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.

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.
___________________________________________________
Sat. Feb.9, 2008: 12pm-2pm.
Lohrey Center 2386 Glenarm Ave.
____________________________________________________
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

Christmas Decorating Contest Results!

The votes are in and the Walnut Hills Christmas Decorating Contest judges are proud to announce the 2007 winners!

3RD PLACE:

$10.00 Prize.
A very creative and well designed arrangement located at 240 Indiana Avenue.

2ND PLACE:

$15.00 Prize.
A large, fun arrangement located at 117 Medford Street.

1ST PLACE:

$25.00 Prize.
I must say that it was a unanimous decision by the judges that the spectacular display located at 1242 Carlisle Avenue was the obvious winner this year. The scope and beauty of this arrangement must truly be seen to be believed, a very nice job!


The judging was conducted on two nights, December 23rd and December 30th, 2007. Decorations were judged on creativity, complexity and consistency (the 3 C's of holiday decorating).

Waste Collection

City of Dayton offices will be closed Monday and Tuesday, December 24 and 25, 2007, and Tuesday, January 1, 2008.

Waste collection services will occur on the following schedule:

Monday, December 24 – Normal collection schedule

Tuesday, December 25 – No waste collection service

Wednesday, December 26 – Tuesday’s waste will be collected

Thursday, December 27 – Wednesday’s waste will be collected

Friday, December 28 – Thursday’s waste will be collected

Saturday, December 29 – Friday’s waste will be collected

Waste collection will resume its normal schedule on Monday, December 31. Waste will be collected on New Year’s Day (Tuesday, January 1).

Through January 11, 2008, Division of Waste Collection crews will collect overflow garbage without a special bulk pick-up request. Overflow should be placed in plastic bags outside of the 90-gallon rollout container, boxes should be flattened and Christmas trees should be placed at the normal place of collection. Waste collection customers still needing a bulk pick-up should call 333-4800.

Candy Cane Dance for Youth

Candy Cane Dance for Youth Ages 12 to 17: December 21

Featuring Angel O’Shea from Hot 102.9 and A Best-Dressed Contest
Released: Thursday, December 13, 2007

Contact: Dr. Donnell Gregory, Dayton Commission on Youth, 333-3644

Dayton-area youth ages 12 to 17 are invited to join the Dayton Youth Council for the Candy Cane Dance, a holiday celebration featuring Angel O’Shea from HOT 102.9.

There will be plenty of holiday fun and food, with prizes for the best-dressed male and female in red and white.

The event is scheduled for Friday, December 21, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., at the Bomberger Teen Center, 1306 E. Fifth St., Dayton.

Admission is $5 plus two canned goods, or $7, per person. Proceeds and donations benefit the House of Bread. For more information, call 333-3644.

Zumba Class

Just an update - we have changed the time of our Zumba class to accommodate work schedules better. We are now having it from 5:30-6:30PM on Thursday evenings at Cleveland School. Please join us for this fun work out! If you have any questions, feel free to contact Kym Beasley at KBeasley@dps.k12.oh.us. Thank you!

Correction - Winter Pancake Breakfast

Hello everyone - I am sorry for the confusion, but after trying to get the pancake breakfast at Cleveland this coming Saturday, we were not able to get space reserved. As it turns out, too many people are using the school building (which we are very pleased about)! We are planning on doing a pancake breakfast after the holidays sometime in the winter of 2008.

An update on activities we are currently having - Kym is currently doing Holiday Arts and Crafts (making candles, soap, etc.) in the evenings, contact her for more information. There is a minimal cost to cover supplies, but it is a great parent-child activity and they have had a lot of fun! We have also moved Zumba to a later time on Thursdays so more people can participate. Please contact Kym or myself for the exact times as the holiday schedule may change slightly because the school building will be closed. We are also planning to have a book club for kids during the winter break, but have not determined the particulars. Stay tuned for more information.

Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you or hearing from you soon. Please do not hesitate to contact myself (Erin - aldricee@notes.udayton.edu) or Kym Beasley (KBeasley@dps.k12.oh.us) with questions, comments or ideas.

Pancake Breakfast at Cleveland School

Next Saturday, December 15, Cleveland School will host a "Winter Wonderland" Pancake Breakfast at the school from 9 to 11 am. Donations are $4 or $2 if you bring in a canned good item. Proceeds will benefit the school.

Cleveland School is part of the Neighborhood Schools as Center of Community project under the direction of the Dayton Foundation and the University of Dayton Fitz Center for Leadership. Their vision is that the new public schools are "centers" of their Dayton neighborhoods. serving as healthy places of learning for children and families and the center of life in the neighborhood.

There originally were four schools in this project. Cleveland School was added last year as a direct result of a UD master's level class that focused on the Walnut Hills Neighborhood. They were so impressed by the neighborhood leadership and the energy and passion of some of the residents that they rearranged the budget to provide for an on-site coordinator to work with the Principal, Ms. Daniel, on creating opportunities for community use of the school. Kym Beasley is that person and she works for the YMCA who is the lead institutional partner for Cleveland School.

Come out on December 15, meet Kym and let's talk about ways that Cleveland School can become the center of our Walnut Hills neighborhood.

Dog Owners Reminded to Renew

Dog Owners Reminded to Renew
Their Dog’s License

Date: November 28, 2007 Contact: Faith Dickerhoof
496-7405

Montgomery County Auditor Karl L. Keith along with the Montgomery County Commissioners would like to remind Montgomery County dog owners that the time is upon us to renew your dog’s license. Each year, between December 1 through January 31st, dog owners register their dogs with local authorities to ensure a safe trip home if their dog is lost, stolen, or missing. State law requires that every dog over the age of three months old needs to be licensed.

For 16 dollars per license, dog owners have the peace of mind that with 24 hour identification, their puppy will return home safely and quickly. This also enables the dog owner to avoid a potential $150 ticket for failure to license their pet. Finally, if the dog cannot return home quickly, the Animal Resource Center provides a safe shelter, food and emergency care if your lost dog requires such attention.

The Auditor’s office provides many reasonable, easy opportunities to purchase your dog’s license. First, starting on December 1st, visitors to www.mcohio.org will recognize the icon for dog licenses. With one click, surfers can navigate to the Auditor’s website and purchase up to five dog licenses per transaction. A $2.00 fee is attached to each transaction. Second, various vendors or outposts around the county, such as municipal buildings, pet supply stores and veterinarian’s offices, sell the dog license. Third, previous dog owners will receive a postcard in the mail from the Montgomery County Auditor’s office reminding them to renew their pet’s license. Please mail back to Auditor’s office a check or money order made out to the Montgomery County Auditor Karl L Keith for the total number of licenses required and a self addressed stamped envelope. Please make corrections to the card such as if a dog is deceased or changes in address.

Finally, the Montgomery County Animal Resource Center, located at 6790 Webster St, is available to sell licenses and arrange adoptions of pets Monday thru Friday from 10:00am to 6:00pm and Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00pm. Credit Cards are accepted at this location. For questions concerning adoption, please call the Animal Resource Center at 937-898-4457 ext 8. For questions regarding the purchase of dog licenses, please call the Auditor’s office at 937-225-4314.

All license fees generated go to support the work of the Animal Resource Center. Donations to the Animal Resource Center such as $5 for a bone shaped dog tag or $10 or more for a heart shaped dog tag go directly to the operation of the Animal Resource Center for the rescue, care and housing of our community’s lost and homeless pets.

Meeting on the Kroger Development

The meeting last Thursday was well attended by neighbors from Walnut Hills, Twin Towers and South Park. Shelly Dickstein announced that the City had identified money to bridge the gap the developers had shown and would begin real estate assessments and negotiations with homeowners before the end of the year. There are 88 properties that need to be acquired to fulfill the requirements for acreage for a new Kroger. Of those 88 properties, 21 (?) are owner occupied. Several are in foreclosure, the remainder are rentals or have been boarded up. This is the next step in the process, but there is yet no guarantee on a new store. Shelly did indicate that something would happen in that area, but I got the impression they are not putting a lot of effort into a Plan B until they are sure Plan A won't work.

Kroger Meeting

When: Thursday November 15th 6:30 PM

Where: Twin Towers Place 250 Allen street

Winter Raffle

To those who missed our October meeting, you should be excited to know that we've decided to raffle off a laptop computer to raise some funds and have some fun this winter! This year's computer is a truly impressive Compaq Laptop that includes a powerful dual core processor, a gigabyte of ram, a massive 120GB harddrive and a dvd burner!

Tickets are just a $1 each or SIX for $5.


For more info or to buy tickets call Chad @ 937.258.2392!

Mega Clean-Up Planned in Southeast Priority Board Area

Mega Clean-Up Planned in Southeast Priority Board Area

Release Date: Thursday, October 11, 2007
Contact: Paula Powers, Citizen Participation Coordinator, 333-7373

The Walnut Hills Neighborhood is spearheading a joint, three-and-a-half-mile volunteer litter clean-up effort through the heart of the Southeast Priority Board area on Saturday, October 13.

Last year Southeast Priority Board member and Walnut Hills resident Mike Schommer saw an article in the Spring 2006 issue of a City of Dayton publication, The Dayton Update, about the “Adopt an Area Program” sponsored by the Montgomery County Solid Waste District.

At that time he organized volunteers to take advantage of the program, which supplies free trash bags, gloves, safety vests, and litter grabbers for volunteers willing to adopt an area to clean up. Identifying Wyoming Street from Hyland Park to the intersection of Wayne Avenue as their adopted area, the volunteers picked up and hauled away 1,400 pounds of litter in May of 2006, 400 pounds in October of 2006, and 800 pounds in May of this year.

The initiative has gathered momentum and the cleanup scheduled for Saturday October 13 will include four Southeast neighborhoods, additional streets, many more volunteers, donations from local businesses, and will encompass a total of 3.5 miles of roadway.

The Fairgrounds, Linden Heights, and Twin Towers neighborhoods are joining Walnut Hills. The clean-up area will cover the entire stretch of Wyoming Street from Main Street to its terminus near Cleveland School on Purcell Avenue.

The Twin Towers Action Coalition, under the leadership of Barbara Bauer, another Southeast Priority Board member, was in the process of organizing a separate collaborative clean-up effort with volunteers from the Twin Towers Community Council, Twin Towers Block Leaders, East End Community Services Corporation, East End Community Church and support from Wayne Avenue Twin Towers Business Association and Dabel Eagles #3031. They planned to clean up Xenia Avenue from Steve Whalen Drive to Keowee Street. Schommer offered to expand the use of his pickup truck to collect the litter gathered by the Twin Towers neighborhood under the voucher issued by the County, which allows him to dump the refuse without a fee. This removes the trash from the neighborhoods the same day of the clean-up, instead of waiting for a scheduled weekday pick-up.

Approximately 30 volunteers from Walnut Hills, Linden Heights and Fairgrounds will gather at Hyland Park at 11:00 a.m. to start their clean-up and will celebrate afterwards at the Pizza Factory, 1101 Wayne Avenue, which is donating pizza for their hard work. The Twin Towers neighborhood will begin its clean-up effort at East End Community Services, located at 624 Xenia Avenue at 9:00 a.m. Organizers will reward the approximately 75 volunteers afterwards with a cookout in the lot across the street.


“Without the City of Dayton, I wouldn’t have known about the County’s Program,” Schommer said. “Montgomery County is supplying the necessary materials. Without the Priority Board, I wouldn’t have known who the neighborhood contacts were in order to organize this thing. We need to send a strong message from Dayton to outlying communities that we have pride in our neighborhoods. So many people have no idea of all the great stuff that goes on in Dayton neighborhoods all the time. We’re taking positive action because we just aren’t going to tolerate attitudes of those who feel our city streets can be used as trash cans.”

Volunteer interested in helping with the clean-up efforts may call Mike Schommer at 256-2516.

School Board Candidates at Walnut Hills meeting tonight

Several school board candidates will be at the Walnut Hills meeting tonight at 6:30 until about 7:15 and will be available to answer questions on the issues facing the school district. Election day is Nov. 6. Take this opportunity to find out where these candidates stand on issues important to you, your children, and your neighborhood.

Stewart Street Bridge

Stewart Street Bridge Informational Meeting Set for October 16



Release Date: Friday, October 5, 2007

Contact: Steve Finke, City of Dayton, 333-4070

Melissa Rasnic, Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, 226-8269



The City of Dayton and the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce will conduct an informational meeting regarding the Stewart Street Bridge on Tuesday, October 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., at the Dayton Daily News corporate offices, 1611 S. Main St.



The purpose of the meeting is to inform affected citizens, employers and motorists of the timeline related to the planned closure, demolition and reconstruction of the Stewart Street Bridge. The bridge, which was constructed in 1911, is a vital transportation corridor for Dayton residents, businesses, and visitors. The bridge will be replaced beginning in the spring of 2008.



Anyone wishing to attend the meeting is asked to call Melissa Rasnic at the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce at 226-8289 to RSVP and for parking information.

Beggar’s Night

Beggar’s Night Scheduled for Tuesday, October 30

Release Date: Tuesday, October 2, 2007

The City of Dayton will observe the annual tradition of Beggar’s Night on Tuesday, October 30 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the city of Dayton. Parents are encouraged to dress children in brightly-colored and reflective clothing. Also, as always, motorists are encouraged to use caution when traveling during that time.

Trade & Skills Fair

City Recreation and Youth Services Department to Sponsor
Youth & Young Adult Trade & Skills Fair


Release Date: Monday, October 1, 2007

Contact: Roma Stephens, Recreation & Youth Services, 333-3322



The City of Dayton’s Department of Recreation and Youth Services is hosting a “Youth & Young Adult Skilled Trades Fair” on Tuesday, October 9, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. Fifth Street.



The event is free and open to all youth and young adults (ages 16 to 23 years) and will focus on two areas of interest: obtaining a GED and post-high school training for those interested in trades.



The fair’s GED section will offer information to youth and young adults who have attended high school but did not receive a diploma. Representatives of several schools and agencies will be present to discuss GED options with those seeking a second chance at earning a high school education and improving career possibilities.



The trade careers section is for individuals who are on track to earn a high school diploma but are interested in skilled trade careers rather than pursuing a four-year degree. Representatives from more than 30 career areas including electrical, plumbing, trucking, health and beauty, and even creative fields will be present to offer information on opportunities and requirements for the trades.



Currently enrolled students should contact a school guidance counselor regarding attendance. Dayton Public Schools will send interested Junior and Senior level students to the trade careers segment.



For more information, call 333-8400.

Oktoberfest

St. Anthony school is having an Oktoberfest on 13 Oct from 6-midnight (carry out from 5-6) att he school. Tickets are $10 pre-event and $12 at the door. All you can eat cabbage rolls, brats, metts, etc plus drinks at the event. Call CHris Emmerich at 258-1191 for tickets or information.