fall for symmes - Symmes Township

The Official Newsletter of Symmes Township, Ohio
©Copyright Symmes Township 2014
FA L L
2014
FA L L F O R S Y M M E S
Come Celebrate the Colorful Season
Fall is way more fun in Symmes Township-especially on Friday, October 10-- when
the Township celebrates Fall for Symmes,
a special day on the calendar when
everything great about the season is all in
one place.
Symmes Township Park is the site for
the annual family celebration which falls
between 5pm and 9pm around the Leming
Shelter. It includes the usual fall favorites
such as the petting zoo, hay maze, and a big
pumpkin patch. There are other popular
attractions including the very “haunted”
trail with trick-or-treat stations and the
hayrides.
“Fall for Symmes really makes me
appreciate the season and the fact that
we have such a beautiful park system to
celebrate it in,” said Trustee Jodie Leis.
“This event really marks the beginning of
Fall for my family and me. We always have
a great time.”
IN THIS ISSUE:
 Operation Santa Charities: Dragonfly Foundation and Toys for Tots
 Calendar of Events
 Natural Gas Aggregation Program Saves Money
The Township has added some new
attractions that adults and children can
both enjoy. “You can pick one of our props
and have your picture taken in our digital
photo booth,” said Jodie. “And the kids will
enjoy making candy necklaces or dipping
their tiny hands into liquid wax to create
their hand impressions.”
The Cincinnati Horticultural Society
will provide fun craft activities for the
children and the Symmes Township
Historical Society will sell refreshments.
It is recommended that children bring a
flashlight if they plan to walk the trail at
night.
“Fall for Symmes is a fun night for my
three children,” said Trustee Phil Beck.
“Frankly, my wife and I seem to like it even
more because we can catch up with a lot of
people in such a beautiful setting.”
 Mason Road Improvements
 Make an Impact on the Military Memorial Wall
 Halloween Safety Tips
 New Pathway Connects Royal Field at Home of the Brave Park
FALL FOR
SYMMES
When: Friday, October 10
5pm-9pm
Where: Symmes Park
11600 Lebanon Rd.
What: Hayrides, a straw maze, petting zoo, a trick-or-treat
“haunted trail,” luminaries, a pumpkin patch, and
much more
Admission and Parking is FREE!
For Information:
Call the Township office at 683-6644
or www.symmestownship.org
 New Sidewalks
 Winter Reminders
 Did You Get a Zoning Permit?
 Tree Trimming
2
BOARD OF
TRUSTEES
PHIL BECK
MAKE AN IMPACT ON THE MILITARY MEMORIAL WALL
If you’re looking for a way to honor someone
special who served in the Armed Forces
consider adding a personalized brick for the
base of the Military Memorial Wall at Home of
the Brave Park. The cost is $100 and includes
inscription space for the veteran’s name, branch
of service and the conflict or dates of service.
Order forms are available on the Township’s
website-- www.symmestowship.org. Select
“Resources” then “Forms & Applications”.
DID YOU GET A ZONING PERMIT?
Before You Start That Project….
KEN BRYANT
JODIE LEIS
FISCAL
OFFICER
CAROL SIMS
ADMINISTRATOR
If you’re thinking about replacing
your fence, building a shed or
getting an addition to your home,
there is a little pre-work before
you officially begin the real work.
A zoning certificate is required
to ensure that all work meets the
guidelines specified in the Symmes
Township Zoning Resolution.
Even if it’s a small project—
replacing a fence or structure of
the same type in the same location-a permit is required because code
requirements may change over
time. The permit affirms that
the new fence or structure meets
current standards.
The zoning certificate can be
obtained by the contractor who
is performing the work or by
the property owner. However,
the property owner is ultimately
responsible, so it is always best to
double check that your contractor
has received all necessary permits
before the work starts. The fees
vary depending on the type of
work.
Symmes Township contracts
with the Hamilton County
Regional Planning Commission
to administer its code and process
applications. The office is located at
138 East Court Street, Cincinnati.
If you have any questions, contact
a zoning official at (513)946-4550
with the specifics.
Symmes’
zoning officials are happy to assist
with pre-application questions
and make the process as easy as
possible.
TOWNSHIP PRUNING SPECIFICATIONS FOR STREET TREES
Township staff trim trees every Fall.
The purpose of this routine pruning
is to produce strong, healthy trees
and provide safe clearance along
streets and sidewalks. Pruning for
safety involves removing branches
that could fall and cause injury or
property damage, and trimming
branches that interfere with lines
of sight on streets or driveways.
In addition, this tree maintenance
allows for safe passage of school
buses and snow plows.
The
diagram depicts the approximate
location of the cut lines which will
be trimmed on the trees. Residents
can trim their own trees as specified
in the diagram, if desired.
BRIAN ELLIFF
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3
MASON ROAD IMPROVEMENTS
Major road improvements that will help
speed motorists through the tricky Fields
Ertel – I-71 interchange are underway.
Ongoing work and traffic changes have
occurred in the area. Crews are making
phased improvements that will gradually
and successfully address traffic issues.
These changes are designed to ease
congestion, expand access to business and
shopping and improve safety for all who
travel through the area.
The most recent change is a new traffic
pattern at that exit. The Ohio Department
of Transportation (ODOT) contractors
are working on two major projects at the
northbound I-71 exit:
•Northbound I-71 Exit / Gore Extension
& Lane Expansion Project-The gore
is the triangular area of separation
between the freeway and exiting traffic.
Have you ever noticed that white-striped
area as you approach the exit? That is
the gore. Extending the gore and exit
lane at the northbound I-71 exit will
allow cars to exit I-71 and move onto
the expanded off-ramp sooner, creating
more separation between the freeway
and exiting traffic.
Work on this portion of the project
will be completed this year. Crews
have recently made adjustments to
the number of lanes that approach the
northbound exit. Watch for the new
traffic patterns in this area as work
continues.
•Northbound I-71 Exit / Loop Ramp
Project. The Loop Ramp Project will
relieve congestion at the Fields-Ertel and
Mason-Montgomery Road intersection
by allowing northbound traffic to
bypass the intersection altogether, and
then continue northbound into Warren
County. Construction is expected to be
completed by the end of 2015, but work
is well underway right now.
Residents have also asked if any of the
work will reduce the long delays to get
through various lights. According to
ODOT, all of the projects taking place in
the Fields-Ertel area have been designed
to ease congestion, improve safety and
expand access to business and shopping
in the area. Their project team monitors
all of the traffic patterns and has recently
made upgrades to 22 traffic signals in
the area. Upgraded computer controllers
within the traffic signals allow signal
timing to be coordinated more effectively
so that traffic can flow more easily.
You can follow construction and voice
your thoughts at
www.advancingFieldsErtel.com
NEW HEADWALLS INSTALLED IN SYMMES PARK
Earlier this year, new headwalls were installed
in Symmes Park at a crucial part of the
walking trail known for minor flooding.
“A headwall is a small retaining wall placed
at the outlet of a storm water pipe,” explained
Bill Pitman, Director of Public Works. “It was
a significant project because we were able to
stop the flooding by replacing three 15-inch
pipes with two 36-inch pipes, and then build
this beautiful bridge-like structure to carry
traffic over.” The Township was able to obtain
a grant to fully fund the project from start to
finish. “This was an important re-investment
in the Township’s park infrastructure,
improving both the safety and appearance of
the paths, as well as stream flow in the area,”
said Brian Elliff, Township Administrator.
HOW YOU CAN HELP ROAD CREWS IN SNOW .
In a perfect world, the winter would bring
some pretty snowflakes without storms or
ice but we must prepare for the worst. Here
are some ways we can get through winter
together:
•
Remove items, such as
hoops and garbage cans
street/public right-of-way.
enable plow operators to
roadway more efficiently.
•Park vehicles off the street. Driving a
plow is challenging enough. Imagine
having to steer around parked cars on
a slippery street.
•If possible, wait until the plow has
passed before shoveling the area of a
driveway near the street. The snow
must be pushed to the side of the
basketball
from the
This will
clear the
road, which also includes driveway
entrances.
•
Do not deposit snow into the street
when using a snow blower or shoveling
a driveway. This will require additional
attention by road crews on their next
pass and can create an unexpected
hazard on an otherwise cleared street.
The Board of Trustees recognized the achievements of the Sycamore Boys Varsity Tennis team. Coach Mike Teets and his players captured the Ohio High School Athletic Association Division
1 Championship for doubles play by team members Nakul Narendran and Mustafa Ahmad. In addition, the entire tennis team
captured the 2014 Ohio Tennis Coaches Association Division 1
state championship. The Sycamore Community School District
serves the northwest and central areas of Symmes Township.
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4
OPERATION SANTA IN SYMMES
On December 5th at 5pm, the Township will celebrate
the holiday season with Operation Santa. As in
previous years, the holiday crew arrives in a huge red
fire truck and passes out treats to children. In the spirit
of the giving season, the Township hopes that you will
help Santa refill his bag with new unwrapped toys or
cash gifts for The Dragonfly Foundation and/or the
Marine Toys for Tots program.
DON’T MISS IT!
What: OPERATION SANTA
When: Thursday, Dec. 5, 5pm-8:30pm
Where:
Three routes with many
stops through the Township
Why: To bring joy to families,
and collect toys and
money for Toys for Tots
and the Dragonfly Foundation. Checks can be
made out to the specific
charity.
How much: Free
(optional contribution of toys or money)
For Information:
683-6644
OPERATION SANTA
Arrival
Time
ROUTE #1
Arrival
Time
ROUTE #2
Arrival
Time
ROUTE #3
5:00 p.m.
United Methodist Church
(Camp Dennison)
5:00 p.m.
Shadowglen Drive
5:00 p.m.
Paulmeadows & Heritage
5:30 p.m.
Morgans Trace & Farmcourt
5:20 p.m.
Chatham Woods & Windy
Hill
5:20 p.m.
Patrilla & Kemperwoods
5:55 p.m.
Arabian & Roan
5:40 p.m.
Riveroaks & Brentmoor
5:40 p.m.
Chesney & Avant
6:10 p.m.
Walnutridge Court
6:00 p.m.
Willow & Foxgate
6:00 p.m.
Pemmican Run & Birchbark
6:25 p.m.
Mistymorn Court
6:20 p.m.
Richland Park & Waters
Edge
6:20 p.m.
Iron Liege & Calumet
Way
6:45 p.m.
Stablehand & Steeplechase
6:40 p.m.
Stonebridge & Farmstead
6:45 p.m.
Cypresspoint & Nathanshill Lane
7:05 p.m.
Withers & Cummings
Farm
7:00 p.m.
Meadowknoll & Colebourne
7:00 p.m.
Symmescreek & Symmesknoll
7:25 p.m.
Gateway & Solon
7:20 p.m.
Bentcreek & Streamside
7:20 p.m.
Terwilligersvalley &
Terwilligersridge
7:40 p.m.
Shadyside & Stonecrest
7:40 p.m.
Somerset & Carter Grove
7:40 p.m.
Donwiddle & Souffle
8:00 p.m.
Kempergrove & Oakvalley
8:00 p.m.
Symbola & Kosine
8:00 p.m.
Loveland Trace
*Please note that all times are approximate.
In addition, you can find a list of locations and time stops on the Township’s website at www.symmestownship.org.
WHAT IS THE
DRAGONFLY
FOUNDATION?
The Dragonfly Foundation,
located in Symmes Township,
brings comfort and joy to kids
and young adults with cancer.
“We provide distractions from
the emotional, physical, and
financial toll of cancer and
bone marrow transplants,”
said co-founder Ria Davidson.
“We also work to establish
connections and community
at a time when patients,
siblings, and caregivers feel the
most alone and isolated.”
Through their efforts,
numerous Dragonflies have
been distracted from the
physical and emotional pain of
treatment, as well as the posttraumatic stress associated
with the diagnosis of a serious
illness. Your donations of gifts
or money during Operation
Santa will help them continue
their great work.
WHAT IS TOYS
FOR TOTS?
The U. S. Marine Corps
Reserve Toys for Tots Program
collects new, unwrapped toys
during October, November
and December each year,
and distributes those toys
as Christmas gifts to less
fortunate children in the
community.
The website states that
“The Toys for Tots program
helps children experience
the joy of Christmas and
unites all members of local
communities in a common
cause and contributes to better
communities in the future.
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5
NEW PATHWAY CONNECTS ROYAL FIELD TO HOME OF THE BRAVE PARK
In early August, the Township obtained
approval from the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers to place a pathway connecting
Royal Field (off Union Cemetery Road)
to Home of the Brave Park. Since part of
the area to be served by the new pathway
is an established wetland, there were many
challenges to the process.
“We felt that this path was an important
connector piece to the Township trail
system,” said Brian Elliff, Township
Administrator. “With this path, people at
the Royal Field (which is now part of Home
of the Brave Park) can easily get to the
Home of the Brave Park play area.”
“The path was completely installed inhouse using recycled asphalt in part, and
crushed limestone through the more
sensitive wetland environment,” said Bill
Pitman, Director of Public Works. “The
paths will accommodate virtually everyone
from the runner, to the casual walker who
wants to enjoy the park and take in the
natural landscape.”
Township Trustee Phil Beck also noted
that once several new sidewalk spans
are completed along Union Cemetery
Road, walkers can travel all the way from
Stonebridge Park, to Home of the Brave
Park, and on to Symmes Park along a
combination sidewalks, paths and quiet
residential streets. “This is an important
component to our Township’s growth—
connecting parks, people and communities
in a safe and affordable way,” he said.
HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS FROM LT. CHRIS KETTEMAN
Walk Safely
•
Cross the street at corners, using
traffic signals and crosswalks.
•Put electronic devices down and keep
heads up and walk, do not run across
the street.
•Teach children to make eye contact
with drivers before crossing.
•
Watch for cars that are turning or
backing up. Teach children to never
dart out into the street or cross
between parked cars.
Trick or Treat With an Adult
•Children should not be alone at night
without adult supervision. If kids are
mature enough to be out without
supervision, they should stick to
familiar areas that are well lit and
trick-or-treat in groups.
Keep Costumes Both Creative and Safe
•
Decorate costumes and bags with
reflective tape or stickers and, if
possible, choose light colors.
•
Choose face paint and makeup
whenever possible instead of masks,
which can obstruct a child’s vision.
•
Have kids carry glow sticks or
flashlights to help them see and be
seen by drivers.
•
Trick-or-treating hours in Symmes
are 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Drive slowly,
anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and
turn your headlights on earlier in the
evening.
Drive Extra Safely on Halloween
•
Slow down and be especially alert.
Children are excited on Halloween
and may move in unpredictable ways.
•Take extra time to look for kids at
intersections, on medians and on
curbs.
• Enter and exit driveways carefully.
NEW SIDEWALKS PLANNED FOR SYMMES
More people are navigating on foot in
the community as the sidewalk network
continues to expand. The most recent
sidewalk projects are on Union Cemetery
Road from Lebanon to the Royal Field
and on Mason-Montgomery Road from
Montgomery Road to Chapel Square Drive.
“The most important part of the project is
that we were able to leverage the County’s
work to extend existing sidewalks with partial
grants and matching funds,” said Ken Bryant,
Township Trustee. “This makes it so much
more cost-effective as we continue to connect
our community and keep it safe.”
As far as construction is concerned, the City
of Loveland will replace a 10” diameter water
line on Union Cemetery Road with a 12”
diameter pipe, and resurface the roadway.
Hamilton County and Symmes Township
each received grants with matching funds
that increased the project scope to include
new sections of sidewalk, installation of
shoulders and a turn lane at Lebanon Road.
The Board of Trustees recognized the
achievements of the Sycamore Girls
Varsity Lacrosse team. Coach Eddie
Clark and his team had a perfect
20-0 season and captured the Ohio
Division 1 title.
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6
I M P O R TA N T D AT E S T O K N O W
DATE
EVENT
LOCATION
TIME
SEPT. 20
CLEANUP DAY
TOWNSHIP ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
9:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.
OCT. 10
FALL FOR SYMMES
SYMMES PARK
5:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.
OCT. 13
HOLIDAY
OFFICE CLOSED
OCT. 31
HALLOWEEN
TRICK-OR-TREAT IN SYMMES TOWNSHIP
NOV. 11
HOLIDAY
OFFICE CLOSED
NOV. 27 & 28
HOLIDAY
OFFICE CLOSED
DEC. 5
OPERATION SANTA
VARIOUS NEIGHBORHOODS
DEC. 25
HOLIDAY
OFFICE CLOSED
DEC. 26
CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING
BEGINS
TOWNSHIP ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.
5:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M.
DROP OFF ANYTIME
GO ONLINE - www.symmestownship.org for more news and events.
NATURAL GAS AGGREGATION PROGRAM SAVES MONEY
Energy Alliances recently released the
results of the community’s Natural Gas
Aggregation Program noting that the
company saved enrolled residents and
small businesses over $95,700.
“Despite higher-than-normal gas usage
and extreme cold through the critical
winter months, the gas program helped
2747 residents save money,” said Mark
Bishop in a press release.
Energy Alliances, Inc. and Integrys
Energy Service, Inc. came through
with tremendous savings for many
communities throughout the region—
over $1.7 million—while offering price
protection and stability in an uncertain
energy market.
If you would like more information call
(877)780-1153.
PRESORTED
STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
CINCINNATI, OH
PERMIT NO. 4160