If challenged today, would the average driver be able to pass a standard drivers test?  At the next Neighborhood Leaders Forum, the team will give the participants the opportunity to find out if they are superior or below average drivers.

All are invited to attend the next Neighborhood Leaders Forum on Tuesday, October 23, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Terwilliger Lodge.  The presenters will engage with the audience on a traffic law refresher presentation, with a focus on why the Fire Department runs lights with sirens on every emergency call.  Community Development Director Tracy Roblero will also provide an update on current economic development projects.  Finally, Communications and Engagement Coordinator Faith Lynch will provide an update on the Distinctly Montgomery Branding + Imaging Campaign Project.

This forum is open to all and is your exclusive opportunity to learn more about what is contributing locally to economic development.  Participants will also find out if they could pass a driver’s license exam if taking the test today.

To enroll in this exclusive opportunity, register below.  For more information, please contact Faith Lynch at 513-792-8358 or flynch@ci.montgomery.oh.us.

Preschool through sixth grade 

Entries accepted Nov. 1-16

Let creativity show. Go wild with markers, crayons, glitter, sequins or whatever a child’s imagination can think of with this coloring contest. Kids can use any available materials that can be joined with paper.

Starting Nov. 1, download the coloring contest sheet at here or pick up at City Hall. Return the coloring contest sheet by 5:00 p.m. on Nov. 16 to City Hall to be included in the display. Winners will be chosen in the following grades: preschool, kindergarten, first-second grade, third-fourth grade, and fifth-sixth grade. Categories are Most Creative, Best Use of Color and Overall Skill. One entry per child. Winners in each of the grades will be notified in advance of the event and will be awarded a prize during the tree-lighting ceremony at the Holiday in the Village event. The grand prize winner will also be notified in advance and will flip the switch to light the tree at the tree-lighting ceremony at 5:00 p.m. on Dec. 1. All Coloring Contest entries will be displayed at the Holiday in the Village event in the Universalist Church.

Sponsored by:

Local artist Paul Oliver designed the winning 2017 Montgomery holiday card submission. Oliver’s art was chosen from a field of over a dozen entries. It depicts the Universalist Church during the holidays.

Artists of all ages are encouraged to submit an original work of art for Montgomery’s annual holiday card.  The card is used by City officials and staff for their correspondence during the holiday season. The deadline for submission is Friday, Oct. 12.

This year’s winning artist will receive a gift basket, public recognition, and a set of 50 of the winning-designed cards.

Artists can use any medium, from photography to oils, chalk, etc. but will need to provide a digital image of the art to the City for consideration.  The ideal design will have a “Winter in Montgomery” theme.

Call Recreation Coordinator Julie Machon at 513-891-2424 or email to jmachon@ci.montgomery.oh.us for more information.

The Holiday Card Contest is presented by the Montgomery Arts Commission.

Submit entries below

Holiday Card Art Contest Entry Form

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To encourage children to get out and explore Montgomery’s parks, the Montgomery Park Explorer Program is designed for children, ages 2 to 12. The program includes two workbooks, one for ages 2 to 5 and the other workbook for ages 6 to 12. Throughout these workbooks, parents will find a variety of activities that will engage children in learning about local Montgomery parks in a fun and active way.

To assist in finding the locations of all the parks, a map of the City, as well as the physical address to each location, is included. Workbooks are available at the links below.

Participants can turn in the completed workbooks anytime, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Montgomery City Hall, 10101 Montgomery Road. A member of the City recreation team will review the workbook and will call the recipient when their certificate and patch is ready.

Completed workbooks will be given back to the child to keep with their certificate and patch. Patches and certificates will be awarded and details of this will be communicated to the participants during the follow-up.

Call Recreation Specialist Sarah Fink at 513-792-8317 or email sfink@ci.Montgomery.oh.us for more information.

Come be part of something bigger. Help decorate downtown Montgomery for all to enjoy this coming holiday season. Delight in knowing that you played a part in the holiday decorations that grace downtown Montgomery at the Tree Lighting and that magical time when it snows.

The City of Montgomery, in conjunction with the Montgomery Woman’s Club, will start the holiday decorating of downtown Montgomery project in November.

The first phase is the greenery and bows “fluffing” workshop on Saturday, Nov. 3, 9:30 a.m., at the City Annex Building, 10115 Montgomery Road.  Join in the task of getting the greenery and bows ready for hanging.

The second phase, decorating of downtown Montgomery, is on Monday, Nov. 5, (rain date is Tuesday, Nov. 6), 9:30 a.m. to about noon. Meet at the Universalist Church on the corner of Remington and Montgomery Roads.

Come and devote your time to one of the City’s landmark projects. Any amount of time at either or both phases of the project would be greatly appreciated.

For more information or to get on the volunteer roster, contact DeAnna Gross, Volunteer Coordinator, at 513-792-8329 or dgross@ci.montgomery.oh.us.

Is your emergency contact information up to date? Did you recently get a phone call from CodeRed? The City of Montgomery was asking you to update your contact information.

With CodeRed, the City of Montgomery has the capability to instantly contact residents and business in the event of an emergency. The CodeRed program is a secure Internet-based system that helps Montgomery’s emergency personnel deliver time-sensitive information, including notification of:

• Missing children
• Boil water alerts
• Hazardous chemical spills
• Local criminal activity
• Homeland security issues
• Snow emergencies
• Events scheduled that impact traffic, parking or road closures

CodeRed has mapping capabilities for geographic targeting of calls, coupled with a high-speed telephone calling system capable of delivering customized pre-recorded emergency messages directly to homes and businesses, live individuals and answering machines.

If you are a Montgomery resident or business, ensure your contact information is correct by completing the form at montgomeryohio.org/pages/codered-emergency-contact/.

If you have questions, please contact the City of Montgomery at 891-2424.

Mayor Chris Dobrozsi

As we approach Thanksgiving and the season of giving, I thought it would be the appropriate time to reflect on many of the reasons that I am thankful to be the Mayor of the great City of Montgomery.

Citizen Engagement: We are very fortunate to have so many residents engaged in making Montgomery all that it can be through their various volunteer efforts with the City, schools, churches, sports leagues, hospital and more. This engagement and relationship building creates a true sense of “Community” – a place where residents care about each other’s well-being.

Dedicated City Staff: With the day-to-day operations led by City Manager Riblet and the dedicated City Staff, Council does not have to worry about tomorrow, next week or next year. Instead, we are able to focus on the mission, critical strategic planning, and vision setting, ensuring Montgomery will continue to be the premier community of choice for generations to come.

Police and Fire: With all the senseless violence throughout the world, our residents are able to rest easy, knowing that the incredible men and women in our police and fire departments, who risk their lives on a daily basis, are nearby protecting our families.

Top-Rated Sycamore Community Schools: As a parent of two Sycamore Community Schools’ graduates, I can attest firsthand to the truly incredible education that our children receive, right here. From academics to life and social skills, to responsibility and accountability, our children are sent off to college, the workforce, or armed forces, destined to succeed.

Diversity and Inclusion: With the newly-developed Diversity and Inclusion Committee promoting community awareness, education and appreciation of Montgomery’s diverse cultures, we will enhance the welcoming environment for all who live, visit and work in Montgomery.

Strong Businesses and Chamber: We are blessed with strong and successful companies right here in the City, providing the financial support critical to City operations. Alongside these companies are the Montgomery Ohio Chamber of Commerce and City staff, constantly partnering to ensure continued success.

My Family: With the support of my loving wife, Michelle, and two wonderful sons, James and Andrew, I am able to spend the countless hours doing what I was elected to do – provide the leadership and vision, along with the other Council Members, ensuring the City remains the region’s #1 Rated Community.

As a 20-year resident of the City, it is without question, that there is no other place that my family and I would choose to live than the City of Montgomery. I am extremely thankful for all of my neighbors, friends, and family for contributing to the special environment that exists here in our City. As each of you enjoy Thanksgiving with family and friends, I ask you to pause, reflect and ask yourself, “What am I thankful for?”

Please complete this quick survey and let us know how we did?

Rank between 1 being the worst and 5 being the best:

The 2015 Crain Eberhard Landmark Ornament

Due to unforeseen circumstances with the supplier, the 2018 Landmark Ornament will not be sold this year.  City staff is working to locate a new vendor to create the ornaments and plans to resume the program in 2019.

Ornaments from previous years are available to purchase at Montgomery City Hall, 10101 Montgomery Road.  One may purchase an ornament for $5.00 or three ornaments for $10.00.  A complete set of 22 ornaments is $75.00.

For more information about the Landmark Ornaments, including a list of featured historic buildings, go to this link.

For more information on the Landmark Ornament project, please contact Tracy Roblero, community development director, at 513-891-2424 or troblero@ci.montgomery.oh.us.

In September, the City of Montgomery Environmental Advisory Commission sponsored the annual “One Stop Drop” Recycling Event. Many items were donated for reuse and recycling purposes; however, some items were not able to be accepted, specifically hazardous items that can contaminate the water and environment if not disposed of properly.

Year-round outlets for hazardous waste disposal can be found at hamiltoncountyrecycles.org, or you can call 513-946-7766 to find out how to dispose of household hazardous material. Please contact these outlets directly before dropping off items and to check hours and charges.

Environmental Enterprises, Inc. is currently offering household hazardous waste drop-off every Thursday between the hours of 1:00 and 7:00 p.m., through November 15, 2018. They are located at 4600 Spring Grove Avenue, Cincinnati. Their phone number is 513-541-1823.

Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Program Details:

• For Hamilton County Ohio Residents Only (show proof of residency).
• No businesses, commercial establishments, or non-profits are permitted to participate.
• Do not get out of your car; staff will remove your items.
• Only drop-off during designated hours

With the end-of-year holidays fast approaching, the City of Montgomery Environmental Advisory Commission is again expanding its monthly recycling collection to include the collection of holiday decoration lights (stranded) and extension cords.

The commission will be collecting the holiday lights and extension cords on Nov. 17, Dec. 15 and Jan. 19.

These items may be dropped off at the Public Works facility, 7315 Cornell Road, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on any of the specified dates.

The addition of these items continues to support the City’s recycling efforts to reduce the amount of trash going into landfills.  Cords that are dropped off are dismantled and the metal inside the cord is recycled.  Any and all holiday lights and extension cords will be accepted. There is no need to remove the bulbs from mini light strings or LED lights, but please remove the light bulbs from older sets with larger bulbs or “bubble” lights such as those pictured.

Bare electrical wire is always accepted for recycling as scrap metal and can also be brought to Public Works on the above dates.

In 2016, the first year for the holiday-light recycling program, the City collected 148 pounds of recyclable material. The Environmental Advisory Commission wants to do even better this year.

For further information, please contact City Hall at 513-891-2424.

Sam Lindsley

Samuel Lindsley joins the City of Montgomery staff as a service worker.

Lindsley started at the City of Montgomery as a seasonal employee this summer after graduating from Clermont Northeastern High School in May of 2018.  He has worked at Teal Lake Horse Farm through high school.  He continues to perform scheduled feeding and turn out, landscaping, and basic maintenance.

Lindsley grew up in Owensville, Ohio, where he was active in 4-H and school sports.  He enjoys being outside, spending time on the water, and hanging out with friends and family.  Lindsley is very excited to see what the future holds with the City of Montgomery.  He is most looking forward to being a part of a team and a department that takes care of the City of Montgomery. Lindsley is eager to learn about the City of Montgomery’s rich history, and all the responsibilities of the Public Works Department.

The City of Montgomery announces the trick or treat hours for October 31 in the annual calendar, newsletter, and website as 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., rain or shine.

According to the National Weather Service and the Cincinnati Enquirer, there is a 100 percent chance of precipitation on Wednesday evening. The National Weather Service forecast explains that “a steady moderate rainfall will begin Wednesday night and continue through the day Thursday and into Thursday night.”

City officials ask parents to keep an eye on the weather on Wednesday, Oct.31, to plan appropriately to have a fun and safe trick-or-treat evening.   The City’s primary concern is safety and asks its citizens to use their best judgment in planning to trick-or-treat or pass out candy.

Many communities in Hamilton County will maintain their trick or treat hours from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. for Wednesday evening, according to the WCPO website and the WLWT website.

Residents are encouraged to contact their Neighborhood Association representatives to check to see if their neighborhood will be changing the dates and times of their own Halloween activities. The Governor’s Watch subdivision informed the Police Dept. that they will be celebrating Trick or Treat tonight, Tuesday, Oct. 30, between 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Travis Wolfe

Wolfe spent six years in the U.S. Army as a light wheeled vehicle mechanic, and a wrecker operator while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom.  Wolfe not only brings his mechanical knowledge to the City but also knowledge of outdoor equipment and grounds maintenance from his background in farming and landscaping.

Wolfe resides in Lynchburg, Ohio.  He graduated from Grant Vocational School automotive technologies program.  He graduated from Central Texas College with an Associate of Applied Science Degree.  Wolfe enjoys raising livestock on his farm, riding motorcycles, and working on diesel trucks in his spare time.

Wolfe is very excited to join the maintenance team at Montgomery.  He looks forward to working in the City park system and maintaining the infrastructure as well as working with all other City events and projects.

One of the toughest decisions parents make is who to entrust their child to when they are not there. Parents often rely on convenience and do not ask the tough questions. Friends and family are generally the first choices for most parents in search of a nanny or babysitter. Also, neighbors often barter services to provide a much-needed night out. If those sources do not work, several in-home child care businesses can refer applicants on whom they collect background checks and collect biographical information.

Dawn Olson, a regional human resource manager for one local child care business, stated that they perform a behavioral-based interview with potential nannies and determine the ages of children the caregiver prefers. Ms. Olson said it is very important that the nanny/babysitter is watching kids in the age range he/she prefers.

When selecting a nanny/babysitter, parents need to ask these difficult questions.

• Why do you like watching children?
• What do you look for in a family you serve?
• What is your hourly rate?
• Have you ever been arrested?
• Are you OK if a job runs late?
• Do you know CPR/First Aid?
• Have you attended a SafeSitter course? (offered at YMCAs)
• What do you do when a child refuses to sleep or throws a tantrum?
• What kinds of discipline have you implemented in the past?
• What do you like to do with kids on a day like today?
• Do you have any pet allergies or food allergies?

Give the nanny/babysitter all personal contact information, time returning, the location of first aid box and children’s medications.

Parents should give the nanny/babysitter specific instructions on how and when to contact them. For example, if the child has been crying for 20 or 30 minutes for an unknown reason, the nanny/babysitter should know they can contact the parent, especially if this child has been unwell or has health ailments.

The caregiver also needs to be aware of the house rules. What time do children eat or sleep? Are they allowed to take the children anywhere?

Parents need to verify that the nanny/babysitter is performing his/her job as expected. Parents should come home unexpected, request background checks, use electronic surveillance and talk to the children about what they did while the parents were not present.

Please be thorough and do not take the first person who says ‘Yes.’

The twelfth season of The Montgomery Citizens’ Leadership Academy 2019 is set to begin in January.  A record number of residents and business people have applied to embark on their journey into a behind the scenes look at our Montgomery community.  Not only will they be learning new information, but they will be meeting some of the players that make Montgomery tick. These people are not only local elected officials and educational leaders but some of the leadership in our business community.

A variety of conversations will take place over the course of the ten sessions. Discussions and deliberations will occur about such topics as historic preservation, economic development, safety and the general building of community. These conversations are an important element of the MCLA experience, not just because it deepens the relationships between participants, but rather it gives local officials and city staff an understanding of what residents are thinking.

Similar to previous classes, the MCLA 2019 class is generally comprised of residents, members of community organizations and local business people ranging in ages from their early 30s to over 70. This diversity provides a wide “swatch” of community fabric that makes for enriching conversations about local, timely topics.

MCLA is receiving national attention for its creative approach. So, if you are interested in applying for MCLA 2020, applications will start being accepted in April of next year. Visit the website, montgomeryohio.org or call Ray Kingsbury, Director of Citizen Engagement at 513-792-8359.