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Dear ,
 In our ever-changing environment, two-way communication with residents is crucial. We value your opinions, your thoughts for the continued future success of our community and your continued involvement. Right now we would like to take the time to thank you for subscribing to this newsletter and taking the 10 minutes out of your day to be more informed about all that is happening in this great community. This newsletter remains as one of our best ways of communicating news to you, but it is only the beginning. Other means of gathering resident information are available through watching past meetings and "Talking With Springfield Township" shows on our local broadcast, channel 23 (or online at waycross.tv) We are engaged through facebook, you tube and Twitter social medias. The website is changed and updated almost daily and you can always reach out to us by email. (links below). We encourage your feedback and please know that we are always here to listen and assist.
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 2012 Township budget online at http://www.springfieldtwp.org/GeneralBudget.cfm |
Fire Levy On The Ballot March 6th
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 | | Springfield Township Fire Levy |
The Springfield Township Board of Trustees is asking the voters to consider a 1 mill levy this Tuesday, March 6th to save full-time firefighter/EMS positions and continue service at current levels in the Springfield Township Fire Department. Lower commercial and industrial property values and significant tax withholding by the state have resulted in over $200,000 loss in revenue for the department and an immediate need for the levy.
The department has been operating from a levy originally passed in 2001, estimated to last only five years. The 2001 levy has been stretched to ten years with the implementation of EMS billing and careful management practices. That levy is no longer providing the support necessary to sustain the department at its current service levels. If passed, the levy would generate approximately $585,000 at the cost of $30.40 per $100,000 home valuation and would assure no layoffs. This is not a permanent levy and would expire in five years. The five year expiration would provide the department time to thoroughly study alternative funding solutions possibly provided through collaborations between the Township's other departments or neighboring jurisdictions.
Placing the levy on the ballot was a difficult decision for the Board of Trustees, but was decided upon after significant budget reductions were made by the firefighter paramedics' union. Specifically, all firefighters and EMS personnel agreed to wage freezes for three years, insurance benefits were reduced and overtime was restructured for savings. Even with concessions, a levy is necessary. The funds received with the levy can only be used on fire and emergency medical services.
The Springfield Township Fire Department is among the top five busiest departments in Hamilton County based on run volume. The department responds to approximately 5,000 runs per year. If the levy does not pass, staffing will be reduced and service levels will be impacted. With our current run volume, this measure could have dangerous consequences.
Your time and attention to this issue are critical. Please mark your calendars and remember to vote March 6th.
For more information on the levy, please visit any of the following links:
Hamilton County voting locations
Other issues on the March 6th ballot
QA's on the Springfield Township Fire Levy
Springfield Township Fire Department Statistics
Understanding Springfield Township Taxes
2012 Budget Appropriations
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State of the Township Meeting Online
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If you missed the State of the Township Community Address, you missed a lot of valuable resident information. Township staff taped the meeting and it can be seen on online here or on Waycross Channel 28.
Waycross Playback Schedule:
March 4 10pm Channel 23
March 6 6pm Channel 23
March 8 9am Channel 23
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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 just updated our page to the new timeline format, so take a tour and be engaged! Click the button below to start up a conversation!
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Crime Rate Down
In Springfield Township
Police Department Warns Residents To Be Vigilant Of Copper Theft
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In an annual report conducted by the FBI, Springfield Township was among the communities reporting reductions in both criminal offenses and in violent crimes. This year, Springfield Township showed a 7.5% decrease in violent crime since 2010 and a 0.7% decrease in property crimes. Police Chief Dave Heimpold comments, "We're hoping to maintain our current downward trend. This is the sixth year we've seen decreased numbers in violent part-one crimes." He admits the decrease of 0.7% in property crimes is relatively small but commented "it continues on the path of the past several years of a declining crime rate." Heimpold attributes an increase in break-ins to foreclosures. Across all communities, foreclosed homes have been hit hard by theft of copper pipes and air conditioners. Lt. Schaefer, of the Springfield Township Police Department explains, "Vans will pull into the driveway of a vacant home and neighbors will assume that repair work is being done on the property. Later, they find the interior of the property had its valuable metals torn out, causing thousands of dollars in damage." The police department has recorded robbery trends and has surveillance on several properties but they need your help. If you see ANY suspicious activities in your neighborhood, do not hesitate to call the police at 729-1300. |
$360,000 In Grant Matches Received for New Road Projects
Township Fares Well In Highly Competitive Process
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Applying for State Capital Improvement Project grants is a highly competitive process where cities, villages and townships alike try to extend their limited budgets for needed infrastructure repairs. This year, 71 applications in our district were submitted to the SCIP Integrating Committee, all competing for a portion of the approximately $10 million dollars in grant funds and $5 million dollars in loan program funds allocated for road, bridge, water and sewer projects. While each district carries different program guidelines, it's the responsibility of the SCIP Support Staff for our district to evaluate the applications to determine their current conditions and rate the application. The applications must be completed with specific project estimates, plans for improvement, photographs and a budgetary commitment of at least 10% in matching funds for each project submitted. Communities can request a loan in lieu of the minimum 10% matching fund commitment. Each project earns a score based on the district rating criteria and the funding is then disbursed starting with the highest rated projects.
2012 project results are in, and Springfield Township was notified that the community qualified for $360,000 in grant funding for Gaylord Drive in Pleasant Run Farms and Cloverview, Beta, Gamma, Sunrise and Arundel in what is called "Brentwood Village". Brentwood Village was considered as one project and scored as the #1 choice for funding among all of the other applications submitted. The funding will not be made available until mid-June and could cause construction to enter into November. The Board of Trustees has the option to begin all projects to begin upon receipt of approval in July or can defer the construction of approved projects until spring of 2013. Defering until spring would help ensure that construction would not be interrupted by an early snow.
Service Director John Musselman comments,"Over the past 20 years, the Township has succeeded in receiving over $6 million dollars in Street Capital Improvement grants. This money is essential for us to leverage our road district money to complete larger projects."
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Great American Cleanup
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
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Gather a group of friends together and help us in making our biggest one-day impact on the community! The annual Great American Cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, April 21st from 9a.m. - noon. Volunteers of all ages are greatly needed on several cleanup and beautification projects. This year, a major focus will be on removing litter along Hamilton Avenue. Other projects will include cleaning creeks, parks and community gateways. We are looking for scout troops and residents to step up to adopt specific planters. Adopting a planter would include planting flowers, placing mulch around the flowerbed, watering the flowers during the summer. This little project makes a huge impact and your assistance is greatly appreciated! To register as a volunteer for the Great American Cleanup, visit http://www.springfieldtwp.org/GreatAmericanCleanUp.cfm and click the button to register. All volunteers will receive a Great American Cleanup T-shirt and cleanup supplies. We are also planning an after party for lunch at McDonald's! There are two designated meeting locations to check-in, pick up supplies and get your assignment. Residents of Pleasant Run Farms should meet at the Pleasant Run Farms Swim Club. All others should come to the Springfield Township fire station at 9150 Winton Road.
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Macy's Arts Sampler - March 10th in Springfield Township!
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As part of the annual Macy's Arts Sampler, on Saturday, March 10th, Springfield Township will host Southern Gateway Chorus, Wild Carrot and the Roots Band, Living History Dance and Laura Hazelbaker & The BuckeyRoos at The Grove Banquet Hall (9158 Winton Road, behind the fire station and senior center) from noon until 5:00 p.m. All events are free and open to the public thanks to the generous sponsorship of Macy's.
Macy's Arts Sampler celebrates creative things - music, dance, theater, museums, and festivals - happening in large and small ways throughout our region. These weekends are great opportunities for families, friends, and neighbors to connect with one another and experience the arts through free events.
Springfield Township's showcase will be an entertainment packed event starting at noon with the 60 member, all men acappella choir, Southern Gateway Chorus. The Southern Gateway Chorus was chartered in Cincinnati in 1956 and its legacy continues as the chorus competes and perform in barbershop style all over the United States.
Following the performance, at 1:30p.m. Wild Carrot and The Roots Band will take the stage. This Cincinnati-based award-winning group has what it takes to please all types of folk music fans! They have been described by City Beat Magazine as "...a whirlwind of Roots music forms, touching on Bluegrass, Country, swinging Jazz, Modern Folk and Celtic music - with a consistently masterful grace (and) flawless four-part harmonies."
Next, Living History Dance will hit the floors at 3:00 p.m. with a Lindy Hop swing that will have you amazed. After their performance, the audience will get out of their seats for a lesson in a simple line dance swing routine. We promise a surprise in this entertainment act that will be shocking and very fun!
The best may have been saved for last! Laura Hazelbaker and the BuckeyeRoos will perform at 4:00 p.m. with western style song meshed with fancy fiddlework. Much of this music, adapted from big bands of the WWII era, has not lost its luster and promises to please!
In between shows, a small buffet with a folk-western theme will provide a break to socialize and mingle among friends. The Grove will also have refreshments, including beer and wine, available for purchase throughout the afternoon.
Macy's Arts Sampler shines a spotlight on the arts in our community and is the kickoff for the annual ArtsWave Community Campaign, when people all across our region come together to support the creative things that make Greater Cincinnati a great place to live.
For a complete schedule of events or to download the Sampler app,visit http://www.TheArtsWave.org. For more information on the sampler event in Springfield Township and to hear music clips, visit://www.springfieldtwp.org/WinterEntertainmentSeries.cfm
Several Springfield Township community events are supported by individuals and organizations throughout the area who recognize that their donations to ArtsWave help create a livelier community and a place where people from different backgrounds come together to share ideas and experiences.
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New Businesses!
Planet Fitness Now Open in Brentwood Plaza
True Blue Apparel for
silk screening & apparel
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New businesses are springing up here in Springfield Township!
On February 16th the Township welcomed Planet Fitness to the community. Planet Fitness, a Biggest Loser sponsor gym, is located at 8501 Winton Road, inside the Brentwood Plaza. Planet Fitness is known for its "judgement free zone" workout philosophy, providing a center where absolutely anyone would feel comfortable working out. We talked with General Manager Adam Stephens; he prides the new gym on cleanliness, "You will never find a cleaner gym anywhere!" While Planet Fitness does not offer aerobic classes,it does offer free fitness training with their on-staff trainers. Hours of operation are ... 24 hours a day, seven days a week - so you can work out anytime you want! For more information on Planet Fitness, you can call 407-8134.
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True Blue Apparel opened its new business February 1st. Although it does not have a storefront, business owner John Slone is open for business. He is taking orders by phone now and online services will be available beginning March 30th at http://www.trueblueapp.com. True Blue Apparel is a sourcing center for custom designed screen printed and embroidered clothing. Slone explains, "From business shirts with logos to athletic tournament t-shirts and accessories, True Blue Apparel can find the best prices and guarantee quality for large and small quantities."
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Playhouse's Next Show in Springfield Township For Kids of All Ages!
FREE face painting at 6pm - preshow at 7pm
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Costume Design Rendering for River Rat & Cat
The next Off The Hill production that Playhouse in the Park brings to The Grove Banquet Hall is Y. York's River Rat and Cat. This show is ideal for kids, ages 5 and over. As a special treat, art students from Winton Woods High School and from Finneytown High School will offer FREE face painting before the show, starting at 6:00 p.m. Children can really get into the show as they are painted to be cats, beavers, mice and bunnies! Also, plan for a wonderful preshow by a local dance troop from Cincinnati Dance and Movement Center at 7:00p.m. River Rat and Cat will begin at 7:10 p.m.
About the Show:
York's River Rat and Cat is a tale of two friends, River Rat, a pack rat who has a home near the river, and Cat, an escaped house cat. They play together, garden, help each other with life's difficulties and sometimes, as in most friendships, they drive each other crazy. River Rat is a worrier and a pack rat. Her cave is overflowing with junk and she can't stop herself from collecting things: she'll collect ANYTHING! Cat needs constant attention, has pockets that are useless and is constantly trying to rid Rat of her collecting addiction. However, all is well between the two friends until Dale Beaver (who lives up stream), sends a windfall of junk for River Rat. Beaver's "gift" upsets their functional little world. Dale Beaver tries to play one against the other so that ultimately she can take Cat's tree and use it in the construction of her current project, the biggest dam ever built. Cat and Rat's friendship is put to the test. Will Rat give up her junk? Will Cat give up his tree? The two of them find out just how far they'll compromise for their friendship. |
Composting in Your Backyard Classes Offered By Hamilton County
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Interested in learning more about composting? Now is the time!
This spring the District will move around to different communities throughout the county and offer an hour-long evening seminar focusing on the basics of backyard composting. You will learn how to balance a compost bin, what materials are compostable, and some troubleshooting techniques. There will also be time to answer your composting questions. At the end of the hour, Hamilton County residents will receive a free kitchen collector, an I ♥ Compost magnet as well as a $20 coupon redeemable at partnering stores toward the purchase of a compost bin.
Call 946-7734 or email Susan Schumacher to register and indicate which seminar you would like to attend. Space is limited.
*Springfield Township residents can participate at any of the following locations
March 15 Colerain Township Gvt. Complex 6pm
March 21 Loveland City Hall Council Chambers 6:30pm
April 3 Blue Ash Recreation Center 6pm
April 17 Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden 6:30
May 15 Forest Park Senior Center 6:30pm
May 23 Delhi Township Park Lodge 6pm
June 5 Robert Schuler Sports Complex 6pm
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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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Welcoming Our New Fiscal Officer To The Township
Dan Berning
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Dan Berning was elected in November as the Township's new Fiscal Officer. He officially takes on the role of overseeing Township finances on April 1st, when long-time Fiscal Officer Dr. John Waksmundski retires.
Dan is a long-time resident of Springfield Township. Born and raised in this community, he lives here with his wife Mary Kay. Dan earned a bachelor of business degree from the University of Cincinnati with majors in Finance and Management. Following his upbringing, Dan and his wife raised their two daughters in the Township, where he served the community in several volunteer roles. Dan has served on the education commission for the St Vivian's, coached soccer, softball and basketball for the Finneytown Athletic Association and for St. Vivian's and participated as President of Brentwood Swim Club for many years. He is also involved in serving the elderly of Greater Cincinnati through Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly.
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NEW Art Contest
Submissions Due April 6th
$100 prize and artwork to appear on street banners!
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Springfield Township Trustees, ArtsWave and ArtWorks announced the second annual Winton Road street banner contest in February!
Artists of any age can submit winter themed art for the Springfield Township community banners project through April 6th. The winning designers will each be awarded $100 and their designs will be formatted for banners that will hang along Winton Road throughout the winter months (November through March 2012-2013).
The street banners program was first introduced in 2010 with assistance from a grant by ArtsWave Presents. Springfield Township was once again awarded grant funding to support the cash prize of $100 per selected project.
The objective of the banner project is to display unique works of art that relate to a winter theme. The banners, measuring 28"x62" will incorporate images from artists. It's recommended that the artwork be vivid in color, unique and recognizable from a distance.
To participate, artists should submit images of art work that relates to the theme. Images should be high quality photographs of the art work. Do not send the actual art work. There is no limit to the number of images artists can submit. The images will be cropped to fit the banner format.
Complete information on submitting an artwork can be found at http://www.springfieldtwp.org/bannercontest.cfm
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Sergeant Brian Uhl of the Springfield Township Police Department Receives Top Honors
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As a new graduate of the 14-month Certified Law Enforcement Executive (CLEE) Program, Sgt. Brian Uhl of the Springfield Township Police Department recently reached a high level of professional accomplishment.
Sgt. Uhl was one of 16 CLEE's who was honored at their graduation luncheon at the Holiday Inn Columbus-Worthington on February 10, 2012.
The ceremony celebrated the completion of study in a unique course co-sponsored by the Law Enforcement Foundation, Inc. and the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police. The instructors included noted faculty members at universities across the Midwest and consultants to business and industry.
Participants were selected for the program by meeting set standards in experience, formal and continuing education, as well as professional-related experience. For more than a year, they received instruction in modules concerned with ethics; change management; interpersonal skills; vision, mission and organizational values; strategic planning; external environmental management; and resource allocation and utilization. Graduates of CLEE demonstrated their mastery of these modules through written examinations and papers.
The Certified Law Enforcement Executive Program promotes professional development benefiting not only the individual, but also the agencies in which they work and practice, and their communities. It is designed to elevate the standards of excellence for law enforcement executives. |
Good C.A.T.C.H Community Day At The Reds April 24th
Support Local Academics and Have a Great Day Out With The Family!
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We are pleased to announce "the Good C.AT.C.H Community Day at the Reds", where the communities of Forest Park, Greenhills, and Springfield Township enjoy America's pasttime while supporting important youth initiatives. Good C.A.T.C.H is an initiative that convenes our communities to raise support for programs that promote the academic success of students within our neighborhoods. By participating in the April 24th Reds vs. Giants game, we are able to display the community pride found within the Northwest region of Cincinnati.
The goal of Good C.A.T.C.H. is to raise $10,000 for academic programs that support year-round learning and provide opportunities for students within our communities to boost standardized test scores. Targeted investments will be made toward scholarships and tutoring services provided by Youth Motivational Learning Center. Both providers have service locations within our community have had tremendous success in improving student performance
Good C.A.T.C.H has partnered with the Cincinnati Reds to host a Forest Park, Greenhills, and Springfield Township Community Day at the April 24th Reds vs. Giants game. We have arranged a discount for residents and businesses within our community to purchase tickets at 30%-60% below the regular ticket price! Plus, every ticket sold generates a contribution toward Good C.A.T.C.H. to support academic initiatives. We have an opportunity to bring our entire community to Great American Ballpark in a show of community pride while doing something good for children.
There are two types of tickets for sale: View level at $10.00 (regularly $15.00), and Mezzanine level at $15.00 (regularly 24.00). There are no restrictions on who can buy tickets or how many you can buy! This is a great way for businesses, recreational leagues, and community/student organizations to plan outings and build connections without the hassle of planning.
Tickets go on sale on March 5th
For more information
Phone: 513-428-1002
email: good.catch.cincy@gmail.com
facebook:facebook.com/goodcatch.cincy
Where to Purchase Tickets:
Youth Motivational Learning Center
1116 W. Kemper Rd
Winton Woods Primary South School
825 Lakeridge Rd
Online Ticket Sales *online convenience fee charged (online sales start 3/9)
www.reds.com/goodcatch
like us on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/goodcatch.cincy website: www.goodcatch-cincy.com <http://www.goodcatch-cincy.com/>
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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)
March 3
Mystery Dinner at the Mill Golf Course in Winton Woods
Mt. Healthy Band Boosters Pasta Dinner
March 6
Election Day - Remember to vote!
March 10
Mystery Dinner at the Mill Golf Course in Winton Woods
Macy's Art Sampler at The Grove Banquet Hall
March 13
Trustee Meeting
March 17
Mystery Dinner at the Mill Golf Course in Winton Woods
March 24
Mystery Dinner at the Mill Golf Course in Winton Woods
The Abundant Life Apostolic Church Fish Fry
March 31
West College Hill Easter Egg Hunt at Crutchfield Park
Easter Spectacular at Parky's Farm
Glow Disc Golf at Winton Woods
April 10
Trustee Meeting
April 14
Mt Healthy Alumni Garage and Craft Sale
April 20
Playhouse in the Park's "River Rat and Cat" at The Grove Banquet Hall
April 21
Great American Cleanup
April 22
St Ursuline Academy 5K Run for the Lions
April 24
Communities of Springfield Township, Forest Park and Greenhills at the Reds Game
April 27
Glow Disc Golf at Winton Woods
April 27
West College Hill Community Yard Sale
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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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| Donations of Handmade Blankets Provide Comfort |
 Several handmade blankets were delivered to the Springfield Township Police Department last month by members of the McKelvey Road Baptist Church. The blankets will be kept in police cruisers and will be used to comfort battered and/or abused women and children or to comfort individuals displaced by fire. |
ZUMBA and FUE-LD classes to keep you fit!
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Be sure to check out two new fitness classes being taught Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at The Springfield Township Senior and Community Arts Center! ZUMBA is a Latin-inspired calorie-burning dance fitness-party. FUE-LD is "Fun, Uplifting, Encouraging - Line Dancing" Learn more at http://www.springfieldtwp.org/adultprograms.cfm |
Other Instructors Needed
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Do you have a special talent 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 in demand! 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. |
Senior Center Receives A Gift
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The Springfield Township Senior Center members have United Church of God to thank for a generous donation of $250 towards the replacement of a broken drinking fountain. The unit broke in January and was not going o be replaced due to budget constraints. The new fountain is now on order and will be installed within the month. |
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