Dec 2008 Dutchland Woods Our Home

In print or online… See page 3!

Win a WII Game System See Page 8!

DUTCHLAND WOODS AT HOME Home is where one starts from...

The Newsletter is no longer a function of the board of Trustees. As your neighbor I will continue this endeavor and hope that you will continue to enjoy it as always. Let me know what you think about the newsletter. Brenda Swigert

Dec. 2008 Jan 2009 Edition Vol. 1 Issue 1

Are you are interested in Christmas Caroling on December 19, 2008 6-8PM with Hot Chocolate? This will only take place with enough advance interest! For more information call Kim 759-2094 or email [email protected]

Meet Your Neighbors! Meet the Mayhans Greg (38), Brenda (37), Cian (4), Cara (2) Home: 6549 Hansbrinker Drive Careers: Brenda is an art director for LPK (downtown Cincinnati) and Greg is a musician / songwriter nominated for a 2008 Cincinnati Entertainment Award. Interests: "Our interest in "the arts" is probably what makes us most unique," Greg said. "Cian and Cara are always eager to bang away on some of my lower grade, "beater" musical instruments. House projects: "Not too many upgrades in 2008. We did rip out an ugly, kind-of-lopsided bush and planted a pretty shade garden in it's place." What they like best about Dutchland Woods: Well, living in an area that's overrun with cookie-cutter McMansions and cold retail space, it's real easy to appreciate a neighborhood built around nature, containing homes that have their own unique character! Favorite vacation spot: "We haven't really braved a family trip with the four of us yet. We certainly enjoy the chance to drop the kids off at their grandparents to take a little day or weekend trip — Saugatuck, Michigan was the last one – Very nice. Highly recommend. Two thumbs up!"

Hey there homeowners of Dutchland Woods. You may have noticed a few "Meet Your Neighbors" articles in the past newsletters. While this is just a small glimpse into the lives of your neighbors, I think it is so important that we take time to get to know one another. I am definitely guilty of a bad memory when it comes to names. I smile and wave when I see people out walking, but I don't really know them. We all have stories to share. We all have things we can learn from each other. As the weather gets colder and we are outside less, this becomes more difficult. So, I am hoping we can get to know each other via this newsletter. Feel free to e-mail me if you want to participate. I especially love hearing your remodeling stories, because that is what my husband Jeremy and I have been doing since we bought our house two years ago. We bought it as is. A door hung on the front window to cover broken glass. Spray paint covered the walls of the basement, and its entrance door had been smashed by a baseball bat and was apparently locked from the outside. Did I mention mice had taken over the kitchen? What kinds of challenges did you tackle when you bought or built your house? What are some of the crazy things that happened when you took on a remodeling project? An image of my dad almost falling through the bathroom floor comes to mind. If you aren't working on your home, what kinds of things are you doing to keep busy this winter? Do you have an interesting hobby or a really crazy family tradition? Are you planning to rival the Griswolds with Christmas lights this year? Have you been personally blessed by a caring neighbor? Inquiring minds and nosy neighbors want to know. Lindsey Hilty, [email protected]

www.dutchlandwoodsathome.com Bajon Salon & Spa Announces Holiday Makeover Giveaway to benefit a deserving, local person West Chester, OH – October 28, 2008 – Bajon Salon & Spa announces a very special Holiday Makeover to be given to a deserving individual just in time for Christmas and New Years. The Makeover, valued at over $300.00, will be performed in mid-December and includes a haircut, hair color, hair style, make-up application, manicure and pedicure. The recipient of the Makeover will be selected by Bajon Salon Team Members from entries received at Bajon Salon from November 1 to November 30. Entries must include a picture (head shot) and a short essay (300 words or less) of why the entry deserves to be made over. “In these difficult economic times, we want to bless someone in our community who might not otherwise be able to afford to get these services,” said Karen Welch, owner. Entries may be dropped off at Bajon Salon & Spa located at 6072 West Chester Rd, West Chester, OH , OR submitted electronically via e-mail to [email protected].

Scott Lyle

The Makeover recipient will be announced on our website at www.BajonSalon.com on Tuesday, December 2nd 2008 and contacted the same

Mortgage Loan Originator

day.

513-574-8168 (office)

About Bajon Salon & Spa

513-509-1736 (cell)

Bajon Salon & Spa has been doing business in West Chester since March 2000

[email protected]

and has been honored with over a dozen “Best of” awards in Cincinnati. A ‘full service’ salon & spa, Bajon Salon offers hair, nail and skin services in an

Hey Friends, If you are having a problem making your mortgage, call your lender!!! Work in conjunction with your lender in order to keep your home. We want you to stay In your home. If you need help call me! I’m here for you!

Need a Plumber Now? Want one that

“Upscale, but not uptight,” friendly environment. Visit them on the web at www.BajonSalon.com or call 513-874-9999 for more information.

Marcia Jones Your West Chester Avon Connection

many of your neighbors count on?

Call me for your catalog 515-7168

Dean Grace

www.youravon/mbourgeois.com

Grace Plumbing 256-0911

Deadline for Christmas Orders is Dec. 17th. Mention this ad and get 15% off your next order! EXPIRES 12-20-08

Dutchland Woods At Home There’s a new look at the White House. Notice the front door and the trim re-painted in the photo below. Last summer the woodwork was stripped, sealed and primed, but the final coat of paint has not been put on. It looks very different. There is also a possibility of placing black shutters on the extra doors, which will give it better balance. The safety improvements for the playground area will be done as soon as our contractor is able to fit this into his schedule. Dutchland Wood’s insurance agency require DW to meet a new safety standard, which is nine inches of mulch below the playing surface, to extend six feet from the edge of the equipment. The playground equipment will also be repainted to new and brighter colors. All of the financing for this project is from the Summer Concerts at the White House and donations that were made to the Playground Fund. With the dirt that is being removed from the playground, it is the hope to rebuild some of the banks of the pond. There has already been some concrete waste used from some of the sidewalks that were replaced in one of the heavy drainage areas. It would be great to cover and blend this area for better drainage. The rest of the dirt, hopefully, will be used to extend the White House backyard, for a larger level grassy area. At one point there was research done regarding putting rock around the pond to better hold the banks in place, the cost was prohibitive. The final approvals to add the new roof to the back of the White House have not been received yet, over the patio area. This addition has been paid in part by the shelter fire insurance claim and the rest of the financing was approved at the Annual Homeowner’s Meeting. We all look forward to getting this project complete. It will add a very nice covered area to the back of the White House for parties and receptions. It will be a great place to hold the next summer picnic under the addon.

Do You Like Getting The Newsletter In Print or Would You Go Online To View It? Please take a moment to email me so that I can continue to serve the community as you would want. Your opinion is very important! Please email me today your opinion. Thank you for your support! [email protected]

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Garbage Dumpster At The White House Is This Your Garbage??? There are piles of straw and half of a ping pong table left to the front and side of the dumpster at the White House. CSI our garbage contractor will not take garbage sitting on the ground. CSI also doesn't have to empty the dumpster if there are items/garbage blocking it. Guess who has to lift these items and more when they are left? Vicki Bailey our Secretary for the White House. Please be considerate. This is not a public dumpster.

PUBLIC NOTICE Boats, Campers, and Recreational Vehicles MUST BE STORED NOVEMBER THROUGH MARCH! To all D.W. Residents, According to the DWPOA Restrictions and covenants article 15 states that "During the months of November Thru March all trailers, boats, campers and recreational vehicles shall be parked or stored inside the permanent structure of any lot."

PUBLIC NOTICE

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DUTCHLAND WOODS AT HOME

Election 2008 No matter if your candidate won or lost this year, it was great seeing all of our neighbors at the polls on Tuesday the 4th of November. What a turn out! I know that several people were asking why were we not voting at the white house this year? Why the change to voting at Liberty Junior? The board of elections contacted the white house saying that if in order to keep the voting poll, significant changes would have to be made to the white house. The board of elections wanted curb stops installed to prohibit cars from blocking the sidewalks, improvement made to the handicap ramp, lever door handles installed, signage installed and replacement of the wood inserts in the concrete patio. Now while these are all good ideas, it was going to cost several thousand dollars to make these changes. The board of elections only pays the DW $100.00 for the use of the white house for a polling location. When you take into consideration heating the building, cleaning the building, etc. it wasn’t prudent at this time to spend capital on all these improvements. Over the next few years there are intentions to make improvements to the white house to address these issues, but these repairs need to be done in a fiscally responsible way, so it is not a burden to the budgeted improvements already have planned. I hope you received your post card notifying you of your new polling place and hope your voting day was good one.

2008 HOLIDAY SEASON OFFERINGS Wednesday, December 3rd Advent Worship and Dinner, Dinner at 6:00 PM followed by an Advent Worship

Wednesday, December 17th, 7:00PM Children’s Christmas Pageant, “The Most Beautiful Night of the Year” Wednesday, December 24th,

Christmas Eve Children’s Worship, 4:00PM Christmas Eve Candlelight Traditional Worship - 6:00PM. Christmas Eve Candlelight Traditional Worship - 8:00PM.

EVERYONE AT ROYAL REDEEMER WISHES YOU AND YOURS A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS Royal Redeemer Lutheran Church 513-779-4740 www.Royalredeemer.org

West Chester Presbyterian Church 8930 Cincinnati Dayton Rd West Chester, OH 45069 Sunday Services Sunday School 9:00 AM Worship Service 10:00 AM www.wcpchurch.com 777-1705 Christmas Eve Services 7:30 and 11:00

Dutchland Woods At Home available on line Dec 1, 2008 www.Dutchlandwoodsathome.com

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Most Popular And Hot Toys On Christmas 2008 Wish List 1. Kota the Triceratops, by Hasbro, $300, ages 3+; What kid doesn't love a dinosaur? Basically a toy for kids to simply sit on, Kota also reacts to kids motion that lends an exciting interactive feel for young kids and toddlers. 2. Bratz Girlz Really Rock, MGA Entertainment, $19.99, ages 6+; rock stars come with personalized guitars, their own set of musical instruments, and two outfits. If you have a tween Bratz Girlz fan in your household, this is the holiday must-have 3. Lego Mobile Command Center, Lego, suggested retail $89.99, ages 6+; gone are the days when all you had to go was fit the pieces together. Lego pulls out all the stops with their newest mega adventure featuring a big rig that holds an extreme spy adventure. 4. Bakugan Battle Arena, Spin Master, suggested retail $29.99, ages 6-11; an exciting strategy board game where magnetic marbles magically pop open into power Bakugan warrior action figures. Answer the call to brawl and decide the fate of the galaxy! 5. Animal Scramble, Wild Planet, suggested retail $19.99-$29.99, ages 3-5; a new twist on "tag" as kids up and race around to tag the correct match with an hand-held tagger shaped like a giraffe (with four fistsized friends - a monkey, parrot, tiger and elephant). 6. Disney Fairies Clickables

- Fairy Charms Starter Set, Techno Source, suggested retail $29.99, ages

7+; fashion jewelry, charms,

and bracelets from the House of Mouse that extends the fun online at

www.PixieHollow.com. 7. U-Dance, Hasbro, suggested retail $74.99, ages 8+; Using wireless motion tags on their legs, dancers follow on-screen commands which track their every step. Comes pre-loaded with 12 hits so kids can learn to get up and boogy down! 8. Girl Gourmet Cupcake Maker, Jakks Pacific, suggested retail $29.99, ages 8+; Kids make their own cupcakes with this no-muss, no-fuss "no baking required" set. The Cupcake Maker comes complete with four special cupcake mixes and frosting. 9. Wonder Pets, This is Serious Ming-Ming, Fisher Price, suggested retail $37.99, ages 18 months+; The plush doll features signature phrases, songs, and dance moves with 3 modes of play: Dance Along, Rescue Adventure and Animal Charades 10. Crayola Glow Station, Crayola, suggested retail $29.99, ages 6+; a new, bright idea from the crayon maker featuring a wand that allows kids to draw with light! Comes with special canvas, wand, stencils and tracer shapes, or let kids go wild drawing their own light creations Source: http://www.chiff.com/toys/hot-toys.htm

Merry Christmas

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My Tree Fell on My Neighbor's Porch - Whose Homeowners Policy Covers the Damage? Sometimes, a tree falls in a forest and someone does hear it. Or, it falls onto your neighbor's property and damages something. When that happens, their homeowners insurance company will be the one to hear about it. Dr. Robert Hartwig of the Insurance Information Institute (III) knows first-hand how homeowners insurance can become involved when one of your trees falls on a neighbor's property. Whose Insurance Pays? If one of your trees falls and damages a neighbor's property, "generally speaking, it is your neighbor's insurance policy that is called upon to pay the damage," points out Hartwig. "Since his insurance is being impacted," Hartwig continued, "you probably won't face an insurance premium increase as a result." However, "your neighbor could come after you to cover his deductible. Matter of fact, when one of my trees fell on my neighbor's fence, it destroyed some of his fence and damaged fruit trees. In the interest of neighborly relations, I voluntarily paid for a new pear tree, so between what the insurer paid and what I paid, he didn't have any out-of-pocket expense," says Hartwig. The upshot? "My neighbor and I are still on speaking terms, which is a good thing. I paid for the new fruit tree, because I thought it was the right thing to do, although I was not obligated to do that." Hartwig's story underlines the fact that, in general, your neighbor's insurance covers your neighbor's property. However, although you and your insurance company may not legally have to make a payment, it's usually best to maintain good relations with those around you. Negligence Liability The major exception to the rule of thumb that your neighbor's insurance will pay is the case of negligence on your part. If your tree was dead or diseased, and a judgment or settlement finds that you knew or should have known about that, you could be legally liable for the damages. This is especially true if your neighbor has documentation proving that he or she complained to you or the city about the state of your tree. Section two of most homeowners insurance policies covers liability, including the cost to defend you in a lawsuit. Your neighbor could submit a claim to your insurance company if they believe you are at fault. If your neighbor sues you, claiming that you were negligent in failing to take care of your tree, your insurance company will pay to defend your case, and will pay for damages if you're responsible. The cost of legal defense is in addition to policy liability limits, although the amount of damage paid for is subject to these limits. Prevention is the Best Cure To avoid this situation, have your trees trimmed and inspected periodically to make sure they're not dead or falling down. If you're worried about trees on your property falling during a storm, have them trimmed or removed. If you are concerned about a neighbor's tree, write a polite letter to your neighbor and the city, but realize that it may cause a disagreement. Other Homeowners Insurance Options Another option under your own homeowners insurance policy is the Damage to Property of Others coverage in the Other Coverage portion of the liability section. This coverage does not have a deductible and it can be used without a judgment or admission of legal liability, which can help speed up the payment process. The amount of coverage for Damage to Property of Others, typically $1,000, is in addition to the policy's liability limits. However, remember that using your own insurance constitutes a claim against it and a possible premium increase. Therefore, only use this type of coverage if you can't afford to pay for the damage yourself. If your tree falls on your neighbor's porch, your neighbor's homeowners insurance will usually pay for the damage. However, remember that each area has different laws, and each policy has exclusions explaining what is not covered.

Source: www.insurance.com This article was provided by: Carey Bush, MBA [email protected] Carey L. Bush, MBA

Bush-Re-Taylor

Bush-Re-Taylor Insurance Agency 8354 Princeton-Glendale Road, Suite 120 West Chester, OH 45069 (513) 942-7700 www.brtinsuramce.com

Auto-Home-Business-Life

Royal Redeemer Lutheran Church Is hosting a residential outdoor light display contest! Get all your outdoor Christmas decorations out this year and send us a photo via email for us to judge. Criteria for your entry will be: 1. Outdoor display 2. To qualify for the Lighting Contest you must live in a residential home and live in a 5-mile radius of the Royal Redeemer Lutheran Church. Our address is 7127 Dutchland Parkway, Liberty Township, OH 45044. 3. Christian religious content must be displayed. 4. Go to the Royal Redeemer website at royalredeemer. org to submit your entry. Make sure you have a photo of your display t o add to your entry. We w ill be judging entries on quality not quantity. Due Date for all entries will be December 15, 2008

The first place winner will be awarded a Wii game system The second place winner will be awarded: A restaurant package (Containing gift certificates from several local establishments including –Coffee Beans & Brew , Greek Isles and More !)

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Ladies Neighborhood Bible Study:

If interested feel free to contact: Kim Rogers 759-2094 email [email protected] OR Mary Jo Oliver 755-2336 email [email protected] Next Deadline For Dutchland Woods At Home: January 15, 2009 If you have an advertisement or article to submit please send them to the Editor… [email protected] Comments, suggestions and volunteers are welcome as always! On line available at www.dutchlandwoodsathome.com

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Larry F. Warner, Jr. CPA

1502 University Blvd. Hamilton, Ohio 45011 513-868-8600

As we approach year-end, there is still time to take action to lower your 2008 tax bill and add to your taxadvantaged retirement accounts. Listed below are a few ideas to get you started. This is by no means an exhaustive list, so please contact us for additional ideas. Make the Standard Deduction Work for You. If your itemized deductions are just at or below the standard deduction (currently $10,900 for joint filers and $5,450 for singles), they don’t generate any tax benefit for you. However, you can bunch itemized deductions from two calendar years into a single tax year

www.stephensonwarnercpas.com

to take full advantage of them and exceed the standard deduction that year. Then you can take the standard deduction the next year. Following this

two-year pattern results in greater deductions overall. Deductions that work well for this strategy include charitable contributions, property taxes, the fourth quarter estimated state income tax payment, and your January mortgage payment. Consider Selling Appreciated Securities. It may be a good time to consider selling capital assets (e.g., common stock) with a low cost basis. The maximum capital gains tax rate is 15% for gains from the sale of qualifying assets held more than one year. In fact, taxpayers in the 10% and 15% ordinary tax brackets can take advantage of a 0% capital gains rate for the first time in 2008. The 15% maximum tax rate is available for both the regular and alternative minimum tax (AMT). In addition, qualifying dividends received during 2008 will generally be taxed at the 0% or 15% capital gain rates. Contribute to Your IRA. You can contribute up to $5,000 ($6,000 if you are age 50 or older by year-end) to your IRA in 2008 if certain conditions are met. For married couples, the combined contribution limits are $10,000 ($5,000 each) and $12,000 ($6,000 each if both are age 50 by year-end) when a joint return is filed, provided one or both spouses had at least that much earned income. In addition, contributions to traditional IRAs may be tax deductible subject to specific conditions and limitations. Contribute to Your Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plan. The 2008 annual deferral limit for qualified retirement plans is $15,500. If you are at least age 50 by year-end, you can contribute an additional $5,000 to 401(k), 403(b), and 457 plans. These contributions normally decrease your taxable income and the income taxes thereon. 50% Bonus Depreciation. Thanks to recent legislation, qualifying equipment, which includes most tangible personal property and software and certain leasehold improvements acquired and placed in use during 2008, is eligible for an immediate 50% bonus depreciation deduction. This is in addition to the normal depreciation deduction on the remaining balance. Section 179 Expensing Option. For eligible business property, the Section 179 (election to expense otherwise depreciable assets) limit was recently increased to $250,000 for tax years beginning in 2008 only. However, the Section 179 deduction phases out, dollar-for-dollar, after eligible equipment purchases reach $800,000 for the same period. So, the $250,000 deduction is completely phased-out when eligible equipment purchases total $1,050,000. Take Advantage of the $8,000 Additional Qualified Vehicle Deduction. Qualified vehicles acquired and placed in service during calendar year 2008 only are eligible for an increased depreciation deduction of up to $8,000. This deduction is in addition to the normal maximum of $2,960 for qualified automobiles and $3,160 for qualified trucks or vans.

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www.BrendaSwigert.com

www.Lovetosellcincyhomes.com

Brenda Swigert Your Neighborhood Realtor® Office: 759-4000 Res: 755-9597 Cell: 378-1461 Website: www.brendaswigert.com www.lovetosellcincyhomes.com

7360 Liberty One Drive Liberty Twp, OH 45044

MY LISTINGS & SALES!! ACTIVE

4968 Long Dr List Price $206,900 3BR, 3 BA Ranch

ACTIVE

1565 Fay Rd List Price $339,900 3 BR, 3 BA 2-Story

SOLD!

6632 Windmill Dr List Price $184,800 3 BR, 2.5 BA Ranch

ACTIVE

20 S Dock Side Dr List Price $204,999 3BR, 2.5 BA 2-Story

Just Listed!

155 Hollytree Drive List Price $194,900 3 BR 2.5 BA

Just Listed!

6901 Woodland View Dr. List Price $216,900 6 BR, 3.5 BA 2-Story