Wind and rain in December; takes its’ toll on our houses and neighborhood, trash flies out of the trash cans and down the streets; we can only hope into another trash can. That does not seem to happen; so how can we help? By being neighborly and picking up the trash that we see on the street or maybe while cleaning up your yard extending a helping hand to your neighbor and picking up the trash in the yard next door. I know that when I walk our dog in the neighborhood I take one of the many shopping bags that we collected before going greener by using reusable shopping bags; and pickup the trash on my path to and from our walk. I know it not a big area but I can fill a plastic bag with trash and make our neighborhood look a little better.

Jim
Residential Committee Chair

Some Walnut Hills News!! We have received a Christmas present from the City of Dayton!! We found out the lot that we are in the process of using the Real Estate Acquisition Program (R.E.A.P) offered by the City of Dayton is going for the first Sheriff’s sale. For those who don’t now the REAP program is offered to City of Dayton residents the opportunity to acquire abandoned lots for minimal cost, it can take up to 18 months from start to finish but in the end the resident ends up with more land and the city loses an eyesore win/win.

The Judge signed the paper on 23 December. We are very happy!!!! Now we are starting to plan for the new house. How big, how many rooms? How green do we go? All the fun questions as we plan for the present and future.

What"s Happening With the SID? Updated

Last year we were featured in the local news because we were considering setting up the neighborhood as a Special Improvement District. Something that hasn't been done before in Ohio for a residential neighborhood. Since then not much has happened. The main reason being that I didn't have much time to produce petition forms and go out into the neighborhood to get signatures from residents. We were also faced with a school levy late in the year which required an outcome before I could ask property owners to put up money to take care of their own neighborhood. With something like 2500 properties within the neighborhood boundaries, in order to obtain the assessment, we require that 1200 owners (60%) agree to the special assessment which was $50 per property per year with a five year term. In order to continue beyond the five year term we need to go through the signature process again. There is still some paperwork to finalize also before proceeding at full tilt. Since this signature gathering phase is truly a monumental task, I decided that the best thing to do was talk to the first two hundred property owners myself and have them sign a petition that states whether they are in favor or opposed to the idea. This will give us actual results that indicate whether there is support for the concept beyond the neighborhood association. If the support exists than I will seek a team of volunteers to get signatures from property owners on their own streets and finalize the service plan which also needs to be approved by signatures from 60% of the owners.

I will update the results as I proceed but here is what we have so far. These results will determine whether or not we proceed with the process.

As of 12/29/08 Total number of property owners consulted = 97

In favor = 79 (82%)
Opposed = 9 (9%)
Undecided = 9 (9%)

Although this is a "tax" attached to our property, most owners are viewing it as an investment in our neighborhood. Those opposed to the assessment so far are elderly on fixed incomes and the few people who don't want to pay any taxes for any reason. The numbers could adjust dramatically once we start talking to the owners of rental properties and bank owned foreclosures.

I have been informed that the city commission and planning department are 100% behind this initiative now that they fully understand that this would make Walnut Hills a very desirable neighborhood to reside in. Basically we would be generating some $100,000 a year which can only be used for improvements in our neighborhood. By taking care of many of our own problems and having the ability to fund our own projects we should find that numbers of vacant properties become reduced as desirability increases. Rents should become more competitive also which will filter out many of the irresponsible tenants.

We should all be proud to be willing to attempt this. Especially in the current economic climate. We have been called "pioneers" and "trailblazers" by other neighborhood associations which follows in the tradition of the first settlers in this neighborhood.

City Advises Extra Caution for Winter Driving

City Advises Extra Caution for Winter Driving

Rise in Costs Will Limit Road Salt Use

Release Date: Monday, December 15, 2008

Contact: Frederick Stovall, Director of Public Works, 333-4070

“Ice & Snow, Take It Slow” is the approach advised by the City of Dayton Division of Street Maintenance for the 2008-2009 winter driving season.

City of Dayton crews will work to keep roadways as clear and safe as possible, despite limited supplies of road salt caused by a significant cost increase over previous years.

The price per ton for road salt paid by the City of Dayton is $144 for the winter of 2008-2009, compared to $44 for the previous winter.

The City is starting the winter maintenance season with a beginning inventory of 12,000 tons of road salt, somewhat lower than the usual beginning inventory of up to 19,000 tons. Last winter, City road crews applied 20,836 tons of salt in order to maintain safe roadways.

The Division of Street Maintenance is equipped with 46 plow trucks that apply salt to 1,800 lane-miles throughout the city.

As a result of smaller salt inventories, drivers may encounter more snow-covered or slushy roads. Residential streets will be plowed and salted only following snowfalls of four inches or more.

Roadways in the city of Dayton will be prioritized as follows for plow and salt operations:

Primary

Highways/freeways and ramps

Thoroughfares (such as Salem Avenue, Main Street, Smithville Road, Third Street, etc.)

Hills and bridges

Arterials (such as Catalpa Drive, Hoover Avenue, Troy Street, Patterson Road, etc.)

Secondary Residential streets

The Public Works Department page at www.cityofdayton.org now includes an interactive map showing whether particular addresses are located on primary or secondary routes.

Hazardous road conditions can be reported by calling the Dayton Public Works 24-hour Call Center, at 333-4800.

Safe Driving Tips:

Don’t Crowd the Plow: A snowplow driver’s field of vision is restricted. You may see them, but they don’t always see you.

Watch for Clouds of Snow: Snowplows can throw up a cloud of snow that can reduce your visibility to zero in less time than you can react.

Keep Lights and Windows Clear: Clear snow from you vehicle’s windows and lights (clear snow from lights with the lights turned on).

New Kroger Project Dead

I saw this on WHIO.tv's website Friday, Dec 12. Apparently, Kroger has backed out of the deal to build a new store at the corner of Wayne & Wyoming streets.

Kroger No Longer Interested Building New Store

Thursday, December 11, 2008 – updated: 6:15 am EST December 12, 2008
DAYTON, Ohio -- Dayton City Manager Rashad Young said he is tremendously frustrated with what has happened between the city and Kroger.

Young said Kroger is no longer interested in building a new store at the corner of Wayne and Wyoming streets in Dayton.

According to Young, the project’s price tag was too costly. He said Kroger was $4.5 million away from making this a reality and the city must start working on plan B.

Laura Chism and her husband agreed to sell their home to the city to make way for Kroger’s proposed new 57,000-square-foot store. On Thursday, they and others in the neighborhood got letters from the city, telling them the project will not be moving forward as planned.

“Everyone thought it was a done deal and now we receive this letter it not a done deal,” Chism said.

“Here we are able to acquire virtually all these properties. Then to have Kroger tell us their circumstances have changed, it is very frustrating,” Young said.

Many others who live near the east Dayton intersection did not like this latest news.

The city said it still wants to buy the homes in this area and wants to extend its option on those homes to March of next year.

The city is planning a meeting to meet with residents on Dec. 16.

Copyright 2008 by WHIOTV.com.
All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

For The Homeschoolers

HOMESCHOOL PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM: Come join the YMCA staff and other home school children in a fun and exciting environment for physical activity. This program will be offered every Wednesday beginning January 14th and running through May 27th. Activities will include, but not limited to; Basketball, Volleyball, Weight Training, Presidential Challenge and Team Building. Please contact Karisa Steed, Program Director at 937.223.7711 with any questions.
Begins: January 14th Wednesdays
Time: 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Fee: $3/child/visit with the Max. A family will pay is $10/visit
Location: YMCA Downtown 316 N. Wilkinson St.

Basketball League at Community Schools

Hello!

I am very excited to inform you that Cleveland PK-8 and the Neighborhood School Centers will begin a fun basketball league for pre-school kids up to 12-13 year olds! We are currently looking for volunteer basketball coaches. We are hoping to start practicing in December and start games in January. If you, or you happen to know anyone that might be interested in helping us out, please send this message to them or let me know.HAVE A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING!!!

Kym BeasleySite Coordinator
Cleveland PK-8 Neighborhood School Center
1102 Pursell AveDayton, OH 45420
937-474-2091

Historic Huffman needs volunteers

The Historic Huffman Home Tour being put on by the Historic Huffman Neighborhood Association on December 12/13/14 needs volunteers to help as tour guides and hosts at some of their locations. If interested send an email to Galeheller@woh.rr.com and certainly consider supporting their event!

Missing Teen

FOUND!

Thank you to everyone who helped in any way!

“Mayor’s Day” in Southeast Dayton

“Mayor’s Day” in Southeast Dayton Scheduled for October 20

Release Date: Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Contact: Mayor’s Office, 937-333-3653

Mayor Rhine McLin’s next Mayor’s Day event is scheduled for Monday, October 20, from 10:00 a.m. to noon, at the Lohrey Recreation Center, 2366 Glenarm Ave. The previously scheduled Mayor’s Day on October 16 is canceled.

Citizens will have an opportunity to meet with Mayor McLin for up to 15 minutes. Mayor’s Day meetings are conducted by appointment only and can be arranged by calling 333-3653 in advance. Mayor’s Day is designed to make City government more accessible to the citizens of Dayton.

International Walk to School Day

Cleveland School will be celebrating International Walk to School Day. This event is important for many reasons. There was an incident with a Belmont student getting hit by a car in our neighborhood. We are looking for volunteers to assist kids and families walking to school on Wednesday October 8th, 2008 between 7am-8:30am. There will be an informational meeting on Monday Sept. 6th at Cleveland school @ 5:30pm. This will also support our Safe routes to school grant. We made it through the first round of applications!!! The $250,000 would improve the safety of Walnut Hills Neighborhood!

Attention Walnut Hills Residents! We may have thieves amongst Us!

Sometime between Labor Day, late afternoon & the morning of Sat., Sept. 06, our garage was broken into. We had over $5000 worth of personal & professional tools stolen, as well as some outdoor equipment. The professional tools are unique, marked, and can be easily identified!

We think, as does Dayton PD, that this was done by person(s) from our area. The individual(s) had to have watched the house & known whether or not we were home. Also, the only way that the person(s) could have known what was in the garage, was if they had been by when the door was open. That only happened when we were working out in the backyard area.

Above is a picture of the major item stolen. We would appreciate any help in identifying the person(s) responsible for this act. If you saw, or have seen something like this being rolled around the neighborhood streets within the last week, please call 333-COPS, & then notify us by e-mail at mitchell.kearns@gmail.com.

We really hope that our suspicions are not true. We have lived in Walnut Hills now for over three years, and have never had a problem. However, this is now two(2) separate incidents over the last three months involving our immediate location of Highland & Buchanan. We as a neighborhood must stand up & take back what is ours!

Thank you ahead of time for any assistance given in this matter,

Mitch & Meg
1311 Highland Avenue

Conference Pre-Registration Extended Through September 10

Neighborhood Conference: Saturday, September 13, Dayton Convention Center
Release Date: Friday, September 5, 2008Contact: Shenise Turner, Division of Citizen Participation, 333-3688
Discounted pre-registration for Dayton’s first annual Neighborhood Conference is available until Wednesday, September 10, at 5:00 p.m. Pre-registration is $20 per person, available at 333-3670 or online at www.cityofdayton.org.
The conference, “Neighborhood Treasures: Discovering Our Assets,” is presented by the Department of Planning and Community Development and will be held at the Dayton Convention Center on Saturday, September 13, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Late or on-site registration is $40 per person.
Twelve workshops will be presented throughout the day, with topics including Recognizing Assets, Marketing Neighborhoods, Working in Partnership With Investors, and Recruiting Volunteers. Keynote speaker John Gower, Director Planning and Community Development, will discuss “Crafting a Vision for a New Dayton.”
More information is available at 333-3670.

Residents Urged to Attend Conference To Boost Dayton Neighborhoods

Residents Urged to Attend Conference To Boost Dayton Neighborhoods

Early Registration Deadline is September 5

Release Date: Friday, August 29, 2008
Contact: Shenise Turner, Division of Citizen Participation, 333-3688

Registrations are now being accepted for Dayton’s first annual Neighborhood Conference. The September 13 event will bring together community leaders, residents, volunteers, developers, planners and City of Dayton officials for a one-day exploration of neighborhood assets, revitalization goals and strategies, resources, and opportunities for collaboration. Early registration is $20 per person, with a September 5 deadline. Late or on-site registration is $40 per person.

The conference, “Neighborhood Treasures: Discovering Our Assets,” is presented by the Department of Planning and Community Development, Division of Citizen Participation. The event will be held at the Dayton Convention Center on Saturday, September 13, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Twelve workshops will be presented throughout the day, with topics including Recognizing Assets, Marketing Neighborhoods, Working in Partnership With Investors, and Recruiting Volunteers. Keynote speaker John Gower, Director of Planning and Community Development, will discuss “Crafting a Vision for a New Dayton.”

More information and registration forms are available at 333-3670 and www.cityofdayton.org.

Wayne Avenue Clean Up

South Park is getting ready for the Jazz Festival on September 27th at the Gazebo on Park Avenue and they want some volunteers to pick up litter along Wayne Ave. The first clean up is Wednesday August 27th at 7PM starting at the Gazebo. Another one will follow in a few weeks. Call 369-4520 for details.

Youth involvement in Walnut Hills

Gary Leitzell had a thought a few weeks ago regarding how to involve young people in our neighborhood and take advantage of the park and other resources. I take much of this from his email.

He suggested turning our "School Committee" into a "Youth Activities Committee" that is overseen by Kym and Mario (current members) but whose membership and chair is made up of neighborhood youth. This would encourage young people to get involved in the community and allow them to organize events that they would like to see happen. Who could do a better job if not the youth themselves? It may even get parents involved. Also, they could organize things like dances in the park now that the basketball courts are finished or similar events at Cleveland School. It would also prompt our youth to participate in organizing the Southeast festival next year. This might be a little cutting edge and is certainly grassroots but it might set a great example for other neighborhoods to follow.

Thoughts, comments, volunteers?

School starts Monday!

School is starting up again on Monday, August 11. There is a new principal, Aaron Smith. I first met him when he was assistant principal at Fairview Elementary. This past year he served in the Accountability Department. He has two of my favorite attributes – a real understanding and commitment to the Neighborhood School Centers project and a solid understanding of how to use data to improve school learning. I challenge all of us this year to really put the neighborhood school concept into practice – working with Kym and Mr. Smith to bring our resources to bear in helping the students and staff achieve at their highest level.

“Barber & Stylist Cutt-Off” to Give Free Haircuts for K-8 Students

“Barber & Stylist Cutt-Off” to Give Free Haircuts for K-8 Students

San Diego Charger Brandon McKinney Brings Program to Hometown of Dayton

Hair Professionals Sought to Help With Charity Event

Released: Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Contact: Dr. Donnell Gregory, Dayton Youth Commission, 927-333-3644
Timothy McKinney, BJ Kids 91, 937-231-8667

The “Dayton Barber & Stylist Cutt-Off” will provide free haircuts by professional hairstylists and barbers to students in grades K through 8, to help them begin the school year with a “fresh” and confident look.

The first-time event is scheduled for Sunday, August 10, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Dayton Convention Center and will also provide students with school supplies.

Dayton native Brandon McKinney, #91 Defensive Tackle of the San Diego Chargers, is bringing the event to Dayton through his BJ Kids 91 Foundation, with co-sponsorship by the Dayton Youth Commission.

McKinney founded BJ Kids 91 in 2006 in order to boost reading and technical literacy among youth. He is bringing the event to Dayton in recognition of the economic needs of many families in his hometown.

Event organizers are seeking licensed hairstyling professionals for participation. Information is available at 333-3644.

Foreclosure Help in Ohio

People needing help with the current foreclosure crisis can enquire about one option at the following website. This is an attempt by the state to slow down the current situation in Ohio. Other states are offering similar relief. These loans are offered on a first come, first served basis.

Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA): Opportunity Loan Refinance Program

Portable Basketball Hoops

Here is some useful information regarding those portable basketball hoops that sometimes appear on the street. The enforcement is done by the Department of Public works and not the police department. The person to contact if you see hoops in the street is Dave Weinandy in Civil Engineering. He sends out the letters to the violators. His number is 333-3858.

Section 95.23 of the Revised Code of General Ordinances of the City of Dayton states: No person shall participate in any game of play or athletic exercise on any roadway in the city.
It is illegal for children or adults to play in a public street and also unsafe. The use of a portable basketball hoops can create a public nuisance. Portable hoops are also not visible after dark and do not have high- visibility markings, which can cause collisions with waste collection trucks, buses, or delivery vehicles.
Moreover, if the presence of the basketball hoop is causing the collection of trash and other waste materials it is in direct violation of section 95.21 of the Revised Code of General Ordinance.
It is asked that the Basketball hoop be moved from the public right-or-way, which usually begins at the property side of the sidewalk. If it is not removed, the City of Dayton has the right to remove it to alleviate the problem.
Section 95.999 states that any person who violates this provision will be guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
Harrison and Jefferson Township follow the same restrictions. A notice is given to the owner after the first complaint. The owner is given two (2) days following the date of the warning notice to remove the equipment to an acceptable location. If the basketball hoop remains in violation the Township’s Service Department will remove the equipment without further notice. The Owner has seven (7) days to claim the equipment or it will be disposed of.

The Coolest Place in the Neighborhood!

Too hot at home? Come to the park!

Stewart Street Bridge Set to Close June 23

Replacement Project to be Complete by December, 2009



Release Date: Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Contact: Steve Finke, Assistant Director of Public Works, 333-3839



The Stewart Street Bridge over the Great Miami River is scheduled to close to all traffic on Monday, June 23 as the City of Dayton begins an 18-month project to replace the nearly century-old bridge.



Preliminary work along Patterson Blvd. and Edwin C. Moses Blvd will begin this week. Medians will be removed and traffic shifted as preparation work begins to demolish the existing bridge. Traffic will be maintained during this preliminary work.



Actual demolition work on the existing structure will begin June 23, and the new bridge is expected to be completed by December 1, 2009. During the closure, the posted detour route will direct motorists to use Edwin C. Moses Blvd., Washington Street, Ludlow Street, Perry Street and Patterson Blvd. However, motorists traveling to and from Interstate 75 are encouraged to use U.S. Route 35 to the Main/Jefferson Street exits to access businesses and institutions on the east side of the river (such as the University of Dayton and Miami Valley Hospital).



The new Stewart Street Bridge will provide a higher level of safety for motorists and pedestrians, reduce traffic congestion, and improve the approaches to the bridge. Once completed, the new bridge will be six lanes wide with 10-foot sidewalks. Included in the project will be unique piers, improved lighting and pedestrian plazas on each corner of the bridge.



The City of Dayton has contracted with Ahern & Associates, Inc. for the replacement of the bridge. The existing bridge was constructed in 1911 and is beginning to show structural problems. The cost of the entire project for the new bridge is approximately $16.5 million. The Stewart Street Bridge is one of nine bridges being replaced in Dayton over a seven-year period between 2005 and 2012.

Anybody want to walk?

I'm looking for one or some people who are interested in perambulating around the neighborhood in the evening. I'm thinking after 8 pm, when it is nominally cooler. Just looking for some easy exercise and a way to get to know the neighbors. Alternatively, does anyone have a dog who needs walking?

Southeast Festival June 28th, 2008

CEC Carnival!

Tonight from 5-8PM the CEC is hosting a Cleveland School Carnival. Due to the weather, the carnival has been moved inside for the time being. Come with your family to play games, run an inflatable obstacle course, jump on the Velcro wall, and eat cotton candy! All are welcome - just come in the front doors of the school.

Questions? Call Erin Aldrich at (937) 474-2091.

Dad's Night

Cleveland PK-8 will be holding its monthly Dad's Night on Friday May 9 from 6-8PM. If dad isn't able to come, kids are welcome to bring any family member to play games and participate in open gym. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Flyers will be sent home with Cleveland School students this week.

As always, feel free to contact Erin Aldrich at (937) 474-2091 with questions.

MAY 2008 YARD SALE FAST APPROACHING!

Yard Sale May 15, 16, 17 and Open House Day May 18th.

Don’t forget to tell us if you are participating in the Yard Sale or Open House Day. We need to get you on the map before it goes to the printer! Call Sarah at 252-2210 or Gary at 253-1359 and let us know your address and days that you wish to participate. You can view the map here.

Home Buying Seminar - May 31st

I received some information from one of our Open House participating realtors that may be useful to some neighborhood residents.

Buying a Home for the First Time, Last Time, or Anytime In-between?
Then May 31st is Important to YOU
Spend One Hour With Bob and Sue and You Will Learn:
The Steps To A Home Buyers Success Story
Avoid the Frustrations of Buying and Financing Your New Home
Essential Tips Every Home Buyer Should Know
Learn Mortgage Tips from an Award Winning Loan Officer

Door Prizes for participants.
3 Easy Ways To Register·

Call: 877-WHIGHAM ext 181 ·

Email: BobAndSue@BobAndSue.net·

Web site: www.HomeBuyingMadeSimple.info

Continental Breakfast Available
Location: Christ United Methodist Church 3440 Shroyer Road Kettering Ohio 45429

Date and Time: May 31st - 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Cost: Free

Cleveland School Updates - Volunteers needed!

Cleveland PK-8 Community Education Council will be holding a family carnival from 5-8 pm at Cleveland School. We are currently look for volunteers to help run the games at the carnival. Please contact Erin Aldrich at ealdrich@daytonymca.org or (937) 474-2091 if you would like to volunteer!

An additional note - Kym Beasley is currently on maternity leave (no baby yet, but we will update you!). If you have any questions, concerns, or just want to stop by and say hello, I (Erin Aldrich) will be filling in for her until she returns. Feel free to contact me with the above information.

Finally, the YMCA began registration for summer day camp on April 1st. I will be directing the camp at Emerson (501 Hickory St), but there will also be camps at Island Metro Park and Mary Queen of Peace in the Downtown area. Please contact me or stop by Cleveland School for a flyer or enrollment forms if you are interested in sending your child to YMCA day camp. Camp sessions run from June 9-August 15 from 9am-4pm (extended care is available from 7am-9am and 4pm-6pm for those who are interested; financial assistance available).

Crime Continues Downward Trend in First Quarter

Crime Continues Downward Trend in First Quarter
Significant Declines in Most Major Categories

Release Date: Monday, April 21, 2008

Contact: Chief Richard Biehl, 333-1087

Crime in Dayton continues a downward trend, with the first quarter of 2008 showing significant declines in nearly all major categories when compared to the same period last year or the previous quarter, according to a Dayton Police Department report.

Focus Crimes (major crime categories represented in the report) were down 13.46 percent when compared to the first quarter of 2007. Violent crimes were down 7.34 percent when compared to the previous quarter (the last quarter of 2007).

The greatest declines in first quarter crime when compared to the same period last year were in these categories:

commercial armed robbery (down 53.57 percent);
theft of motor vehicle parts (down 50.3 percent);
rape/attempted rape (down 29.55 percent);
motor vehicle theft (down 28.03 percent).

There were also double-digit first quarter decreases in commercial burglary, residential burglary, vandalism and armed robbery. The number of homicides for the first quarter (eight) was unchanged from the same period in 2007, when it was down 65 percent from the previous year. The only violent crime category to experience an increase was felonious assault, which was up 14.62 percent over the same period last year. The Dayton Police Department recently created a Special Enforcement Team to more quickly respond to emerging crime patterns, including felonious assault, and is considering new strategies to help reduce and prevent such crimes.

Mayor Rhine McLin credited Dayton’s Police Department and citizens for improving the city’s safety environment.

“Dayton’s neighborhoods and safety forces are successfully working together to prevent crime,” McLin said. “Residents, businesses and visitors are all benefiting from the community’s commitment.”

Dayton Police Chief Richard Biehl said continued collaboration between the Police Department and the community can lead to ongoing improvement in Dayton’s crime rates.

“Citizen participation is essential for crime prevention,” Biehl said. “We will continue to build partnerships throughout the community for a safer city.”

The latest crime statistics continue a downward trend of more than five years. From 2003 through 2007, crime declined 10.7 percent and violent crime (homicide, rape, robbery and aggravated assault) declined 17.3 percent. A year-end report for 2007 showed the city's overall crime rate dropped by 6.1 percent when compared to 2006.

Of Local Interest

There is a large photograph hanging on the wall at city hall, between the fourth and fifth floors as you walk up the stairs. The picture is an aerial view of the city from either the 1950s or 1960s. I took a high resolution photograph of the area that appeared to be Walnut hills and present it here. I have indicated the location of the park and Kroger. Click on the image to see the full scale photograph.



I see that there was no vegetation growing on the steep hill behind the baseball field and this photo pre-dates the tennis courts.

NEIGHBORHOOD STREET SWEEPING SCHEDULE FOR WEEK OF 4/21/08 TO 4/25/08

Burkhardt
Carillon
College Hill
Eastern Hills
Linden Heights
Springfield
Walnut Hills
Wrightview

Found Dog

If you know the owner of a German Shepherd dog that is about 1 year old and well trained and friendly that has gone missing, please call Pastor Linda at 254-7522 or 298-6221 ASAP. The dog has no collar and may have to be dropped off at an animal shelter within a few days. If you can't reach her at these two numbers then contact Gary at 253-1359 and I will attempt to contact her or her husband on their cell phones.

The Annual Yard Sale Event

Now that we have done several of these, we are going to try something slightly different in the hopes that we can build on this event. The neighborhood yard sale generally gets approxiamately 70 participants each year with about 20 more jumping in on the day of the sale. The process of collecting fees and distributing signs and maps is time consuming for the two or three people that are committed to make this event happen. The cost to advertise and print maps is about $200 and the sense of community far out weighs the cost to the neighborhood association.

In order to get the largest participation possible we will only host ONE yard sale event this year and the dates are May 15 - May 17. This is a Thursday through Saturday. People wishing to have a sale on Sunday are welcome to but we won't be advertising that day for yard sales though we can indicate such on the neighborhood map of yard sales. Anyone can have a yard sale and there will be NO FEE to yard sale participants. Since there is no fee involved it is in your best interest to be on the map! We know that these maps work. If you want to be on the published map you have to call Gary (253-1359) or Chad (258-2392) BEFORE MAY 10th and tell us your address and which days you will be open for business so that we can flag it on the map. You will be responsible for your own signs. If you would like to use one of our yard sale signs, there will be a $5 deposit which we will refund when the sign is returned. Otherwise we will place them in strategic locations about the neighborhood.
If anyone has some really interesting stuff to sell and can put together a web page for themselves, please send the link to garyleitzell@aol.com so that I can get the link added to our website.

Here is the exciting part! On Sunday May 18th, we are going to attempt to host a open house day for all the "For Sale" house listings in the neighborhood. Ideally it would be nice if we could get 20 open houses that day. The open houses will be listed on the same map as the yard sales and advertised in the paper. For this we will charge the $5 fee to offset the cost of promotion. So if you are wanting to sell your house, this may a good opportunity for you. After discussing the idea with several real estate agents it was decided to promote this on its own day because the yard sale attendees may not be candidates for home purchases but if interested they would return on the Sunday. The yard sale event would increase the visibility of "OPEN HOUSE" signs throughout the neighborhood.
It is certainly worth a try and if it works we can do this every year and possibly grow the event to include garden tours or a trivia walking tour. If anyone is interested in helping to organize this event, please contact Gary at the number listed above.

Please realize that there is a cost to host events like these and any tax deductible donations to the Walnut Hills Association are greatly appreciated.

Chat n' Chew

The bimonthly used goods sale and "Chat 'n Chew" event at Colorado Avenue Baptist Church will be held next Saturday on March 15th between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM due to snow.

Cleveland School Activities

Just an update on Cleveland School activities:

This Friday, February 29 at 2:30PM Cleveland will be starting a nutrition and cooking program.  The program will start promptly at 2:30PM and students who attend Cleveland are welcome to come straight to the Life Skills Room after school.  The program will end at 5:00PM.  Fliers will be sent home this week with Cleveland School students, but all are welcome to join!  The cost is $3 to cover the cost of supplies.

On Monday March 3rd, Cleveland School will be participating in Read Across America.  We will be having volunteers read to students during the morning.  If any Walnut Hills residents would like to participate and volunteer to read to a classroom during the morning, please contact myself (eeamiller@gmail.com) or Kym Beasley at KBeasley@dps.k12.oh.us.  

Walnut Hills Chili Cook-Off!!!

3rd Annual Chili Cook-off!!!
Walnut Hills challenges Belmont, South Park and Twin Towers
Monday, March 10, 2008, 6:30-8:30P.M. at
Cleveland School Cafeteria
1st, 2nd and 3rd Prizes
Door Prizes, 50/50 Drawing and Much More!
Sponsored by Walnut Hills Neighborhood Association
$5.00 Entry Fee
Entry Deadline: Monday, March 3, 2008

Hurry, the number of entries is limited to 5 contestants per neighborhood association!!!!
Due to limited seating there will be a $2.00 charge per adult, or $4.00 per family, to attend the Chili Cook-Off (no charge for contestants and their families). Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Contestants are asked to arrive between 6:00PM and 6:30PM. Judging will start promptly at 6:30 PM. Please have your entry fee paid before the March 3rd deadline, or you may loose your spot! Contact Robert Lipps at
256-8394 for more information or to sign up to bring side dishes.
Proceeds will benefit Cleveland School student field trips.

H & R Block Donation Program

If you are a first time user of the H & R Block tax filing service and mention that you are a Walnut Hills resident, they will donate $20 to the neighborhood association since we are a tax exempt 501(c)3 organization.

Dad's Night - February 8, 2008 at 6PM

On February 8 at 6PM there will be another Family Night at Cleveland School.  We will be watching the movie "Cars" and having freshly popped popcorn and hot cocoa.  Everyone is welcome to join!  You do not have to be a Walnut Hills resident or a Cleveland School student to participate.  The only requirement is that parents stay and enjoy the evening with their children.

The event should last from 6-8PM.  Please join us for a fun-filled family night!  Invite your friends and neighbors.

Questions? Contact Site Coordinator Kym Beasley: (937) 474-2091

Reading Jamboree

Saturday, Feb. 2, Dayton Public Schools will host the 5th (?) annual Reading Jamboree at Sinclair Community College, Building 12, from 10 am to 3 pm. This is truly an amazing event, jam-packed with activities for kids, opportunities to meet with national and local authors of children's books, and participation by more than 13 local organizations (Cox Arboretum, Booneshoft, and others). There will be musical performances throughout the day featuring students and DCDC2 will perform at noon. Lunch is provided. There are free books and prizes for kids, and Scholastic is holding a Book Fair. I have gone every year, and every year it is better. The reason for the event is to promote reading and by the reaction of the kids and their parents, it does just that. It is a great day out for families, whether or not your kids attend DPS. For further information, please call 542-3527.

For Our Neighbors in Twin Towers

Click on image to enlarge.

Pinewood at Belmont Park Baseball Sign-up

Pinewood at Belmont Park Baseball Sign-up
Pinewood Atlética Asociación Baseball Sian-up


Fri. Feb. 8, 2008: 5pm-8pm.
Lohrey Center 2386 Glenarm Ave.
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Sat. Feb.9, 2008: 12pm-2pm.
Lohrey Center 2386 Glenarm Ave.
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Sat. Feb. 16, 2008: 12pm-3pm.
Lohrey Center 2386 Glenarm Ave.

FEES:
T-ball ages 5-6 $35.00 F-minor ages 7-8 $35.00
F-ball ages 9-12 $40.00 E-ball ages 13-14 $55.00 + DABC Fee
C –ball ages 15-16 $75.00+ DABC Fee B-ball ages 17-18 $85.00+ DABC Fee

Please bring a copy of child’s birth certificate to be kept on file.
Can’t be older than the listed age on or before May 1st
Questions: Call James Walker 256-8000.

More School News

Tuesday, January 22, Cleveland School will host the Dayton Board of Education meeting. This is an initiative to bring the School Board into the community and make it more convenient for community members to attend. It starts at 6pm. I have been told there will be a presentation on the Neighborhood Schools as Centers of Community project. Cleveland is one of the schools in the project. The Kindergarten Fair is Thursday, January 24 at Patterson Career Center on River Corridor Drive - just take Webster Street past the markets, Requarth Lumber and turn left right before the river. You can meet with teachers, get an idea of what kindergarten is like in the 21st Century and learn what to do to enroll. This event is from 4-7pm.

Check Cashing Store in Walnut Hills

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but it seems that our friendly neighborhood Family Video Store is currently putting in a partition and will be leasing about one third of their space to a check cashing business. I have been informed that Family Video builds their stores larger than is needed and once Family Video establishes itself in a neighborhood and has a regular clientelle that they divide the store and lease a portion off to another business. I doubt that this was disclosed when they bought the property from the City of Dayton and promises were made. In our particular store this will be to a check cashing business which ultimately sends a message as to what type of neighborhood we are to become unless we do something about it. I don't think there is anything that we can do in this case but it might be time to discuss turning Wayne Ave from South Park to 10 Wilmington Place into a historic district which could put restrictions on what happens in the future. It will also offset the impact that this business is going to have on property values.

Thank you!

Thank you so much to the Walnut Hills Neighborhood Association for your generous donation towards Cleveland School's pancake breakfast. We could not possibly hold this breakfast in the school without your help. Thanks for your enthusiasm and support for Cleveland School and the Neighborhood School Centers project.

SAVE THE DATE!

Please see attached invitation for more information about the following event:

You are cordially invited to attend East End Community Services' 10th Anniversary Open House Celebration:

Celebrating Community
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
624 Xenia Avenue
Dayton, OH 45410
4 - 8 PM

We will be celebrating the beautiful diversity of the Twin Towers/East Dayton community with high quality folk arts performances, including our local Mexican folkloric dance troupe, Sol Azteca; Cincinati’s award-winning, Comet Bluegrass All-Stars; and world-renowned violin & Oud virtuoso, Simon Shaheen. Plus cultural crafts, ethnic cuisine tasting, and much more!

Sexual Predator Alert

Police Release Composite Sketch From Bus Stop Assault
POSTED: 4:21 pm EST January 15, 2008
UPDATED: 4:58 pm EST January 15, 2008

From WHIO Channel 7
DAYTON, Ohio -- Dayton police have released a composite sketch hoping that someone will recognize a suspect in a sexual assault. The suspect attacked a 13-year-old girl at a bus stop earlier this month.
The morning of Jan. 8, the girl was on her way to the bus stop when police say she was groped by the man. She was able to run away and flag down her bus driver.
Police were called and combed the area, but the man wasn't found.
The attacker is described as a white male, 30-40 years of age, 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet tall, 160-180 pounds, with black curly/greasy shoulder length hair. He has a goatee or mustache that is unshaven on the sides. The man was wearing a blue or black bandanna, black puffy coat, and blue jeans.
If you have any information or know who this suspect might be, call Dayton police at 333-COPS.

Safe Routes to School

Safe Routes to School is a federally funded program to assist communities in enabling and encouraging children to safely walk and bike to school. It is administered through the State Department of Transportation. The City of Dayton is applying for a grant to implement this program around four schools. One of the schools targeted for the grant is Cleveland School. The grant provides money for infrastructure (sidewalks, hazardous conditions, etc) and program opportunities (safety education, traffic control, etc.)

Kym Beasley, site coordinator at Cleveland, is asking for members of the Walnut Hills and Linden Heights neighborhoods to come to a meeting on January 23, 6 pm at Cleveland School, to learn a little more about the program and to offer suggestions of what we would like to see to make it safer and more attractive for our kids to walk to school. This is a great opportunity for our neighborhood. Please come out and give your input.

Cleveland School Activities

Just an update on activities at Cleveland School:
Zumba - Thursday at 5:30, $2 a session
Dad's Night - this is a family night for all neighborhood kids and their parents with open gym, games and crafts. Held the 2nd Friday of every month from 6-8PM (January's was this past Friday January 11). Please join us in February!
Thanks!

Mayor McLin Schedules “Mayor’s Day” To Meet With Citizens

Release Date: Monday, January 7, 2008
Contact: Mayor’s Office, 937-333-3653

As a way to meet one-on-one with Dayton residents, Mayor Rhine McLin has scheduled a Mayor’s Day for Tuesday, January 15, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., at the offices of the Family Services Association, 184 Salem Ave.

Mayor’s Day meetings are conducted by appointment only. Anyone interested in meeting with the Mayor should call 333-3653 in advance. Citizens will have the opportunity to meet with Mayor McLin for up to 15 minutes.

Remaining Mayor’s Day events for the first half of 2008 are:

· Thursday, February 14, Huffman Place, 100 Huffman Ave., 10:00 a.m. to noon.

· Tuesday, March 18, Dayton Cultural Center, 40 S. Edwin C. Moses Blvd. noon to 2:00 p.m.

· Thursday, April 17, Belmont Library, 1041 Watervliet Ave., 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

· Tuesday, May 13, Wesley Community Center, 3730 Delphos Ave., 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

· Thursday, June 19, Life Enrichment Center, 425 N. Findlay St., 10:00 a.m. to noon.

Mayor’s Day is designed to make City government more accessible to the citizens of Dayton.

Firewood Anyone?

I promised to post this for a guy living in the neighborhood who needs to move all the wood before spring so he can tend to his back yard gardening!

SEASONED FIREWOOD
MIXED KINDS
WALNUT HILLS RESIDENTS $100 A CORD

CALL JOE @ (937)718-6919