the ground breaking of Central Montessori Academy's new Natural Playground. |
Central Montessori Academy celebrated an official ground breaking ceremony for the construction of its new natural playground on Monday, July 11th.
Natural playgrounds combines landscape elements, movement corridors, sun paths, weather patterns, drainage courses, plant groupings, and other site amenities with carefully chosen natural materials, structures, and features to create safe, accessible, age-appropriate play, social, and learning opportunities in natural play areas that look and feel like they've been there forever. Trustee Gwen McFarlin attended the ribbon cutting and ground breaking. "The children and teachers are so excited about the new playground. They raised private dollars to pay for the new equipment so that no money was taken from tuition." Construction is set for completion in October.
 | | Fire Chief Robert Leininger watches as Trustee Gwen McFarlin, Franchise owners Si and Kim Rose, CEO Roger David and Trustee Tom Bryan cut the ribbon to the new Buffalo Wings & Rings. |
Buffalo Wings and Rings on Winton Road hosted its ribbon cutting on Saturday, August 20th. Approximately 100 people lined the sidewalk to celebrate the opening with the Roger Bacon band playing upbeat tunes. Franchise owners Si and Kim Rose are long-time residents of the Township and have been working on the restaurant plans for over two years. They dedicated the building space to the Safety Service Employees of Springfield Township commemorating the location where the Springfield Township fire, police, service and administration departments once stood. The owners also presented a check to the Reds Community Fund. The restaurant is now open Sunday through Thursday, 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. and Friday & Saturdays 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 a.m. Mondays.
J. Gumbos, located at 879 West Galbraith opened their doors for business on Friday, August 26th! J Gumbos is most known for their Jambalaya, Etouffee, Gumbo, Creole and other Cajun fare. This is the fourth J. Gumbos in the Cincinnati area and residents here are in for a treat! Owner and Springfield Township resident Sara Braun says, "Don't be afraid to come on in and try something new! We give out free samples and we have everything from sweet and salty to hot and spicy!" Braun was the former owner of the Finneytown Car Wash (now the Finneytown Drive Thru) and is excited to be back serving customers in her hometown. A formal ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening event will take place later in September after they have received their liquor license.
McDonald's on Winton Road is on track for an early October opening. They are planning their grand opening with a series of events and activities to last a week! More details to come!
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Programs At The Senior/Community Center
| The following programs are held at the Springfield Township Senior/Community Center. Call 522-1154 to register in advance.
Tae Kwon Do - Mondays & Thursdays (All Ages)
$40 month residents / $50 non-resident
Medicare 101
Rob Knueven from United Healthcare will be on- hand to give an overview of Medicare costs and coverages, as well as options for those with Part C and part D coverage.This workshop will be of interest to those residents beginning to transition into Medicare, as well as anyone helping a family member or loved one who has questions about Medicare. This workshop is free and open to members and non-members of the Springfield Township Senior Center.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011 1:30 p.m. Call 522-1154 to register
Taking Care of Mom (Continuing Series! Register Today!)
Caring for a parent comes with many challenges. Juggling between your child's soccer game and your mother's doctors' appointments - managing to balance it all. Whether you are one of the 42 million people currently caring for an older adult or are just approaching the years when it's time to take care of mom, this seminar series will held guide you through resources you will need to make difficult decisions easier. Join us as we take you through the important topics centered around being an informed caregiver. Each program will be offered at one of the three sponsoring senior centers providing this course. All programs are scheduled 6-8 p.m. Light refreshments will be included. (Register for each program individually.)
Senior Texas Hold'em Tutorial and Tournamnet
Texas Hold'em is still one of the most popular card games around. David Fesman from MedMart will offer a tutorial to senior center members on everything you need to know about this exciting game. Find out for yourself what's the difference between the flop, the turn and the river card. Who knows, maybe you too will be "all in" for this event.The overall winner of the tournament will receive a $25 gift certificate to a restaurant. Call 522-1154 to register. (Free to members of the senior center)
Tutorial: Wednesday, October 12 - 10:30 a.m. - noon
Tournament: October 19 - 10:30 a.m. noon
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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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Residents Are Invited To
The "Community of Neighborhoods, A Great Place To call Home" Artist Reception on September 2nd
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With a generous grant from ArtsWave, Springfield Township hosted an art contest for the design of street banners along Winton Road carrying the theme "A Community of Neighborhoods, A Great Place To Call Home". Out of the thirty designs submitted, artist Susan Mahan captured the theme and three of her designs will be hung during the last week of August along Winton Road. To celebrate the theme further, Springfield Township and ArtsWave will be hosting an artist reception for the community. Township Trustees invite the public to celebrate "A Community of Neighborhoods, A Great Place To Call Home" with a wine and cheese after hours artist reception at the Springfield Township Administration Complex and outdoor patio on Friday, September 2nd, from 7:00 to 9:00p.m.
Join Artswave, the Township and the artist for complimentary artisan cheeses and nonalcoholic beverages. A cash bar with wine, beer and mixed drinks will also be available. Enjoy 10 to 15 of Mahan's mixed media art pieces and enjoy the smooth jazz sounds of saxophone soloist Dan Jackson. The outdoor patio will be lit with over 100 candles and set with tables for socializing with friends and neighbors.
This event is open to anyone over the age of 21.
More information on this event can be found at springfieldtwp.org/artistreception.cfm
To RSVP to this event, click here.
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Beechcreek Golf Course
Setting the Standards
As A Good Neighbor!
| Residents along Hudepohl Lane are thankful for the hospitality and efforts shown by Breechcreek Golf Course in Springfield Township. Calls have come into the Township regarding the kindness and community pride that Beechcreek has shown in bringing out their staff to clean the intersection of Hamilton Avenue and Hudepohl Lane.
From the residents of Springfield Township to Beechcreek Golf Course, we thank you for your time and attention!! Your efforts have been noticed and are very much appreciated!
Would you like to brag about someone in the community who gives his/her time to do good? Let us know at residentspeak@springfieldtwp.org
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Fall and Winter Activity Guidebook Hits The Homes of Springfield Township
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 The 2011-2012 Fall and Winter Activity Guidebooks were distributed through the Hilltop and Northwest Press in August. The 60-page book highlights the recreational activities and events going on throughout the community this September through February. Copies are now available at the The Springfield Township Administration offices and Senior Center, Powel Crosley YMCA, Centennial Barn, Drake Center, and the West College Hill Neighborhood Services Center. You can also download a pdf copy from the Springfield Township website at www.springfieldtwp.org
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Upcoming Events In and Around Our Community!
See the Community Calendar and Newsboard for each of theses events with details and contact information
(Located by event date)
September 2
Springfield Township after hours Artist Reception for the winner of the street banner contest
RSVP Learn More
Open House at Cincinnati Dance & Movement Center
September 4
Mini Triathalon at Winton Woods Park
September 7
Financial Peace University
September 9
Passport to Beer Friday at Winton Woods Mill Race Lodge
September 10
Brentwood Swim Club Cornhole Tournament
Fire Fest at the Fire Museum of Greater Cincinnati
September 11
Pre-War Historic Car Show at Mercy Franciscan Terrace
September 13
Springfield Township Board of Trustees Meeting at 5:30 p.m at the Administration Complex September 17Mt. Healthy Christian Home Fall Festival September 20Democrat Club PAC Dinner September 24Community Yard Sale at the West College Hill Neighborhood Service Center October 1Fire Department Open House Senior Center Open House Animal Blessing Event at the Centennial Barn October 6Children's Theatre presents "The Frog Prince" at The Grove Banquet Hall October 8 - 31 (Weekends) Halloween Nights at Parky's Farm October 11Springfield Township Board of Trustees Meeting at 5:30 p.m at the Administration Complex October 13-15House of Santa Mouse Arts and Fine Craft Botique Event at St John Neuman Church October 16Harvest Festival at Centennial Barn October 21Third Friday At the Barn Event at Centennial Barn Playhouse in the Park Presents, "What's Buggin Greg" at The Grove Banquet Hall October 22Doo Wop Concert with "The Students" at Centennial Barn Run For Richards - 5K to benefit Springfield Township Firefighter Kevin Richards October 26Family Halloween Party at the West College Hill Community Center October 28Veteran's Recognition Event at Northwest High School November 4Fall Family Festival at John Paul II November 5Dance-a-thon fundraiser at West College Hill Neighborhood Service Center
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Phone Numbers
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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
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Target Grant Received For The Third Year! Free Community Programs Continue!!
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Did you attend any of the Playhouse in the Park productions held at the Grove Banquet Hall this year? How about the Mad Science show or WinterFest? These programs were all made possible with the support from a community grant from Target. We are pleased to announce that Springfield Township has been successful in receiving the grant for the third year and that these quality programs will continue at no cost to our residents because of this support! Playhouse in the Park shows will return to the Grove Banquet Hall. A puppet show has been booked for 2012 and WinterFest will be held this December with carriage rides, Santa and Madcap Puppets.
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Trick-Or-Treat In The Township
| Trick-or-Treating in Springfield Township will be held on October 31st from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
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Hamilton County Recycling & Solid Waste Litter Collection Program Helping Along Cross County HWY
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Since April, the Hamilton County Recycling and Solid Waste District has funded a litter collection program in Springfield Township via the Hamilton County Sheriff Department. During the months April - June inmates have collected 1,480 pounds of litter and 4 tires from the Springfield Township section of the highway. 45 pounds of that collection was recycled.
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Instructors Needed
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Do you have a special talent that you are willing to share? Consider being an instructor! We are currently looking for adults to teach classes at the Senior and Community Arts Center. We offer a competitive 70/30% revenue share for our instructors. Classes such as floral design, home decor and even screen printing are all in need! We are also looking for kids programs! If you are interested, simply download the instructor's form and the program outline form to submit your classes. |
Springfield Township Senior/Community and Arts Center Receives A Little TLC From Volunteers With The Northminster Presbyterian Church Connect Project
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 Over 100 people from Northminster Presbyterian Church volunteered their time and talents to better the community on Saturday, August 13th. Their annual "Connect" project team selects area residents, schools and non-profit organizations in need of assistance and provides the help they need with manpower and an afternoon of hard work. This year, The Springfield Township Senior Center was one recipient of their labors. A team of twenty teens and adults painted the lower level hallways, lounge and card room in just four hours. Senior Center Director Thom Schneider was pleased. "It was great to see so many in the community coming out to support the seniors here in Springfield Township. The freshening up of the rooms helps brighten the day for many."
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5K Run to Benefit Springfield Township Firefighter
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Professional Fighfighters 4268 and the Hamilton County Park District Rangers are hosting a 5K family run / walk at Kestral Point in Winton Woods Park on Saturday, October 22nd. Proceeds will benefit the family of Lt. Kevin Richards. Kevin is a career lieutenant for the Springfield Township Fire Department and a part time Hamilton County Park Ranger. He is currently battling Lymphoblastic Lymphoma cancer. He and his wife Heather have five beautiful children who are helping their dad along the road to recovery. To learn more and to register for the run, visit www.iaff4268.org
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