The Blue Ash Recreation Center construction expansion is moving along and on schedule. This month crews will focus on the interior touches like drywall and tile. The exterior wrap, which features brick and metal panels, will be finished shortly, depending on the weather.­

The interior layout is now obvious with walls and fixtures going into place. One area of focus is the locker room spaces. Both men’s and women’s locker rooms have their own saunas and there will be a shared hot tub that will sit over 15 adults. The sp­aces will be outfitted with larger changing areas, wider aisles, more full lockers and counter space for everyone to enjoy.

The administrative staff hopes to move back to their office space sometime in February. The grand plan is to have all members using the new fitness center, lobby and locker rooms in early May.

A Note from Captain James Schaffer of the Blue Ash Police Department

As a 30-year police veteran, I am very proud of the accomplishments of the Blue Ash Police Department and its officers in providing a safe environment for our residents and business partners. The officers that serve your community are dedicated to their mission of protecting our citizens from serious crime. Statistically we have demonstrated our successes in combating crime for many years and will strive to do so for many more.

As criminals do not observe jurisdictional boundaries, our strategies in addressing crime often take on regional approaches, requiring our cooperation with and reliance upon other organizations. One such organization is the nationally recognized Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Crime Stoppers Program, which services we have utilized numerous times since its inception 30 years ago.

For those not familiar with Crime Stoppers, it is an organization that provides a means of communication for members of the public to anonymously provide police with information on crimes or suspects in exchange for financial rewards. Crime Stoppers is not a police program; rather a partnership between the community, the media and law enforcement. Crime Stoppers has assisted police in solving over 12,200 crimes since its beginning, and last year alone paid out over $128,000 in rewards for tips.

On April 7, 2009, Crime Stoppers and WCPO Channel 9 Television will host a one hour telethon and an online auction, and are looking for financial pledges or donations of items. With this year’s goal being to raise $100K, your tax deductible donation can help reach that goal, and thereby assist our police in achieving their mission.

For more information on how you can help, visit the Crime Stoppers website at www.crime-stoppers.us and check under the Events Section, or contact Crime Stoppers Director Chuck Kreimer at (513) 377-1949.