Loveland Magazine

MOSUL, IRAQ - In late November of 2005, Spc. Kyle Shelton, from 23rd Infantry Regiment, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, searched for insurgents in Mosul, Iraq.

LOVELAND, OHIO NEWS - COOPER AND WELLING GRADUATE FROM BASIC TRAINING

LOVELAND, OHIO NEWS - Air Force Reserve Airman 1st Class Ashley M. Cooper has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

During the six weeks of training Cooper studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations.

In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Cooper is the daughter of Dennis Cooper of Creekside Drive, Loveland, Ohio, and a 2003 graduate of Loveland High School.

Army National Guard Pvt. Brian P. Welling has graduated from basic combat military training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Oklahoma.

During the eight weeks of training, Welling studied the Army mission and received instruction in drill and ceremonies, rifle marksmanship, weapons, map reading, tactics, armed and unarmed combat, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, Army history, core values and traditions, and special training in human relations.

Welling is the son of William and Jackie Welling of Ashwood Drive, Loveland, Ohio.

LOVELAND, OHIO NEWS - STAGE COMPANY BRINGS MADCAP PUPPETS TO TOWN

LOVELAND, OHIO NEWS - The Loveland Stage Company is bringing the Madcap Puppets to Loveland for two shows on January 14.

"Mosey on down to the farm and learn about life cycle science in this hilarious new puppet play. Animal environments, life cycles of organisms (the talking egg is a hoot), and food chains are cleverly woven into traditional folktales."

Stories include

• Chicken Little,
• The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse,
• The Freaky Flying Beak.

Madcap Productions Puppet Theatre is a nonprofit, touring children's theater company, which combines giant puppets with actors to create a unique style of puppet theater. Madcap introduces children to a whole new concept of puppetry, "one that allows all the elements of theater to be combined in an artistic and educational performance." Madcaps are now in their twenty-first year.

January 14, 4 PM and 7 PM at the Loveland Stage Company Theater, 111 S. 2nd Street (St. Rt. 48) in Historic Downtown Loveland, Ohio. Admission is $8.00 for all ages. Call (513) 677-1409 for tickets.

LOVELAND, OHIO NEWS – FREE SPEECH LAWSUIT SUCCESSFUL IN BRINGING CHANGE TO PEDDLING LAW

LOVELAND, OHIO NEWS – A lawsuit that challenged the constitutionality of Loveland's Solicitation and Peddling ordinances has resulted in Loveland City Council declaring an "Emergency" to change the law's wording.

The Federal law suit was filed by Lisa Mason, Mark W. Miller and Suzanne LaChapelle. They alleged their right to go door-to-door to distribute leaflets and talk to city residents, was prohibited by a law that required them to first obtain permission from the city manager and pay a fee.

Mason is a former Loveland resident, Miller is a resident of Hamilton County, and LaChapelle is a current resident of the City. They told the court they wanted to distribute leaflets and other material to private residences and business properties, and circulate referendum and initiative petitions, but that the City's Soliciting, Hawking, and Peddling ordinance prohibited them from doing so. They wanted to tell local citizens about the, "oppressive government tax policies" and "overzealous and disproportionate" criminal prosecutions in Loveland" but were fearful of being prosecuted under the law.

The issue arose after national uproar over the prosecution of Loveland resident Deborah Combs for owing $1.16 in back taxes, and for failure to file Loveland tax returns for three years she owed no money. Mason faces similar charges over $0.50 in back taxes

The lawsuit was dismissed by Judge Michael Watson on December 1 after City attornies told the Judge that they did not intend to restrain or interfere with the Plaintiffs right to participate in any of the activities. The court concluded that even though the law "could have been more artfully crafted," and amid assurances from the City that they would not interfere with the plaintiff's first amendment rights, prosecution under the law was not remotely possible. Because of these factors, the Judge ruled that the plaintiff's had no legal "standing" to challenge the law's constitutionality.

In response to the case being dismissed, a press release was issued by Tom Carroll, Interim City Manager for the City of Loveland, titled, "Federal Judge Dismisses Frivolous Lawsuit Filed Against Loveland." Carroll said, "Mr. Finney and Mr. Adams have made some very negative statements and allegations about Loveland in the media and in their lawsuits. I think the Judge’s dismissal of the case shows that they are off the mark both legally and in terms of their public comments. I hope they recognize they are doing a disservice by making such strong, negative comments about municipal government." Christopher Finney and Steven Adams are representing the three plaintiffs.

However, at he end of the regular City Council meeting of December 13, Council declared an emergency and passed changes to the Solicition and Peddleing ordinances.

Consideration of the ordinance was not on the published agenda for the meeting and not discussed until the meeting was about to be adjourned. The ordinance was read by title only - "Ordinance Amending Chapter 731 and Declaring an Emergency." The city solicitor discussed some of the wording changes, but neither he, nor councilmembers discussed the need of an emergency being declared to change the language of an ordinance they had recently defended in Federal Court.

The ordinance now exempts "Individuals" from its provisions.

"This Ordinance is hereto determined to be an emergency measure necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, prosperity, health, safety and welfare of the City of Loveland. Also it is necessary to further clarify at the earliest date possible that Codified Ordinance Section 731 is not designed to restrict individuals from engaging in religious, charitable or political speech or the distribution of religious, charitable or political literature and this Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon it passage."

The three had asked the Federal Court to strike down as unconstitutional sections of the Loveland Code of Ordinances dealing with solicitation on private residences, and the requirement to obtain a permit before distributing material to private property.

Before the law was changed, charitable organizations and candidates for public office could distribute literature on private property without first obtaining permission from the city manager, but individuals were not exempt. The lawsuit claimed that before individuals could go on private property, they must first disclose their identity to, and ask permission from the city manager before speaking to their neighbors.

Lawyer, Finney had already appealed the court decision before Loveland changed the law. He said in a phone interview that he was not aware of council's action, but it would not affect the pursuit of the appeal. "We've sued six or eight communities with similar laws, and they have all done the same thing - change their laws." Finney said that this only means they have accomplished one of their goals, to get the law in line with the U.S. Constitution. "But my clients had already suffered damages under the old law."

LOVELAND, OHIO NEWS - AREA CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING PROGRAMS

WASHINGTON, DC - THE HOLIDAY SEASON BRINGS OUT THE BEST IN SOUTHERN OHIO

Washington, DC - I have always believed that southern Ohio is home to some of the most charitable, good-hearted people on earth. The spirit of giving is present year round, but is especially strong during the holidays. As I've traveled throughout the Second District over the years and during this holiday season, I have witnessed again and again the strong sense of charity in our communities. The spirit of giving is the backbone of our area, and it is alive in our schools, places of worship, hospitals, community charities and non-profit organizations.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - LEWIS AND CLARK YOUTH RENDEZVOUS ESSAY CONTEST

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The National Guard Bureau has announced a unique opportunity for the youth of America. Students who will be high school juniors or seniors by August 2006 are eligible to participate in the National Guard's Youth Rendezvous essay contest. Ten students from each state and territory will be involved in this once-in-a-lifetime experience, and earn an all-expenses-paid trip to North Dakota August 13-18, 2006.

MAINVILLE, OHIO NEWS - A CHRISTMAS STORY

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO NEWS - CHECKING IT TWICE

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO NEWS – SIEKMAN SOARS PAST PERSONAL HIGH WITH 29 AGAINST WALNUT HILLS

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO NEWS – In a breakout game for his team and himself, and a game where scoring was spread among 11 players, Senior Ross Siekman scored 29 points to lead the Loveland Tigers over Walnut Hills on Thursday, December 22 at Loveland High School. Loveland 83 Walnut Hills 57.

Eleven Tigers were in the scoring column with 31 points coming off the bench.

Against a quick, but smaller Walnut Hills team, Loveland was able to grab defensive rebounds that led to many layups for the Tigers. Siekman also pulled down 5 offensive and 6 defensive rebounds and blocked one shot. He shot 12 for 16 from the field and put in 5 of six foul shots.

Siekman said his previous game high was 18 points and that the game was the best his team had played all season.

Senior Kurt Texiera coming off the bench put in 3 for 5 from the field and a perfect 6 for 6 from the foul line to contribute 13 points. Senior Rich Dowd scored 9 and Junior Justin Gaton 8.

Loveland's record stands at 2 wins and 1 loss in the conference and 2 wins and 4 losses overall. They next play Amelia High School, who are also 2-1 in league play, at home on January 3.

LOVELAND, OHIO NEWS – LOCAL MARINE STOPS TO HELP LOCAL CHILDREN WHILE ON LEAVE

LOVELAND, OHIO NEWS – Bobbie Joe Miller is a 2005 graduate of Loveland High School and enlisted in the U. S. Marine Corps. He is on leave from training at Fort Knox in Kentucky until the first of the year. Miller will be a crew member on an M1A1 tank.

While at home in the Loveland area, he is assigned to help local recruiters. He said he is not yet sure what his next assignment will be, but is assuming he will go to the 29 Palms Air Ground Combat Center in southern California's Mojave Desert or the Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base, south of Los Angeles. He also said that he will certainly serve a tour of duty in Iraq in the coming year.

Miller said that as he is out about in public and in air ports, people regularly come up to him and thank him for his service. He said that older veterans especially , “get real emotional” and he has seen tears come to their eyes as they thank him. Miller said that even though he has not seen combat yet, he does appreciate the attention he gets.

On Tuesday morning, Miller stopped to help load presents and bicycles onto a Loveland School Bus that was heading to the Loveland Firefighter's Hall for the Annual Toy Store sponsored by the Loveland Initiative.

LOVELAND, OHIO NEWS – LIL LANE: BEST CHRISTMAS GIFT, THE VOLUNTEERS

LOVELAND, OHIO NEWS – When asked what were the best gifts the community gave to the Loveland Initiative's Annual toy Store, Lil Lane said, “All of the volunteers.”

Lane also said that 100% of the money raised from the event, where parents can purchase new, unwrapped gifts for their children, goes to the scholarship fund given annually by the Initiative to help area youth attend college. “The way to break the circle of poverty is through education. You've heard me say this a hundred times, but I really believe it to be true.” Lane explained that besides all of the toys that have been donated, everything required to put on the event is also donated by area residents, churches, organizations, neighborhood associations, and local businesses. “All of the wrapping paper, ribbon, scotch tape, food for volunteers,  even the plastic garbage bags the moms use to carry the presents home.”

The decade old program was originally started and the rules established, by mothers in the community that couldn't afford to buy their own children Christmas presents. Other community volunteers chipped in to make the program a success. The toys are all brand new and unwrapped. Individuals, community groups, and businesses have toy drive programs to support the project, the Loveland schools also participate with their own toy collections.

The program was always meant as a way the working poor and others living in poverty, could select the gifts themselves from the rows and rows of tables lined with toys, yet have the dignity of purchasing the gifts and not feeling they were just getting a handout from an unknown person that decided what their children wanted or needed as a Christmas gift.

Prices are marked at the end of each table and are sold, “pennies on the dollar” compared to their true store price. A one dollar table, followed by a two dollar table, etc. Nothing sells for more than five dollars, except the four bicycles collected at Loveland High School. They sold for $10 each.

Volunteer Lisa Mason excitedly brought a Cabbage Patch Doll and showed that they still have the “adoption papers” inside. She said this was one of the favorite toys they had at the Toy Store. “Still, after all these years,” she said. Her Daughter Brianna Brooks said that on Tuesday night when they were setting up everything getting ready for all of the shoppers to come in on Wednesday, that she and some twenty-year old volunteers, who were ten years her senior, couldn't help but play with an electronic game called “20 Questions.” She said, “It cracked me up beating the older guys. It was fun.”

In its first year the proceeds from the sale bought a new computer that was used by the students at the Cool School; the after-school tutoring program held in the community center at the Westover Village Apartments. The Loveland Initiative was called the Loveland Shalom Initiative at the time. It was after a local resident of Westover and Loveland High School graduate, Tracy Johnson, died from a lifelong battle with Muscular Dystrophy, that the proceeds started being put into a scholarship fund bearing her name. Johnson had become a hero to the children and the adults at the Cool School because of her heroic struggles to get into, and stay in college in spite of her degenerative disease. At one point, Johnson nearly died while attending Wright State University in Dayton when the aid that was assigned to her, left her alone in her dorm room for a weekend without care. Every time that Johnson seemed on her way to getting the college degree she so badly wanted, her disease interfered with her dreams.

Terri Rogers, President of the Loveland Initiative said some of the popular gifts that were donated for older children were bath and body products, “a lot of DVD's. and nice clothing such as Bengals and Bearcat wear.”

Rogers said that more than twenty-five adult volunteers helped with the set-up, the sale, and the clean-up. More that thirty students from Loveland High School's Student Council also volunteered. On Monday they helped load the gifts from the Initiative Center at Westover, into a Loveland school bus, and helped deliver them to the Loveland Firefighter's Hall on Karl Brown Way. Use of he “Bingo Hall” for the Toy Store was another donation from the community. On Wednesday, after parents  shopped for their Children's presents, the Loveland students wrapped each of the gifts for them.

Rogers said by the end of Wednesday, they will have helped seventy-nine families, 146 children, fifty-eight grandchildren, and thirty-one teenagers.

Other area residents brought Krispy Kreme Doughnuts for the volunteers on Wednesday morning and one local woman bought all of the volunteers dinner at McDonald s on Tuesday night.

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO – HANUKKAH SERVICE FOR ALL AGES

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO – On Friday, December 30,  the Congregation of Beth Adam will light the  Hanukkah Menorah together at 7:15 PM. It is a Hanukkah Service for all ages with stories and songs.

Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after the successful uprising against the Selucid Greeks. At the first celebration, the Jews needed to light the Temple's menorah, but there was only enough oil to last one day and it would take eight days to prepare more oil. However miraculously, the one-day supply of oil lasted for eight days.

Beth Adam is lovated at 10001 Loveland Madeira Road in Symmes Township. 985-0400

LOVELAND, OHIO - CHRISTMAS SERVICES AT LOVELAND CHRISTIAN CHURCH

LOVELAND, OHIO - Brian Richard, the Senior Minister at the Loveland Christian Church says they will have a Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Services at 6:30 and 8 PM at the church at 1270 Lebanon Road. Richard said, “Follow the 800 luminaries to the worship of our Newborn King.” Nursery will be provided.

They will have one “Family Worship Experience “ at 11 AM on Sunday morning at the Kings Island Resort and Conference Center. “Nursery and Preschool programs only,” said Richard.

Richard recommends “starting the New Year off right with Perfect Attendance at Church.” He said, “You are invited to share with Loveland Christian as we kick-off the new year with a sermon series entitled: The Living C."

"Come and experience the power of God through His bride, the church. We will worship at our regular Sunday times.”
9:00 AM - Traditional
10:00 AM - Sunday School
11:00 AM - Contemporary

LOVELAND CHRISTIAN CHURCH
12070 Lebanon Rd.
Loveland, Ohio  45140
e-mail:  lovelandchurch@msn.com
Web:  www.lovedtolove.com

LOVELAND, OHIO NEWS - PHOTOS FROM CHRISTMAS IN LOVELAND

LOVELAND, OHIO NEWS - These are photos from "Christmas in Loveland" held on Saturday, December 17 in the historic downtown and at the Historical Society museum on Riverside Drive. (Click on photos to enlarge.)

LOVELAND, OHIO – SEND A CARD TO A RECOVERING AMERICAN SOLDIER

LOVELAND, OHIO – Wounded In action in Iraq, according to The Department of Defense and published by icasualties.org, totals15,568. According to a CNN count, at least 16,061 U.S. troops have been wounded in action.

Janis Fogle, a Loveland resident, urges people to send a card to the hospitalized at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington DC.

“I have a special request. I'm sure many of you are currently writing cards to friends and family. If you can, please send an extra one (or 10, or 20) to our American military heroes who are recuperating from wounds this Christmas Season. Please enclose a short note thanking them for their service and personal sacrifice. They are the protectors of our freedom, we must let them know. Your small act of kindness will be greatly appreciated.”

Here's the address...

A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20307-5001

Janis says, “If you would, please forward this message to your email friends.”

“Thanks - your thoughtfulness will be greatly appreciated!”

At icasualties.org you can view the latest news stories from hometowns around the country about causalities in Iraq and Afghanistan. At this site you can also view the latest press releases from the Department of Defense concerning war casualties.

The CNN site contains pictures of most of the soldiers who have died in the Iraq war and a total numbers of deaths and wounded.

Cards can also be sent to:

A WOUNDED SAILOR OR MARINE
Bethesda National Naval Medical Center
8901 Wisconsin Ave
Bethesda, MD 20889

Baghdad, Iraq – FIRST HAND ACCOUNT OF IRAQ ELECTION

First Hand Account of Iraq Election by Sgt. Michael Riley

Let me begin by saying hello to everyone in Loveland, Ohio. I am writing and sending a few pictures to possibly shine some light on the atmosphere in Baghdad, Iraq on 15 December 2005.

I am sure that you have at least heard about the historic elections that have just finished here in Iraq. The Iraqi people are now starting to grasp the concept of democracy and the event of voting for who you want to represent you in government. While driving around the streets of Baghdad today, I saw men and women, both young and old, walking the streets to the nearest polling center to cast their historic vote. Most importantly the children were in the streets laughing and playing soccer on every street corner.

This was made possible for two reasons. The first being that no local traffic was allowed on the streets, but the most important reason was that Iraqi soldiers and police officers were everywhere keeping the streets safe for everyone.

The children need to see their own fathers and mothers voting and providing security, so they know that there will be a future for them to contribute, to what is going to be another experiment in democracy like the United States was many years ago. We all know that their democracy will not be exactly like ours, but that is the point of a democracy to provide the people of this country with a choice.

The events today should make all Americans proud of their men and women in the military. The sacrifices we make every day really are not worth the amount of money we make. But, the thought that my sacrifice today, can bring a better future to my children and Iraqi children, far outweigh the negatives.

So whatever your political background may be I urge you to thank a Soldier, Marine, Airman or Sailor, past or present, for the sacrifices they have made for the United States of America.

SGT Riley, Michael D.
3ID, STB, HHOC, G3/IO

SGT. Riley is a 1995 Graduate of Loveland High School.

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DoD Identifies Army Casualties IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 15, 2005 No. 1300-05   

     The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.  They died inTaji, Iraq, on Dec. 13, where they were conducting combat operations when an improvised explosive device detonated near their HMMWV.  The soldiers were assigned to the Army's 2nd Battalion, 70th Armor, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, Fort Riley, Kan.
      Killed were:
      Staff Sgt. Michael S. Zyla, 32, of Elgin, Ore.
      Sgt. Brian C. Karim, 22, of Talcott, W. Va.
      Spc. James C. Kesinger, 32, of Pharr, Texas.
      Spc. Peter J. Navarro, 20, of Wildwood, Mo.
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DoD Identifies Marine Casualty IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 15, 2005 No. 1299-05

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Cpl. Michael B. Presley, 21, of Batesville, Miss., died Dec. 14 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany of wounds sustained from a suicide, vehicle-borne improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Fallujah, Iraq, on Dec. 12. He was assigned to 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
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DoD Identifies Marine Casualty                                                                                     IMMEDIATE RELEASE  December 15, 2005 No. 1301-05                     

             The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

   Staff Sgt. Kenneth B. Pospisil, 35, of Andover, Minn., died Dec. 14 from an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in the vicinity of Ar Ramadi, Iraq. He was assigned to 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

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DoD Identifies Army Casualty                                                                                      IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 14, 2005 No. 1295-05                         

            The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Curtis A. Mitchell, 28, of Evansville, Ind., died in Baghdad, Iraq, on Dec. 12, when an improvised expolosive device detonated near his M1A1 Abrams tank during combat operations.  Mitchell was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO NEWS - TRUSTEE WOLFF RECEIVES LEADERSHIP AWARD

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO NEWS - Board of Trustees Chairwoman Mary Makley Wolff received a a leadership award from Michael Cochran, Executive Director of the Ohio Township Association, during the meeting of the National Association of Towns and Township's annual conference in Washington DC in October.

HAYJI, IRAQ - THE ONE DIGIT SALUTE

HAYJI, IRAQ - With the help of many Loveland area men and women who are deployed to Iraq, a group of Iraqi men show their inked fingers after voting in Hayji, Iraq, Dec. 15. Iraqi citizens are electing their first permanent parliamentary government, which will lead the new democracy for the next four years. (DoD photo by Tech. Sgt. Andy Dunaway, U.S. Air Force) 

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO NEWS - THE NORTH POLE

Click the image below to see a close-up view.

LOVELAND, OHIO NEWS - AREA CHRISTMAS CHURCH SERVICES

LOVELAND, OHIO - 2005 Hanukkah Blood Drive

LOVELAND, OHIO - On Sunday, December 18th, Congregation Beth Adam will be hosting a Hoxworth community blood drive at the Beth Adam Synagogue at 10001 Loveland-Maderia Road from 8 to 11:15 AM and 12:30 to 2 PM

This multi-synagogue Hanukkah blood drive, co-sponsored by Beth Adam and Ohav Ohav Shalom, is designed to provide a convenient location to donate blood before the holidays. The winter season brings increased travel accidents and emergency room visits, and therefore a greater demand for blood. Your donation at this blood drive will make sure our hospitals have an adequate supply of blood throughout the holiday season.

“Hanukkah means dedication, and one thing that Jewish people have always dedicated themselves to is tekum olam – 'to heal the world. That’s why multiple synagogues and Jewish organizations in Cincinnati are supporting this year’s Hanukkah blood drive,” said Brian Susskind. “According to the Talmud, 'To save one life is to save the entire world.' Your donation at this year’s Hanukkah blood drive can save up to 3 lives.”

To make an appointment to donate, please contact Brian Susskind, (513) 985-0556 or click HERE to schedule online.

Ask about donating Double Reds at this blood drive. Click HERE to schedule an double red donation.
 

Washington, DC - MAKING PROGRESS IN IRAQ

Like many of you, my support for our troops in Iraq is strong and unwavering. I believe we are on the brink of the creation of a democratic state where a brutal dictator once ruled a nation built on fear. On December 15, the Iraqi people will once again head to the polls to determine their future. This time they will be voting to elect a new government under the Constitution they approved in an October referendum. With this vote, we are one step closer to a free and more secure and Iraq.

LOVELAND, OHIO NEWS – JUST FOR FUN

LOVELAND, OHIO NEWS – Bob Powell says he just got out if the informational technology business after thirty-years, and he always enjoyed coaching kids, so the Just For Fun Party Center he recently opened, came naturally. He said, “Loveland needed a family entertainment center.”

The center is located at 675 Loveland Madeira Road in the Shoppers Haven Shopping Center across the street from the Loveland McDonalds and the Loveland Primary and Elementary schools. Inside you will find what Powell describes as two, carpeted “giant inflatable arenas” about 4,000 square feet each, full of large vinyl coated fabric bounce houses and party jumpers. He said he can accommodate about twenty children with accompanying adults in each arena. Large groups can rent the entire facility for parties. One arena is designed for toddlers and younger children and “the brave at heart parents and grandparents.” The other arena is designed for older children and adults.

The party center also has three smaller private party rooms where you can host your own party. Powell says the center is designed for “high energy private parties” but blocks of time have been reserved for what he calls “open to the public play time.” All play and party time must be reserved in advance however.

You can bring your own party supplies or have Powell arrange things from local caterers and local restaurants such as LaRosas and Wings and Things. Powell can arrange pizza parties, helium balloons, goodie-bags, face painting, and special entertainers. For almost all of Powell's parties, adults, which are a must, play free.

Powell bragged about what he described as a “huge” sound system and he said party-goers can bring their own music on CD's, but they have on tap, happy birthday songs, children's songs, etc. Party packages include, colorful party invitations and paper party supplies. You can decorate for your own party and make other personal arrangements through a party coordinator.

The center has three part time employees and Powell brings in local High School seniors and college students to help with the fun. Powell talked about the training his staff goes through and how they are instructed in the art of hospitality for children. Many of Powell's employees are local sport stars. Powell said he has lived in the Loveland and Miami township area all his life.

A 15 per-cent discount is available for parties booked till the end of 2005. The Just For Fun Party Center can reached at 677-2171 or visit their web site where you see prices. Powell has a very easy to navigate web site. You can also e-mail the party center.

LOVELAND, OHIO - Prodesse Quam Conspici

Prodesse Quam Conspici by Bill Croskey

Last month, I was encouraging you to be Patient. The definition of Patient was accepting a difficult situation without giving a deadline for removing it.  This, too, will pass. So, just wait it out. Slow and steady wins the race.  Well,  we've changed our minds. November's character trait is Initiative. It is defined as recognizing and doing what needs to be done before I am asked to do it. So, this month, he who hesitates is lost. Just Do It.  Strike while the iron is hot. The early bird catches the worm.

     I figured the Character First people must have a reason for running Patience and Initiative back to back. I think it might help to quote the great philosopher, Rogers.  You know him. What? -  No, not the philosopher and psychologist Carl Rogers.  The singer-songwriter, Kenny Rogers. As in, "You've got to know when to hold 'em; Know when to fold 'em."  Isn't that (one of) the secret(s) of life?  Knowing when to be Patient and when to take the Initiative?!

     Maybe this will help. My mentor, Warren McClellan, is renowned for many things  in Loveland.  But he is like Thomas Jefferson. Our Third President - poet, violinist, inventor, architect, and diplomat - wanted to be remembered for writing the Declaration of Independence, starting the University of Virginia, and writing the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom. Warren - poet, storyteller, photographer, football official, and shade tree mechanic - wanted to be remembered for starting runners' club at Intermediate School and hosting Pie Night for years. So, just as I listen to the sage of Monticello, I listen to the sage of Willow Run.

     Warren says, of running, that the hardest part is putting on your shoes.  I tell that to students all the time. Starting homework is the hardest part of the job.  Turning off the TV and computer, choosing schoolwork over fun, these are difficult initiatives to undertake. Undertake indeed! Many students feel like homework is burying them.  Once a young person has started the hated job, it's not quite so hateful.

     If half the problem with distasteful jobs is getting started, the other half may be how you look to others after you DO take initiative.  Remember Pete Rose, back before his son got in trouble with the law, back before the father got in trouble with the law?  He was hated around the National League. In part, it was because he ran to First Base on a walk. Yep, he couldn't handle a walk by walking; he had to run.  Pete took the initiative to hustle and he was resented for it.  He seemed to rub others' faces in the concept that he was going to out-work, out-hustle, and out-think anyone else in the League.  I am convinced that the main reason others hated him for this was because he made their mediocre effort look bad. Others could hit the ball farther, run the bases faster, field with more skill, and best him in other statistics. But Pete was going to outlast everyone. He did - for he  is the all-time major league leader in hits (4256), games played (3562) and at bats (14,053). Even before his gambling admission, these Initiative and Perseverance records did not endear him to all of his teammates or those he played against. But he recognized and did what needed to be done without being asked.

    So, what is the message here? Take the Initiative and be resented; don't take it, and preserve your friendships?  Probably not. But I wonder if, when we take the Initiative to do something,  we sometimes do it "in the face" of others, in order to show them up? If so, is there an alternative? I don't advocate passing by these opportunities to help. Rather, could we do so with less show? My alma mater's motto is: Prodesse Quam Conspici; To make progress while remaining inconspicuous. If we take Initiative for the glory of it, we will probably make enemies. If we see a need and quietly fill it, we may receive less recognition, but no less satisfaction.

LOVELAND, OHIO NEWS - LOW COUNTRY SATURDAY AND NEW YEARS EVE

LOVELAND, OHIO NEWS - The Low Country Boil will play at Paxton's Grill in Downtown Loveland Saturday evening (December 10). The music starts at 9:00 PM at 126 West Loveland Avenue.

 

Also, The Low Country Boil will be playing at Paxton's on New Years Eve.

"I guess you would call it classic rock.... but we play a lot of different types of music. We are mostly influenced by Neil Young songs and Grateful Dead songs," said Rob Reis of the Low Country Boil.

Kevin Bachman sings and plays two bongo drums, a Hopi Trunk Drum - he plays very hard and very loud and is from Montgomery. Chris Rutkai plays lead guitar is from Springboro. Rob Reis does vocals, plays rhythm guitar and harmonica and lives in Loveland.

"We all grew up in the Montgomery/ Blue Ash area and have been playing together since we were in Jr. High," said Reis.

LOVELAND, OHIO NEWS – MARY AND THE INFANT JESUS

LOVELAND, OHIO NEWS – This photo was taken at the “Live Nativity” December 4th at the Loveland United Methodist Church.

LOVELAND, OHIO NEWS – WEISGERBER NEW MAYOR

LOVELAND, OHIO NEWS – Robert Weisgerber, who was recently re-elected to serve another four year term on Loveland City Council was elected by the council body tonight to serve a two year term as Loveland's next Mayor. Joe Schickel was chosen by his fellow councilmembers to serve a two year term as Vice-Mayor. Schickel also was recently re-elected and had just completed a two year term as Vice-Mayor. David Bednar, who was off council for four years, but won a council seat last month, also took his seat at the Council table tonight to begin a new four year term. Dan Daly, who was also re-elected took a new oath of office as well.

Todd Osborne, Katie Showler and Paul Elliott will begin the third year of their four year term, having been elected two years ago.

Mayor Brad Greenberg did not seek re-election after he was appointed to sit on the Hamilton County Board of Elections.