Walnut Hills Online

Conference Pre-Registration Extended Through September 10

2008-09-07T00:02:00.000-05:00

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

2008-08-29T15:31:00.000-05:00

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

2008-08-24T23:33:00.002-05:00

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

2008-08-09T18:16:00.004-05:00

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!

2008-08-09T18:14:00.000-05:00

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

2008-07-29T14:04:00.001-05:00

“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

2008-07-28T19:42:00.002-05:00

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

2008-07-11T09:29:00.000-05:00

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!

2008-06-09T22:15:00.001-05:00

Too hot at home? Come to the park!

Stewart Street Bridge Set to Close June 23

2008-06-03T11:04:00.000-05:00

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?

2008-06-02T21:49:00.002-05:00

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

2008-05-27T11:25:00.002-05:00

CEC Carnival!

2008-05-23T11:58:00.002-05:00

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

2008-05-07T11:20:00.003-05:00

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!

2008-05-06T21:34:00.002-05:00

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

2008-05-06T21:18:00.003-05:00

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!

2008-04-23T13:01:00.004-05:00

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

2008-04-22T09:53:00.000-05:00

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

2008-04-18T20:53:00.005-05:00

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

2008-04-16T12:22:00.000-05:00

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

Found Dog

2008-03-22T18:41:00.000-05:00

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

2008-03-17T12:05:00.000-05:00

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

2008-03-08T00:29:00.003-05:00

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

2008-02-25T18:16:00.002-05:00

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!!!

2008-02-19T23:06:00.000-05:00

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.