The City of Montgomery Beautification and Tree Commission has awarded the 2018 Winter Seasons of Beauty award to Michael and Pamela McLaughlin of Zig Zag Road.
Pamela McLaughlin admits that her favorite season is the winter, especially the winter holiday when she can decorate her home both inside and out. In December, the homeowners adorned the two large peaks of the house with oversized wreaths while displaying smaller wreaths with poinsettias, a favorite flower, in each front window. Twin swags, matching the wreaths, were hung from the front porch pillars. Highlighting the architecture of the home during the evening hours were large white bulbs strung across the eaves of the house with complimentary bulbs lighting the sidewalk and beautifully landscaped front beds. A white reindeer, white snowman and snowwoman, and white candles in each window were the perfect match to the white River Birch and other interesting trees found around the home. The result was a beautiful, seasonal display that highlighted both the style of home and the warm glow of the season.
The Seasons of Beauty award recognizes homes in Montgomery with special front yards, window boxes, and planters that peak during certain seasons as well as those homes with decorative features that celebrate the “season” or holiday.
Nominate your home or neighbor’s home by emailing a photo and short description to aaronkellenberger@gmail.com. The spring award winner will be selected in April/May and will be announced in the June Bulletin.
Beginning March 4 and continuing through November 1, weekly Rumpke yard waste collection will resume at no charge for all one- and two-family residential homes.
The program limits collection to three items.
Combination of bags, cans or bundles at each residence (or one 90-gallon yard waste toter).
Additional bags, cans or bundles require one $2.00 Rumpke Waste Sticker per item.
Additional 90-gallon toters will require three stickers each after the first toter.
Stickers are available at Montgomery Kroger or Montgomery City Hall during regular business hours.
Loosely place yard waste in trash cans or in paper yard waste bags, which are commonly available at grocery or hardware stores. The City does not commingle trash and yard waste, therefore if it is not clearly marked “yard waste” or is commingled, it will not be collected.
Place yard waste on the opposite side of the driveway from regular trash. Leave the lids off cans containing yard waste. No plastic bags will be accepted.
Brush should be bundled in sizes up to four feet in length and two feet in diameter. The material should be fastened with cotton twine (No wire or plastic ties, please).
Limbs need to be cut into four-foot lengths and no larger than six inches in diameter.
Open Town Hall is now open to collect input on the messages, creative concepts, and visuals designed by Rasor Marketing Communications and Kolar Design for Montgomery’s new brand.
The City plans to be very intentional with the new brand in order to tell Montgomery’s full story in a cohesive and consistent manner to:
Attract new businesses and residents,
Build community pride, and
Refresh the City’s image in both communications, signage, and built environments.
Provide your feedback here. The deadline to provide input is March 14.
Make it a family tradition to celebrate Independence Day with neighbors and friends at the Montgomery Independence Day Celebration Parade and Festival. *If inclement weather occurs, please check this page and the home page of the City website for event updates.*
Kick off this year’s Independence Day celebration with the phenomenal Blue Ash Montgomery Symphony Orchestra’s annual July 3 symphony concert at Montgomery Park. The festivities start at 7:30 p.m. with the playing of the national anthem followed by a mix of patriotic selections. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the beautiful park setting while listening to the Blue Ash Montgomery Symphony Orchestra celebration of America’s holiday.
Come early and eat dinner in the park! Starting at 6:30 p.m., the Rotary Club of Northeast Cincinnati will be grilling items for purchase as a dinner option before the concert.
Businesses and organizations: find out how you can become a sponsor of this favorite annual event. Call Julie Machon at 513-792-8316 and jmachon@montgomeryohio.org.
Independence Day Parade
Thursday, July 4, 10 a.m.
Put on marking shoes, design a float or create an entertaining entry in patriotic fashion for Montgomery’s longtime tradition — the annual Independence Day parade.
Parade entries will assemble at designated locations on Cooper Road at 8:30 a.m. with official kickoff at 10 a.m. Parade entry registration opening soon!
Want to help out? For those who can’t be in the parade but want to help out, find a niche as a festival game manager and/or a parade lot organization manager. For further information and to volunteer, contact DeAnna Gross at 513-792-8329 or at dgross@ci.montgomery.oh.us.
Children ages 5 and older are invited to ride their decorated bike in the City of Montgomery Independence Day Parade (not the entire route but a little less than a half a mile.)
Show creativity by adding streamers, cards, tassels, balloons, flags, and flowers to bikes. Decorate bikes at home and then put on the final touches onsite before the patriotic ride. Parents are welcome to walk along and may bring a bag to collect the parade candy. After the parade, meet at the City Hall carport for three free tickets to use at the July 4 festival immediately following the parade. No registration required. Kids on bikes will form up at 9675 Montgomery Road to start the parade. For more information regarding the Kids on Bike parade unit, please contact Recreation Specialist Sarah Fink at 513-792-8317 or by email at jmachon@montgomeryohio.org
Americana at its best! Fun kids’ games, corn-on-the-cob, hot dogs, pony rides, music and an ALL-STAR ballgame round out this year’s festival. Many local vendors will be selling great food and drinks along the path in Montgomery Park: Graeter’s Ice Cream, Rotary Club of Northeast Cincinnati, Pit to Plate BBQ, Snowie Bus and more. Live music by Eden and the beer booth will be a great gathering spot for adults. Find a hillside spot to watch two local baseball teams play in the noon All-Star game. Be sure to join us for this full day of family fun!
Come and celebrate our country, enjoy the summer, and share great times with friends and family.
Do you enjoy learning about your family history and performing genealogy searches? Do you enjoy local history? The City of Montgomery has contracted with CemSites, a cemetery software developer, to offer online search capabilities for Hopewell Cemetery.
Hopewell Cemetery, founded in 1803, was officially turned over to the City of Montgomery in 1990 when the City detached from Sycamore Township and became Montgomery Township. Since that time the City has maintained the historical preservation of the records provided by Sycamore Township, as well as the management of the day to day operations at the cemetery.
In late 2016, City Council supported staff in purchasing cemetery management software, and work began converting data for the over 6,000 gravesites. Although there are many historical records yet to add to the software, the conversion of grave records has been completed.
To conduct a search of the records, click the button below to access the cemetery database.
Daylight saving time returns on March 10; spring ahead one hour. Changing time means checking smoke alarms.
Smoke alarms should be maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.
Make sure everyone in the home understands the sound of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond.
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning to keep smoke alarms working well. The instructions can be found on the internet.
Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
Smoke alarms with any other type of battery need a new battery at least once a year. If that alarm chirps, warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.
When replacing a battery, follow the manufacturer’s list of batteries on the back of the alarm or manufacturer’s instructions. Manufacturer’s instructions are specific to the batteries (brand and model) that must be used. The smoke alarm may not work properly if a different kind of battery is used.
With any questions regarding smoke alarms, contact the Montgomery Fire Department at 513-985-1633.
Tornadoes are one of nature’s most violent storms and can cause death, injury, and destruction within seconds. As a WeTHRIVE! Community, the City is committed to making sure residents are informed on what to look for and how to prepare for a tornado. For more information on emergency preparedness please click this link on the City website.
WATCH/WARNING/ADVISORY: What do they mean?
No matter what the actual weather is, here is the basic rule of thumb:
WATCH essentially means a chance this condition will happen and usually covers a large geographical area for a lengthy time period.
WARNING means the said weather is already occurring or is likely to occur and to take proper protective measures. Warnings are usually issued for much smaller geographical areas and usually for shorter more definite time periods.
ADVISORY is sort of in between a WATCH and a WARNING. The expected weather condition has a pretty good chance of occurring, even a likely chance of occurring, but typically an advisory is used for less severe types of weather conditions. A Wind Advisory might be issued or a Freezing Rain Advisory issued instead of a High Wind Warning or an Ice Storm Warning.
Sign up now for Hamilton County’s notification system, Alert Hamilton County. This free, safe, and secure system allows the user to choose from more than 40 alerts, ranging from severe weather to evacuation. Hamilton County uses Alert Hamilton County as its official emergency notification system to communicate with community residents during emergencies. Sign up to receive free alerts via text message, email, and/or voice message. Learn more about this notification system at hamiltoncountyohioema.org.
As the city arborist, Terry Willenbrink has felt the need from time to time to send a warning to all Montgomery residents about disreputable tree trimming companies. Over the years Willenbrink reports that he receives more and more questions and complaints about tree trimming companies coming into Montgomery’s neighborhoods to solicit work. Note that a permit is required to conduct these door-to-door solicitations in the city of Montgomery. To check to see if a solicitor has obtained a permit, call the Montgomery Police Department at 513-985-1600. “No Solicitors” signs are also available upon request.
Reputable tree companies will not go door to door. If a tree needs a trim, it is always wise to get at least three bids from respectable tree trimming companies, or ISA certified arborists.
Make sure to ask these questions when contracting for tree care, especially if tempted by a low price.
Terry Willenbrink shows off a ‘Vanderwold Pyramid’
Is this tree dead, can it be saved, or should it be removed?
Does this tree need to be thinned out or dead wooded?
What can be done to improve the health of the tree?
How will the arborist be performing the work needed?
How long will it take?
Is this company bonded or insured?
What work will the company do?
Reputable companies will be truthful. They will not lead homeowners in any direction to make a quick buck. Their reputation depends on the homeowner’s comfort and satisfaction with their service. Getting a few bids and opinions is important. Do not pay until the entire project is complete and that includes having the stump ground down if this service is included.
The Montgomery Public Works Department will again be providing a curbside bulk brush collection of brush and limbs. The spring program is scheduled to begin on April 9 and will be conducted over a five-week period. A resident’s pick-up week will be determined by the regular trash collection schedule. Please have brush out at the curb by Monday morning of the scheduled collection week.
To protect public health and safety, it is important to evaluate all trees or shrubs on your property to ensure public right-of-way areas are free from obstructions. This includes assessing vegetation adjacent to sidewalks and streets. The Montgomery Property Maintenance Code requires vegetation to be trimmed back in order to promote the safe flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Proper maintenance of trees and vegetation helps provide the City and its visitors with a safe and healthy urban forest.
Guidelines
Piles must be placed curbside prior to the start of each week’s collection. Residents are urged to place brush curbside on Sunday immediately prior to your scheduled collection week as material placed curbside after the chipper crew has passed will not be picked up.
Brush containing nails, metal, stones or excessive dirt will not be picked up.
Vines and branches with thorns will not be picked up.
Limbs may be of any length and between 1/2 inch and 8 inches in diameter. Shorter branches, twigs, and clippings should be placed in yard waste bags and/or cans to be picked up by Rumpke on your regular waste collection day.
Brush and limbs must be placed at the edge of the road or along the curb with the “cut” ends of the brush toward the street in small piles. Please do not create large stacks or interwoven piles with “cut” ends placed in different directions as this makes the material difficult for crews to separate for collection.
Brush piles that are tied into bundles or are tangled will not be picked up.
Stumps, root balls, and logs are not to be placed curbside for brush collection but may be placed out for Rumpke waste collection on your regularly scheduled day. Each item must not weigh more than 60 pounds.
For additional information, please contact City Hall at 513-891-2424. The fall brush pickup schedule will be published in the September Bulletin, and the program will start September 9. Tips to organize the brush and pick-up schedules are also found here.
A tornado with the peak strength of winds ranging from F3 (158 to 206 miles per hour) to F4 (207 to 260 miles per hour) on the Fujita Tornado Scale, struck the city of Montgomery, and the Montgomery Woods neighborhood specifically, on April 9, 1999.
The Ohio Emergency Management Agency is now accepting applications for the Safe Room Rebate Program. The program is for the purchase and construction or installation of tornado safe rooms for Ohio homeowners selected for the program.
The safe room may be an extreme wind shelter or space in a structure that provides protection to people during a tornado. These safe rooms can be constructed or installed in one of several places in the home: in the basement, beneath a concrete slab-on-grade foundation or garage floor, or in an interior room on the first floor. A safe room may also be buried in the yard or be a stand-alone structure near your home. Contact the Montgomery building department for specific building or zoning regulations before construction.
Ohio residents selected for the program could be eligible for a rebate up to 75 percent of the cost to install or construct a safe room – up to a maximum of $4,875. To apply for the Ohio Safe Room Rebate Program, homeowners have until 5:00 p.m. on April 1 to register on the Ohio EMA website.
As winter fades and spring is in the air, our thoughts turn to the great outdoors…our lawns and gardens! Along with green grass and blooming gardens, come some reminders and tips about fertilization.
Apply the recommended amount fertilization. More is not better.
Don’t over water your lawn after fertilizing.
Avoid applying fertilizer close to ponds or streams.
Sweep excess fertilizer from sidewalks, driveways and streets.
Plant native plants, shrubs and trees that reduce the amount of fertilizer needed.
Fertilizer runoff is a serious environmental concern that negatively impacts our wildlife and water supplies. Please use fertilizer responsibly.
Open Town Hall is now open to collect input on the messages, creative concepts, and visuals designed by Rasor Marketing Communications and Kolar Design for Montgomery’s new brand.
The City plans to be very intentional with the new brand in order to tell Montgomery’s full story in a cohesive and consistent manner to:
Attract new businesses and residents,
Build community pride, and
Refresh the City’s image in both communications, signage, and built environments.
Provide your feedback here. The deadline to provide input is March 14.
The sound of the Armed Forces Salute by the Blue Ash Montgomery Symphony Concert is a tradition on July 3 as veterans are recognized during this part of the concert. In addition to this, during the opening remarks, a few veterans are honored as the mayor reads about the life of a veteran.
If you are a veteran or if you know of a veteran who lives in the Blue Ash Montgomery area who may be interested in being seated by the orchestra and recognized during the opening remarks, please contact Mary Jo Byrnes at 513-702-2979 or mjbyrnes1@gmail.com or Julie Machon at 513-792-8316 or jmachon@montgomeryohio.org . The City of Montgomery would like to honor them for their service to the country.
In 2016, Myron Bowling Auctioneers, INC. was awarded the Best Float Award in Montgomery’s annual Independence Day Parade.
Strike up the band, put marching shoes on, design a float or decorate classic cars in patriotic fashion for Montgomery’s long-time tradition. The annual Independence Day Parade is set for Thursday, July 4.
Residents, neighborhood associations, and local businesses are invited to be a part of Montgomery’s Independence Day Celebration, a day filled with patriotism, community pride, and memories that will last a lifetime. Applications for parade entries are due no later than Friday, June 14.
Parade entries will assemble at designated locations on Cooper Road beginning at 8:30 a.m. with the official parade kick-off starting at 10:00 a.m. The parade route runs east along Cooper Road from the Junior High to Montgomery Road and then north to Schoolhouse Lane.
For more information or questions, please contact Recreation Specialist Sarah Fink at 792-8317 or by email at sfink@montgomeryohio.org.
Tornadoes are one of nature’s most violent storms and can cause death, injury, and destruction within seconds. As a WeTHRIVE! Community, the City is committed to making sure residents are informed on what to look for and how to prepare for a tornado. For more information on emergency preparedness please click this link on the City website.
WATCH/WARNING/ADVISORY: What do they mean?
No matter what the actual weather is, here is the basic rule of thumb:
WATCH essentially means a chance this condition will happen and usually covers a large geographical area for a lengthy time period.
WARNING means the said weather is already occurring or is likely to occur and to take proper protective measures. Warnings are usually issued for much smaller geographical areas and usually for shorter more definite time periods.
ADVISORY is sort of in between a WATCH and a WARNING. The expected weather condition has a pretty good chance of occurring, even a likely chance of occurring, but typically an advisory is used for less severe types of weather conditions. A Wind Advisory might be issued or a Freezing Rain Advisory issued instead of a High Wind Warning or an Ice Storm Warning.
Sign up now for Hamilton County’s notification system, Alert Hamilton County. This free, safe, and secure system allows the user to choose from more than 40 alerts, ranging from severe weather to evacuation. Hamilton County uses Alert Hamilton County as its official emergency notification system to communicate with community residents during emergencies. Sign up to receive free alerts via text message, email, and/or voice message. Learn more about this notification system at hamiltoncountyohioema.org.
Social media has brightened our world but is slowly changing it. Social media has created communities, empowered individuals, and gives us instant updates to news from around the world.
Through private video chat, my wife and I can see and talk with our grandchildren on a snowy day when the roads are closed. From France, their great-grandma follows their school activities and other adventures through social media. Great-grandma often tells us she feels like she is with us here in Cincinnati. Like our international family, Facebook and other social media channels allow dispersed, diverse groups of folks to come together as a community. Social media is a place we find others with similar interests. Great-grandma is not really here, she only sees the best pictures and videos. She misses out on the falls, tumbles, and tears that are part of our life. Digital relationships make folks think they are in a personalized relationship and everyone sees the world the same way; however, digital relationships are framed by the poster and selectively joined.
Social media allows everyone to post their views as “news” since there is rarely a content editor. This is the democratization of information sharing at its best. Accurate reporting of news requires that the reporter is qualified in the subject area or is at least trained in how to report in a timely and unbiased manner. Even a mediocre reporter will explain the context of the issue, yet avoid spinning the content, attacking the newsmakers, or including their own emotions. Basically, a reporter should act like a professional.
The City of Montgomery publishes a monthly newsletter and periodic press releases. The City’s communication professionals post City updates and articles on the following social media platforms.
These postings are identified as originating from the City of Montgomery. These postings conform to City policy, are timely, peer-reviewed before posting, and as unbiased as possible.
Complete agendas for Council meetings and other public meetings are posted here or here on the website in accordance with City rules and Ohio Open Meeting Act notification requirements. If someone is interested in an agenda item, a timely, face-to-face discussion at a City Council, Committee of City Council, or a City Board or Commission meeting is the most effective place to share one’s views. Please remember that your voice is one of the many voices we hear from the choir of residents.
Exposure: Montgomery, the area’s longest-running amateur photo competition and awards presentation – now in its 32nd year – takes place on Sunday, April 14, at 1:00 p.m. at the historic Universalist Church, located on the corner of Montgomery and Remington Roads. The event is presented by the Montgomery Arts Commission.
The competition, open to beginners and serious amateurs alike, is the longest-running photo contest in the region. Judging is based on photos that capture technical brilliance, originality, or a unique point of view, and are chosen from both adult and student categories. Up to 10 winners in each category will be awarded $100 each. Winning photos will be publicly displayed at The Christ Hospital Outpatient Center after the competition.
Beginning March 1 through April 1, photographers may submit up to three photos to Montgomery City Hall, Monday-Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Entry fee is $10 per photo for adults, and $5 per photo for students of high school age and below.
In addition to the exhibit and awards presentation, the public is invited to a “sneak peek” reception on Saturday, April 13, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Universalist Church.
The Montgomery Arts Commission is a group of citizen-based volunteers who support and foster an appreciation of the visual and performing arts by producing community-wide arts events offered year-round for all ages – most of which are free of charge.
“Urban Striders” by Mark Bender, 2018 adult category winner.
“Spoons” by Jessica Rennekamp, 2018 student category winner.
2019 Competition | Here’s What You Need To Know
March 1-April 1
Submit Your Photos
Montgomery City Hall, 10101 Montgomery Road. 7:30 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday, April 13
Sneak Preview Reception from 2:00-4:00 pm
Universalist Church. Check out all the entries. Enjoy music by Kevin Fox. Refreshments will be provided by Z Place for Wine and Cheese. Free and open to the public.
Sunday, April 14
Reception and Awards Presentation
Universalist Church.
1:00 pm Reception
2:00 pm Awards Presentation
*Best in Show presented by Z Place for Wine & Cheese
3:00 pm
April 15-19
Pick Up Your Photos
Montgomery City Hall
April 20-May 17
Winning Photos on Display
The Christ Hospital Outpatient Center of Montgomery, 11140 Montgomery Road.
“Hanging on” by Karen Ashcraft, 2018 adult category winner.
“Mama and Baby” by Craig Rouse, 2018 adult category winner.
Each entry must be an original photograph of the competitor’s own creation.
Entries must be in a photographic medium: black and white, color or experimental.
Each entry must be securely mounted on a stiff backing suitable for hanging.
Matting is required for a photograph to be exhibited. Unmatted photographs will be judged but are ineligible for the exhibition.
Dimensions of each entry including the matting must be at least 8” x 10” but not more than 16” x 20”.
The entry form must be clearly visible and affixed securely to the entry’s backing material.
Entries in frames and/or under glass will not be accepted.
Entries signed or otherwise identified on the photograph’s front will be eliminated from consideration.
No more than 3 entries per competitor will be accepted.
Any entry displaying subject matter deemed by the judging panel or the Arts Commission as unsuitable for public display to an audience of all ages shall be rejected for all purposes of the competition.
Safety Village returns this summer for children, ages 5 and 6. Safety Village is a one-week, summer safety camp where children learn about various aspects of child safety. Safety Village is designed to help children make wise decisions in potentially dangerous situations, as well as know how to handle emergencies they may encounter.
When and where is Safety Village?
Safety Village will be held at Montgomery Elementary in three one-week sessions. The first session is scheduled from June 3 to 7. The second session will be presented from June 10 to 14. The third week is June 17 through 21. Each week offers morning classes from 9:00 a.m. to noon or afternoon classes from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Who can attend Safety Village?
Children, ages 5 and 6 or entering Kindergarten in 2019-2020, are eligible to attend Safety Village. Children who reside in the City of Montgomery may attend free of charge. Children of nonresidents may also attend, but for a fee of $25 each. In order to allow more children to complete the program, only first-time participants will be allowed to sign up.
What will my child learn?
Students will learn basic pedestrian and traffic safety rules, personal safety, animal, water, school bus, and fire safety.
Who teaches and coordinates the activities?
The Montgomery Police and Fire Departments coordinate and direct the safety program. Children will be instructed by a Montgomery Police Officer James Martin and a certified teacher, with assistance from junior high, high school and college students. Safety specialists will visit the classes and teach about their respective areas of expertise.
How do I register my child?
Registration for Montgomery residents begins April 22 at 8:00 a.m. Open registration begins on April 29, as space permits. Registrations are made online at using REC1 or at Montgomery City Hall. Mail-in registrations cannot be accepted for this program. Payment is due upon registration, with checks made payable to the City of Montgomery.
I still have questions. Who do I call?
For more information, contact Montgomery City Hall at 513-891-2424.
Terwilliger Lodge is one of the City’s most popular rental facilities. City staff recently conducted a rate study. Based on the findings and to maintain this beautiful facility to the City’s high standards, the following rate changes will be made to Terwilliger Lodge rates effective May 1, 2019:
Resident
Non-Resident
Week Day Rental (Mon. – Thurs.)
$200.00
$300.00
Weekend (Fri., Sat. or Sun.)
$400.00
$600.00
Located in Dulle Park on Deerfield Road, the lodge boasts a beautiful stone fireplace that reaches high to dramatic cathedral ceilings and is surrounded by beautiful landscaping and exterior decking to enhance any rental purpose.
For more information, please visit this page or call at 513-891-2424.
Winter snows and spring rains increase the amount of drainage going into storm drains. Where does the water go? Simple, it goes straight into local streams, which flow to the Little Miami River and ultimately the Ohio River.
Storm drains can become clogged with excess leaves, tree branches, and trash, leading to storm drain backups that flood streets, yards, and possibly even basements.
Do your part to keep local waterways clean by being sure to clean up yards, dispose of trash properly, and encourage your neighbors to do the same.
Think: “Only rain in the drain.”
If you make sure that only rain goes down the drain, you can do your part to protect local streams and rivers, now and for future generations.
Here are some simple steps to keep storm drains and waterways clean.
Never dump motor oil, chemicals, pet wastes, soapy water, paint or anything else down the storm drain.
Don’t rake leaves or blow lawn clippings into the street. Direct them back into the lawn so the cuttings can be added to a compost bin. Use a mulching mower.
Limit the use of fertilizer, pesticides, and herbicides.
Keep a tight lid on trash cans and recycling bins, especially during windy days.
For more information, visit the Hamilton County Stormwater District’s website at hcswd.org.
