Springfield Township

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The Springfield Township publication is published by the Specialty Publications Department of The Community Press/ The Community Recorder.

Questions and comments can be sent to Editor Melissa Hayden c/o The Community Press/Recorder 394 Wards Corner Road Loveland, OH 45140 e-mail mhayden@community press.com Or call 248-7121.

For advertising call 923-3111.

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Welcome letter Township trustees introduce magazine.

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About the township An overview of township government.

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Community of neighborhoods Township plans for the future when economy rebounds.

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Family Life Center reaches out to the community Family Life Center is here to help.

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Parks, rentals A graph of township parks amenities and information on rentals.

PEOPLE

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Senior Center is discovery center Learn more about yourself at the Senior Center.

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Community goes green together Finneytown residents come together to create rain garden.

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Athletic organizations A listing of sports organizations.

At your service A listing of township services.

EDUCATION

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Educational opportunities abound Learn what local schools have to offer.

PLACES

12 13 Cover photo was taken by Tricia McClure of Tricia McClure Photography.

Charity Williams and Jubilee Bilby play together at Stephanie Hummer Park.

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DIVERSITY Business, shopping Profiles of local businesses.

A feeling of spiritual calmness Former St. Francis Seminary Mercy Community offers serene surroundings.

Escape to Winton Woods Discover a world of opportunity and experiences good for the soul.

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A diverse culture A profile of Cincinnati Catholic Kolpling Society.

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Civic organizations Listing of local groups.

HAPPENINGS

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Events calendar

YMCA’s new outdoor pool unveiled Something big is coming to the Powel Crosley Jr. YMCA.

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WELCOME L E T T E R

Locally, residents enjoy the e hope you enjoy this edition of the conveniences Community Press Springfield of grocery Township Living Magazine. We shopping, dry invite you to look through these pages, and cleaning, car uncover the many wonderful opportunities repair, doctor visits, local veterinarians, fitSpringfield Township offers. We hope you ness centers and their favorite restaurants will learn more about the community’s hiswithin minutes of their front doors. Beyond torical sites, its premiere attractions, acaconvenient shopping, Winton Woods prodemic opportunities and the outstanding vides an outdoor retreat with golfing, campservices Springfield Township residents have ing, fishing, biking, boating, and even a little come to enjoy. farming!

This magazine is just one of the many Springfield Township truly is a community ways we are promoting home ownership in of neighborhoods, and a great place to call Springfield Township. We have reserved home. The housing opportunities here are additional copies of this magazine as a way plentiful. From first-time homebuyers to to showcase the Township’s assets with real empty nesters; from easy urban living to estate agents and future residents. In addiheavily wooded lots; from condos to estates; tion, we have worked alongside the Springfield Township has it all.

Cincinnati Board of Realtors to create new We hope you find this guide is an excellent and innovative housing events, and we have resource. You will want to keep it handy, as partnered with the Cincinnati Enquirer to there are useful phone numbers, addresses develop a short promotional video with reaand Web sites throughout. You will also find sons why residents say they enjoy living in a comprehensive list of special events and this great community. Each of these strateactivities to keep your family entertained on gies has been made possible through parta budget. To stay connected to Township nerships with no cost to the Township. news and activities, we invite you log on to While flipping through the business secwww.springfieldtwp.org and register for the tion and paying special attention to the Township’s monthly e-news. Enjoy your tour advertisers of this publication, you will find through Springfield Township magazine! that pure convenience is a key element to living in Springfield Township. Centrally Sincerely, located in the heart of Hamilton County, Joseph Honerlaw, Trustee Springfield Township is within 20 minutes of Tom Bryan, Trustee downtown Cincinnati and other Greater Gwen McFarlin, Trustee Cincinnati business and shopping centers.

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GOVERNMENT&SERVICES

ABOUT THE T O W N S H I P ABOUT TOWNSHIP GOVERNMENT Springfield Township operates under the township form of government, the oldest form of government in the United States and the one closest to the people. The elected officials of a township are three Trustees who are the governing body and a fiscal officer who is responsible for the financial and record keeping duties. Springfield Township is managed by a professional Township Administrator, which is appointed by the Board of Trustees.

The Administrator serves as the Chief Administrative Officer of the Township with overall responsibility for the dayto-day operations of all Township functions. The Administrator directs and coordinates the overall activities and provides direct supervision of all Township department heads and administrative staff, including Police, Fire/EMS, Public Works, Development Services, Recreation, and Senior/ Community Services. The Administrator is responsible for coordinating the annual Township budget process and presenting to the Board of Trustees for approval.

MEET THE TRUSTEES Trustee President - Joseph Honerlaw josephhonerlaw@springfieldtwp.org Joseph Honerlaw was appointed Trustee in April 1996 to fill an unexpired term and was elected to a 4-year term in November 1997. He was re-elected to the Board of Trustees in November 2001 and then again, in 2005. He has served as Chairman and as Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Joseph has also served the Township as a member of the Springfield Township Vision and Land Use Committee and Vice President of the Hamilton County Township Association. He is currently a Board Member of the Oversight Committee

for the Hamilton County Storm Water District where he represents the Hamilton County Township Association in storm water and environmental issues.

Joseph has a degree in Political Science from Kenyon College and received his Juris Doctorate from Capital University. He has been a resident of the Township for 28 years and is a partner in the Springfield Township-based law firm of Honerlaw and Honerlaw Co., LPA.

Trustee Vice President - Tom Bryan tbryan@springfieldtwp.org

Township Association. He is the HCTA. representative to the District 2 Integrating Committee, which oversees the administration and awarding of funds from the State Capital Improvements Program. Tom served a full six year term on the Ohio Public Works Commission, Small Government Commission; five of the six years as its' Chairman.

Tom, a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, is a former chemical engineer with Procter & Gamble. He has been a resident of the Township for 36 years and has been the owner of Springfield Township-based, W.T. Bryan & Associates Inc. for 29 years.

Tom Bryan was appointed as a Trustee in January 1993 and subseTrustee - Gwen McFarlin quently was elected to gwenmcfarlin@springfieldtwp.org 4 full 4-year terms in November 1993, 1997, Gwen McFarlin was elected Trustee 2001 and 2005. During in 1995 and subsequently that time, he has was elected to a full 4served as Vice year term in November Chairman and 1999, 2003 and 2007.

Chairman of the Board.

Gwen has served as Tom's knowledge of Chairman and Vice Springfield Township is extensive, due Chairman of the Board in part to his 29 years service as a part of Trustees. time, commissioned police officer with Following her underthe Springfield Township Police graduate studies at Department. He is member of the Miami University, Gwen completed Hamilton County Township ABOUT THE TOWNSHIP | CONTINUED 4 Association (HCTA) and the Ohio OCTOBER 2009

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GOVERNMENT&SERVICES ABOUT THE TOWNSHIP | FROM 5 her graduate work in nursing and administration at the University of Cincinnati. She is currently employed at The Christ Hospital. Gwen has been a resident of the Township for over 30 years and owns her own consulting business.

Currently, Gwen serves on several committees, including the Hamilton County Tax Levy Review Board, Hamilton County Bicycle Friendly Communities, Clean Ohio Council, Mill Creek Restoration Project, the

Springfield Township Firefighters Dependency Fund Council, Cincinnati Convention Center Facility Board, Powel Crosley Jr. YMCA Board and the Talbert House Executive Committee. She regularly attends many of the civic and community association meetings in Springfield Township. Her past service as chairperson of the Hamilton County Regional Planning Partnership, the Ohio State Board of Fire Commissioners, and Mental Health Works Executive Committee has provided a great deal of experience.

WHEN ARE TRUSTEE MEETINGS? The Springfield Township Trustees meet at 5:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month in the Allen Paul Community Room at the Township Civic Center, 9150 Winton Road. The meetings are videotaped by volunteers and shown LIVE on Waycross Government Access Channel 23 on Time Warner Cable, with additional playbacks the following evening at 9:30 p.m. and on Sundays at 10 p.m., Tuesdays at 7 a.m. and Fridays at 7 p.m. on the same channel.

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MEET THE FISCAL OFFICER John Waksmundski johnwaksmundski@springfieldtwp.org John Waksmundski was elected Fiscal Officer in 1995, 1999, 2003 and 2007 for a 4-year term. Prior to assuming his duties as Fiscal Officer, John served as a Township Trustee from January 1982 until 1995. During that time, he served as both President and Vice President of the Board. John also serves as secretary of the District Advisory Council to Hamilton County Public Health, and secretary of the Hamilton County Township Association.

John served in the Air Force from 1961 to 1965. He earned his Ph.D. in history from Ohio State University and taught at both the high school and college levels throughout his 34-year career as an educator. Currently he is an adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati. He is a 30-year resident of the Township.

GOVERNMENT&SERVICES

Community of N E I G H B O R H O O D S a bright future ahead

trickle-down effects from dwindling county and state government funds.

“We’re in pretty good shape financially, ommunities all over the counat the township level, but we are being try have felt the effects of the impacted negatively by the crisis at the Great Recession and state and county level.”

Springfield Township, dubbed a Hinnenkamp says the township is “Community of Neighborhoods,” is no updating a master plan, focusing on exception. three primary issues: bringing financial Yet the diversity of those 11 to 12 stability to the township; neighborneighborhoods’ is one of its strengths, hood revitalization and sustainability; says Mike Hinnenkamp, township and improving communication, both administrator. Its location near the to the community and internally. major highways, only 20 minutes from Hinnenkamp and the township offidowntown, along with its parks and cials have been holding 11 regional seven different school districts, has meetings this fall, about two per week, attracted residents who have bought receiving feedback from residents on homes from start-ups to upscale estate improvements that center around the homes. As chief administrative officer, three above primary criteria.

Hinnenkamp works with three trustees “We’ll take the information we’ve as well as a fiscal officer, all elected gotten and work on formulating a officials, to steer Springfield Township plan,” says Hinnenkamp.

“By the end through these economic choppy of 2010 we hope to have an idea and waters.

“The challenging financial issues are get a list in place.”

The township also has an internal mostly the result of what’s happening system also involving the trustees, nationally,” says Hinnenkamp, citing called PerformanceStat. the housing-market bubble and the

By Neva Martin | Contributor

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“I meet monthly with all our departments, which set goals and objectives and we see where we meet these goals,” says Hinnenkamp, citing as examples, “How can we fill a pothole faster, how can we get our fire trucks on the scene faster, all using statistics to measure our performance. That’s an ongoing process.”

In looking for innovative ways, sometimes a community has to raise taxes, and Hinnenkamp lauded Springfield Township residents for supporting a levy for the police department this past May. “They supported it by 70 percent to 75 percent,” says Hinnenkamp. “When you provide a good product and get good information out, people know safety is a high priority (even in) one of the worst economic downturns.”

Springfield Township’s full description is a “Community of Neighborhoods - a great place to call home.”

“We want to keep it a ‘great place to call home’,” Hinnenkamp adds.

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AT YOUR S E R V I C E The Springfield Township Fire and Police departments are committed to protecting residents and businesses through proactive education and awareness programs, high quality law enforcement, fire suppression and medical services whenever needed.

POLICE DEPARTMENT 1130 Compton Road 729-1300 David Heimpold, Police Chief The Springfield Township Police Department is among the best in the country. As an Internationally Accredited agency, the department operates with the highest level of excellence and professionalism in law enforcement services and community awareness activities. Unlike most townships, the Springfield Township Police Department does not rely on the Sherriff's office for road patrol services.

The department is self-sustaining with its own detectives, highly trained in crime scene processing using the most modern forensic and criminal investigative techniques. The patrol officers continuously receive updated professional training to be able to deliver high quality, professional law enforcement services to our community.

Relevant to its strong police force, FBI statistics report a low crime rate in Springfield Township in comparison to neighboring communities. Springfield Township's Police Department has several specialized divisions including K9, Vice Units, Detective Units, Trafficsafety, School Resource Officers, neighborhood bike patrols and has developed a strategic IMPACT team to provide targeted crime prevention.

Springfield Township police officers participate in the regional Drug Abuse Reduction Taskforce (D.A.R.T.) and countywide Special Weapons and Tactics (S.W.A.T.) team. The Police Department also employs civilian personnel in its Records and Communications Division. In addition 8

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to providing law enforcement services, the department conducts programs such as a Citizens Police Academy, Citizens on Patrol, D.A.R.E., Neighborhood Block Watch, Kids' Academy and an award-winning Law Enforcement Explorer Post for teens and young adults.

FIRE DEPARTMENT Main Station 79 9150 Winton Road 521-7578 Station 75 10335 Burlington Road 851-3030 Robert Leininger, Fire Chief Based on run volume and population served, Springfield Township's Fire and Emergency Services Department is among the busiest in Southwest Ohio. The department has two fully staffed fire stations that serve 39,755 residents with superior fire and paramedic services.

The department averages over 4,000 medical and 1,000 fire emergencies annually. Currently carrying an ISO rating of Class 3, the department is among the top 3.5% of all fire departments in the country. * ISO measures what a community is doing to mitigate fire loss. The rating scale is 1 to 10, the lower the number, the better property insurance credits a homeowner or business may qualify to receive.

The Springfield Township Fire

Department provides Paramedic Emergency Medical Services and operates under the auspice of the Greater Cincinnati Academy of Medicine.

Paramedic Emergency Medical Service is considered an advanced level of care known as Advanced Life Support (ALS).

Their four paramedic ambulances and two first responder vehicles are equipped with life-saving pharmaceuticals, heart monitors and automatic defibrillators for quick assessment of chest pain.

If a person is having a heart attack, the diagnostic data (EKG) can be sent via a high tech modem directly to the hospital ER while in route. Residents of Springfield Township can be assured that the Springfield Township Fire Department's EMS will respond quickly with paramedics to any of their emergency medical needs and provide Advanced Life Support (ALS) if needed.

SERVICE DEPARTMENT 952 Compton 522-4004 John Musselman, Service Director The responsibility of maintaining over 92 miles of road, twelve neighborhood parks, the vehicles and the municipal facilities of Springfield Township is that of the Service Department. With care, attention to AT YOUR SERVICE | CONTINUED 9

GOVERNMENT&SERVICES AT YOUR SERVICE | FROM 8 detail and fiscal responsibility, routine responsibilities of the Service Department include snow and ice removal, road and curb repairs, street sweeping, animal removal, storm drain and storm sewer maintenance, resurfacing and street improvements, mowing and maintenance of 181.5 acres of park space.

Since 1995, the department has received over six million dollars in grant funding. With the construction of the new Service Department Facility in 2005, the Township was able to construct a 5,000 ton salt dome, which allows service crew to stockpile enough salt at a better price.

The newer facility also holds a Fleet Maintenance garage, with the capabilities to repair damaged Fire, Police, Service and Zoning department vehicles. Servicing our own vehicles has saved each department hundreds of thousands of dollars.

offers a variety of programs, activities and educational opportunities for the senior community during weekday hours, along with enrichment programs and rental opportunities for all ages on evenings and weekends.

Senior members have access to a library, gift shop, arts and crafts room and a fully equipped woodshop, in conjunction with a variety of daily activities. The Center is open for senior activities 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tuesdays through Thursdays and 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Fridays.

Community programs are scheduled at various times as offered. A complete list of programs can be found at www.springfieldtwp.org.

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT 9150 Winton Road, 522-1410 Christopher Gilbert, Development Services Director and Township Assistant Administrator The Development Services

Department was created in 2001 to meet the needs of existing businesses and to encourage new business development in the community. Working in unison with Hamilton County Development Company, Springfield Township offers and promotes incentive programs to attract and retain businesses.

The Department also enforces the Township Zoning and Property Maintenance Codes in order to promote public health and safety and preserve the quality of life in Township neighborhoods. Working in the best interest of the community, the Development Services Department coordinates the process of securing grants for the Township.

Most recently, the Department secured a $750,000 grant to pay a large amount of the streetscape for Winton Road. Decorative street lighting and a modest landscaped area will be put in place with grant dollars in Spring of 2010.

SENIOR/COMMUNITY CENTER 9158 Winton Road 522-11554 Thom Schneider, Senior/Community Services Director The Senior/Community Center, 9158 Winton Road, is located behind the Springfield Township Administrative Complex, just east side of the soccer field. The mission of the Senior Center is to develop and provide quality programs, services and volunteer opportunities in a supportive environment in order to enhance the quality of life of individuals 55 and better. To that mission, the Center

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EDUCATION

Educational opportunities abound in township What is your goal as a district?

Our vision and mission is the be an ith seven different school excellent school district and we districts and the area’s top- accomplish that through the educaranked private academic tional programs and district organizafacilities, Springfield Township tion. We provide a program that maxiabounds with educational oppormizes each student’s potential and tunities for youth. Here is what sets promotes life-long learning.

Compiled by Melissa Hayden | Editor

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these schools apart and the key to their success.

FINNEYTOWN LOCAL SCHOOLS Shawn Maus, Communications Coordinator What does the school district have to offer?

We’re a small district that covers 4.8 miles of Springfield Township. We’re a public system that fulfills the needs of students in kindergarten through grade 12. Our enrollment is 1,606.

We’ve been rated an Effective district for four years in a row.

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What is the key to your success?

The Community support and our staff.

This is a wonderful community that really has that ‘small town feel.’

MT. HEALTHY CITY SCHOOLS David Horine, Superintendent What does the school district have to offer?

Mt. Healthy is a culturally diverse school system, with a minority enrollment of 74 percent. The district offers comprehensive educational programs that span pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, with college preparatory

and vocational opportunities. In the 2010-11 school year, Mt. Healthy will complete a new building program and all students in kindergarten through 12th grade will be in new schools.

What is your goal as a district?

Mt. Healthy's Board of Education, administration and staff are committed to providing: Diverse, high quality academic programs designed to maximize each student’s potential; a highly skilled and innovative professional staff, who reflect our community’s values; a safe, clean and caring environment, where discipline and respect are held in the highest regard; and an atmosphere and attitude that welcome parents, family and community involvement.

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EDUCATION SCHOOLS | FROM 10 What is the key to your success?

A hard-working staff that continually strives to improve academic achievement. These improvements are based upon professional development and professional growth and from building positive relationships with parents and students.

NORTH COLLEGE HILL CITY SCHOOLS Gary Gellert, Superintendent What does your district have to offer?

NCH is a small community school. We offer personal attention in a disciplined, caring environment. We are rated Effective by the Ohio Department of education. Students in a small school get the opportunity to really be involved whether it’s athletics, drama, or other organizations.

What is your goal as a district?

Our goal is to ensure that all students are prepared to fulfill their life’s dream.

What is the key to your success?

The key to our success is our strong teaching staff. Their skill is one of our greatest assets. We also have a supportive community.

NORTHWEST LOCAL SCHOOLS Pauletta Crawley, Administrative Assistant for Community and Administrative Services What does your district have to offer?

We were just ranked Excellent by the Ohio Department of Education. We are a very diverse school district with 9,700 students.

What is your goal as a district?

Our motto is to educate tomorrow’s leaders today. Our mission is to make sure all students are learning life-long skills, preparing them for work or post secondary education.

What is the key to your success?

I would say that is the dedication of our staff and the commitment to help every student move forward.

WINTON WOODS CITY SCHOOLS Anita Williams, Director of Curriculum and Instruction What does the district have to offer?

Winton Woods City Schools offers a K-12 continuum of coursework in the core subjects and a wide variety of enrichment opportunities which prepare our students to work to their full potential and to find a pathway to their futures.

What is your goal as a district?

The three areas on which Winton Woods District focuses are increase academic achievement, improve the culture and assure fiscal stability.

What is the key to your success?

Winton Woods City School's keys to success are found in developing and following a focused improvement plan and monitoring its progress. Our strength is in our dedicated people.

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PLACES

BUSINESS S H O P P I N G BURKE HARDWARE 8501 Winton Road, 521-3111

“I like helping to solve people’s problems,” says Patrick Burke, owner of Burke Hardware since 2005.

Burke is proud to offer his neighbors a quality selection combined with the in-depth knowledge and “personal” attention that can only be found in a single location – Burke Hardware.

SKYLINE CHILI 9115 Winton Road, 521-6900

For 11 years Jeff Besterman and his son have been serving up delicious food for Skyline customers in Finneytown.

“I love working with my son, we’re a good match,” says Besteman.

As good as a match as the quality ingredients and employees who all work together to create a comfortable family atmosphere in the restaurant located on Winton Road.

The best thing about the job, however: “The people” who come in for a meal, says Besterman.

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BRENTWOOD BOWL 9176 Winton Road, 522-2320 Brentwood Bowl is the perfect strike!

With 48 lanes and home to a variety of leagues, fund-raisers, and birthday parties it’s the perfect place for the whole family to hang together.

“Our goal is to be a family center for the community,” says Carol Provisor, owner since 1984.

MT. HEALTHY HATCHERIES 9839 Winton Road, 521-6900 “It’s different,” Rob O’Hara, third generation owner of Mt. Healthy Hatcheries, says of his work in Springfield Township.

He’s worked at the poultry hatchery since he was 16 years old. They deal in chicken, ducks, and turkeys and ship to farms all over the country. The Hatchery was opened by O’Hara’s grandfather in 1924.

CINCINNATI DIVING CENTER

GRADY’S ANIMAL CLINIC

8412 Winton Road, 521-3483

9255 Winton Road, 931-8675

Fun is a priority at the Cincinnati Diving Center, says Scottie Fahey, owner since 2007. The full-service scuba retail store is one of the oldest operating dive centers in Greater Cincinnati, opening in 1978. From basic lessons to advanced training, travel and equipment they eat, drink and sleep scuba diving!

“I have an intense passion for marine life and helping people discover things they have never seen before or heard of before,” says Fahey.

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Compiled by Melissa Hayden | Editor

For 50 years Grady’s Animal Clinic has been saving and bettering the lives of the township’s furry residents.

“We’re all here because we want to better the lives of our patients and help our clients,” says Hospital Manager Marcia Grady.

Started by Carl Grady, who retired in 2000, it’s now owned and operated by his sun Jeff Grady.

Since 1978 the clinic’s doors have always been opened – 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They also have a board certified vet dentist (there are less than 100 in the world) and one of the nicest dental suites in the country.

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A feeling of SPIRITUAL CALMNESS

By Britt Kennerly | Contributor

ong before Tom Cruise hopped up on Oprah’s couch, he made himself at home at the St. Francis Seminary at 10290 Mill Road in Springfield Township.

But Cruise’s stay at the former seminary – a Renaissance-style building now listed on the National Register of Historic Places – is definitely far from the highlight of the place Cruise once, if briefly, called home.

Now a Franciscan retirement community called Mercy Community at Winton Woods, it is a serene and lovely place so popular there’s a year’s waiting list. Seventy-three independent-living apartments are available for residents age 63 and older and of restricted income.

“There’s just a feeling of spiritual calmness – a sacred feeling. And it’s not just the building, it’s the grounds, too,” says Kelly Martin, director of business development for Mercy Health Partners’ senior health and housing services.

Pathways winding through the property are lined with trees, flowers and grottos. An onsite chapel is available to residents, as is daily Mass.

The building itself features stained glass windows and impressive murals, while apartments boast vaulted ceilings and huge windows invite natural light.

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“There’s just a feeling of spiritual calmness – a sacred feeling.”

Cruise’s freshman-year stay at St. Francis was in 1976-’77, Martin says, adding that he was a participant in glee club, soccer and basketball. And, a “reliable source” tells the seminary’s alumni Web site, www.franciscan-alumni.org/, that Thomas Cruise Mapother IV – as Cruise was known then – got a hazing via a “swirly.” Other famous alumni include Ron Glass – known to TV’s “Barney Miller” fans as Detective Ron Harris – a 1964 St. Francis graduate.

And while the National Register of Historic Places lists the building’s “periods of significance” as 1900-1924 and 1925-1949, for current residents, the quiet, park-surrounded setting is of great value, too.

“There are lots of places to go and reflect, places used when it was an active seminary,” says Martin.

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ESCAPE TO W I N T O N W O O D S total acres, 80 percent is preserved land – small wetlands and prairie areas for wildlife and the benefit of future generations. he leaves flow effortlessly with the wind.

“More and more people are being separated The birds’ sweet caroling saturates the from the earth,” explains Parky’s Farm Inreach gentle air. The water is as still as the Manager Randi Greathouse. “They don’t even moment. Nature surrounds. Welcome to realize where their food comes from. We proWinton Woods. vide a lot of different experiences to get peoWinton Woods, operated by the Hamilton ple involved with nature so they can underCounty Park District, features dozens of stand it.” amenities to appease the mind, body, and Parky’s Farm, located within Winton Woods spirit. promotes environmental and agricultural edu“Folks have a fantastic regional park here cation. The100-acre demonstration farm where they can spend time as a family and includes orchards, gardens and crops, as well enjoy something they can really proud of,” says Joy Landry Communications Coordinator. as a working windmill and an antique farm equipment display. There are even live farm The park was created when a federal grant animals such as goats, pigs, sheep, chickens was awarded to the Hamilton County Park and horses!

District in the 1940s. Little by little it has In addition the farm features Parky’s grown into the recreational giant it is today.

PlayBarn, an indoor, two-story, farm-theme, From camping in tents and cabins to fishing and row boating, to horseback riding, to living accessible playground with soft safety flooring.

Landry says she loves her working at Parky’s life on the farm; Winton Woods offers a world of opportunity to “escape” the hustle and bus- Farm and helping others become aware of the importance of conservation. tle of daily life, says Landry. And don’t forget “People who are aware of conservation and the simple experience of nature. Of the 2,554

By Melissa Hayden | Editor

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the need for green space really relish what’s most important in life,” Greathouse says. They value nature – the sunrise, the sunset. They value beauty and the non-material things that make up a full life.”

Dee Anderson also loves her job and values the lessons she’s able to share with others at Winton Woods’ Riding Center. The horseback riding lesson facility is for beginners through advanced riders. Many opportunities abound here from riding lessons to the Special Rider’s Program for disabled riders, to summer day camp to horse shows.

In 2008, the center was named Hamilton County’s first Special Olympics Equestrian Training Facility. The center also hosted Ohio’s first ever Special Olympics Statewide Equestrian Invitational in September 2009. “(The Riding Center) is the most amazing thing I’ve ever been blessed to be a part of,” says Anderson. “Horses are great for growth and development. Our athletes have had limitations put on them by others all their lives.

But, here, we have high expectations of them and they meet them every time.” Anderson

says these are the things “big dreams” are made of.

“Big dreams” and life lessons are also shared at the Meadow Links Golf Academy, also located within Winton Woods.

“We’re growing golfers for the future,” says Head Golf Professional Matt Starr. “This is a sport you can play forever no matter how old you get.”

The Academy offers lessons to adults and children. Starr, who has worked at the academy for 15 years and as PGA professional, tries to make sure his students build a solid framework of the fundamentals while practicing and playing.

One of his favorite programs at the facility is the Inreach Program, where a group of children from the city are offered a set of free golf clubs, six days of free instruction, and free lunches during those six days.

“There are a lot of life lessons learned here and through this program,” Starr says. “The kids learn that people come form all different backgrounds and hopefully build friendships with kids whom they otherwise would not have met.”

“You also learn about being your own individual as well as honesty and respect.”

The experiences awaiting at Winton Woods are endless – hiking, riding, fishing, picnicking – “experiences good for the soul,” Greathouse says.

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PLACES

YMCA’s new outdoor pool unveiled AQUATIC COMPLEX WILL BE ONE OF THE LARGEST IN REGION

By Melissa Hayden | Editor

The new outdoor aquatic complex, gives the YMCA one of the region’s largest year-round aquatics centers. omething big is coming to the The new outdoor swimming pool will Powel Crosley Jr. YMCA and it’s measure 50 meters by 25 yards with going to make a huge splash in recreational diving boards on its deepSpringfield Township. est end, and is being designed with a “We are thrilled,” says Executive zero-entry wading entrance for accesDirector Cindy Tomaszewski of the sibility. It will be versatile enough to new outdoor aquatic complex. “Our accommodate either a 10-lane 50 community deserves this.”

Scheduled to open in mid-May 2010, meter or a 21-lane 25 yard competitive swimming event. During recreation the new complex will nearly double time, it will be set up with eight swim the size of the YMCA’s main outdoor pool, making it ideal for both competi- lanes, a diving section, and an open swim area. The heated pool will also tive and recreational swimming, and will include a new baby pool with fun, be open beyond other facilities' seasons - from mid-May through midinteractive features such as geysers November (weather permitting). and a palm tree that sprays water.

“This pool will be a lot more accessiThe area will also have a new deck and fencing, as well as new lighting for ble to members with physical chalevening swim meets. In addition to the lenges,” Tomaszewski adds. “There will be steps, a ramp and a lift – we curpools, two adjoining tennis courts will be resurfaced and receive new lighting. rently don’t have those features.”

The current pool dates back to 1963 The project is made possible by an anonymous donor who will be named and has taken a lot of time, effort and money for repairs. Thomaszewski says at the opening of the pool next May.

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that the new pool will accommodate more people.

“We have 150 kids on the swim team and we teach more than 200 kids a year to swim,” she says. “Now we’ll have more space and ability.”

Director of Competitive Swimming Michael Leonard is very excited about the project.

“It’s awesome,” he explains. “We’ll have a world-class pool! It will serve all of our aquatic interests for the next 50 or 60 years.”

Leonard says he’s always dreamed of this kind of facility that will “meet everyone’s needs.”

“Our mission is to put Christian principals into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all,” says Thomaszewski. “We take the ‘for all’ very seriously. This pool will help make that mission more possible. Our mission doesn’t need a pool but they are the tools we use to reach those in the community.”

PLACES

FAMILY LIFE CENTER reaches out to the community The Holistic Health and Wellness Group is just one of two dozen support groups provided by the Family Learning Center.

Diane Kinsella, FLC director, says new groups are continually being developed in response to community needs.

By Neva Martin | Contributor

aring for loved ones, coping with diabetes, searching for a new job: These are only a few of the challenges that can come at some time in everyone’s life, and the Family Life Center is there to help.

Family Life Center’s purpose is to reach out to people whose lives are in transition by offering support groups to help them grow through this time, said Diane Kinsella, FLC director. She recruits, trains and supports group leaders as well as leads a number of the groups.

“FLC is an outreach ministry of Northminster Presbyterian Church,” says Kinsella. “Our experience shows that people find it helpful to talk with another who has walked the path before.”

Each volunteer who leads a group has personal experience with the topic being addressed grief, losing weight, divorce and each of the more than 100

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volunteers who make this ministry possible has completed training in facilitating small groups.

“Our team is proud … that in nine years of serving the Greater Cincinnati area, fully 82 percent of the participants in our support groups have had no affiliation with Northminster,” Kinsella says, adding that while it was originally envisioned as a ministry for northern Cincinnati, participants have come from as far away as Dry Ridge, Ky., Amelia, Wooster, Ohio, and Rising Sun, Ind. Kinsella estimates that in 2009 FLC has provided direct help to more than 500 people. Some groups meet monthly, others weekly. A few are offered only once during a calendar year. FLC is funded solely by Northminster

Presbyterian Church.

“All support groups are completely free and free baby sitting can be arranged with advanced registration,” Kinsella says. “We also have a free lending library with 1,400 books and DVDs that address the issues our groups cover, in addition to other subject matters.”

Of the more than 2,000 people Kinsella “guesstimates” have been helped in FLC’s nearly 10 years of existence, all anonymously, many have sent notes of appreciation. B.S. wrote, “Your group did a great job in helping me come out of my sadness.” Pat adds, “I greatly appreciate the knowledge and support that your program has provided to me.”

The Family Life Center is at 8994 Woodview Drive in Finneytown, adjacent to Northminster Presbyterian Church(703 Compton Road). For information, call 931-5777 or e-mail Diane Kinsella (flc@nmpchurch.org). Brochures and registration forms for each group are available at FLC’s Web site at www.tinyurl.com/FamilyLifeCenter.

OCTOBER 2009

17

PLACES

PARKS R E N T A L S Residents can reserve picnic shelters for $50 during the spring, summer and fall seasons.

To reserve a shelter, call Melanie McNulty at 522-1410.

SENIOR/ COMMUNITY CENTER With spaces accommodating between 40 and 126 guests, the Senior/ Community Center is a perfect place to host your function at an affordable price!

We are conveniently located off Winton Road, behind the Administration Complex, at 9158 Winton Road.

There are four unique rooms that can be rented for small-scale events such as family birthday parties, church services, sports banquets, baby and wedding showers and retirement parties.

It is also a great place to hold corporate seminars and meetings.

Contact Thom Schneider at 522-1154 or at tschneider@springfieldtwp.org to check pricing and availability.

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SPRINGFIELDTOWNSHIP

TOWNSHIPP A R K S PARK

ADDRESS

Clifford George

12089 Mill Rd.

Frost Playground

2065 Mistyhill

Schottelkotte Park

10651 Hamilton Ave.

4

Hollydale Park

Toulon Dr.

1

McKelvey Fields

OldMcKelvey

2

Helwig Park

9990 Winton Rd.

4

Lexington Heights Park

1400 Meredith

2

The Grove Park

9158 Winton Rd.

1

Brentwood Park

8862 Monsanto Dr.

1

Crutchfield Park

6309 Simpson

2

PLAY GROUND

2

2 1

Yes 2

1

1

Yes

1

Yes

2 Yes 1

2 2

2

Yes

1 Yes

1

1

1

Yes

Stephanie Hummer Memorial Park

661 North Bend

Hillside Park

368 Caldwell Dr.

2

GROVE BANQUET HALL RECYCLING For a larger event, the Grove Banquet Hall includes a 35-foot square dance floor and can provide the perfect venue for up to 350 guests!

Book your 2010 occasion now and select from a wide variety of caterers, sure to fit your own personal style and budget. Linens and bar services can be customized as well to make your event special and unique. Schedule an appointment to visit the Grove Banquet Hall by calling 522-1154 or at tschneider@springfieldtwp.org.

Township residents looking to go green through recycling have a couple of options.

Those wishing the convenience of curbside pickup and who contract with Rumpke for waste collection can participate in their curbside recycling program for an additional fee.

The Township also provides four drop-off recycling Dumpsters located at the Administration Complex at 9150 Winton Road.

Paper, fiberboard and corrugated boxes, glass, plastic

3

1

Yes

1

1

Yes

bottles (#1 HDPE and #2 PETE) and aluminum and steel cans can all be recycled together in the provided bins.

Complete information about what can be recycled can be found on the Township's website www.springfieldtwp.org.

Information about additional recycling opportunities, including yard waste and hazard household wastes, provided by Hamilton County can be found at www.hcdoes.org.

PEOPLE

SENIOR CENTER IS DISCOVERY CENTER

By Jill Rooksberry | Contributor

t the Springfield Township Senior Community Center, 9158 Winton Road, you can discover your inner line dancer, hone your stained glass making skills, surprise your grandchildren with your impressive Wii proficiency, wow fellow card players with your talent for euchre or just engage in the pleasant art of conversation with an old neighbor or a new friend.

Thom Schneider has been the tireless director of the center since July 2008. You can find him energetically walking the halls greeting members by name and making sure this valuable community resource is everything that it can and should be.

“The center provides vital social connections with different activities and educational opportunities that keep seniors in our community vibrant and active.” Schneider says. “The fact that Springfield Township has a vibrant senior population is one of the important aspects that makes Springfield Township a vibrant community.”

Sue Benzinger of Finneytown began coming to the center when she and her husband, who has since passed away, moved from North College Hill to the neighborhood three years ago.

“When we moved here I didn’t know anyone and was invited by neighbors to join the senior center,” Benzinger says. “I’ve learned new skills here and take part in different activities and games and have met a lot of new people.”

Benzinger, a volunteer by nature, jumped right in and created the centers’ first Bunco group complete with prizes from local merchants. She also expanded the libraries collection of large print books and has recently decided to run for the Seniors Inc. Board of Directors.

Even though Benzinger suffers from muscular dystrophy and is confined to a wheelchair, she takes the access bus to and from the center several times a week because it is important and fun for her to stay active and to experience new things.

“I just can’t imagine staying home!” Benzinger says.

A

Sue Benzinger of Finneytown works on her stain glass at Springfield Township Senior Center.

OCTOBER 2009

19

PEOPLE

COMMUNITY GOES GREEN TOGETHER

By Jill Rooksberry | Contributor

hen Finneytown resident David Gaines was looking for a project to help his community go green, he didn’t have to look any further than Finneytown High School’s upper parking lot.

Located at the bottom of an eroding hill, the parking lot was experiencing flooding and Gaines decided, along with his wife Leigh Gaines, to help remedy the situation by organizing the construction of Finneytown’s first rain garden.

“We brought the idea to the high school administration and they were all for it,” David explains.

Gaines is a trustee of the Finneytown Civic Association and is conservation chair for the Miami Chapter of the Sierra Club. He enlisted the help of both of these organizations, as well as that of the Forrest Lytle and Sons landscape supply company and a collection of Finneytown residents to get the rain garden up and growing.

Matt Viola, the owner of Forrest Lytle and Sons, donated manpower and equipment that whittled a job that could have taken all summer down to two days. He was happy that his company was able to help out.

“I think it’s an awesome project,” Viola says. “Our business is environmentally conscious and any little bit we can do to help the community we’re always willing to pitch in,” Viola.

The Finneytown High School rain garden is an impressive collection of entirely native plants, herbs and grasses such as yellow coneflower, obedient plant, lavender and bee balm, among others.

“The great thing about using native plants is that they are hardy with strong roots that can pull water down through the soil we have here.” Leigh Gaines said. “This helps conserve water and helps with erosion.”

After the success of this first green landscaping project and seeing the involvement of Finneytown residents who come out regularly to help weed and maintain the rain garden, the Gaines are already brainstorming future projects at the school including a butterfly garden and a full prairie restoration.

For now, the hope is not only that the rain garden will help minimize the water runoff to the parking lot, but that it will also function as an outdoor classroom, helping to teach important environmentally conscious ideas to both high school students and members of the community.

“This project helps introduce the concepts of water conservation, soil management and the importance Domminick, David and Leigh Gaines in the Finneytown High School’s Rain Garden. of utilizing native plant species,” Leigh says.

W

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PEOPLE

OCTOBER 2009

21

PEOPLE

ATHLETICS O R G A N I Z A T I O N S CINCINNATI YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL cintiflagfootbal@aol.com 407-1040 CORPUS CHRISTI ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION BASEBALL/SOFTBALL rickm@2-jsupply.com 851-0481 or 200-0081 FINNEYTOWN ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION kpayne@cinci.rr.com 931-5933 or 404-5127 FINNEYTOWN ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION BASEBALL bob.heinold@plastigraphics.com 522-8877 or 265-9701 FINNEYTOWN ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION SOFTBALL tonybramble@aol.com 931-9227 or 260-5154 FINNEYTOWN ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION SAY SOCCER donhoesl@michem.com 931-1730 or 659-0488 FINNEYTOWN ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL larryjones1999@yahoo.com 375-0702 FINNEYTOWN BOYS SOCCER vkontopos82@yahoo.com 825-2843 or 673-1798 GREENHILLS WINTON SPORTS ASSOCIATION BASEBALL bschlemmer@fuse.net 742-0102 or 225-1520 GREENHILLS WINTON SPORTS ASSOCIATION SAY kflerlage@fuse.net 521-0528 or 325-5761 GREENHILLS WINTON SPORTS ASSOCIATION SAY SOCCER kevin.gcpi@fuse.net 851-6073 or 678-3808 GREENHILLS WINTON SPORTS ASSOCIATION BOARD jmccardle@cinci.rr.com 522-8907 or 522-1247 NORTH HILLS BASEBALL divinecosmetic1@yahoo.com 485-4833

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SPRINGFIELDTOWNSHIP

POWELL CROSLEY JR YMCA ctomaszewski@cincinnatiymca.org 521-7112 PLEASANT RUN FARM ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION aggiepope@aol.com 825-0790 PLEASANT RUN FARM ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION BASEBALL prfbaseball@yahoo.com 825-2669 or 383-4542 PLEASANT RUN FARM ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION SOCCER jergens_eugene@yahoo.com 825-3937 PLEASANT RUN FARM ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION jhenry@wesbanco.com 648-0102 or 315-1183 ST. BARTHELEMEW ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION jcjmkenner@fuse.net 829-0407 or 236-5318 ST. BARTHELEMEW ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL siropus@fuse.net 742-1935 or 335-8664 ST. VIVIAN ATHLETIC BOOSTERS roger.stark@alliedbuilding.com 931-1696 or 236-4588 ST. VIVIAN BASEBALL wilking.rj@pg.com 522-9067 or 780-7456 ST. VIVIAN SOFTBALL bhoffman6@cinci.rr.com 851-8307 or 200-3650 ST. VIVIAN MEN'S SOFTBALL riced@cintas.com 923-3351 or 573-3774 STAR SOCCER CLUB President@StarSoccerClub.org 771-5656 TRI-STATE VIKINGS FOOTBALL tristatevikings@yahoo.com 825-2963 or 368-7007 WINTON VALLEY SOCCER vince.weseli@fuse.net 851-1150 or 379-2518

DIVERSITY

A DIVERSE culture

By Britt Kennerly | Contributor

he roots of Cincinnati's diverse community are firmly documented, and firmly entwined among them is the work of the nonprofit Cincinnati Catholic Kolping Society.

Since 1924, the Kolping Society has not only helped immigrants integrate into the community, but make a better life and home for their families in their new surroundings.

That's the year that 13 young German immigrants – who met at the Cincinnati Zoo on German Day – banded together to support locally the mission of Father Adolph Kolping.

Back in 1849, along with seven journeymen, Kolping founded the Cologne Journeymen's Association in Cologne, Germany, a group which evolved into the Kolping Society. Providing affordable shelter and help for journeymen training for trades, Kolping strived to support community – and locally, the mission remains the same.

In the 1950s, the Kolping facility on Winton Road was developed. The Cincinnati Kolping Society – one of the largest “Kolping families” in the world

T

– now has more than 1,000 members, who continue to sponsor activities ranging from athletic events to educational, cultural, musical and social opportunities for members and the general community. “Sub-groups” include Young Kolping, Senior Citizens, Sports Club, Shooting Club, the Kolping Band, and Sängerchor, a folk choir group focused on preservation of German song.

Trey Seibel's grandfather, Frank Diekmann, was one of the founding fathers of the Kolping Society of Cincinnati, first based on Republic Street in Over-the-Rhine.

“I'm very proud of all our people,

and what they do,” says Seibel, who recalls visiting his grandfather – the president of Kolping back in 1926 – at the original Kolping house in downtown Cincinnati. “Father Kolping had set up a safe haven for people who didn't have any place to go. They would stop at his place and he'd teach them a trade, like carpentry or farming. It was like a school – once they learned the trade, they could move on and be able to support their family.”

Kolping members, its Web site says, still strive to “carry out the ideals of Blessed Adolph Kolping in a way that is relevant to our times.”

“We still help people who need a place to stay; learn a trade and get a job to support their families,” Seibel says.

“We have a house in Vietnam; a house in India – there are Kolping Societies in St. Louis, New York, Los Angeles and other places… I'm very proud of all our people, and what they do.”

CIVIC O R G A N I Z A T I O N S SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP SENIOR CENTER Thom Schneider Senior Center Director 9158 Winton Road 522-1154 tschneider@springfieldtwp.org SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP CITIZENS Police Academy Alumni Association John Wintz, President 825-6088 JohnW41@fuse.net SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP DEMOCRATIC CLUB Melanie Allen 218-9980 mallen84@cinci.rr.com SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP REPUBLICANS CLUB Christa Criddle, President

476-5707 christa.criddle@fuse.net SENIORS, INC. Jerry Altenau, President 772-2104 pjaltenau@cinci.rr.com COVERED BRIDGE CIVIC Martin Eisele 851-1513 martin.eisele@mybt.com FINNEYTOWN BUSINESS NETWORK Jonathan Papin WesBanco 522-5551 FINNEYTOWN CIVIC Joe Gorman, President 513-521-2291 jgorman@fuse.net

HOLLYHOCK FARMS NEIGHBORHOOD Jim Golan 522-8075 jgolan1@bigfoot.com HOLLYDALE CIVIC Joseph Johns, President 771-3174 jjohns@fuse.net LAKESHORE CIVIC Sharon DeNight 772-1058 LAKESHORE WOMEN’S CLUB LeAnne Montgomery 771-8096 leanne@fuse.net LEXINGTON HEIGHTS CIVIC Chester Banks, President 931-7462 clbanks35@yahoo.com

PARK VIEW HEIGHTS CIVIC Joe Meyer 615-7103 meyerjb2000@yahoo.com PLEASANT RUN FARMS CIVIC Dale Grigsby 742-0217 dale.grigsby@gmail.com VIEW PLACE CIVIC Donna Saul, President 821-5714 donnahsaul@yahoo.com WEST COLLEGE HILL CIVIC Andrew Thompson 681-1755 WEST COLLEGE HILL Neighborhood Services Center Mark Walpole, Director 542-7379 wchns@cinci.rr.com

OCTOBER 2009

23

EDUCATION SCHOOLS |FROM 11

ST. XAVIER Mark Motz, Director of Communications and Publications What does the school have to offer?

There have literally been books written about the subject. First and foremost, it’s a Jesuit Catholic school, the largest all boys school of its kind in the country.

What is your goal as a school?

Our motto is to educate leaders. We want them to be servant leaders and go out in the community and change the world.

What is the key to your success?

The key to our success is in Christ. We also have supportive alumni, parental involvement – we’re all here for the boys, helping them become good men.

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SPRINGFIELDTOWNSHIP

CENTRAL BAPTIST Richard Voiles, Administrator What does your school have to offer?

It’s a religious school.

What is your goal as a school?

The mission is to give a quality education so children can do with it what they want after high school.

What is the key to your success?

Persistence.

JOHN PAUL II Norrie Roach, Principal What does your school have to offer?

We have an accelerated program. We have high expectations of our students. We offer a number of extra curricular activities. We have small class sizes and services hat assist children struggling in reading and speech.

What is your goal as a school?

The goal is to instill faith and we strive toward academic excellence.

What is the key to your success?

The dedication of the teachers and parents. We’re a family-oriented community. We are student driven.

ST. VIVIAN Stephen Zinser What does your school have to offer?

We are blessed with an outstanding staff who care deeply for our children.

What are your goals as a school?

Our goal is to promote and be sure when children leave this school they go on to high school as successful young men and ladies with a strong academic and faith background.

What is the key to your success?

Obviously the people. We are blessed with wonderful people who believe in faith and children and do what they can to help make them successful.

The Cincinnati Public and Princeton school districts could not be reached for comment.

HAPPENINGS

EVENTS C A L E N D A R Looking for fun?

For an ongoing event listing, visit Springfieldtwp.org and click on the community calendar and news board tab or visit Cincinnati.com ST. VINCENT DE PAUL/ CHANNEL 5 CARES COAT DRIVE Thru December 4 Springfield Township Main Fire Headquarters, 9150 Winton Road For many families and individuals, there is simply no extra income to purchase a winter coat. The 5 Cares Coat Drive helps ensure that no one in our community go without a winter coat. Drop off a new or gently used coat to the Springfield Township Fire Station, located at 9150 Winton Road, anytime through December 4th. Your kindness will touch many lives!

WINTON WOODS HALLOWEEN NIGHTS Thru October 30 Winton Woods Parky's Farm Wednesdays through Sundays 6 p.m.

- 10 p.m.

Come join us for this non-scary, family-oriented Halloween event!

See tens of thousands of lights including animated, decorative Halloween light displays of pumpkins, corn stalks, ghosts bats and witches. Take part in the many activities offered for the whole family. Cost: $6 per person (under 23 months free) Halloween Nights Hotline: (513) 728-3551 ext. 355 NORTHERN HILLS UNITED METHODIST PUMPKIN PATCH Thru October 31, Noon to 7:00p.m.

The NHUMC Pumpkin Patch, located at 6700 Winton Road, will be open from noon to 7 p.m. daily through October 31. The pumpkins were grown in New Mexico and are a self-help program with the Native American community. All the money that is earned from the pumpkins support NHUMC missions!

“WICKED WINDOWS ALONG WINTON” HALLOWEEN WINDOW PAINTING CONTEST October 24-31 Finneytown High School students have painted Halloween themes on business windows along Winton Road. Call the Wicked Windows hotline at 522-2108 to vote for your favorite Halloween window. The student who paints the window with the most votes will win a cash award! A full list of participating windows can be found on springfieldtwp.org. Voting is free.

“STOP…YOU'RE KILLING ME” November 6 at 8 p.m., November 7 at 2:30 & 8 p.m., November 8 at 6:30 p.m.

Overflow Ministries Covenant Church - 10870 Hamilton Avenue STOP...You're Killing Me! brings to life the story of a salon owner in Over-the-Rhine who has made a name for herself through some rather unconventional methods.

And, now she's full of regret. She's married to the son of a greedy, scheming and conniving woman who is bent on controlling his life and others. This woman knows no boundaries. Be prepared to laugh and cry while this show takes you on an unforgettable journey full of comedic twists, corruption, deceit and hidden secrets. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at Overflow Ministries Covenant Church

HOLIDAY GREETING CARDS November 5 & 12, 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Springfield Township Senior/Community Center - 9158 Winton Road Discover the joy of making and sharing handcrafted holiday greeting cards during a special two-part workshop being offered at The Springfield Township Senior Community Center. Each 1-hour class is packed with instruction, inspiration and fun, and all supplies for the cards, reference cards, and Technique Toolbox book are included. $30 for Springfield Township residents and $40 for non-residents. Register by calling 522-1154 NORTH COLLEGE HILL CRAFT SHOW November 7, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

NCH Senior Center - 1586 Goodman Avenue Jewelry, copper art, holiday specialties and more. Refreshments available. Benefits North College Hill Recreation Commission. For more information call 521-7413 POWEL CROSLEY JR. YMCA HEALTH FAIR November 11, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

YMCA- 9601 Winton Road Drop in, anytime between 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. to visit the many booths offering blood pressure checks, body fat testing, hearing screenings and much more. For more information call 521-7112.

HOLIDAY BAZAAR November 14, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Greenhills Presbyterian Church 21 Cromwell Drive Find all your Holiday gifts! The Bazaar will be open 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Call 825-8400 for more information.

SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP SENIORS, INC. THANKSGIVING DINNER November 22, 5 p.m.

Springfield Township Senior/Community Center - 9158 Winton Road Social hour: 5-6p.m. Dinner at 6p.m. Turkey & all the trimmings, plus pumpkin pie catered by Schmidts. $15 per person. Tickets in advance. Payable to Seniors, Inc. 522-1154 THANKSGIVING DAY BREAKFAST November 26, 8 a.m/ FREE / First Baptist Church of Mt. Healthy - 1210 Compton Road Start your day off right with our annual Thanksgiving Day breakfast!

After a brief devotion, we'll enjoy the fresh breakfast goodies cooked by the men of our church. Bring your appetite for eggs, bacon, biscuits, grits and more! There is NO COST to attend, but we do need to know you're coming so we can be sure to cook enough food! Please make your reservation at 931-0477 or events@firstmthealthy.org. The event begins at 8:00 a.m. Call 9310477 or visit www.firstmthealthy.org for more information.

HOLIDAY GREETING CARDS December 3 & 10, 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Springfield Township Senior/Community Center - 9158 Winton Road Discover the joy of making and sharing handcrafted holiday greeting cards during a special two-part workshop being offered at The Springfield Township Senior Community Center. Each 1 hour class is packed with instruction, inspiration and fun, and all supplies for the cards, reference cards, and Technique Toolbox book are included. $30 for Springfield

CALENDAR | CONTINUED 26

To advertise in the next Springfield Township magazine call 923-3111.

OCTOBER 2009

25

HAPPENINGS

CALENDAR | FROM 25 Township residents and $40 for non-residents. Register by calling 522-1154 WINTERFEST, SPONSORED BY TARGET December 5, 1 p.m.

FREE / The Grove Banquet Hall 9158 Winton Road Bring the entire family to a Springfield Township tradition.

WinterFest starts off with a performance by the Cincinnati favorite, Frisch Marionettes! The Variety Show will begin at 1:00p.m.

Afterwards, Santa makes his grand appearance. Bring your cameras and take as many pictures as you wish. Stay for crafts, cookies and free wagon rides! At 3:30 The Cincinnati Dance and Movement Company will perform their holiday recital. Doors open at 12:30 p.m., no earlier. For more information call 522-1410.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AND CHRISTMAS SHOPPING December 5, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

FREE / Northern Hills United Methodist Church - 6700 Winton Road, Cincinnati Bring the children and join us from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for a hearty breakfast (eggs, sausage, toast) and to meet Santa. Bring your cameras and take as many pictures as you wish. This event is free and open to the public. Call 513-542-4010.

MAKE A KALEIDOSCOPE December 6, 1 - 4 p.m.

Springfield Township Senior/Community Center - 9158 Winton Road Make you own one-of -a-kind stained glass kaleidoscope. This would be the perfect gift to give a little one or even a grandparent!

You will cut your own glass, sauder your pieces and created a piece of art like no other in this three-hour program. For those 18 and over. $40 residents; $50 non-residents.

All materials included, Call 5221154 to register.

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SPRINGFIELDTOWNSHIP

CHRISTMAS GIFT SHOP & CRAFT SHOW AT MOUNT HEALTHY CHRISTIAN HOME December 12, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

MHCH - 8097 Hamilton Ave. Local crafters, entertainment, food and even carriage rides top the afternoons activities. 10 a.m. 3 p.m. For more information call 931-5000 ONE KING December 12, 6 p.m.

December 13, 10:30 a.m.

FREE / First Baptist Church of Mt. Healthy - 1210 Compton Road Enjoy a musical celebration of Christmas as our worship ministry presents “One King” created by Robert Sterling, Lowell Alexander & Deborah Craig-Claar. In a day when so many kings vie for our allegiance, come hear the truth that only one King was born to grant us abundant and eternal life.

Come ready to be challenged to live beyond your day-to-day experiences and to experience what the One King has to offer for your life.

No cost and no reservation required. Call 931-0477 or visit www.firstmthealthy.org for more information.

“AN AMERICAN CHRISTMAS”

BY THE CINCINNATI CIVIC ORCHESTRA December 13, 3 p.m.

FREE - Donations accepted /The Grove Banquet Hall - 9158 Winton Road The Cincinnati Civic Orchestra will be performing their annual holiday concert at Springfield Township's Grove Banquet Hall on Sunday, December 13, beginning at 3 p.m. This year's performance is entitled An American Christmas and will feature many of your favorite classics including “White Christmas”, “The Christmas Song” and Leroy Anderson's “Sleigh Ride” mixed in with more modern holiday hits, including “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” and songs from the “Polar Express”.

The concert is a free family friendly event. For more information call 522-1154.

OUR LADY OF GRACE LIVING NATIVITY December 14, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.

Our lady of Grace School / St. Ann Church Campus Drive through and see the stations of the Nativity. Each station will have students and live animals depicting the selected scenes.

CAROLING AND COCOA December 24, 6 p.m.

FREE / First Baptist Church of Mt. Healthy - 1210 Compton Road Spread some Christmas cheer to employees “stuck” at work and senior citizens “stuck” inside. We'll sing some carols and pass out candy canes before ending the night at a hot cocoa buffet. No cost and no reservations required, but please bring a box of candy canes to share! Call 931-0477 or visit www.firstmthealthy.org for more information.

SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP'S FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT SERIES PRESENTS ZAK MORGAN SPONSORED BY TARGET January 8, 7 p.m.

FREE / The Grove Banquet Hall 9158 Winton Road Children's songwriter and television performer, Zach Morgan, will have kids of all ages on their feet clapping and singing at Springfield Township's first ever Family Entertainment Series. Zak Morgan performs over 200 shows a year, using music, magic, theater and comedy to encourage children to read books and exercise their imaginations. His unrestrained stage presence always leaves a lasting impression. The show will begin at 7:00 p.m. With a grant from Target, this event is free to the community! Stay for a snack and question/answer session with Zach Morgan. Maximum 350 people.

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. More information on springfieldtwp.org.or call 522-1410.

Springfield Township Citizen Police Academy January 11 - March 22 (Mondays), 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Springfield Township Police Department - 1130 Compton Road

The Springfield Township Police Department will be holding the next Citizens Police Academy classes on Monday evenings, 6:30 9:30 p.m. beginning January 11.

The classes are ten weeks long and are open to residents of Springfield Township with limited registration.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn about patrol functions, domestic violence, K-9 operations and investigation practices.

Graduates will have opportunities for additional training and can become a member of the Citizens on Patrol. An application is available online at www.springfieldtwp.org. For additional information, call Lt. Rick Bley at 729-1300.

ANTSY MCCLAIN AND THE TRAILER PARK TROUBADOURS January 30, 8 p.m. St. Xavier High School - 600 West North Bend The Greater Cincinnati Performing Arts Society presents the music of Antsy McClain & The Trailer Park Troubadours. The show will begin at 8:00 p.m. in the Performance Center. Tickets cost $25. Visit www.gcparts.org or call 484-0157.

DADDY DAUGHTER DINNER DANCE February 20, 7 - 9 p.m. – The Grove Banquet Hall - 9158 Winton Road Dads can enjoy a special evening with their little princesses! The evening's theme will be “Hollywood”. (Grandfathers, Uncles, Caregivers are all welcome to bring their special little girl(s)!)

The room will be decorated with a Hollywood style theme. The formal dance will be highlighted with pizza and salad, a keepsake photograph, and a make your own sundae bar. This will be an evening of unforgettable fun for dads and daughters both! Residents: $25 per couple, Additional daughters $6 each.__Non-residents: $28 per couple, Additional daughters $6 each.__*Visa and Master Card payments can be accepted with a 3% fee. Call 522-1410 to register, or mail payment in to 9150 Winton Road, Cincinnati, OH 45231 C/O Daddy Daughter Dance.

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