Friday, September 26, 2008

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!

Tuesday, September 09, 2008

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

Sunday, September 07, 2008

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.

Friday, August 29, 2008

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.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

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.

Saturday, August 09, 2008

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.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

“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.

Monday, July 28, 2008

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

Friday, July 11, 2008

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.

Tuesday, June 03, 2008

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.

Monday, June 02, 2008

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?

Friday, May 23, 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.

Wednesday, May 07, 2008

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.

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

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

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

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).

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

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.