Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND, OHIO - INFORMATION IS POWER - FREE CREDIT REPORTS AVAILABLE MARCH 1

LOVELAND, OHIO - Starting Tuesday March 1 you'll be able to get your credit report for free. A recent amendment to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months, from (http://ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/credit/ycr_free_reports.htm)

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation's consumer protection agency, has prepared a brochure, Your Access to Free Credit Reports, (http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/freereports.htm) explaining your rights and how to order a free annual credit report.

A credit report contains information on where you live, how you pay your bills, and whether you've been sued, arrested, or filed for bankruptcy. Nationwide consumer reporting companies sell the information in your report to creditors, insurers, employers, and other businesses that use it to evaluate your applications for credit, insurance, employment, or renting a home

LOVELAND, OHIO - THE ACTION APOLOGY

LOVELAND, OHIO - THE ACTION APOLOGY by Bill Croskey

What is the worst thing you’ve ever done? No, please don’t e-mail me and tell me. Surely each has done things - dare I say sinned? - In ways that we would rather not have anyone know about. The February Character Quality of the Month is Forgiveness. I have taken all month to think about sinning, and how we go about forgiving each other.

I am interested in two traditions, which are no longer observed much. One is the concept of a scapegoat. We know the word as a psychological process; to blame an innocent bystander or a whole group for the acts of someone else or for events that no one could control. It turns out that in early Judaism, there were actual goats used as scapegoats. Two male goats were brought to a sacrifice. One goat was offered as a burnt offering. The second goat was the scapegoat. The high priest placed his hands on the head of the goat and confessed the sins of the people of Israel. The goat was then led away into the wilderness, bearing the sins of the people with it, to be claimed by the fallen angel Azazel. (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scapegoat)

The second concept is known as the sin-eater. It occurred in the British Isles up until at least the 1800’s and reportedly appeared in another version in the Appalachian Mountain regions of this country. The relatives and acquaintances in the town treated the sin-eater as an outcast. The sin-eater lived by himself. But, at the death of a loved one, the sin-eater would be called upon. Here is a description of the process: "The corpse being taken out of the house, and laid on a bier, a loaf of bread was given to the sin-eater over the corpse, also a maga-bowl of maple, full of beer. These consumed, a fee of sixpence was given him for the consideration of his taking upon himself the sins of the deceased, who, thus freed, would not walk after death." (Source: http://www.sacred-texts.com/etc/fcod/fcod07.htm)

Two instances of sins, or crimes, or mistakes being taken on by another living being, leaving the sinner cleansed and free of blame. Such powerful traditions suggest that human beings have been aware of their sins and the need for forgiveness for centuries. Interestingly, in both scenarios, there are no processes mentioned for "paying" for our sins." Yes, sacrifices and payments are made. But, there is no restoration made, no righting of the wrong, no fixing the problem.

How do we make things right? I learned a concept from my daughter, Lauren - called the Action Apology. Her school trained the staff and students in a process called the Responsive Classroom. It involves morning meetings, as well as a common vocabulary for getting along better with people. The Action Apology works like this: If you do something that causes another hurt, or difficulty, or even extra work, you must try to fix it. It is helpful to say, "I’m sorry." But in addition to the words, the wrongdoer must do whatever is possible to make amends. An Action Apology does not involve asking for forgiveness and waiting around until it is bestowed. Rather, one must go out and do what is necessary to make it right. Presumably, it makes me feel more at peace to have tried to fix things than to have passively waited to be excused.

I think there is another benefit to all this. I have found myself working with a fair number of perfectionist children at Loveland. In essence, they are angry with themselves for not being perfect. Yep, they can tell themselves that no one is perfect. But, deep inside, I believe that they assume that the last part of that rule is: Nobody’s perfect - but I expect myself to be perfect, or be miserable trying.

Insert the concept of an Action Apology right there. Now, the sinner must try to make amends. Do what he or she can to fix things. Then - and here is the hard part - LET GO. If you are convinced you have done everything you can to fix things, then let go and forgive yourself. I am convinced that self-forgiveness comes before the forgiveness of others. If that never comes, we can have the peace of knowing we did what we could. Until we are forgiven by ourselves, we cannot accept the forgiveness of others. So self-forgiveness HAS to precede the other kind.

As with the scapegoat and the sin-eater, this process is not a bargain. We do not BUY our forgiveness. We do not EARN it. We do what we can, forgive ourselves, and hope. No guarantees. No quid pro quo. No deals. I believe that is as it should be.

OK. I’m done. Sorry if I preached. Forgive me?

LOVELAND, OHIO - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

LOVELAND, OHIO - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Loveland Stage Company

March 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20

Friday and Saturdays: 8:00 p.m.
Sunday matinees: 3:00 p.m.

Tickets: 984-5410

Ticket Prices: $12.00 Adults,
$10.00 Students (18 and under)
$10.00 Seniors (60 and older)

Tickets are also available at
The Lebanon Citizen's National Bank - Loveland

LOVELAND, OHIO - COLLABORATE TO RAISE MONEY

LOVELAND, OHIO - Dear Loveland Magazine by Roberta Paolo,

Granny's Spring Garden Party, Saturday, May 7th is a community event.

We invite Scouts and other non profit organizations to come and use the event to raise funds for their organizations. This year, we decided to collaborate with another organization to run the rummage sale. We will provide the space, tables, two volunteers, and take care of the advertising and general promotion. Our partner will provide 6-8 volunteers and we will share the responsibility of securing donations of items to sell. We already have a bunch of stuff in storage. We will split the profit 50/50.

We have reserved the gym at the elementary school for the sale. It will take place the morning of Saturday, May 7th, 9-1 (The other parts of the event start at one and go until five). There will be a bag sale noon-1 and rummage sale leftovers will be picked up by the Salvation Army at 1:30.We will setup for the sale the evening before.

So, if your group needs to raise funds for whatever, this may be a relatively painless way to do it. This could also be a good way for a Life Scout to raise funds for his Eagle project.

E-mail schoolgarden@fuse.net for more information. It's first come first served!

Thanks,
Roberta Paolo

LOVELAND, OHIO - ART AUCTION - This Friday

LOVELAND, OHIO - On Friday, February 25th the Loveland Middle/Intermediate School PTSA will be hosting their first ever Art Auction fundraising event.  All proceeds will be used to fund field trips, school projects and teacher grants to help pay for classroom expenses.

The auction will take place at the Oasis Conference Center with a silent auction table opening at 7pm and a one hour preview party for the live auction with dessert and hors d'oeuvres.  The live auction will be hosted by Ross Galleries of Holbrook, New York, and will feature oils, watercolors, lithographs, sports  and music memorabilia, estate jewelry and sculpture.  Opening bids are less than 50% traditional gallery prices.

Tickets are $15.00 per person and can be purchased from Terri Doarn 956-9624 or Lyn Jarc 683-4412

Click here to view Art Auction Flyer
Download art_auction.html

LOVELAND, OHIO - Loveland vs. Hamilton Thursday at Miami U

LOVELAND, OHIO - The Loveland Mens Basketball team advanced further into the State basketball tournament defeating Wilmington, 69-49 at Lakota High School on February 4.

They play in Oxford, Ohio on Thursday night in Miami University's Millett Hall at 8:30 P.M.

The men took second place in the Fort Ancient Valley League with a 10-9 (16-5) record, behind Mason High School 12-2 (17-4) and play Hamilton in the second round of the tournament.

Hamilton is #8 in the Cincinnati Enquirer's Coaches Poll with an 8-8 overall and an 8-5 Greater Miami Conference record.

The Loveland Women finished fifth in the league behind Winton Woods, Anderson, Harrison, and Mason. They were 7-7 in league competition and 11-10 overall. The Women were eliminated in the first round of the State Tournament, loosing to Ursuline 50-43.

LOVELAND, OHIO - FAVC TO EXPAND

LOVELAND, OHIO - The Fort Ancient Vally league Conference (FAVC) will expands to 18 Schools with the acceptance of Mt. Healthy into the conference. Loveland High School is in the FAVC.

At it's February 9, 2005 Board of Control meeting, they unanimously voted to accept the application of Mount Healthy High School into the FAVC starting with the 2006-07 school year. This will bring the number of schools in the FAVC to eighteen in 2006.

In addition to voting to bring in Mount Healthy, the Board of Control voted to create three divisions with six schools in each division. The three divisions whose names have not been officially decided are:

Division A- Anderson, Glen Este, Harrison, Loveland, Mason, and Winton Woods

Division B- Amelia, Kings, Little Miami, Turpin, Walnut Hills, Wilmington

Division C- Edgewood, Mount Healthy, Northwest, Norwood, Ross, Talawanda

The league feels this will create better balance and competition within each of the divisions and the schools in the divisions will be better geographically aligned.

Loveland is currently in the larger school Buckeye Division along with, Amelia, Anderson, Glen Este, Harrison, Mason, Walnut Hills, and Winton Woods.

LOVELAND, OHIO - Granny's Spring Garden Party

LOVELAND, OHIO - Granny's Spring Garden Party is Saturday, May 7, 1-5 p.m. at the Loveland Primary & Elementary School, 550-600 Loveland-Madeira Road. If it is nice, they will be outside, if it rains, inside.

Whatever your specialty (photography, painting, sketching, woodworking, sewing, needlepoint, carving, making paper or books, stained glass, painting rocks, etc.) you are invited.

Participation is free. They ask only for a donation of $20 worth of whatever you are offering for sale. These items will be auctioned/raffled the day of the event. If the exhibitor is a child, they ask only for the donation of one item, whatever the value.

People of all ages are invited and they extend a special invitation to children to participate. They want to encourage hands-on expression and entrepreneurship in children.

You must supply your own tables. If the weather is nice, they will be in the parking lots, if not they will be inside in the elementary school cafeteria and hallways. Setup is 11:30-12:30 p.m. and everything must be cleared out by 6 p.m. For more information:

http://www.grannysgardenschool.com/spring-2005-craft-recruit.html

Or call 324-2873

CINCINNATI, OHIO - CINCINNATI CHILDREN'S SPONSORS "ASK THE EXPERT" DISPLAY FOR CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY

CINCINNATI, OHIO - Since vehicle crashes are the number one killer of children ages 2 to 14, representatives from Trauma Services at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center will join forces with Beechmont Chevrolet to promote child passenger safety. Experts from Trauma Services will be on hand to answer questions at the "Ask the Expert" display and provide educational information on how to properly restrain a child. Families will also have the chance to win a free car seat.

11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 26

Beechmont Chevrolet, 7600 Beechmont Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2003, there were 471 passenger vehicle occupant fatalities among children under 5 years of age. Of those 471 fatalities, an estimated 167 were totally unrestrained. During the past four years, Cincinnati Children's in collaboration with local police, fire and health departments have completed over 10,000 car seat checks to prevent related injuries in the Cincinnati area.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to have their car seats inspected and follow these 4 steps to protect children in motor vehicles:

• Children up to at least 1 year of age and weighing less than 20 pounds should use a rear-facing car seat.
• Children between ages 1 and 4 and weighing between 20 and 40 pounds should use a forward-facing car seat with an internal harness.
• Children weighing between 40 and 80 pounds who are less than 4'9" tall should use a belt-positioning booster seat.
• Children weighing 80 pounds or more who are at least 4'9" tall should use a seat belt.

For more information about the proper use of booster seats, visit Children's Hospital's car/vehicle safety page at: http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/info/safety/vehicle  or call (513) 636-7865.

Various locations throughout Cincinnati, including Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center of Cincinnati, offer free car seat fittings. For a fitting appointment, call the following stations. If you cannot get an appointment within 7-10 days, you might want to call another fitting station location. To find a car seat fitting location near you: http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/info/safety/vehicle/car-seat-fit-search.htm

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO - Swim Team sends four girls to State Division I Swim Meet

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO - For the first time in school history Loveland High School will have four girls at the State Swim Meet in Canton on February 25 and 26. The 200 medley relay team of Cara Lennon, Kristin Tracey, Megan Stewart, and Margaret Fowler are seeded 16th of the twenty four qualifying teams from throughout Ohio. Freshman Cara Lennon will also swim the 100 backstroke and is seeded ninth. Margaret Fowler, a senior, will swim the 50 free and the 100 free. She is the first swimmer from Loveland to qualify in three events in Division I state swimming. The team will leave school Thursday and travel to Canton to begin warm-ups with the competition starting Friday morning at 9:00am. The high school coach is Randy Simons.

LOVELAND, OHIO - "TOMAHAWK TONY! - TOMAHAWK TONY!"

LOVELAND, OHIO - These Loveland students outdid the visiting Anderson Redskin fans at their own game during the February 18 varsity men's basketball game. "Tomahawk Tony, Tomahawk Tony," was the cry whenever Loveland Senior, Tony Fields even touched the ball. The good-natured rub at the rival Anderson students seemed to be enjoyed by the visiting fans as well, even though they weren't quite ready to admit it.

LOVELAND, OHIO - LOVELAND HIGH SCHOOL KING, CHRIS GRANT

LOVELAND, OHIO - Chris Grant was a key player on the Loveland High School Varsity basketball squad before undergoing surgery to repair a blown out knee he suffered in a game a few weeks ago. A loyal fan played tribute to Grant at last weeks Winter Homecoming game against the Anderson Redskins. The night was also Senior Night at the game, and Grant had vowed to work hard enough at re-hab to be able to escort his parents across the gym floor for the traditional introduction without using his crutches. Grant met his goal. The next night Grant was crowned Winter Homecoming King at the dance held at Loveland High School.

LOVELAND, OHIO - WINTER HOMECOMING QUEEN

LOVELAND, OHIO - Theresa Lee was crowned the Loveland High School Winter Homecoming Queen at halftime of the recent men's basketball game against Anderson High School on February 11. Pictured above, are last year's Queen, Whitney Tidwell and the new Queen. A night later at the Homecoming Dance, Chris Grant was crowned King.

LOVELAND, OHIO - PINE DERBY BEST OF SHOW

LOVELAND, OHIO - Jake Holle won "Most Unique," Trent lively won "Best Scouting Theme," and Graham David won "Judges Favorite Car" at the recent Pine Derby competition. Pack 888 held the annual races at the Loveland Intermediate School on January 29.

LOVELAND, OHIO - DRAGOSTEA DIN TEI, THE FLASH VIDEO BY GARY

LOVELAND, OHIO - Play this song if you ever sing in the shower. But don't, if you don't like music that sticks to you all day long.

Do play this song, if you ever dance in front of your web cam.

Do not play the original version if you are offended by the Rockefeller, middle finger salute.

Star Gary says, "For people who still don't know, yes that is me in the video, and the song is entitled "Dragostea Din Tea" by the Romanian pop band "O-Zone". (Love from the linden trees by The Outlaws")

"Holy crap!!! 1 million views!!!"

"You people are crazy! Just to let you all know, yes, this is the original location of the Numa Numa Dance... right here on New Grounds (NG). The internet sent it around like crazy, and it's wound up on over 80 websites that I could find, with an appearance on CNN, and just now on VH1's Best Week Ever. I've received tons of e-mail's and hits to my website, and I just want to thank you for all the feedback that you've given me."

View the original version here:

http://www.funpic.hu/swf/numanuma.html

Vrei sa pleci dar nu ma, nu ma iei,
Nu ma, nu ma iei, nu ma, nu ma, nu ma iei.
Chipul tau si dragostea din tei,
Mi-amintesc de ochii tai.

You want to leave but you don't want don't want to take me, don't want don't want to take me, don't want don't want don't want to take me.
Your face and the love from the linden trees,
And I remember your eyes.

LOVELAND, OHIO - MOVIE PROJECT COMES TO LOVELAND MIDDLE SCHOOL

LOVELAND, OHIO - "Flavor Invisible" is a film conceived and written by seventh grade students at Loveland Middle and Cincinnati Waldorf Schools.

"The film will be run as much as possible by the students, with the help of parents and high school students interested in photography and film making," said Bob Kessler, an experienced Loveland video producer.  Kessler will be assisting in the project. "Some of the adults helping out have professional movie production experience. Their contribution will make this project a realistic learning experience, as well as an entertaining and watchable finished video."

The script, written by a Loveland Middle School student and "a couple of her friends" tells the tale of three friends who accidentally invent invisible ice cream. It will be shot on professional video equipment and edited on professional editing bays. "I want to make it as much a learning experience for the kids as possible," said Kessler. He has a degree in broadcasting and 25 years of video production experience. Loveland High School students been have invited to help with the production.

There will be auditions for fifty-one speaking roles. Auditions for cast and crew positions are March 10 and 11, 2:30-4:00PM in the Band Room (#83), of the Loveland Middle School.

The Premiere is scheduled for September, 2005.

Volunteer positions for adults and High School age children include:
- Set design and construction
- Makeup
- Wardrobe design
- Lighting and Grip Department
- Camera and Sound Department
- Script supervision/continuity

For more information, including a list of characters, audition forms, and audition lines, go to: http://www.flavorinvisible.com

LOVELAND, OHIO - BOARD TO CONSIDER ADDING FOUR - FIRST GRADE CLASSES AT LOVELAND EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER

LOVELAND, OHIO - At tonight's meeting of the Loveland Board of Education, Superintendent, Dr. Kevin Boys will present a plan to "keep class sizes manageable" by placing four classes of first grade students at the Loveland Early Childhood Center (LECC) for the 2005-2006 school year and, the discontinuation of the full-day kindergarten option. The Board will meet at 6:30 P.M. in the Media Center of the Intermediate/Middle School on Lebanon Road.

Also tomorrow night (February 16) the third of three community discussions about the recommendation will be held at Loveland Early Childhood Center at 6:30 P.M.

Below is a letter sent to parents from Dr. Boys.

DEAR PARENTS,

At the February 15 Board of Education meeting, I will be presenting a plan that will help us keep class sizes manageable in grades one through four. At the Loveland-Madeira Road campus, we are currently averaging class sizes of approximately 25 students. We anticipate that growth will continue and believe that we need one additional class in each of these grades for the 2005-2006 school year. The specific challenge at this juncture is that we are running out of options to add regular classrooms in the Loveland Primary and Loveland Elementary Schools. The administration and Board will be considering the implications of a new demographic study and making long-term facility plans in the upcoming months. Prior to making long-term plans, however, is the need to address our current enrollment in grades one through four.

My recommendation to the Board is to place four classes of first grade students at LECC for the 2005-2006 school year. With some changes in facility utilization at LECC, and the discontinuation of the full-day kindergarten option, we can accommodate these additional classes. This shift will enable us to bring our class sizes to more acceptable levels in our early grades. Our initial approach to selecting the students that will remain at LECC is to solicit volunteers beginning with the area in Clermont County in closest proximity to LECC. We realize there is a variety of reasons families may choose to continue on to LPS or remain at LECC and are open and willing to help answer questions that will help families make that choice.

Realizing that there are many questions concerning this recommendation, I am providing some answers to anticipated questions. In addition, I want to provide an opportunity for you to meet with us for further explanation.

You are invited to join us for this discussion at any of the following times at the Loveland Early Childhood Center:

Friday, February 11 - 9:45 a.m.
Friday, February 11 - 1:45 p.m.
Wednesday, February 16 - 6:30 p.m.

If you are unable to attend any of these meetings and have a question, please feel free to call me at 683-5600. We are confident that we can implement this temporary change for the benefit of all of our early elementary students.

Sincerely,

Kevin Boys, Ed.D.
Superintendent

Questions and Answers about Facility Changes for 2005-06

Q: When do I let you know if I want my child to stay at LECC next year?
A: The District will be sending letters to parents who live in portions of Clermont County the week of February 28. Parents can respond to that mailing. In the event that the response is greater than the four classrooms at LECC can accommodate, we will make selections based on transportation logistics.

Q: Will first graders have the same program at LECC?
A: Yes. The curriculum is a district curriculum. We will make sure that the teachers have the required materials for offering the same program. Students at both locations will continue to have art, music, and physical education. Teachers from both buildings will have opportunities to collaborate to ensure continuity. For the best delivery of our special education program, first grade students with an active IEP will be assigned to Loveland Primary School.

Q: Who will the first grade teachers be?
A: This change will require the movement or hiring of teachers. The Boards objective is to obtain the most qualified individuals for employment in the school district. We will follow the same procedure that we normally follow in filling vacancies.

Q: What plans are being made to address this in a more permanent fashion?
A: The district is awaiting the completion of a demographic study begun in November. The district may need to add permanent classrooms, but specific planning will be guided by this demographic study. Our desire is to fully utilize our existing space before we begin any construction.

Q: Why are you eliminating full-day kindergarten?
A: Our most compelling need is to maintain current class sizes in all of our regular K-4 classrooms. The full-day program has been a good option for some students and families while we had the space and personnel to accommodate it. Although this was a tuition-subsidized program, the district has been incurring significant costs associated with the extra half day. It is prudent to direct the districts resources to continuing the staffing, programs and classroom sizes that benefit all of our elementary students.

LOVELAND, OHIO - VALENTINE CARD

LOVELAND, OHIO - VALENTINE CARD.

LOVELAND, OHIO - THE VALENTINE DAY QUEEN AND KING OF LOVE-LAND

LOVELAND, OHIO - The coronation of Queen Alzona Gibson and King Ralph Cox took place at the annual Loveland Health Care Center Valentine Party today.

LOVELAND, OHIO - HOME BURNED FOR FIRE TRAINING, Gill Singleton: My first cup of coffee every morning for fifteen years.

LOVELAND, OHIO - Gill and Lucky Singleton came to Loveland on Sunday morning to watch the home they spent time in for the fifteen years burned to the ground. Gill Singleton said his mother and father-in-law, Joan and Bruce Crutchfield, bought the home twenty-seven years ago next to what was then, Bruce's Canoe Rental. The fire department used the house for training.

Gill Singleton said he actually lived in the home that was behind this one, and it was also burned two weeks ago. But, after waking in the morning, the family spent the entire day in the Crutchfield's home sharing their first cup of coffee and then going to the canoe business next door. "I drank my first cup of coffee every morning for fifteen years in that house." He also said he ate every dinner for fifteen years in the Crutchfield's home.

Bruce Crutchfield died six or seven years ago according to Singleton, and Joan Crutchfield continued to operate the business. Joan Crutchfield and the Singletons moved to Goshen when they sold the canoe business last June. The City of Loveland bought the two homes for a parking lot to help new owners purchase the canoe business.

The City's plans to demolish the homes were aided by the Loveland Symmes Fire Department using the homes for training purposes. Before the fire was set on Sunday, fireman practiced cutting holes in the roof with various saws in their fire-fighting arsenal. Techniques to walk along the roof, as well as a buddy system to keep the person using the equipment from falling were practiced. Later, after the fire was set and flames began to spread, teams equipped with breathing apparatus entered the front and side doorways with hoses to learn how to suppress the fire and keep themselves from harm. As flames hovered inches above their heads, Chief Otto Huber constantly reminded then to, "Get lower. Stay low." The fire was incredibly hot inside and interior of the house and fully engulfed in flames while firefighters were inside. Then, when they were safely outside again, Huber taught how to use the hose properly and how to set the nozzle for the most effective spray.

The veteran firemen seemed clairvoyant as they taught how to predict what the fire was going to do next. They knew when a window was "going to blow" or a wall collapse. As the fire progressed, they noted what to do, and what equipment would be needed, if the fire had already progressed to that particular stage when they arrived at the scene. The veterans themselves, also had another chance to learn more about the progression of a house fire, how to save lives and property, and keep each other safe.

Gill Singleton said, "I didn't think he would be sad to see the home burn, but I am."

LOVELAND, OHIO - FIRE TRAINING

LOVELAND, OHIO - The smoke seen bellowing mid-Sunday morning from downtown Loveland was a training exercise conducted by the Loveland Symmes Fire Department. The home was across the street from the canoe rental, near the Little Miami River and the railroad underpass and slated for demolition.

LOVELAND, OHIO - STATE OF LOVELAND SCHOOLS

LOVELAND, OHIO - "Everybody that depends on State funding faces a challenge," said Dr. Kevin Boys at his second annual "State of the Schools" report at a Loveland Area Chamber of Commerce gathering at the Loveland Intermediate/Middle School on January 19. Answering a question about the No Child Left Behind Act, Boys said Title 1 funding (Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged) has gone down for the district and described federal mandates as, "stick and carrot, without the carrot."

Boys has been an educator for twenty-six years and is in his 3rd as Loveland's Superintendent. He said that when he was preparing for the presentation he asked a great sounding board, his wife Diane, about her thoughts about the state of the schools. She responded by contemplating about how well her own children are doing and is sure, "that it is that way it is for each parent of the district." The Boys' have two school-age children in the District.

"The prime customers are our kids," said Diane Boys.

Dr. Boys said he asks himself, "Are they having fun, are they learning, and are they going to be able to compete globally?"

Boys talked about six areas the district is focusing on:

Technology - Boys said the District should be using technology to do the things they couldn't do otherwise.
Fiscal Responsibility - He said the administration promised the last operating levy would keep the District fiscally sound for four years, but cautioned that the District is facing, "enrollment pressure." He said that last fall, one-hundred former students of parochial and private schools entered the Loveland system. Boys said that for the most part classroom space was adequate, but that the Loveland-Madeira Road campus was reaching capacity.  "The district has hired a consultant to conduct a demographic study to help with long-term planning. Once the results of this study are in, he believes the district will be in a better place to judge whether the buildings are adequate for the long-term."
Intervention - Boys said, intervention is not just about helping low achieving students. "Most kids occasionally reach a point where they need some help because the concept is difficult or they need more practice."
Communication - Communication to the public will have continuing emphasis through a newsletter, the second Popular Annual Financial Report will be mailed soon, and there will be web site improvements.
School Climate - The School Climate will be improved with continuing to focus on the problem of bullying. Boys said, "I don't think there is anything wrong with acknowledging problems and doing long range planning. A new program to deal with bullying will be launched this year."
Math Achievement - Math Achievement is lagging in the United States. To address this, the District is part of the High AIMS Consortium, a group of schools dedicated to raising achievement in math and science.  This local consortium is partnering with a similar consortium in Cleveland, several Michigan schools, and Michigan State University. It is a National Science Foundation funded project to train teachers in math and science instruction, "that will help our student compete globally."

Boys elaborated on District achievements saying, "If we teach each student to read by the third grade, they will be fully prepared for future learning. Our teachers are working hard and adapting new teaching methods." A 2004 School Match Award was awarded to the district. SchoolMatch compares school districts across the nation and assists companies in relocating employees to desirable school districts. Another example of the District's achievement's was that last year's graduating class was offered $5.8 million in college scholarships. Eight-two per-cent of the class entered college or technology training, and the Superintendent was especially proud that at a time of war, nine students chose the military as a career.

Boys also talked about how well the athletic programs are achieving and said, "You're missing out if you haven't seen the Middle School Stage band or the jazz bands at the High School perform." Boys mentioned that the High School Robotics Team finished 2nd in regional competition and went on to compete nationally in their first year of competition.

He thanked the members of the business community in attendance, "for their commitment and support that makes the District financially sound." He said for a district to be able to look with assurance at the next four years's budget, "is huge stability for the School District," Boys compared Loveland to the problems on the news the same morning, of the Lakota District having to cut bus service for students.

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO -TWO JUVENILES ADMIT TO ARSON FIRES AT PARK

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO - Chief Steve Bailey of the Miami Township Police Department announced that two male juveniles have confessed to setting fires Jan. 30 at several facilities at Miami Meadows Park on State Route 131 that caused more than $25,000 in damages.

The two juveniles, ages 13 and 14, told Miami Township Police Detective Nick Colliver that they set the fires in waste cans inside restroom facilities at the park. Smoke from the fires also damaged a nearby storage room and concession area at the park.

Charges are pending against the juveniles while Miami Township Police discuss the case with the Clermont County Prosecutor’s office.

See related story published on February 5, 2005 ($1,000 REWARD FOR INFORMATION ON PARK FIRES)

MONTGOMERY, OHIO - James H. Miller IV, Army Specialist

MONTGOMERY, OHIO - Twenty-two -year-old Army Specialist James H. Miller IV was laid to rest at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, with the full military honors on February 8, 2005. Nearly 500 attended his funeral at Good Shepherd Church and more than a hundred cars proceeded to the cemetery.

Miller died in the Iraqi city of Ramadi in the Sunni triangle, after suffering injuries from an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division in Camp Casey, South Korea. His was the 40th death since 3,600 members of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, known as Strike Force, deployed to Iraq late last summer. As of Tuesday morning, 1,431 servicemembers have died since the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq began in March 2003.

Miller was an Army medic in the 2nd Infantry Division. His buddies called him "Doc Miller." On Jan. 30, Miller was on guard duty at a polling station in Ramadi providing security for the Iraq election held that day.

Miller was a 2001 Anderson High School graduate and joined the military in April 2003 and went to Iraq in August 2004.

LOVELAND, OHIO - CORRECTION

LOVELAND, OHIO - It was incorrectly reported that Paulette Leeper, Executive Director of the Loveland Area Chamber of Commerce appeared at the February 1, 2005 Loveland City Council meeting. Please see LOVELAND, OHIO - CHAMBER SUPPORTS SHOOTING RANGES IN CITY, February 5, 2005. The correct date is January 25, 2005.

LOVELAND, OHIO - THE SEARCH FOR TALENT

LOVELAND, OHIO - Warren McClellan, the Principal of the Loveland Intermediate School took center stage as Inspector Clousea at the school Talent Show last week.

LOVELAND, OHIO - VOTERS: YES TO SHOOTING RANGEs, NO TO SCHOOLS

Loveland, Ohio - An ordinance allowing shooting ranges in the city passed by a wide margin. 1,267 voted YES, 824 voted NO according to unofficial results as of 10:52 P.M. on election night. All three counties however, show 100% of the votes counted.

The owners of Shooters Supply, an existing Loveland firearms store proposed to open a shooting range on Loveland Madeira Road, but needed voter approval when citizens forced the issue to a vote after the ordinance was passed by city council.

Marvin Mann, a co-owner said, "We are totally committed to keeping our promises to city council to making this facility everything we said it would be, and hopefully more."

When asked about the zoning hearings they will now face, Dan Lovett, the other co-owner of Shooters Supply said, "Our attorney knows the details on that." He also explained that K 4 Architects, the owners of the former church property where they want to open the indoor shooting range, will be submitting their plans to the city. The proposed shooting range site is not outside a 200 foot minimum distance from a residential neighborhood, as stipulated in the Loveland Zoning Code.

Both Mann and Lovett said they were tired of a long grueling campaign and were ready to go home and get some sleep.

Hamilton County - 1,015 voted yes. 631 voted no.
Warren County - 68 yes, 83 no.
Clermont County - 184 yes, 110 no.

The Little Miami School Bond levy failed with 2,749 yes, and 3,492 no votes. The 4.45 mill, $39 million bond levy was for new construction, renovation, and additions, and was to last twenty-eight years. The Little Miami School District reaches into the City of Loveland, in Warren county.

LOVELAND, OHIO - WORLD RENOWN EMPIRE BRASS AT ST. MARGARET OF YORK

LOVELAND, OHIO - The Empire Brass will perform at St. Margaret of York Church (9483 Columbia Road) on Friday, February 25 at 7:30 P.M.

Guest organist
Javier Clavere

The Empire Brass enjoys an international reputation as North America's finest brass quintet, renowned for its brilliant virtuosity and the unparalleled diversity of its repertoire. The five musicians - all of whom have held leading positions with major American orchestras - perform over 100 concerts a year in cities such as New York, Boston, Chicago, Washington, London, Zurich and Tokyo. With their best-selling recordings on the Telarc label they have introduced an even larger audience worldwide to the excitement of brass music that ranges from Bach and Handel to jazz and Broadway. They are equally at home in the majestically antiphonal works that Gabrieli composed for St. Mark's Cathedral in Venice and the exuberantly show stopping tunes that Richard Rodgers and Andrew Lloyd Webber wrote for Broadway. The Empire Brass is the first brass ensemble to win the prestigious Naumberg Chamber Music Award.

In addition to playing across the United States, the Empire Brass has toured the Far East thirteen times, and performs regularly in Europe, twice in Rome within the past eighteen months. It has played to standing-room crowds in the former Soviet Union, where its concerts were broadcast on television. The ensemble has performed with major symphony orchestras such as the Chicago Symphony, Boston Symphony, the Philadelphia Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Toronto Symphony, Detroit Symphony, Cincinnati Symphony and Zurich's Tönhalle Orchester. It regularly visits leading summer festivals including Ravinia, Tanglewood, Caramoor, Saratoga and Chautauqua.

On network television, the Empire Brass has been featured on CBS's Good Morning America, NBC's Today Show and Sunday Today and PBS's Mr. Roger's Neighborhood. It is a regular guest on commercial and public radio networks nationwide, performing on programs such as St. Paul Sunday Morning, Traditions and NPR's Performance Today.

In December 1987, the Empire Brass became the first ensemble to play at the newly remodeled Carnegie Hall. It also opened the Carnegie Hall Centennial Gala joining forces with members of the New York Philharmonic in the world premiere of Joan Tower's specially commissioned Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman.

For information: 513-683-7100 Ext. 207
or
E-Mail: javier@stmargaretofyork.org

LOVELAND, OHIO - SEARCHING FOR SHOOTING RANGE REGULATIONS

LOVELAND, OHIO - On August 24, 2004 Loveland City Council approved an ordinance allowing indoor shooting ranges in the City. The ordinance allows shooting ranges if they are constructed, licensed, and operated in accordance with all local, state, and federal laws. Two weeks before the council vote, the lawyer for Shooters Supply, William Gustavson, said he would provide council with these laws before they voted on the ordinance. He has never provided this information. These phantom regulations have been the subject of much community debate. On the one side, the proponents of the shooting range say the range will be perfectly safe because of these regulations, yet when the opponents of the ordinance or a city council member asks for the regulations so an informed decision can be made, nothing specific has ever been offered.

Loveland Magazine conducted several phone and in person interviews with local, state and federal officials looking for laws governing indoor shooting ranges. What was found is that the shooting range industry is largely self regulating, and for the most part, the National Rifle Association has written the guidelines that do exist.

LOCAL LAWS
There is nothing in the local code of ordinances about shooting ranges except in the noise ordinance, which surprisingly already specifically exempts shooting ranges from any noise regulation during daytime hours (7:00 A.M. - 10: P.M.). This is a surprising exception, in that before any shooting ranges are allowed in the community they are found to already be exempt from daytime noise levels. During the nighttime, noise from commercial or non-commercial shooting ranges can be 55 dBA. This level of sound is described as listening to a clothes washer from a distance of three feet, listening to normal conversation at a distance of three feet, or light auto traffic at 100 feet. It should be noted however that gunshots are a very short duration sound wave.

The proponents of the shooting range say they will have to get a City "license" to operate their shooting range. Fred Enderle, Loveland City Manager and Gerry Stoker Director of Building and Zoning said the City does not issue a license for shooting ranges. A building permit will be required and a building plan approval must be granted, but this does not address the specifics of operating a shooting range.

STATE AND FEDERAL LAWS
At the last City Council meeting, Councilmember Todd Osborne inferred that regulations could be found at the internet sites of the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), a division of the Justice Department and the Ohio Department of Agriculture, but also provided no documents or specifics. Loveland Magazine contacted officials with both government agencies for telephone interviews.

FEDERAL BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, FIREARMS AND EXPLOSIVES
The state ATF office in Columbus said that if the firearms are sold on the property or they leave the property, then ATF would regulate that sale. The spokesperson said that ATF does not regulate how shooting ranges are built or operated. In a phone interview, Mike Puckett, Area Supervisor of the Cincinnati ATF office said, "No sir, we do not regulate how shooting ranges are built or operated. I am not sure what federal agency would." He explained that ATF only regulates the "commerce" or sale of firearms and said he is aware of no federal law regulating shooting on ranges and is not aware of any restrictions in Ohio. When asked if he knew of any laws regulating the operation or construction of shooting ranges he answered, "Not that I am aware of."

Puckett said the Federal Government does regulate the age at which children can purchase firearms, but there is no State or Federal law governing the age at which children can shoot guns.

OHIO DEPARTMENT OF ARGRICULTURE
Jim Truex, a Division Head with the Ohio Department of Agriculture was also called and asked the same question. Does the Ohio Department of Arigulture regulate the construction or operation of shooting ranges? He said, "Not to the best of my knowledge." He further said, that his department does regulate amusement parks, but the agency does not even regulate shooting galleries at carnivals.

OHIO DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE
Mike Puckett of ATF suggested that certainly they would be required to have liability insurance, so the Ohio Department of Insurance was called. Their spokesperson said there is no state law that requires a shooting range to have any type of insurance. She also said, "I don't know if there is any regulation in Ohio" concerning the construction or operation of shooting ranges.

OHIO DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Steve Regoli is the staff person to the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board with the Ohio Department of Commerce. In a phone interview, he said they do not license shooting ranges. "You are not going to be able to go to the Ohio Building Code to find any regulations."

OHIO BOARD OF BUILDING STANDARDS
Deborah Ohler is the Staff Engineer with the Ohio Board of Building Standards, in the Industrial Compliance Division of the Ohio Department of Commerce. She also said there is nothing in the Ohio Building Code specific to shooting ranges. She said a shooting range could be constructed, "No different than any other recreational building." She said there were national Occupational Safety and Health Administration( OSHA) standards for lead contamination of the indoor air, but that they are not part of the Ohio Code and won't be until at least the year 2008, when the code is next updated. Even at that, OSHA protects workers; not neighbors and they also do not regulate the construction or operation of shooting ranges.

OHIO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES - DIVISION OF WILDLIFE
David Wilson oversees Ohio's public shooting ranges. He said, "There is not one regulatory agency in Ohio" that regulates the construction or operation of commercial shooting ranges. He said they would be bound by local ordinances. He did say that the state legislature charged the Chief of the Department to establish standards and he has done so, but the standards are not obligatory. He explained that the law is really a "range protection bill" that was passed when range owners realized that subdivisions were being built around them and the owners sought State protection from lawsuits filed by their new neighbors. He explained that if a shooting range wants protection from civil or criminal liability, then they would adopt the rules. If they do not adopt the rules, then they could face prosecution from noise complaints, injury, or death as a result of the shooting range.

The laws and subsequent rules were written by the National Rifle Association (NRA) and passed on their behalf. Even the NRA calls this law, "Range Protection Legislation." Private or public shooting ranges in Ohio only have to "substantially" comply with these standards to receive the civil and criminal immunities granted under Ohio Revised Code.

Wilson said the rules follow the NRA Range Source Book guidelines. They are rules for the operation of ranges and do not address the construction of indoor shooting ranges. To read the Ohio Range Rules, click here: Download range_rule.html

The NRA Range Source Book is not available in any of the Hamilton County Public Libraries, nor could it be found on the Internet.

OHIO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY AND HAMILTON DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
The Hamilton County Department of Environmental Services (HCDES) is the regulatory agency for the Ohio EPA here in Loveland. Both Barb Kerdolf and Kathy Baldack at HCDES said they would not monitor either the inside or outside air from the shooting range, unless complaints are made. And in any case, they do not regulate inside air quality. OSHA would do that, also upon a complaint. There are environmental regulations for the disposal of lead and the Southwest District Office of the Ohio EPA would regulate its disposal. HCDES would only get involved in the release of lead to the outside environment when the emissions exceed one ton per year.

There are federal guidelines (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) for indoor exposure of lead at shooting ranges, but these guidelines do not seem to be under any regulatory agency's purview.

LOVELAND, OHIO - LOVELAND AIR REMAINS DIRTY

LOVELAND, OHIO - The air quality was again "Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" today in the Loveland area.

Today, people with heart or lung disease, older adults and children should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.

The prediction is that the air quality will improve to the Moderate range on Sunday and Monday when, "Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors."