Summer 2011 Issue Communicator The Official Newsletter of the City of Xenia

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Improvements in Progress! Multiple projects are underway Cost comparison of throughout the City of Xenia that will area government improve the quality of streets, parks, services...see and downtown. This issue includes an update of the status of these much FINANCE needed capital improvement projects page that will enhance the desirability of our 2 community. These projects utilize grant dollars as well as capital improvement Salute to Xenia’s funding from the 0.5% income tax Volunteers and increase approved by voters in 2010. Sponsors...see Shawnee Park Pavilion Many Xenians would agree that the Shawnee Park Pavilion COMMUNITY is one of the most recognized Xenia landmarks. City staff • Replace the Pavilion slab and sub-base material to provide promised that the restoration of the Pavilion and adjacent a more stable foundation. page 3 sidewalk would become a priority with the passage of the • Install steel sheet piling under the pond sidewalk to prevent November 2010 income tax increase. We are pleased to further erosion. announce that this project is now in the works. Honoring Xenia’s Police • Replace the light poles that encircle the pond with the taller & Firefighters...see A May 2011 structural assessment recommended the Sternberg fixture that has become the City’s adopted light following actions: standard. SAFETY • Underpin the Pavilion foundation into the bedrock. Construction is expected begin by October 2011. pages 4-5 2011 Street Rehabilitation: 2011 Street Rehabilitation Program Wayfinding & Gateway Arkansas Dr. Tennessee Dr. to Minnesota Dr. Signs welcome & guide More Streets to be Included! Berkshire Dr. Bellbrook Ave. to Cornwall Dr. downtown visitors...see Dundee Dr. Cornwall Dr. to Pembury Dr. Illinois Dr. Mississippi Dr. to Tennessee Dr. IMPROVEMENTS Indiana Dr. Wyoming Dr. to Montana Dr. Iowa Dr. Montana Dr. to Colorado Dr. page Kansas Dr. Wyoming Dr. to Oklahoma Dr. 6 New York Dr. Massachusetts Dr. to Tennessee Dr. Oklahoma Dr. Colorado Dr. to Montana Dr. A Star is Re-Born Pembury Dr. Dundee Dr. to Cornwall Dr. Whitt St. Atkinson Dr. to Roxbury Dr. as X*ACT gets new Orchard St. E. Church St. to Radar St. mural, face-lift...see Park St. E. Church St. to Radar St. Radar St. N. Columbus Ave. to Park St. DEVELOPMENT Edison Blvd. E. Church St. to Weaver St. City staff are pleased to be able to start addressing the dilapidated Sutton Dr. E. Ankeney Mill Rd. to Edison Blvd. page street conditions throughout Xenia. This year we will target streets that Ormsby Dr. Home Ave. to Pocahontas Ave. 7 require “milling and filling,” the process of scraping off and replacing two inches of asphalt. We will continue to investigate longer-term financing Additional Streets to be Completed Towne Square Farmers’ options that allow more street rehabilitation in the future. Arizona Ct. in its entirety Market, Greene County After reviewing three competitive bids, Xenia has contracted with John Atkinson Dr. Colorado Dr. to Texas Dr. Fair, Music in the Park, Crase Dr. Commonwealth Dr. to Atkinson Dr. R. Jurgensen Co. of Springfield to complete the 2011 Street Program. Mumford Ct. in its entirety Xenia Community Jurgenson’s not-to-exceed cost of $417,509.80 was significantly lower Oregon Dr. Wyoming Dr. to Oklahoma Dr. Festival - you won’t than we anticipated, so we have increased the number of streets to be Owen Ct. in its entirety miss a thing with included in the program. Oxward Ct. in its entirety Texas Dr. Nebraska Dr. to Atkinson Dr. “Upcoming Events” On the right is an updated list of the streets previously planned for the Utah Ct. in its entirety on back page. 2011 program as well as the new additions to the list. Construction will Vermont Dr. Colorado Dr. to Montana Dr. last through July 2011. Westbury Ct. in its entirety School Annual Cost of Xenia Government Real City District Water & City/ Estate Income Income Sewer Total Rank Village Population Taxes Taxes Taxes Charges Costs 1 Trotwood 24,431 $2,663.76 $900.00 $0.00 $977.36 $4,541.12 Services Among Lowest in Area 2 Oakwood 9,202 2,618.74 1,000.00 0.00 766.72 4,385.46 3 Kettering 56,163 2,321.37 900.00 0.00 916.40 4,137.77 4 Centerville 23,999 2,329.03 700.00 0.00 916.40 3,945.43 Xenia services represent excellent value for your tax dollars 5 W. Carrollton 13,143 2,244.50 800.00 0.00 878.40 3,922.90

20 Brookville 5,884 2,001.04 700.00 0.00 720.20 3,421.24 In a survey of local jurisdictions in Greene City Manager Jim Percival stated “We strive 21 Xenia 25,719 1,543.79 900.00 176.00 739.20 3,358.99 22 Bellbrook 6,943 2,160.52 0.00 0.00 1,079.12 3,239.64 and Montgomery Counties, the City of Xenia to provide high quality affordable services to 23 Beavercreek 45,193 2,038.26 0.00 0.00 1,146.48 3,184.74 ranks 21st out of 24 communities in overall the community. The survey results illustrate 24 Fairborn 32,352 1,502.53 600.00 176.00 873.60 3,152.13 cost burden to its citizens for 2011. The our continued pursuit of this goal. We

School Annual survey accounts for property taxes, income want to get the word out to residents and Real City District Water & City/ Estate Income Income Sewer Total taxes, and water and sewer rates. The businesses that Xenia is a great place to live, Rank Village Population Taxes Taxes Taxes Charges Costs 1 Trotwood 24,431 $3,859.71 $1,304.08 $0.00 $977.36 $6,141.15 survey is based on a $100,000 home value work, and play!” 2 Oakwood 9,202 3,794.48 1,448.98 0.00 766.72 6,010.18 with a median household income of $40,000 3 Kettering 56,163 3,363.61 1,304.08 0.00 916.40 5,584.09 The charts at the left are condensed 4 Miamisburg 20,181 3,361.83 1,304.08 0.00 696.16 5,362.07 (see top chart at left). In a similar survey 5 Centerville 23,999 3,374.70 1,014.28 0.00 916.40 5,305.38 versions of the survey results. To review the using a $144,896 home value with a median 20 Brookville 5,884 2,899.44 1,014.28 0.00 720.20 4,633.92 complete spreadsheets, visit our website at 21 Xenia 25,719 2,236.90 1,304.08 265.80 739.20 4,545.98 household income of $57,959, Xenia still 22 Bellbrook 6,943 3,130.54 0.00 0.00 1,079.12 4,209.66 www.ci.xenia.oh.us. 23 Fairborn 32,352 2,177.13 869.39 265.80 873.60 4,185.92 ranks 21st out of 24 communities (see 24 Beavercreek 45,193 2,953.38 0.00 0.00 1,146.48 4,099.86 bottom chart at left).

Xenia Staff Volunteers Team with COMMUNITY Non-Profits to Support First Fridays The City of Xenia continues to be a strong supporter of the First Friday events held by the Xenia Area Merchants Association and the Xenia Downtown Revitalization Committee. The City sets up a booth on E. Main Street at First Friday events, staffed by City volunteers by who dispense free information, hot dogs Update Joshua Long and balloons. You’ll see interesting displays and a presentation by The Xenia Downtown Planning for the Xenia Community Festival Revitalization Committee. You can also take (formerly Old Fashioned Days) is well underway. a downtown tour sponsored by the Greene We have received overwhelming positive Elizabeth Svendsen, owner of Blue County Historical Society. Jacket Books, accepts donation from responses concerning the event returning to Fraternal Order of Eagles. downtown Xenia. In addition to traditional festival Also, the City teams with area non-profits to foods, local vendors and entertainers, this year’s support the event and raise funds for local event will welcome back the parade on Saturday charities. Recent funds have helped support The 2011 events are scheduled for the first morning, showcasing our community’s groups area homeless shelters and food pantries. Friday of each month through October, so be and organizations. The parade will begin on N. In addition to the City’s support, the Fraternal sure to come to Downtown Xenia and enjoy the Detroit Street near Shawnee Park, turn west on Order of Eagles in Xenia donated $750 through activities at First Fridays! Main Street, and disband in the Kmart parking lot. Greene Giving to the Xenia Area Merchants For more information visit www.visitxenia.com, The festival committee continues to seek Association to help market this year’s First click on the First Fridays link in the right hand sponsors, vendors, parade entries, and Fridays events. column. volunteers. You can learn more by visiting our new website at www.xeniacommunityfestival. com or calling the Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce at 372‑3591 (10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., City of Xenia Beautification Awards Mon.- Fri.). Beautification Awards are created to selected home or business owners will receive The Board of Directors of the Xenia Community encourage Xenia residents and business recognition in the form of an announcement Festival would like to thank the City of Xenia, our owners to develop and maintain their on the City’s Government Channel, a press residents, and businesses for the support we properties in an attractive manner, release, and/or the receipt of a certificate from have received thus far! thereby improving the quality of life in our the Chair of BRACA and the Mayor of Xenia. Xenia Community Festival community. The Board for Recreation, Guidelines for Beautification Awards can September 16, 2011 (4pm-9pm) & Arts & Cultural Activities (BRACA) issues be viewed online at www.ci.xenia.oh.us and September 17, 2011 (10am-9pm) Beautification Awards in June, July, search “Beautification Awards”. Parade will start at 9am August, September, and October. Those

2 Xenia Vivid History. Vibrant Future. SUMMER 2011 COMMUNITY Volunteers, Sponsors We appreciate all Xenia Towne Square those who give of their time, abilities, and Farmers’ Market Get the Job Done! resources to make Xenia New Name – New Location a better New Partners! place to live! After several meetings between the City of Xenia, the Ohio State Extension Left: Clean Xenia Office, the Greene County Farmers’ Week/Volunteer Market Association (GCFMA) and Master Day Gardeners’ volunteers, the City of Xenia Below: Arbor Day is announcing The Xenia Towne Square tree planting Farmers’ Market, which will be run by GCFMA every TUESDAY from 2:00‑6:00 p.m. at Xenia Towne Square in front of Kmart starting in June. Above: Egg Hunt Dwindling participation at the City- at Shawnee Park sponsored Farmers’ Market held at Xenia Station led to the City pursuing new Right: Annual Youth Fishing approaches. City Council President, Derby Jeanne Mills, said “We found that the City shares the same mission as GCFMA – which is to give Xenia residents the freshest, best produce while assisting local growers here in Greene County.” Bloom with Xenia ... Adopt-a-Spot Easter Breakfast and Egg Hunt Kmart was approached by GCFMA, and Xenia’s Board for Recreation, Arts, and On Saturday, April 23rd, 39 sponsors and many Cultural Activities (BRACA), Greene County volunteers teamed with the Xenia Area Association they offered up the west end of their lot Master Gardeners (GCMG) and the Xenia of Churches and Ministries and BRACA to host for the effort. “We look forward to working Area Merchants Association sincerely thank the Easter Breakfast and Egg Hunt. Over 2,000 with the City of Xenia and GCFMA to bring all the volunteers who have made this year’s attendees filled Shawnee Park for the egg hunt a Farmers’ Market to the heart of Xenia, “Bloom with Xenia ... Adopt a Spot” program a event, while the breakfast was held at the Xenia said Dan Cusick, Store Manager of the huge success. In this time of budget cuts and Adult Recreation and Services Center. Xenia Kmart. “Efforts that bring customers reduced staffing at the City, the efforts of these downtown are good for all of us.” volunteers have picked up the slack and made Xenia Banner Program Complete! City Manager Jim Percival stated, our downtown beautiful again! If you would like BRACA’s Street Pole Banner Sponsorship “The City strongly supports downtown to join the 2012 Adopt-a-Spot program, call Program is now complete, consisting of 65 revitalization and supports the Farmers’ GCMG Carol Atzbach at 374-1202. beautiful blue banners sponsored by local Market. This location at Towne Square individuals, families, organizations and groups. is highly visible and will draw customers Clean Xenia Week/Volunteer Day Studio B Signs of Xenia designed the banners to to not only the farmers’ booths, but to The second week of May was Clean Xenia showcase Xenia’s historic architecture and our downtown businesses.” Week, concluding with Volunteer Days on May 14 elaborate network of bike trails. and 15. Over 90 volunteers helped to ready the For more information about the Xenia Downtown and neighborhood parks for summer. Annual Youth Fishing Derby Towne Square Farmers’ Market, go to Volunteers from AHOP and Xenia Nazarene Once again, volunteers and sponsors made www.ci.xenia.oh.us and search “Farmers spruced up Shawnee Park and Xenia Station, it possible for over 130 young people to enjoy Market.” while others (including members of United AME fishing at Shawnee Park. The derby, a catch- Church, City staff and Councilmembers Smith and-release event, was held on June 4. F&S and Mills) prepared downtown flower beds and Bait provided bait and trophies were awarded. A pots for “Bloom with Xenia”. great time was had by all! Arbor Day Celebration Music in the Park The City of Xenia celebrated Arbor Day 2011 The sound of music can once again be heard with the planting of five trees at Franklin Park, coming from Shawnee Park this summer thanks sponsored by BRACA’s Tree Committee. Cub to Nationwide Biweekly Administration, the Scout Pack 65 presented the colors, and second year sole sponsor. Free concerts will be Councilman Michael Engle read Mayor Bayless’ held on the first Sunday of each month through proclamation to ‘urge all citizens to plant trees September starting at 6:30 p.m. Future concerts to promote the well-being of this and future are listed under “Upcoming Events” on the last generations.” For more info about BRACA’s Tree page of this newsletter. Bring your lawn chairs Committee, call Xenia City Hall at 376-7232. and enjoy the show!

the Xenia Communicator 3 Cmic

Honoring “Xenia’s Finest” in the Xenia Police Division

Comm. Op. Officer Fred Officer Scott Detective Comm. Op. Sergeant Sandra Officer Marian Barker Beegle Holly Clay Vicki Coy Steve Lane Saunders Anthony Vitale Bankhead The Xenia Police Division’s 20th Annual Awards Ceremony was held Philip Pierson, Officer Matt Miller, Officer Rebecca Greene, Officer on Wednesday evening, May 11, 2011, at the Greene County F.O.P. Matt Cvitkovich, Officer Paul Stott, Officer Charles Sanso, Officer Lodge. Among those honored and receiving the department’s highest Doug Sparks, Officer Anthony Vitale, Officer David Wilson, Officer honor is 18-year veteran Sergeant Steve Lane. He received the Casey Terry Zoerb, Officer Brian Blackaby, Officer Jeff Moore, Officer Jeff Elliott Memorial “City’s Finest” Award, which is given each year in Tittle, Officer Jacalyn Masur, Communications Operator Christina recognition of an outstanding accomplishment in police work, bravery Beegle, Communications Operator Dawn Ellis, Communications in the line of duty, or a humanitarian deed. Operator Susan Shank, Communications Operator Jessica Gibbs and Leadership Awards were presented to Officer Fred Barker and Communications Operator Kimberly Parker. Appreciation certificates Detective Holly Clay for displaying continued leadership within the were given to Volunteers Bob Craig, Mary Plsek, Sue Grooms and organization throughout the year. Meritorious Service Awards were David Davis. presented to Sergeant Steve Lane, Officer Anthony Vitale, Officer Fred Community Service Awards were presented to citizens Scott and Barker and Communications Operator Marian Bankhead for acts that Connie Carr, Marsha McKinney, Kyle Davidson, Pastor Wesley Miller resulted in the attempt to save a life and was above and beyond the call and WalMart Stores. of duty. The Distinguished Service Award was presented to Officer Thanks to all who attended and a special thank you to F.O.P. Lodge Scott Beegle for an act that resulted in a significant risk to his life. #37 which helped make this event enjoyable. The Communications Operator of the Year Award was presented to Vicki Coy for her dedication and support of the Xenia/Greene Communications Center. Preventing Teen Suicide, The Neighborhood Beautification Award went to Officer Gerald Merriman for being the most active in junk vehicle violations. The Saving Infant’s Life - All in a Silver Shield Commendation was presented to Officer Anthony Vitale for the highest level of overall patrol operations within the patrol Day’s Work for Xenia 9-1-1 section. Communications Operators The Outstanding Support Service Award was presented to Sandra Saunders, Secretary to the Chief, for her professionalism, self-initiative Communications Operator Marian Bankhead was recognized and and work ethic throughout the year. received a Gold Star certificate during Ohio Chapter’s APCO/NENA Gold Nine Xenia police officers were recognized for meeting the 2010 fitness Star luncheon. Marian’s name was submitted by her supervisor, June challenge. Johnson, for her actions during a call last July from a teenage girl threatening suicide. With care and compassion, Marian remained on the phone calming This was a very busy year for the Police Division and 118 the caller and keeping her talking until officers could reach her. Commendations were presented to the following Officers and Communications Operators: Captain Scott Anger, Sergeant B. Todd Communications Operator Connie Miller received a commendation LeMaster, Sergeant Steve Lane, Sergeant Pete Wiza, Sergeant Alonzo from her supervisor, June Johnson, for her actions during a recent call. Wilson, Sergeant Chris Stutes, Sergeant Kathee Forrest, Detective County units were dispatched to a report of a naked female wandering Darrin Barlow, Detective Holly Clay, Detective Fred Meadows, and incoherent. During the investigation of the call, it was determined the Detective Jeff Osburn, Detective Stephen Shaw, Officer Fred Barker, female had abandoned her vehicle somewhere with her newborn infant Officer Scott Sams, Officer Tim Roop, Officer Matt Foubert, Officer in the vehicle. Calmly, Miller made numerous phone calls to locate family Dean Margioras, Officer Robert Kelley, Officer Marc Margioras, Officer members and identify the woman’s vehicle. From this information, Officer Ellyn Board, Officer Harold Matheson, Officer Pat Walsh, Officer Fred Barker located the vehicle and found the infant safe inside. Connie is Scott Beegle, Officer Lon Etchison, Officer Robert Stouffer, Officer to be commended for her determination in locating the infant.

4 Xenia Vivid History. Vibrant Future. SUMMER 2011

Firefighter Test: City Conducts Police & Fire Aerial Ladder Civil Service Testing Climb

Police Firefighter Test: Charged Hose Drag Police Test: Equipment Carry Test: Recently the City of Xenia conducted their entry level Civil Service frequent and Vehicle Push written exam and physical ability testing for Firefighter/Paramedics critical job tasks every day. The written exam and Police Officers. This process is approved by the Civil Service and physical ability test are essential to the Commission and conducted annually to establish an eligibility list of top overall recruitment process. As one applicant stated, applicants interested in serving the Xenia community. “This is the toughest thing I’ve experienced in 25 years.” The process begins with a written examination. Seventy-eight Firefighter/Paramedics and Police Officers work in extreme candidates applied to take the Firefighter/Paramedic written test, and circumstances and elements while performing functions that can affect 36 candidates applied to take the Police Officer written test. Once the personal and public safety. This is why City of Xenia staff work hard to examinations are scored, the top 25 candidates for each are invited find the best applicants for the positions. to participate in an intense physical ability test, which took place in At the end of the testing period, the Xenia Civil Service Commission early April. Higher ranking officers, as well as both the Police and Fire certified the eligibility lists for both Firefighter/Paramedics and Police Chiefs, participated in each respective testing process. Officers. The lists are effective for one year and will be used to fill any Firefighters have intense physical demands placed on them as part positions in either area. There is currently one vacancy in the Police of their jobs, and Police Officers must be physically able to perform Division due to a resignation.

SAFER Grant Firefighters/ Paramedics Sworn In Three new Firefighter/Paramedics were sworn in during Xenia City Council’s Regular Session on May 12. The new employees have been hired from the most recent certified eligibility list approved by the Civil Service Commission using a federally funded SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) grant. The award totals $550,233 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) grant program in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration. This grant will be used to improve Xenia’s ability to respond to fire, fire-related hazards, and EMS calls. The SAFER grant will fund 100% of the salaries and benefits for the The City of Xenia’s new Firefighters/Paramedics are, three new Firefighter/Paramedics for a period of two years. All three left to right: Nicholas Fathergill, Daniel Smith, and are nationally certified EMT-Ps (Paramedics) and State of Ohio Level II Joshua Rothenberger. Firefighters.

the Xenia Communicator 5 Cmic Spring Hill Park Wayfinding and Gateway Signage Water: New wayfinding and gateway Don’t signage will soon be welcoming and Take It for orienting visitors to the downtown area. After much discussion and planning, the City Granted! has hired Studio Graphique, an expert in municipal signage, to bring Phase One of the Water plays a key role in your health and In addition to Spring Hill Park’s new fitness 2010 Gateway and Wayfinding Signage Plan quality of life. With a finite amount available and play equipment, basketball court and into reality. for our use, it is vital that much care and walking paths, residents will soon be greeted consideration is taken for its protection Special emphasis will be placed on and sustainability. As the summer season by a beautiful new park sign and enjoy an signage designed to get people to stop approaches, take heed of the following water outdoor shelter with benches and picnic tables and experience Xenia’s businesses and facts and conservation methods. at this neighborhood park. public spaces. The signage will help create Did You Know? The City is in the process of selecting a a positive experience for visitors and will manufacturer for the shelter as phase three of provide them with information about things • There is about the same amount of water on improvements continues at Spring Hill Park, to do in the area encouraging them to extend Earth now as there was millions of years ago. located at Ormsby Drive and Lake Street. The their stay or plan a second visit. In addition • Nearly 97 percent of the entire world’s water park sign was designed by Studio Graphique to guiding people from parking areas to is salty or otherwise undrinkable. Another 2 as a part of the City’s Downtown Wayfinding percent is locked in ice caps and glaciers. That choice locations, walkers and cyclists will leaves 1 percent for all our needs. Signage efforts. We anticipate that this be assisted with eye-level kiosks and maps prototype design will eventually be installed directing them to downtown destinations. • Water regulates the Earth’s temperature. at all City park locations. The new signs It also helps regulate the temperature of the This phase one project is funded from the include icons indicating what special activities human body! City of Xenia’s FY 2009 Downtown Tier Two are available at the park and will bring strong • The average total home water use for each grant and with CDBG Program Income for recognition and beauty to Xenia’s parks. person in the U.S. is about 100 gallons a day. the Downtown and will be completed in the • More water is used in the bathroom than any The City has steadily worked towards fall of 2011. For more information, read about other place in the home. implementing improvements in accordance Xenia’s wayfinding signage progress at www. with the master plan. The first phase, • A dripping faucet can waste up to 2,000 ci.xenia.oh.us and search for “wayfinding.” gallons of water a year. completed in 2008, included new play equipment and a basketball court. The You Can Help Conserve Our Water second phase, completed in 2010, added a Resources pedestrian walking path with fitness stations Second Street • Turn off the tap in your bathroom while you and connector paths. Phases two and three brush your teeth. have been funded with a federal Community Sidewalks and Curbs • Take shorter showers. (Get a timer and time Development Block Grant. A number of small businesses and services yourself.) have sprung up along Second Street, which • Don’t let the water run constantly while you’re is now becoming more heavily travelled. washing or rinsing dishes. Filling Your Pool? Business owners in the downtown area of • Fill a pitcher with tap water and put it in the Second Street have elected to seek façade fridge, rather than running the tap every time The City of Xenia Utility Billing Division Rules loans through the Xenia Downtown Façade you want a cold drink! and Regulations allow an adjustment on sewer Loan Program, and the City has recently • Clean sidewalks and driveways with a broom- charges (only) for the filling of a swimming pool. made improvements to the Municipal Parking -not the water hose! You may request a pool adjustment after Lots along Second Street. • Water your lawn in the early morning to avoid you receive the bill that contains the extra With increased attention and investment evaporation. consumption by completing the form available by both private owners and the public, it • Repair dripping faucets. on the City website: www.ci.xenia.oh.us, seemed the right time to repair sidewalks and • Place a layer of mulch around trees and search “fill pool” > click on Forms > click on crumbling curbs as a part of the Downtown plants to retain water. Request for Adjustment Due to Filling a Pool. Tier Two Comprehensive Downtown More information about the City’s Water Submit the completed form to the Utility Billing Revitalization Program. The City went out System can be found at: http://www.ci.xenia. Division via email ([email protected]), fax to bid for this curb and sidewalk project over oh.us/city-services/city-departments/public- (937-376-8914), mail (101 N. Detroit St., Xenia, the summer. Expect to see Second Street service/water-treatment.html. OH 45385) or in person. improvements shortly.

6 Xenia Vivid History. Vibrant Future. Cmic SUMMER 2011

A little paint, a new sign and awning, and a beautiful mural at X*ACT celebrate A Star is Re-born! Xenia’s vivid past and vibrant future!

If you stroll downtown to 45 E. Second Street you might see Artist Keith Hasenbalg painting a colorful new mural on the west wall of X*ACT, the Xenia Area Community Theater. The Star Theater, a 20th century historical Xenia theatre, is the inspiration for this mural that strives to honor Xenia’s history while embracing its future. X*ACT is taking part in the Xenia Downtown Façade Loan Program and installing a new sign, awning, and refurbished doors through the program. X*ACT was delighted to host this mural and share the efforts of the Xenia Mural Society to establish and increase visibility for the arts, Xenia’s history, and for their theater building. Mr. Hasenbalg was selected by members of the Xenia Area Community Theater, the Xenia Mural Society, and the Development Review Committee of the City of Xenia. Mr. Hasenbalg has considerable experience throughout Ohio painting murals for local Chambers of Commerce and downtown organizations. The Xenia Mural Society, a component of the Greene County Community Foundation and a recipient of a 2008 Ohio Arts Council facilitation grant, was the brain-child of former Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce Director, Barbara Zajbel, who understood the importance of the visual arts as an economic and cultural driver of communities. Enjoy your stroll and celebrate Xenia’s vivid past and vibrant future!

This mural will grace the west wall of the Xenia Area Community Theater (X*ACT), 45 E. Second Street. New/Expanded Businesses (Based on zoning permits issued in March, April, May and June) City Applies for Clean Ohio Funds TCN Behavioral Health Services: Occupying space at 287 Cincinnati Avenue, in the former location of Harvest Fellowship Church. The City of Xenia has applied for grants under the State of Ohio Clean Ohio programs to help clean up and assess brownfield sites in S&L General Contracting: Occupying space at 29 South Detroit the City of Xenia. A brownfield is any site that has an environmental Street, in the former location of Instant Tax Service. condition that could hamper its further development, such as asbestos JB Wireless: Occupying space at 32 West Main Street, in the former contamination or underground storage tanks. location of Altick Realty. Hooven & Allison Site Occupying space at 141 Little After receiving a $275,878 grant to conduct a site assessment at the True Quality Collision Center: Vine Street, in the former location of Rhino Lining. former Hooven & Allison site, the City has submitted an application under the Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund program for a $2.3 million Smoke Break: Occupying space at 64 Xenia Towne Square, in the grant for the clean up of the site, estimated to cost just under $3.2 former location of National Cash Advance. million. The owner has agreed to provide the required matching funds, Total Reach Fitness: Occupying space at 195 Bellbrook Avenue, in so the grant will come at no cost to the City. the former location of Guys and Dolls Tanning Salon. OVCH Site The City is also using Clean Ohio Assistance Fund (COAF) grants Advantage Car and Credit: Occupying space at 304 East Main to assess environmental conditions on the former Ohio Veterans Street, in the former location of PJM Bus Charter. Children’s Home property. Working in partnership with Legacy Ohta Press: Existing automatic parts manufacturer/supplier located Ministries International and Athletes in Action, the goal is to determine at 1125 Patton Street; constructing a 10,000 square foot addition to what environmental conditions exist in undeveloped portions of the accommodate storage and warehousing for raw materials and finished property, and to develop a plan to address those issues so they can be product, due to ongoing business growth. put into productive use. Greene County Eye Care: Returning to their 322 North Detroit The projects include asbestos testing, as well as soil borings and Street location with a newly constructed, larger building. monitoring wells. The grants will be administered by the Xenia Economic Growth Corporation, the city’s economic development Café Ole: Mexican restaurant occupying space at 131 North Allison agency. These grants do not require matching funds. Avenue.

the Xenia Communicator 7 Vivid History. Vibrant Future. 101 N. Detroit Street Xenia, Ohio 45385 Xenia City Hall 101 N. Detroit Street 376-7232 Xenia Police Division 376-7200 Xenia Fire Division Non-Emergency 376-7278 Xenia Utility Billing 376-7242 Street and Storm Sewer Maintenance 376-7265 Xenia Planning Dept. 376-7285 Trash Pick-Up 800-223-3960 (Rumpke) For more information, visit Xenia’s website: http://www.ci.xenia.oh.us

Upcoming Events Give Us Feedback on Your Newsletter! Xenia Towne Square Farmers’ Market City Offices will be closed on Monday, EVERY TUESDAY from 2 to 6 p.m. in front September 5th, in observance of Labor The Xenia Communicator is YOUR of Kmart See page 3 Day. Trash collection will be delayed newsletter! Let us know what you would one day. like to see in future editions. Or, if you are Greene County Environmental Services satisfied with the articles and information Household Hazardous Waste Days on “The Xenia Community Festival” provided in this and past editions, we’d Saturday, August 14th, September 10th, (formerly Xenia Old Fashioned Days) on like to know that too! Comments and October 8th, November 5th, and September 16th and 17th suggestions can be emailed to facebook@ December 10th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. see page 2 ci.xenia.oh.us. (2145 Greene Way Boulevard) Old Timer’s Days at the Greene County Don’t forget to visit our Facebook page and Greene County Fair at the Fairgrounds Fairgrounds, September 23rd - 25th. website for up-to-the-minute information! from July 31st to August 6th … Daylight Savings Time ends on visit www.greenecountyfairgrounds.com for November 6th … don’t forget to “fall back”! City Website to have all the details! Fresh Look! “Music in the Park” (Shawnee Park) on Nova Creative of Dayton will update Sunday, August 7th from 6:30 to 8 p.m.— the look and feel of the City of Xenia’s Ralph Kettering and the Impossibles website. The fresh look will include See page 3 YouTube video link set-up, social media “Music in the Park” (Shawnee Park) on icons and a home page image change Sunday, September 4th from 6:30 to out option to provide flexibility on future 8 p.m.—Band is TBA See page 3 Enjoying a “Music in the Park” concert. updates. Stay tuned!

Xenia Vivid History. Vibrant Future.