Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND, OHIO - LIVE NATIVITY THIS SUNDAY

“Living Nativity" - A walking tour of Bethlehem with live animals, music, and refreshments.
Free and open to the public
Loveland United Methodist Church
10975 S. Lebanon Rd.
4:30-7:30pm
Sunday December 5
Info: 513.683.1738

LOVELAND, OHIO - CINCINNATI BRASS BAND IN HOLIDAY CONCERT WITH LOVELAND HIGH SCHOOL CHOIRS

LOVELAND, OHIO - On Sunday, December 12, the Loveland High School Girls Chorus and Concert Choir will be doing a holiday concert with the thirty-five piece Cincinnati Brass Band. All three groups will do some numbers separately and they will also combine for three numbers.

The Cincinnati Brass Band (CBB) was formed in 1993 to provide an opportunity for qualified adult musicians to experience playing traditional British brass band music.

Instrumentation used in the CBB is based on the British brass band tradition of mostly conical instruments rather than cylindrical ones. Hence cornets (both Bb and Eb) are used instead of trumpets, and alto horns take the place of French horns. The upper voice is completed with Flügel horns, while the bottom is composed of baritones, euphonia, trombones and tubas. A small percussion section generates additional rhythmic effects.

The concert is at 7:30 and is free to the public.

December 12
7:30 pm.
Holiday Concert with the Cincinnati Brass Band and Loveland Choirs
Ronald G. Dewitt Auditorium
Loveland High School
1 Tiger Trail
Loveland OH 45140

For Information: 683-1920

LOVELAND, OHIO - PARTIN NEEDS 11 IN THURSDAY’S HOME GAME

LOVELAND, OHIO - Jilian Partin has already reached the highest plateau in Loveland women’s basketball - she is the all time leading scorer. She reached this level as a junior. On Thursday night she reaches for another plateau and will climb higher as this early season progresses. Partin is 11 points short of 1,000 for her basketball career.

In her first game of the year she scored 23, her second - 27, her third - 33. Last Friday night against what her coach described as one of the four best teams in the Cincinnati area, Little Miami High School, she scored 15.

Coach Wray Jean Conner is clearly excited about her team and her senior point guard. She said before the Little Miami game, "I couldn’t ask for a better bunch of girls." From Conner’s eyes, it isn’t about the coach, and her eyes lighten up when she talks about her team. She certainly brings out the best in any team she coaches and is especially proud of the tenacious defense her team plays. From talking to former players and their parents Conner gets into their heads and has them thinking basketball 24-7. It was a smothering defense that beat Little Miami as Loveland held them to 6 points in the final quarter.

Sophomore, Kate Clements scored 12 points including two 3-pointers and Senior, Emily Henson scored 10 in the 49-42 win over Little Miami.

Loveland will have to pass and catch the ball better if this team reaches its full potential this season, and if they do, there won’t be better basketball played on any court in the city. For many years under Coach Conner, the women's basketball program has been the hardest playing team sport played at Loveland High School. If you want to see a team fight for every possession and plays 200% for the entire game, come and catch their spirit. They leave it all on the court.

Most home games begin at 7:30 and you can keep up with their season schedule by using the link found at the side bar of Loveland Magazine.

Loveland at home against Amelia, Thursday at 7:30 P.M. Come see some local history made, cheer, and be part of Partin's number 1,000.

LOVELAND, OHIO - CHRISTMAS SHOPPING? THINK DOWNTOWN LOVELAND.

LOVELAND, OHIO - Now that you’ve got your Big Box Post Thanksgiving Mall fix..., doing the rest of your shopping in Downtown Loveland makes real "cents" because It keeps your hard earned money in the local economy, helps small and independent merchants, helps our local school district, and supports the businesses that give the most back all year to local charities and booster organizations.

"Shopping Downtown Loveland" isn’t just about supporting businesses in the Historic District, but supporting the businesses along Loveland Madeira Road as well.

Here are some suggestions for doing your holiday shopping here in Loveland.

For unique gifts you just couldn’t do better than checking out Pizazz Studios on West Loveland Avenue next to City Hall. They have even just opened a second floor for more Christmas items. There couldn’t be a more fun shopping experience anywhere and Pizazz is one of the best at giving back to our community throughout the year. Actually, Pizazz Studios is regionally recognized for their unique gifts and for what they give back to the community.

The Running Spot East is in the Old Railroad Station and offers the Cincinnati areas best selection of athletic shoes. It is the best at the old time tradition of having personal assistance insuring you will get the shoe that fits and is right for the activity you engage in. If you are running a marathon, tired on your feet during your workday, or walking around the block after supper this is a shoe store unmatched anywhere.

While on West Loveland Avenue, check out gifts locally made at Princess Earth and Lynda’s Artistic Haven. Here you are encouraged to get involved in handcrafts that give a Christmas present your personal touch. Miss Annabelle's Tea Parlor and Gifts, Summertime Equestrian Shop, Bond furniture, Bell’s Boutique, The Antique Cupboard, and The Old Home Place Emporium are all places that sell the unique items hard to find in any mall. Leppert Photography is one of the finest portrait studios in the Cincinnati area and a lot of you may be considering a family portrait for the holidays.

If you have thought about giving that bird lover on your list some help keeping their feeders full through the harsh winter months, than check out Rolke's Supply on Broadway. Your will be rewarded with a visit to one of Loveland’s oldest and most unique businesses. At Rolke’s you will find the best blends of bird feed sold in bulk just like they have been sold to so many Loveland generations.

On Loveland Madeira Road you will find personal service, competitive prices, convenient and free parking, and familiar faces behind the counter. Hader Harder has those "perfect" tools and household items. Luke’s Sewing Center has the most popular and trusted brands of sewing machines and vacuum cleaners and they will be there in January when you need parts or service help. Jo Ann Fabrics Center and Crafts is one of Loveland’s busiest stores all year around because of prices, selection, connivance, and personal service. Truly Blest Children's Resale is a first rate, attractive and fun store and gives back to the community all year round.

Getting yourself "prettier, or handsomer, or being your charmingest" for the Holiday parties? Keep in mind the fine salons and barbershops in Loveland. Shear luck Salon, Kustom-Kut Barber Shop, Kurt’s Barber Shop, Loveland Hair Designers are all along Loveland Madeira Road. Here you get first rate service and attention, and the latest gossip and local news as well. If you are suave and adept at gift giving, remember Curves is along Loveland Madeira Road and a gift membership could keep giving (or taking away!) all year long. In Historic Loveland there is Rumors Hair Salon, and just across the river next to the old Methodist Church are 426 Salon and Lou’s BarberShop. Just around the corner on Riverside Drive you will find Sue Zette Styling Salon, a Loveland institution. Cleaning or pressing your party outfit or suit can be done conveniently at Shutte’s Cleaners next to the Col. Paxton Bridge.

Tiki Tan and Day Spa is on Loveland Madeira Road. They do nails, pedicures, waxing, spray tans, massage, body wraps and tanning. Lovely Nails is also on Loveland Madeira Road.

Loveland also has fine restaurants with none of the national chain sameness. Paxtons Grill, The Loveland Mill, and The Works are in the Historic District. El Picante Authentic Mexican Cuisine, LaRosa’s, and Little Shanghai Chinese Take Out are along Loveland Madeira Road and are highly recommended. Currently there are more than one hundred works of art for sale at the Works restaurant - art created by local artists and many paintings of local points of interest.

For family parties and entertaining out of town guests. Consider giving gift certificates available from these restaurants as well as painting classes from KV One Stroke Painting in the new office building at the corner of West Loveland and Loveland Madeira Road.

You can book an exotic winter vacation for a loved one at Carlson Wagonlit Travel near the Public Library. For a local getaway, or a special place to entertain, The Inn at Loveland Hill or The Gathering Room and Loveland’s Anniversary Cottage can be found in the Historic District next to the Bike Trail.

LOVELAND, OHIO - River center grant brings bright future to trailside house

LOVELAND, OHIO By Marti Allison

A $50,000 grant to establish a river center in Loveland is helping transform a little white house next to the bike trail into a must-see point of interest for Loveland’s residents and visitors. According to Anne Lyon, Greenacres Foundation, the first floor of the building, when fully renovated, will house The Little Miami Scenic River and Trail Center (River Center) and an associated River Lab. The center will provide interactive displays to educate an anticipated 16,000 visitors per year about water quality issues facing the Little Miami River. It will also serve as an information center for the bike trail.

The River Center will be divided into three main areas: 1) the “river system” where visitors will learn what a watershed is and how water moves throughout the system, 2) ”our impacts” section illustrating connections between human activities and water quality problems, and 3) an Action Register where visitors can make a commitment to helping protect the Little Miami River. Schools in the region will be encouraged to make use of the River Center to supplement classwork dealing with the environment. Students can literally get their feet wet in environmental studies since Loveland is located on The Little Miami River amidst a real life riparian (on or near a natural waterway) corridor.

The grant was issued by The State of Ohio to Little Miami Inc. The City of Loveland, Little Miami Inc., Greenacres Foundation, and DuVol Construction are among the organizations collaborating on the project.

The mid 19th century structure was the former home of the Bronner Family and is at the south end of Nisbet Park next to the Loveland Firefighters Memorial.

LOVELAND, OHIO - Jane Rockwell comments on The Winter Art Exhibit

LOVELAND, OHIO - by Jane Rockwell

The Arts and Cultural Council of Greater Loveland has organized a "Winter" , "Christmas", "Holiday", "Turn of the Year" art exhibit. Everyone seems to call it something different but it is a fine idea. The weather is getting cold and people are going indoors to see and do. It is also the season of gift giving. Last year this show featured "little" works of art. This year in a new location – The Works Restaurant – no such restriction applied.

Over 100 works of art are hung salon style and cover just about every available wall space. As a gallery, a restaurant has the advantage of drawing in a regular flow of visitors who might not ordinarily think of artwork as something to go see, but it also means that the folks who come to look at the art have to contend with tables filled with diners getting in the way of viewing, as well as lighting that is warm and romantic but often not very adequate for seeing.

The art in this show is varied. Everything is two dimensional and includes oil paintings, watercolors, acrylics, encaustic, photographs, quilts, colored ink drawings, burned drawing on wood, and traditional style Byzantine icons with gold on wood panels. Landscapes predominate; all the glorious seasons are there.

I felt that the representational pieces in this show to be the strongest work. Although there were some abstract pieces there, it was the variety and quality of pictures of places and things that really is most impressive.

I will not tell you my favorites although I had at least half a dozen, because there is to be a "People’s Choice Award" given to the artist who gets the most votes from the viewing public. Although it is tempting to lobby for this or that, it is really more interesting to wait and see what the uninfluenced result is. People get to vote on two occasions - the Opening Reception for the art show 6 - 8PM on Monday, Dec 6th and also during the "Christmas in Loveland" celebration Saturday, Dec. 18th.

So come see the Winter Art Exhibit and take time to enjoy some food at The Works while you are there. Who knows that perfect gift may be hanging on the wall just waiting for you.

IRAQ - SGT. POE'S THANKSGIVING

IRAQ - Dear Loveland Magazine by Sgt. Blake Poe

Here are some updated photos from lovely Iraq. First picture is Sgt. Armstead, Spc. Duckett, Sgt. Bell, Sgt. O'Brien and Sgt. Poe - the roommates. Second is Sgt. Poe and two Iraqi children in Samarra, Iraq. Third is our Thanksgiving meal at the chow hall.  It was a wonderful meal. Fourth is Sgt. Poe and Sgt. Masters waiting in the chow line for our Thanksgiving meal. 

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving here.  The food was excellent and I am happy that we were able to enjoy it while some of our fellow soldiers were outside the wire doing there regular everyday missions.  I am thankful for my fellow soldiers.

Blake

LOVELAND, OHIO - SHOOTING RANGE PETITIONS CONTAIN ENOUGH SIGNATURES

LOVELAND, OHIO - In a letter faxed to the Loveland Clerk of Council on November 23, John Williams, the Director of the Hamilton County Board of Elections said, "We have reviewed and verified 565 valid signatures on the referendum Petitions amending codified ordinance Section 137.08 in the City of Loveland. The Board finds the petitions do contain a sufficient number of valid signatures to place the Question on the ballot."

At the council meeting the same night, City Council voted to proceed with calling for a Special Election and paying the associated costs. The Loveland Charter allows referendum or initiative questions to be put on the ballot at special, primary, or general elections. It is not yet clear when a special election on the proposed shooting range would be held.

Shooter's Supply, a current Loveland business asked City Council last July to change the city ordinance that prohibited the indoor shooting range they want to operate in the former Matthew 25 Ministries building on Loveland Madeira Road. Council amended the code in August to allow shooting ranges in Loveland which sparked the now successful petition drive.

LOVELAND, OHIO - LIFE TOOOOOO SHORT?

LOVELAND, OHIO - Dear Loveland Magazine Readers.

Here is a link to a computer animation for the "X Box" that some of you will enjoy, especially as we contemplate making everyday life and the holidays more relaxing, enjoyable, and meaningful.

Life is toooo short, and pausing for thanksgiving, and deliberately pausing, to reflect on the things we are truly thankful for, and being reminded of the simple things we take for granted make this week a very important one.

Life is toooo short to waste this week, wasted if we don't spend the time to truly express to others our affection for them.

Good luck with this endeavor this holiday season.

Also, thank you all for being so supportive of Loveland Magazine this past year. Your encouragement and moral support and your daily contributions (whether positive or critical) has been invaluable and sustaining.

Be blessed and be a blessing to all you meet this Thanksgiving, - you have been a blessing to me for sure.

David Miller, Editor

Before you click to see the animation, be aware that this commercial was banned from British television and pulled from the airways by the makers of the Xbox, not because of violent or sexual content, but simply because it is a harrowing summation of life from the delivery room to the grave. IT IS DISTURBING.

When you get to the site, choose any of the available options to view the commercial.

http://www.boardsmag.com/screeningroom/commercials/235/

IRAQ - I WANT TO THANK EVERYONE BACK AT HOME FOR THEIR ON GOING SUPPORT OF THE TROOPS

IRAQ - Dear Loveland Magazine: by Blake Poe

Time is winding down here in Iraq. The weather has cooled off greatly and it feels like fall in Ohio, only a few thousand miles away. Each morning when we get ready for work we have to bundle up a bit to keep warm as we move from our living areas to our work site for the day. I have an upcoming leave in early December and am looking very forward to it.

Upon my return to Iraq there will be only a short time left until we re-deploy back to the United States. Morale is still high amongst the troops here. After spending two months at another FOB and building the bridge that many of you have seen in recent pics we made our way back to FOB Speicher. It wasn't long before I was sent back out on another mission that had us doing work for the Iraqi Police in a nearby town. Things were quiet for the most part but we accomplished our mission.

As I am sure most of you have heard, two of our soldiers were wounded in a mortar attack on their job site a few weeks ago. Spc. Edision and Spc. Couch are back in the states doing well after each had been struck by shrapnel from the explosion.

With our time coming to a close here we have seen a lot of accomplishments that we have done in Iraq along with the numerous changes that we have seen. We have seen a country getting back on its feet after years of being left behind by their evil dictator. I want to thank everyone back at home for their on going support of the troops deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Thank you again.

Blake Poe

LOVELAND, OHIO - ANOTHER CHANCE TO WIN A GIFT CERTIFICATE

LOVELAND, OHIO - George Grassan will be 100 years old on Friday November 26. As of last Friday George had received 113 Birthday cards, so a second prize has been added. Send George his 200th Birthday card and receive a gift certificate for dinner.

George's first 100 cards have been put aside and one will be chosen to receive a $25 gift certificate to Paxton's Grill in Loveland curtesy of Loveland Magazine. The remaining cards will now be eligible for a second gift certificate provided by the family. Since cards are coming from around the country, the second prize is yet to be determined.

George's daughter Emma Jost wrote, "Thought you might enjoy seeing these pictures of a co-worker and 7 friends that came to Brookwood today to wish Dad a Happy 100th Birthday. Since Dad owned seven motorcycles,  seven motorcycles came. They also made Dad an Honorary member of their club.  It was AWESOME to see Dad's face light up. If I counted correctly today, George Grassan has received 113 cards and that was before the mail came today (Saturday). I read many of the cards to him, and got a lot of smiles from him.  Then, he said, 'Well, you certainly got a lot of cards.' I replied, Dad, these are your cards. So he smiled real big and said, 'Well, I certainly got many cards!!"

Jost said he received twenty-two cards from Jennifer Poe's second grade class in Loveland and enjoyed the colors, hearts, XXXs and OOOOs. Cards have come from Florida, North Dakota, Georgia, Tennessee, and other states.

Jost said, "THANKS to all of you for giving Dad a very good feeling. He remarked, 'I must have done something right to get all of this attention.'  I told him that he certainly did and he is a positive role model for many, many people.  He said he liked hearing that."

"The Loveland Magazine article has certainly generated a lot of fun for my Dad. THANK YOU."

On Thanksgiving Day, George's ninety-year old sister will be here from Seattle.

To send George a birthday card:

George Grassan
Room 356
Brookwood Retirement Community
12100 Reed Hartman Highway
Cincinnati, Ohio 45241

LOVELAND, OHIO - PARTIN OPENS SEASON WITH 27

LOVELAND, OHIO - Jilian Partin, point guard for Loveland High School opened her senior year with 27 points Friday night to help defeat Milford 51-47 in overtime. Loveland defeated New Richmond on Saturday night 48-24.

Partin, a four year starter, heading to Lipscomb University in Nashville Tennessee has been Loveland's all time scoring leader since her Junior year and is closing in on 1000 career points.

The Loveland women play McNicolas Tuesday November 23 at home at 7:30 P M (JV game begins at 6) and Saturday at Little Miami at 7:30 P M.

The men open their regular season at Kings High School on Tuesday November 30.

LOVELAND, OHIO - PASS IT ON FOOD DRIVE PASSED GOAL

LOVELAND, OHIO - The Loveland Middle/Intermediate School "Pass-it-On" Thanksgiving Food Drive surpassed their goal for every needed food category with a total of 2483 food items donated, which greatly exceeded their overall goal of 1810.

LOVELAND, OHIO - LOVELAND HERALD BOUGHT BY ENQUIRER OWNER

LOVELAND, OHIO - On Friday November 19, Gannett Co. Inc., owner of The Cincinnati Enquirer, announced the purchase of HomeTown Communications Network Inc., the owner of the Loveland Herald and 26 other suburban weekly newspapers in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.

Terms were not disclosed. The deal is subject to approval by the Justice Department, according to the Gannett press release.

The HomeTown employs 780 people and are expected to generate revenue of $86 million in 2004. Their publications include 24 community telephone directories distributed to 1.5 million households and 36 weekly or twice-weekly Michigan newspapers, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Gannett is the largest newspaper group in the United States. In Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, HomeTown's weekly newspapers include the Journal, Press and Recorder family of newspapers.

The Clermont Community Journal, Community Press Mason and Deerfield Township, Indian Hill Journal., Milford Times, North Clermont Community Journal, Suburban Life, Milford-Miami Advertiser, and Northeast Suburban Life. are also being sold in the deal.

Gannett is based in McLean, Va. and owns 101 daily newspapers in the United States and publishes USAToday, the nation's largest-selling daily newspaper. The company also owns 21 television stations and operates 130 Web sites. It has additional operations in Great Britain, Belgium, Germany, Italy and Hong Kong. Gannett posted revenue of $6.7 billion in 2003.

Richard Aginian, president of HomeTown Communications Network, said he does not expect layoffs to result from the purchase by Gannett, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Gannett is buying HomeTown from founder Philip Power and his wife Kathleen, who have decided to retire. Gannett said in a press release on Friday, "HomeTown’s publications are an excellent fit with Gannett’s operations in these growth areas of Michigan, Ohio and Kentucky," said Gary Watson, president of Gannett’s Newspaper Division. "We’re very pleased that company founder Philip Power and his wife Kathleen looked to Gannett when they decided to retire. The Powers made very smart decisions in the nearly 40 years they owned and operated HomeTown and we plan to continue in that tradition."

Local reporters for the Loveland Herald and Cincinnati Enquirer declined comment

LOVELAND, OHIO - NEW ART STUDIO HAS OPEN HOUSE

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO - "Operation Santa" HELPING TOYS FOR TOTS

On Sunday, December 5th Santa will begin his annual trek through Miami Township neighborhoods. As tradition dictates, he will arrive via a shiny, red fire truck with his helpers and a truck full of treats for good little boys and girls. In the spirit of the giving season, Santa also hopes that residents will help him fill his bag back up with donations to the MARINE TOYS FOR TOTS PROGRAM. This worthy campaign collects new, unwrapped toys or cash gifts for less fortunate children. Anyone interested in making a toy or cash donation may give it to Santa or one of his helpers as they travel through the Township. Checks should be made payable to the MARINE TOYS FOR TOTS FOUNDATION. To be sure that Santa greets all the children in the Township, he and his helpers will be taking three separate routes on a fire truck. A complete list of locations and approximate time stops are listed below. For additional information, please contact the Township office at 683-6644.

Route #1
5:00 p.m. United Methodist Church (Camp Dennison)
5:25 p.m. Morgan's Trace & Farmcourt
5:45 p.m. Arabian & Roan
6:05 p.m. Mistymorn Court
6:20 p.m. Liberty Hills
6:35 p.m. Stablehand & Steeplechase
6:55 p.m. Withers & Cummings Farm
7:15 p.m. Gateway & Solon
7:30 p.m. Hopewoods & Bainwoods
7:45 p.m. Shadyside & Stonecrest
8:05 p.m. Kempergrove & Oakvalley
8:25 p.m. Cactus Lane

Route #2
5:00 p.m. Shadowglen Drive
5:20 p.m. Chatham Woods & Windy Hill
5:40 p.m. Riveroaks & Brentmoor
6:00 p.m. Willow & Foxgate
6:20 p.m. Richland Park & Waters Edge
6:40 p.m. Meadowknoll & Colebourne
6:55 p.m. Bentcreek & Streamside
7:15 p.m. Stonebridge Drive
7:30 p.m. Somerset & Carter Grove
7:50 p.m. Symbola & Kosine
8:05 p.m. Shenandoah Trace
8:20 p.m. Stonebridge Way & Farmstead

Route #3
5:00 p.m. Crestfield Court
5:15 p.m. Paulmeadows & Heritage
5:35 p.m. Hambletonian & Plumhill
5:50 p.m. Patrilla & Kemperwoods
6:10 p.m. Chesney & Avant
6:25 p.m. Pemmican Run & Birchbark
6:40 p.m. Iron Liege & Calumet Way
6:55 p.m. Symmescreek & Symmesknoll
7:15 p.m. Terwilligersvalley & Terwilligersridge
7:30 p.m. Terwilligersridge & Terwilligersknoll
7:50 p.m. Donwiddle & Souffle
8:10 p.m. Greenhedge Lane
8:25 p.m. Hawthorn Woods
All times are approximate.

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO - RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

HISTORY NIGHT
Monday, November 22; 7:00-8:00
Leming House at Community Park
Free
Rick Crawford, Historian, will share his great knowledge of all the fascinating history that has occurred all around us.

MAKE YOUR OWN GREETING CARDS
Monday, November 29th, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Leming House at Community Park
$10/resident, $15/non-resident
Make cards to send to the special people on your holiday list. Participants will use assorted techniques to create cards of various sizes. All materials included. This program is open to adults and to children 12 and older, if accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration required.

HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING AND OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, December 4th, 5:00-8:00pm
Leming House at Community Park
Come one and all to the 6th annual Tree lighting & open house. Enjoy holiday carols, visit with santa, and take a horse drawn carriage ride through the park. Children can decorate their own cookies, have their face painted and/or make a holiday craft. The miami township tree will be lit at 7:15pm
Free and open to the public.

Call Miami township recreation at 248-3725, ext. 116 for more information.

http://www.miamitwp.org/index.htm

LOVELAND, OHIO - ALL I'S ON LOVELAND'S BRIAN THOMPSON

LOVELAND, OHIO - Brian Thompson (LHS 2001) will be dotting the "I" at  the Ohio State/Michigan (Nov 20) football games.  Brian is in his fourth year at Ohio State, majoring in Engineering.  He is the son of Tom and Sharon Thompson of Loveland.

The familiar kick, turn, and bow by the sousaphone player at the top of the "i" is a 60 year tradition. The honor of dotting the "i" is known throughout the world and sometimes receives great media attention.

Ohio State describes it as, "The most memorable tradition in college band history--The Incomparable SCRIPT OHIO!"

"With that introduction, a three-and-a-half minute, single-file trek begins for the 192-piece OSUMB as the band files into the "Script" Ohio formation."

To read about the "i"-Dot Tradition at Ohio State University: http://tbdbitl.osu.edu/history/idot.htm

Photo from the Ohio State University Marching Band Web Site.

 

LOVELAND, OHIO - Tom Sawyer, a two act - class act

LOVELAND, OHIO - The performance last Saturday night of Tom Sawyer The Musical, by the Loveland Middle School was a first rate production and the Loveland Community now has a higher bar to get over when sights are set on local stage productions.

The lighting was excellent, costumes wonderfully time and period designed, with special attention paid to details often overlooked that if left unattended to, often end up distracting the audience. Makeup application is always difficult for a stage production because some patrons are very close to the actors, and some very far away. Makeup applied with too heavy a hand can often be the most distracting thing for theater goers to overcome, but these students and their parent volunteers and the staff at the Middle School pulled off this difficult task to almost perfection. Only one set of facial hair and sideburns seemed a little too "painted on." Many of these seventh and eight graders played the roll of adults and senior citizens, so pulling off the make-up makeovers is no routine task.

Then there were the actors themselves, not missing a beat with their lines, which all seemed to be delivered with perfect timing, and perfect elocution. The dialogue was as spontaneous as natural conversation, no insignificant feat even for veteran actors. Even from the back of the sold out auditorium, there was never a need to strain to hear or understand the dialogue - the Mississippi River dialect at that. How do you pull off the southern dialect without seeming to mock? Don't know, but these young students did this with great maturity. This wasn't Hee Haw, it was simply finely crafted acting and directing.

The sets were also designed and painted to do just that - set the scene in a place and time without distracting from the flow of the action and story line. They were beautifully painted in intricate and subtle detail. Also, no gimmicky sound effects to distract and take the theater patron away from the mood were used, adding to the credit of this artfully crafted production.

This was an carefully thought out and well executed production, and for seventh and eight grade students to pull off this play is simply amazing and a credit to the reputation the Loveland community has for presenting first rate theater.

The production was more play than musical, but music certainly played its part. The pit orchestra (a seven piece professional orchestra) was also subtle in its presentation and never distracted from the singing or acting. And, like the actors on the stage, the director of the pit orchestra, was not afraid to let the audience savor quiet and gentle moments nor did anyone over-act the few rather raucous scenes or prat-falls.

Remember the name Kees Henskens, who played the lead role of Tom sawyer. Plant his name into your memory, (Henskens, Henskens, Henskens) and try to see this young man act, dance or sing sometime this year. Henskens can be a show stopper if he wants because he certainly has the talent, but he knows how to act; either among a chorus of many or one on one with the leading lady. His acting career will be closely followed throughout his years in the Loveland schools - get in line early, the lines will be long to see this very talented young man. You might assume that Henskens' stage maturity can be attributed to natural or raw talent, which he of course has, but his performances are much more than that as he crafts his role well and knows what is going on around him at all times. It's not about Henskens - it's about you the audience, his fellow stage mates, and of course, the story he is telling.

More simply put, Tom Sawyer at the Loveland Middle School last Saturday was a well spun tale, nothing more, nothing less and no more could be asked of actors of any age. It was a well told story - end of story.

LOVELAND, OHIO - WEB SITE MALIGNS LOVELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND LOCAL BUSINESS COMMUNITY

LOVELAND, OHIO - It has come to the attention of Loveland Magazine that a web site is now published on the World Wide Web that publicly maligns the Loveland Area Chamber of Commerce and the hard working business community along Loveland Madeira Road. In addition, information on the site may lead naïve and gullible people to erroneously believe the site is published by the Editor and Publisher of Loveland Magazine, David G. Miller and that Miller is attempting to harm the Chamber and local businesses.

David Miller, Photography and Digital Imaging is a member of the Chamber. In 2002 Miller was honored by the Chamber "…for his efforts for the Loveland Area Chamber of Commerce." Miller formerly worked at the chamber and in 2002, Miller won the Chamber's annual Valentine Card Design Contest. His photography of the Loveland community was featured in the Chamber's 35th Anniversary Issue-Community Profile published in 2003 and in their 2002 Membership Directory.

Loveland Magazine, found at http://www.lovelandmagazine.com is the only web site with news of the Loveland area published and edited by David G. Miller. There is no relation either direct or indirect between David G. Miller, Loveland Magazine, or David Miller, Photography and Digital Imaging and any other publication.

Anyone having knowledge of the initiators of this hoax are encouraged to call the Editor at 513-683-7195 or E-mail at lovelandmagazine@cincinnati.rr.com

Loveland Magazine will hold in the strictest of confidence the identity of persons providing such information.

 

LOVELAND, OHIO, LARCENY AND OLD LACE THIS WEEKEND

LOVELAND, OHIO - The Loveland High School Play is this week, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 18, 19, 20. Tickets are $6.00 for students and senior citizens, adults are $8.00, and can be purchased at the door. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. The title is Larceny and Old Lace.

"It's a comedy and the kids are great," said Doris Osborne the Director.

The show is a take off of Arsenic and Old Lace. "Ours is. A comedy in two acts. Two little ladies go to Vegas and rob casinos. Just your run of the mill ladies," said Osborne.

LOVELAND, OHIO - CLICKS

LOVELAND, OHIO - This home, going up the Broadway hill (Rt. 48) on the Clermont County side of Loveland, has surely brought joy and thanksgiving to thousands of weary travelers.

LOVELAND, OHIO - SEND GEORGE HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY CARD AND WIN A FREE MEAL FROM LOVELAND MAGAZINE AT PAXTONS GRILL

LOVELAND, OHIO - Last Tuesday morning the "Church Ladies" from Epiphany United Methodist Church visited ninety-nine year old George Grassan, delivered a few birthday cards, a cake, some songs, and a few kisses.

George's birthday, number 100, is actually on November 26 and his daughter Emma Jost (lower left in photo) who lives in Miami Township, hopes that he gets 100 birthday cards.

George lived in the Beavercreek, Ohio area on a 60 acre farm and worked in Dayton at the same tool and die shop for 46 years, and his wife Mary worked the farm. George and Emma said that when he was younger he owned two corvettes that he bought for his sons, and over his lifetime he owned seven motorcycles and three motor scooters and once rode one from Dayton to Buffalo, NY and back. George once bought a Piper Cub airplane so his son could fly back and forth from Purdue University. George said he and his wife had been married for seventy-one years when she passed away in 2002.

When he was 68, George and Mary bought a 130 acre farm outside of Hillsboro, Ohio where they raised corn, soybeans and tobacco.

If you are the one that sends George his 100th birthday card you will receive a $25 gift certificate from Loveland Magazine for a meal at Paxton's Grill in Loveland.

The family has requested, that on George's birthday, he will put all of his cards into a basket and draw them out one at a time until he gets to the one-hundredth card.

To send George a birthday card:

George Grassan Room
356 Brookwood Retirement Community
12100 Reed Hartman Highway
Cincinnati, Ohio 45241

LOVELAND, OHIO - Eye Glass Help Available

LOVELAND, OHIO - The Loveland Initiative (formally the Loveland Shalom Initiative) has resources available to help working poor or low income people in the Loveland area get new eye glasses. If you have an eye prescription less than one year old, Lens Crafters through their Gift of Sight Program will provide new lens and frames. If your prescription is more than one year old, you must have an eye exam before receiving the lens and frames, however help is available for the eye exam also.

Lill Lane is coordinating the program and she says that persons needing an eye exam may be helped by a program she can explain, where the exam would cost just $60-65.

To find out more about the program and see if you qualify, contact Lill at 774-7878 or Terri Rogers at 677-1057 or E-mail Rogers at: trogers@cinci.rr.com

LOVELAND, OHIO - Christmas in Loveland Art Exhibit

LOVELAND, OHIO - The Loveland Arts Council is sponsoring a "Christmas in Loveland" Art Exhibit November 28, 2004 through January 2, 2005.

The Winter Art Exhibit will be held at The Works Restaurant  (located behind Loveland City Hall, just east of the bike trail) with paintings/ photographs and art in all forms on the walls of The Works Restaurant for all to view enjoy and purchase.  There will be over 90 works of art.

The Opening Reception to meet the Artists will be Monday, December 6 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm.  The Opening Reception is open to the public and everyone is invited.  

"To date we have 38 artists' applications with over 92 works of art in various forms including paintings, photography and fiber art to hang at The Works. This is a great place to purchase unique Holiday gifts," said Carole Lannom.

For more information contact: Carole Lannom - 683-3129 or jlannom@fuse.net or http://www.all4art.info

LOVELAND, OHIO - From school to shirt factory to art studios

LOVELAND, OHIO - Chandra and Shawn Custis are renovating the old Clifton Shirt Factory into artist's studios. The Loveland Art Studio on Main will be "Pendleton" like, said Chandra Custis. The Pendletown Art Center is in Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine where studios are open to the public, giving guests the opportunity to view creative art space, as well as purchase one-of-a-kind artwork directly from artists. The Custis' both grew up in the Cincinnati area and moved to Loveland two years ago.

The 108 year old, 30,000 square foot brick building was originally the West Loveland Elementary School erected in 1888 and many features of the school remain such as the seven foot wide staircase to the second floor, original bathrooms, and school desks were found in the basement. Shawn Custis said, "The building at the moment is a work in progress, slowly having artists choose how they would like their space, and building it as they go."

The school building was transformed into the Clifton Shirt Factory around 1948. Some of its original items still remain such as old sewing tables, shirt designs, and a mannequin in full police uniform. The company made police, security guard, and military uniforms. "From what we have been told by the neighbors, many neighborhood people were employed here as well as going to school here," said Shawn Custis.

The Custis' have spent the last five months, painting, repairing the roofing, and removing some of the plaster to expose original brick walls. They have fixed the unit heaters, furnaces, some central air, and activated the security and fire alarms.

Shawn Custis said they originally bought the building with hopes of turning it into an antique mall but were approached by local artist Mary Karg with an idea to turn the building into artist studios. "After hearing what she had to say, we became passionate and committed to the idea," said Custis.

Mary Karg lives in Miami Township and creates hand made art glass beads and designs jewelry. Her work has been recognized and published in national and international publications. Karg says she makes, "Art to wear."

Karg has been recognized by The International Society of Glass Bead Makers, and for three straight years was recognized by Bead and Button Magazine as one of the "Top Five" designers from around the world. Karg will be creating and selling her art at the center as well as giving instructions. She will rent "torch time" and has the raw materials such as gloss rods and enamels. Karg said, "I needed a space and a place where my customers can find me."

"Chandra and Shawn have been great to work with and have done anything I've asked of them. They have been enthusiastic and supportive about having this place in Loveland," said Karg.

The Loveland Art Studio on Main is at 529 Main Street just off of Loveland Madeira Road. It is very near the Loveland Post Office as Main Street is at the traffic light at the entrance to the Post Office.

To inquirer about renting or leasing space in the Loveland Art Studio on Main, contact:

Shawn Custis 513-235-6700 or scustis@fuse.net

LOVELAND, OHIO - FROM MY CORNER

LOVELAND, OHIO - FROM MY CORNER by Warren McClellan

I was asked recently after reviewing a teacher’s performance, "Mr. M., I know you are busy, but would you list for me the top ten things you look for when you observe a teacher?" I thought it was a great and fair question/request because it came out of the context of "if I knew more clearly what you expect, I think I could deliver that because I want to be a good teacher." I don’t consider myself to be on the level of a David Letterman, but here’s my top 10.

1. The lesson is directed, guided or focused on a benchmark that leads to a state outcome. There should be no mystery about the purpose or reason of why I am teaching what I am teaching. There are so many things to learn and it can be so easy to loose your way among all these things, not to mention my favorite things, but that time spent together has to be about where and what the state has directed us to go.

2. Mystery or dilemmas have their places among the best lessons. I know where we are going, but if the lesson has this mystique, imbalance, and needs a thinking solution, it grabs the students and me.

3. I hear it, I see it, I do it, I solve it, I know it, I own it, I use it, and the successive stuff velcros to it.

4. There’s this respect for the individual learner. If the content is already known I’m not made to feel- I don’t have to learn it at that same level again and tread water until the rest of the class catches up, No I am given the latitude where I can stretch it some other way and enhance what I already know. If I don’t know it, I’m not made to feel-"where have you been?" but I’m gently guided to get it this way.

5. What is learned, albeit guided by the state, has purpose, meaning and authenticity for my life. I can sit there and see clearly why I should need to know this other than because "I need it for college."
6. We practice, practice, practice correctly. Correct practice does make it perfectly correct.

7. Even if I am not good at showing what I know specifically with a paper and pencil test, there are additional avenues where the student can demonstrate his/her grasp on the content. I demonstrate what I know and it is confirmed that it is now capable of being archived away. I would go so far as to say, is the teacher making every effort to make the content failure-proof. I’ve rarely seen "you are a zero" to be productive no matter how real that assessment is.

8. Technology, seamlessly integrated, bumps up the lesson a notch and the technology tools are critical for getting where we are going. There is a reality bump/engagement with the technology like the purr of a car going into overdrive.

9. The quality and depth of the learning is acknowledged beyond /between the teacher and a learner. There are some forms of public display or communication about the learning growth. Currently, one section of our halls are topped with papier-mâché ice-cream cones.

10. Lastly, I want a feel or connection from what I see in and out of the classroom, that the teacher, whether he is a guide on the side or she is a sage on the stage, to know what they are doing is critically and vitally important. This mission is demonstrated and observed by what is put into it. Teaching is more than a job.

Every Vehicle Day for, at least, the last five years Howard McDaniel has drug his blacksmithing wares to Loveland Intermediate School. What he does is a better metaphor than this top ten list. He labors in front of hot coals, sweats despite it being frosty out some years, no one remembers his name, but you know he loves his work if no other reason he comes here for free and wouldn’t miss it. When he has that iron embedded in those coals it’s like when the teaching and learning come together. He puts a cold, straight piece of black iron into a highly focused bed of coals. He pulls from the embers a glowing piece of iron and works his magic turning something ordinary into something everyday-vital like a nail that holds other things together. As it cools, we hear about the purpose of the work, then we touch it and practice swinging the hammer. Good teaching/learning works like this and it holds us all together.

LOVELAND, OHIO - TOM SAWYER IN RIVER TOWN TONIGHT

LOVELAND, OHIO - TOM SAWYER, the musical By: Lisa Kamp, Julia McCullough, and Maggie Sanders

Travel on back to the 1840’s Missouri by comin’ to see the new Loveland Middle School production of Tom Sawyer, the musical. Over 100 7th n’ 8th graders auditioned fer this here play. Seventy-five students were selected to be members of the cast n’ crew. These students have worked real hard to make this "a feel good musical". Dis is done fer you! We want all of ya to enjoy it. Please come see us on e’ther Thursday the 11th, Friday the 12th,or Saturday the 13th of November, in Loveland Middle School’s Auditorium. Don’t be late! The show stars at 7:00 P.M. Tickets’ll cost ya $4 fer students n’ seniors and $7 fer adults. Tickets will be available beginnin’ November 2nd at Loveland Middle School. The address of the school is 801 South Lebanon Road. The phone number is 683-3100. See y’all there cause if ya don’t come, Aunt Polly’ll skin ya!

LOVELAND, OHIO - CALL FOR ACTORS, DANCERS, AND SINGERS

LOVELAND, OHIO - The Loveland Stage Company will soon be auditioning for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Sunday, Dec. 5th
Children 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Dance 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Adult Vocals 3:00-5:00 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 6th
Children 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Adult Vocals 7:30-9:00 p.m.
Dance 8:30-9:30 p.m.

Auditions will be held at the Loveland Stage Company Theater, 111 S. 2nd Street, Loveland, Ohio.

Show Dates: March 4,5,6,11,12,13,18,19,20, 2005

You are requested to bring your own music for vocals and be prepared to dance. Needed are: 22 men, 14-20 women, M/F Chorus, and Children's chorus (age 10-16) Open roles are, Joseph, Narrator, 11 Brothers, 11 Wives, Potiphar, Mrs. Potiphar, Pharoah, Jacob, dancers (male and female), M/F Chorus, and Children's Chorus.

For more information call: Caroline Hall 697-1313

Afghanistan - A MESSAGE HOME FOR VETERAN'S DAY

AFGHANISTAN - Dear Loveland Magazine,

It's Veteran's Day, by Lt. Colonel David Volkman

Back in what seems like another era, pre 9-11, back when I was teaching American Government at Loveland High School, one of the most special events of my school year was taking a busload of seniors to Washington DC over Veteran's Day. It seemed to me that November 11 provided a special context for a special journey. We of course went to many of the sites in DC- the Archives and Capitol and Supreme Court, monuments and memorials to Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt, and my favorite- Arlington Cemetery.

But for me the best part of that entire trip was a talk I gave as we were heading home out of Washington after our final sightseeing visit -to the Marine Corps Memorial. It gave me a chance to try and pull the many experiences of the trip together for my kids. I talked about how the many memorials and fancy buildings are more than just monuments to what was- they are a question to us as to what will be. Will we squander our freedom, or use it to illuminate? How very precious our America is - and how important it is for all of us to do what we can to live up to the demands of what has been bequeathed to us by our forefathers, to accept the challenges and the opportunity of liberty and self government. I never made it all the way through that talk without having to take a moment to get myself together, thinking about the price that so many have paid to give me so much, and wondering if I would be up to the task myself.

The attacks on 9-11 thrust that task on all of us. We are in difficult times today, but then we have been so many times in our past. There is a very real war in our world today, and it's not just in Iraq and Afghanistan- it is rightly called the global war on terror. And on this November 11, the question I asked my kids on the bus in past Novembers is still there to each of us- in our world, are we doing what we can to protect the principles which define America and which previous generations have passed on to us? Every one of us is called to stand up for what we believe in and do what we can to preserve or advance freedom here and around our world. I know you can't see who all gets this email, or would even know who half the people are, but trust me when I tell you that there are some American heroes on it. Many never wore a uniform, but some did- in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, or stood vigilant and ready in the years between. Not for fame or reward, not for place or rank, not lured by ambition or goaded by necessity; but in simple obedience to duty as they understood it. Today, this is for you.

If you are a Veteran, from me to you- thank you for all you did when it was your turn, and I want you to know I'm doing the best I know how while its my turn. I owe that to you and every other American who ever wore the uniform to defend this great and good country of ours. You are my heroes who I take inspiration from every day. And right up there with you are your family members who know too well what sacrifice must be made for what you did.

If you are not a veteran, find the ones you know and tell them thanks. You have an incredible thing in America called freedom, which so many have done so much through history to win, expand and protect. Millions of Americans from all walks of life can stake a claim to the hard work that went into that, and that continues today- and our veterans certainly can stand up and be counted for having done their part. Let's all do ours.

All my best,
Dave

DAVID N. VOLKMAN
LTC, CA, USA
C9 Operations Officer
Combined Forces Command- Afghanistan