Vacation Bible School and Evangelistic Meetings!!!

Colorado Ave Baptist Church, Ohmer Park Methodist Church, and New Bethany is presenting a Vacation Bible School. Please pass this along to any young children that you may know between the ages of 5-12.

VBS will be held the week of July 13-17 from 6:00PM to 8:30PM at Ohmer Park Methodist Church located at 1357 Arbor Blvd. Please contact Greg Segda at (937) 838-6861 or Sharon Roth at (937) 925-0166 if you have any questions. Please see the attached fliers for additional information and to also print off the registration form for any child that would like to participate.

Also, please plan to join us at Colorado Ave Baptist Church for The Evangelistic Meetings with Pastor Don Godby. They will be held on July 17, 18, and 19th starting at 7:00PM. If you have any questions regarding the Evangelistic Meetings please contact Colorado Ave Baptist Church at (937) 253-0014.

Southeast Festival Next Saturday!

Don't miss out on the fun!

All Sons Banquet

We would like to introduce ourselves to everyone in the Walnut Hills Community. We are 3 churches united to become 1, Colorado Ave Baptist Church, Ohmer Park Methodist Church, and New Bethany for Christ.

We are having an all sons banquet on Tuesday, June 16 at 6:30pm at Ohmer Park Methodist Church located on 1357 Arbor Ave, please plan to join us for an evening of celebration as we recognize all fathers and sons.

For more information please contact one of our churches.

Colorado Ave Baptist Church-(937) 253-0014 or Ohmer Park-(937) 252-5674

We have a lot more plans and celebrations coming up this summer, so we will keep you posted on more events as they become available.

The Dayton Mediation Center

Mediation Training and Apprenticeship
at the Dayton Mediation Center

The Dayton Mediation Center is offering a free training for citizens interested in learning to be a volunteer community mediator.

Basic Mediation training through the Dayton Mediation Center includes 20 classroom hours and approximately 30 continuing training hours over a six-month period. Following this apprenticeship, mediators are expected to volunteer at least once a month for 18 months. The dates and times are:

Saturday, August 15th, from 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Thursday, August 20th, from 5:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 29th, from 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
(must be able to attend all three dates)

To be fully informed about the decision you and the Center will be making, anyone interested in considering this training is invited to a group interview/orientation session. Please choose one of these dates to attend. (If you are unable to attend one of these, please contact us to schedule an individual session.)

Thursday, June 18th, from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30pm
OR
Saturday, June 27th, from 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

These sessions will take place at the Center’s office on the 3rd floor of the City of Dayton Building at 371 W. Second Street, Dayton OH 45402.

If you have any questions or would like directions please contact Janet Mueller at janet.mueller@cityofdayton.org or (937)333-2356.

5 Year Crime Statistics for Walnut Hills

This month I requested crime statistics for our neighborhood so that I could publish them in the newsletter. I also asked if crime was really down in the City of Dayton. I didn't get what I asked for but what I did get was way more interesting! I can't post the actual pages here for you to view directly but have put links below. Please take some time to review the information and draw your own conclusions.

Walnut Hills 5 Year Summary

Walnut Hills 5 Year Year to date statistics

Adopt-An-Area Clean Up

Here is a picture of our core group of clean-up volunteers who help organize and participate in the twice yearly Adopt-An-Area clean ups that we do in South East Dayton. Mike Schommer wearing an orange vest, is standing with his father, wife, son and two volunteers from the community as they venture out to pick up litter from an area that they have chosen to clean up. This year we let residents chose where they wanted to participate instead of designating Wyoming Avenue as the street of choice.

Register Now for Summer Camps & Activities

Dayton's Department of Recreation and Youth Services is presenting a full schedule of summer camps for 2009. Camps include: A Backpack of Experiences (weekly special topics from June 15 through August 7); Pee Wee Power Camp (weekly, June 15 to August 7); All About Sports (featuring the Cincinnati Reds Rookie Success League; weekly, July 6 through August 14); Youth Tennis Camp (two-week sessions, June 15 through August 7); and the Fairview Park Program (for residents of the Phoenix Project area, June 16 through August 7). For information and registration, go to www.daytonrecreationandyou.com or call 333-8400.

Phone-a-Thon to Support Foreclosure Prevention

Dayton-area community service organizations are joining forces with WDTN to present a foreclosure prevention "phone-a-thon" on Thursday, June 4, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Professionals from the Neighborhood Lending Partnership will take phone calls and provide resource and referral information to homeowners seeking help with home foreclosures or potential foreclosures. WDTN will air live coverage of phone-a-thon segments and will also provide information on www.wdtn.com.

Letter to Kroger

During our last neighborhood association meeting Doug Schommer presented a letter that he felt we should send to the Kroger Company. I mailed it off last week to

Geoffrey Covert at
Kroger Food Stores
P.O. Box 46234
Cincinnati, OH 45246

It reads;

Dear Mr. Covert,

I am writing to your company on behalf of the Walnut Hills (Neighborhood) Association. Our association represents 2,500 households near your store located on Wayne Ave. in Dayton, Ohio.
Thank you for approximately 50 years of quality products and service to our community. We are disappointed that you will not be able to participate in the development at the corner of Wayne and Wyoming Avenues. Our community is very excited about the future of this site and its potential in the new millennium. Thank you again for 50 great years!


Sincerely,




Gary Leitzell
President WHA

Bike Polo Tournament

The 6th Annual Midwest Bike Polo Championship Tournament is being held at Walnut Hills Park lower level on Sunday May 24th. There will be people almost 100 people participating from as far away as Wisconsin. Apparently the in-line hockey arena at Walnut Hills Park is the best available facility for this type of event in the entire Midwest. The bike polo players frequent the park on Sunday afternoons and are looking for new players to participate.
Just think, Dayton, home of the Midwest Bike Polo Tournament. As a City we need to promote this sport.

Street Sweeping

Neighborhoods to be swept the week of 5/18/09 through 5/22/09


Twin Towers
Burkhardt
Linden Heights
Walnut Hills
Fairlane
Old Dayton View
Southern Dayton View

Yard Sale Fast Approaching.

I am putting the yard sale map together this week. The yard sale is officially Friday May 15th through Sunday May 17th. Let me know if you plan to participate. The cost to be included is FREE. So it is great at half the price! If you want a Walnut Hills Yard Sale sign the cost is $5.00 which is refundable if you return the sign. Other wise you may keep it and use it every year. Participants will each be given 20 yard sale maps to give away to people touring the neighborhood yard sales. The sale will be advertised in the Dayton Daily News as well.


View Walnut Hills Yard Sale - 2009 in a larger map

Safe Routes to School Grant

Got this email today. Thought I would share it.


Good Morning!

Some of you may have already heard the news...but it has been officially anounced. Cleveland NSC, Kate Ervin, and The City of Dayton have worked on the Safe Routes to School grant for a while, and the Cleveland neighborhood has been awarded $125,813! $100,000.00 will go towards infrastructure: improving pedestrian access to school by updating crosswalks, walks, lighting near school and park, adding a bike rack...etc. $25,813 will go towards education, encouragement and enforcement leg of Dayton's overall plan. Cleveland NSC will be hosting it's first Bike Rodeo tomorrow for Healthy Kids Day!

Have a great day!

Kym Beasley

Site Coordinator

Cleveland PK-8 Neighborhood School Center

1102 Pursell Ave

Dayton, OH 45420


Side note: That is $100,000 that is going to be spent on improvements in the vicinity of Cleveland School. Walnut Hills is included in that area!

Enrolling Now!!

Miami Valley Child Development Centers, Inc. is accepting preschool
enrollment applications for the 2009/2010 school year. The program is
free to income eligible families and offers both part-day and full-day
sessions. This educational program will offer age appropriate school
readiness activities, health screenings, and nutritionally balanced
meals and snacks. Social services that support the whole family will
also be offered.

For more information or to complete an enrollment application, please
contact Laura Navaro at 937-258-2470 ext. 30.

COOKING EXERCISE

Nutrition
Volunteers from the University of Dayton want to teach you ways to be healthy!

WHEN: Friday April 17th
TIME: After school – 5:00 pm
WHERE: Cleveland PK-8 School: Life Skills Room
WHO: PK-8th graders; 25 spaces available on a first-come, first-serve basis: PARENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO COME TO THIS SESSION!
COST: FREE!!
Any questions, please contact Kym Beasley at 474-2091

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Student’s name:_______________________ Grade:___________


Parent/Guardian Signature:________­­­­­­­­_____________ Date:_____________

Please return to Kym Beasley ASAP.

Round Up Your Friends and Parents for:

Cleveland’s 1st Annual
Bike Rodeo
April 18th
Cleveland PK-8 Neighborhood School Center Parking Lot

11am-1pm
FREE!
Skills Challenge Course!
Learn Bike Safety!
Prizes!
Rain or Shine!
Kids ages 5+ are invited to bring their own bikes and participate in the challenge!
Helmets are required for the challenge

Any questions, if you need a helmet, please contact Kym Beasley 937-474-2091 KBeasley@dps.k12.oh.us

Stone Soup Presents

9 STEPS TO
SURVIVE IN THIS ECONOMY


Free INFO from the experts!
Ruskin School, 407 Ambrose Avenue
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Step 1 April 14 Budgeting 101, presented by Wright Patt Credit Union
Step 2 April 21 How to Stay Competitive in the Work Force, presented by Job and Family
Advocacy , East End Community Services

Step3 April 28 Making Less Grocery Money Last Longer, presented by Bubbles the Clown,
Angelfood Ministries

Step 4 May 5 College/Certificate Fair, with Sinclair Communtiy College
Step 5 May 19 Steps to Financial Freedom, presented by Wright Patt Credit Union
Step 6 June 2 TBD
Step 7 June 9 TBD
Step 8 June 16 TBD
Step 9 June 23 TBD


Stone Soup Presents
a progam of East End Community Services, Inc.
624 Xenia Avenue
Dayton, Ohio 45410

Vaughn Murphy
Phone: 937-259-1898
Fax: 937-259-1897
Email: vmurphy@east-end.org

Waste Collection Route Revisions Are in Effect

Waste Collection Route Revisions Are in Effect

Pickup Days Unchanged, Times May Change

Release Date: Friday, April 3, 2009

Contact: Division of Waste Collection, 333-4800

Waste collection customers served by the City of Dayton (in the cities of Dayton and Riverside and Jefferson Township) may experience revised pick-up times as a result of route changes implemented on March 30. Scheduled collection days have not changed. Waste collection crews will still travel normal service routes from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. However, residents may notice crews collecting waste at different times of the day than in the past. The route revisions have been implemented to help reduce operating costs. To contact the Division of Waste Collection, call 937-333-4800.

The following are reminders for Dayton waste collection customers:

Guidelines for setting out waste and recycling for collection:

· Keep containers away from parked cars and other obstacles.

· Waste containers and recycle bins must be at designated collection areas by 7:00 a.m. on scheduled collection days.

· Waste containers and recycle bins must be removed from designated pickup areas by 8:00 a.m. on the day after pickup.

· Waste collection crews will not enter private property for pickup services.

· Do not overfill containers or recycle bins.

· Do not put loose trash in waste containers. Please wrap or bag all trash first.

· Do not overfill waste containers or recycle bins, to help keep neighborhoods clean.

· Recyclable materials are: glass, aluminum, tin, plastic (#1 through #7), newspapers, magazines, cardboard, or other material determined by the City.

How do I schedule a “bulk” waste pick-up?

· Bulk waste pick-ups must be scheduled in advance by calling 937-333-4800 between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

· Bulk waste items should be set out by 7:00 a.m. on the pre-scheduled collection day.

· One pick-up equals material totaling 4 feet x 8 feet x 4 feet in size.

· Separate metal items (stoves, refrigerators, etc.) from other bulk items. Remember to remove refrigerator doors.

· All loose and small items must be securely contained, bundled or bagged.

· Crews cannot pick up concrete, rocks, brick, blocks, sand, gravel, demolition materials or hazardous waste.

· Yard waste (brush, hedges, tree limbs, etc.) must be tied into bundles not larger than 4 ft. long and 18 inches in diameter. Bundles are limited to 25 pounds each.

Womens Self Defense Classes

The residents of South Park have successfully held self defense classes for women in the past and are looking to host another series beginning on April 20 if enough people participate. Classes are held at the Hope Lutheran Church at 7:00 PM on Wednesdays. Participation is by donation. For details contact Lisa at lcpersons@woh.rr.com

Rite Aid Prescriptions

Effective Friday March 20Th prescriptions will no longer be filled at the Rite Aid Pharmacy at Wayne and Wyoming Aves. They have sold their service to Walgreen's across the street. For anyone who was not aware, Rite Aid will be closing.

The day after the MRDD Chili Cook-off, I did not place or win at this one, but had fun with family and friends!! Learned that you can cook 10 gallons of chili in our home with out causing to many problems for the rest of the family.

 
 

Yes, anyone that I talked to before the MRDD cook-off I told I only needed 5 gallons, I thought I would make a little more and more.. And ok.. I double the recipe at that wrong point in getting the stuff.. So after the cook-off we stop by the homeless shelter and drop off the rest of the chili..

 
 

I am amazed that I still have a voice; after calling out "Best DARN Texas Chili- JEDDN Chili" to everyone that walked by the booth at the MRDD Chili Cook-off

 
 

JEDDN-- stands for everyone on our team that help.. Jim, Emily, Debbie, Dannie (DanDan), and Nancy

 
 

We had a great time and fun.. And will be doing it again next year..

 
 

Thanks Bob for coming out to the cook-off..

 
 

MRDD Chili Cook-off March 14 2009

Hello all --

Come down to the Montgomery County Fairgrounds’ on March 14 2009 for a down home chili cook-off to support MRDD (Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities). I will be entering my "Darn Good Texas Chili" this year. This will be my first year to enter cook-off, my family and I have been going to the cook-off for a few years now; it is a lot of fun with games for the kids, chili to taste, and music. Please come and help support MRDD this year. Good time to get out and have some fun with family and friends and support a good cause. For more information please check out the links below.

Here is the Poster for the Chili cook-off please place this up for us

If you would like to Enter the cook-off here is the Entry Form

Have a chili cook-off' en good Day

Get to Know Your Community

Come and connect to the resources that are available in your community. Monday, February 23rd from 5 to 7pm at Ruskin School, 407 Ambrose St.

Local businesses, social service agencies and churches will be present to answer questions about their services and programs. Free finger foods and a chance to win door prizes.

For more information contact Vaughn Murphy at East End Community Services Corporation 937-259-1898 or email: vmurphy@east-end.org

Chili Lovers Take Notice!

Chili Lovers Take Notice!

Walnut Hills 4th Annual Chili Cook-off is just around the corner! Save the date: Monday, March 9, 2009, 6:30PM at Cleveland School Cafeteria.

Last year, Walnut Hills Association challenged nearby neighborhoods Belmont, Twin Towers and South Park; with a Belmont participant winning first place. This year, WHA invites all Dayton neighborhoods to participate.

In addition to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes, we'll have a 50/50 drawing and door prizes. Maybe even a cornbread contest!

Those not participating in the challenge are invited to attend for a fun night out. There will be a $2.00 charge at the door and proceeds will benefit Cleveland School students.

So, dig out your Chili recipe and call WHA VP Robert Lipps at 937-256-8394 for entry details and to reserve a spot for that prize winning pot of chili!

Women's Safety Class

Don't know if you guys got the word, but I have put together a Women's Safety Class for South Park, starting February 12 @ Hope Lutheran from 7-9 p.m.

The class is going to be taught by the Asst. Police Chief from WSU, and will run for four weeks. The class will cover personal safety as well as some self-defense techniques. Cost of the class is by donation.

I would like to extend an invitation to all of the women in Walnut Hills that you think might be interested.

Thanks

Lisa

Person of Interest

Our home was broken into on New Year's Eve day followed by our car being broken into in the early morning of January 19th. My husband caught this person in the act of breaking into our car confronted him and reported to the police his description and license plate number. He was arrested a short time later.

In talking to neighbors this person has been seen "stalking" our neighborhood. I would like everyone to be aware and be on the look out for him. He is a danger to our homes and vehicles.

Jordyn Pierce dob 6-30-90

he drives a 1989 blue 2 door toyota license plate DV62XK. He has been seen wearing a tan carhart khaki work jacket.

This is a picture I obtained from his MySpace page.

We feel this person also broke into our home as he was seen in front of our home the day it was broken into however, the dectective said that is not his normal MO and will not question him concerning the break in.

Neighborhood Leadership Institute Accepting Applications

Release Date: January 20, 2009

Contact: Kathleen Riggs, NLI Co-Coordinator, 333-3671

Applications are now being accepted for the 27th annual Neighborhood Leadership Institute, sponsored by the City of Dayton and Sinclair Community College.

The Neighborhood Leadership Institute is a 12-week program designed to educate Dayton residents about local government, City of Dayton resources and community leadership. The 2009 program kicks off on Thursday, March 12. It is comprised of workshops, skill-building components and a day-long bus tour of Dayton neighborhoods. Participants hear presentations from community, business and government leaders on topics such as Dayton’s history, the roles and responsibilities of local government, the criminal justice system and cultural diversity. Class members also complete field assignments and a practicum requiring development of a grassroots project within their community.

Anyone interested in participating must complete and submit an application no later than Thursday, February 12, 2009. Application forms are available at all City of Dayton Priority Board offices, at the Division of Citizen Participation (101 W. Third St., 6th floor), at www.cityofdayton.org, or by calling 333-3671.

THE DAYTON MINORITY CONTRACTORS BUSINESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (MCBAP) TO HOST LENDING RECEPTION

Dayton, OH, January 14, 2009 – The Dayton Minority Contractor’s Business Assistance Program will host the first of quarterly lending receptions for small businesses. The reception is designed to allow small businesses to build a relationship with banks and other organizations that provide financing, bonding and other financial services to small businesses. The lending reception will be held at The Entrepreneur Center, 714 Monument Avenue, on Thursday, January 29 from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

MCBAP is a component of the Dayton Human Relations Council and is a beneficiary of the resources, expertise, and experience of the Council. MCBAP receives funding from the State of Ohio and was established in 1978. The Dayton MCBAP provides the following services:

· Management and Technical Assistance

· Procurement Information

· Organizational Assessment

· Bonding Information

· Business Plan Preparation

· Training Sessions

· Seminars/Conferences

· Cost Estimating Services

· Plan Room Services/Dodge Reports

· Loan Packaging

For more information on MCBAP services or the lending reception, contact Goodloe Gillispie at (937) 223-2164 or via email at mcbaphrc@dayton.net.

MLK Day March Information

My name is Laura Arber and I am the South Quadrant Chair for the Martin
Luther King March Rally.  Below is a letter from my committee inviting
you to join us at the MLK March/Rally on January 19, 2009 starting at
11:00am at Dayton Fairgrounds.

I would appreciate your including this event in your announcements. This
site gives you more information about the march
http://iis.stat.wright.edu/MLK/

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me by email or at
937-298-7367

Laura L. Arber
South Quadrant Chair

On January 19, 2009, we will again have the opportunity of honoring Dr.
Martin Luther King, his values, his contributions and his legacy.

There will be a number of events on the weekend, and during the
preceding week, but we particularly want to bring to your attention the
Martin Luther King March on Monday, January 19, 2009.

Over the years, the Dayton community has created an event that reflects
the best of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s values and hopes - the need for
a community to come together in good will and reconciliation.  This
year, it seems even more important that the Martin Luther King message
be observed by all of us - Christians, Hindus, Jews, Muslims, persons
from Dayton, Oakwood, Kettering, Centerville, Huber Heights, Trotwood,
Clayton, the youth and the elderly, -representatives from all the parts
of the world who comprise the Dayton community.

The Dayton March begins in four separate locations.  As each march
proceeds, it gathers in more people until the truly joyous moment when
east, west, south and north join tumultuously at Third & Main and four
streams of people become one community.

This is not just an invitation but also a call to the community for all
persons and organizations to be with us on January 19, 2009. Youth and
youth organizations are particularly called but everyone in the
community is welcome. Banners recognizing any of our marching
organizations will be very welcome.  We would appreciate your including
this event in your church, university, or school bulletin announcements,
starting after December 18, 2008.  The starting point of the march for
the South Quadrant is Dayton Fairgrounds , and we will begin marching
downtown at 11:00 am. Please feel free to join us for the march and
celebration.

We look forward to seeing you on January 19th in the march, and at
Courthouse Square.

Sincerely,



Laura L. Arber
South Quadrant Chair

Notices of Final Property Values to Hit Mailboxes

Notices of Final Property Values to Hit Mailboxes

Date: January 2nd, 2008 Contact: Sam Braun 937-224-8722

Montgomery County Auditor Karl Keith’s office will be mailing final notices of new property values this week to local property owners. The values reflect the results of the 2008 reappraisal and the informal reviews conducted this fall. The notices should hit most mailboxes the week of January 5th.
Property owners wishing to challenge their new values may file an appeal with the Board of Revision between now and March 31st, 2009. Applications are available on the website at www.mcrealestate.org, in the Auditor’s office or by calling 496-6856.

Enrollment Opens Again for Homestead Program

Enrollment Opens Again for Homestead Program
Homeowners Turning 65 in 2009 Have Until June 1st to Signup


Date: January 5th, 2008 Contact: Sam Braun 224-8722

Homeowners who turn 65 at some point in 2009 are now eligible for the Homestead program and are encouraged to sign up with the Montgomery County Auditor. Enrollment is now open until June 1st and applications are available in the Auditor’s office or by calling 225-4341.
The Homestead exemption program brings property tax relief to homeowners age 65 and older and the permanently disabled. There are no longer any income requirements, but newly eligible recipients (those turning 65 any time in 2009) must sign up with the Auditor’s office. Homeowners already enrolled in Homestead do not need to reapply.
"We want all eligible senior homeowners to take advantage of this tax break," said Auditor Keith. Last year the average homestead recipient in Montgomery County saved $517 on their tax bill."
Qualified applicants who missed last year’s deadline may also sign up before June 1st and still get a reduction on last year’s taxes, as well as this year’s. Current homestead recipients do not need to reapply or do anything unless they have moved or had some change in their status.
Potential new applicants are encouraged to call 225-4341 or log on to www.mcrealestate.org for more information.

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.

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