Vienna Township Neighborhood Watch

The Vienna Township Neighborhood Watch was initially organized by by Police Chief Dave Ovesny, Officer Ed Yesco, and citizen Shirley Wittenauer on January 13, 2003. The group's formation was supported by Vienna Township Trustee Glen Wireman due to the numerous break-ins to sheds, outbuildings, and unattached garages in the Township. Wittenauer, and other concerned citizens, felt that forming this group would be a great way to get safety information out to the community. Block watches were also created.

The group would host monthly speakers focusing on community safety and security, but also expanded to other topics of interest within their mission. Past speakers included police officers from Vienna Township and other local departments, the chief of the Vienna Township Volunteer Fire Department, local judges, and attorneys. Representatives from the Trumbull County Water & Sewer Department and the Better Business Bureau have been speakers for the group.

Besides monthly meetings, the organization started the Vienna Chili Cook-Off as a fundraiser for the Vienna Police and Fire Departments. The event was originally held in April and October of each year. The Vienna Township Neighborhood Watch held a bake sale and a 50/50 raffle at the chili cook-off fundraiser. The Amish dinner, which replaced the April chili cook-off in 2010, was another fundraiser for the group. Monies from fundraisers were donated to areas of need in Vienna, such as the Vienna Ecumenical Food Pantry.

In the past the group has held flag retirement ceremonies behind the Vienna Township Volunteer Fire Department.

The Vienna Neighborhood Watch also hosted an annual Christmas dinner for the Vienna Police and Fire Departments in the meeting room at the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department. 

 The group organized and wrapped gifts for the Giving Tree for children in Vienna Township. Members of the organization also decorated the gazebo on the Vienna Township Green for Christmas.

The organization also hosted Vienna's annual National Night Out each summer on the Township Green.

The Vienna Township Neighborhood Watch also organized an annual Easter Egg Hunt at the fire department with assistance from the Vienna Township Volunteer Fire Department.

The organization also served cookies and refreshments when Santa came to the Vienna Township Volunteer Fire Department on a select date during the Christmas season.

Historically there were never been membership dues.

The first elected officers of the Vienna Township Neighborhood Watch:
Shirley Wittenauer, Co-Chairperson
Sue Paschke, Co-Chairperson
Roseann Kennedy, Vice-President
Karla Durig, Secretary
Ron Miller, Treasurer

Vienna Township Neighborhood Watch Presidents:
Roseann Kennedy (...2005-2012)
Mary Swift (2012-2016)
Michele Garman (2016 - 2020)
Linda McCullough (2021 - 2024)

The organization officially disbanded in 2024. A newly formed group called the Vienna Community Action Committee continued some of the traditions and events that the Vienna Township Neighborhood Watch had previously started.

Contributors: Shirley Wittenauer, Roseann Kennedy, Judy Klepfer & Christine Novicky