Loveland Magazine

GOSHEN TOWNSHIP, OHIO – ANCHORAGE LIGHTLY DECORATED

GOSHEN TOWNSHIP, OHIO - The Goshen Township Historical Society's Museum "The Anchorage" circa 1820 will be adorned and lighted with antique oil lamps for the Christmas Season.

Society President Jim Poe said, “Renowned oil lamp collector and Goshen resident Scott Chasteen has placed on loan to the Society several of his vintage lamps for display throughout the season. The museum is lightly decorated with fresh pine and other native vegetation with the lamps being the highlight.”

The Anchorage located at 1845 State Route 28 in Goshen will be open for tours on Saturday December 2nd and 9th from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The lamps will be lighted only during the evening tours. The public is invited at no charge however, donations are welcome.

LOVELAND, OHIO – JEFFERY JOHNSON GRADUATES BASIC

LOVELAND, OHIO – Army Spec. Jeffrey J. Johnson has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga.

During the nine weeks of training, Johnson received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions.  Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experiencing use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.

Johnson is the son of James Johnson of W. Knollwood Circle, Loveland, Ohio, a 1999 graduate of Sycamore High School, and received a bachelor's degree in 2004 from Muskingum College.

LOVELAND, OHIO - LOVELAND HIGH GRADUATE PUBLISHES ETHICS ARTICLE

LOVELAND, OHIO - The DePauw University News reports that senior biochemistry and philosophy major, Robert R. Lavieri from Loveland has co-authored an article in the November/December 2006 issue of American Journal of Bioethics titled "Ethical Considerations in the Communication of Unexpected Information with Clinical Implications,"

The article was the result of Lavieri's summerlong internship at Yale University's Interdisciplinary Center for Bioethics. That experience was made possible by a fellowship awarded by the Janet Prindle Institute for Ethics at DePauw, accordiing to the press release issued by the university.

"Implicit ubiquitously in beneficence is our obligation to make informed decisions and aid others in doing so as well," begins the article by Lavieri and Samual A. Garner. "Therefore, cases involving the unanticipated discovery of information with clinical implications can create an ethical dilemma. We ought to always respect an individual's autonomy by allowing an individual to choose whether or not to know the results of an unrequested genetic test, yet we simultaneously have a general obligation to tell people the truth in clinical research settings."

The complete text is available to subscribers at the journal's Web site. You can read the summary report from Lavieri's internship here.

Lavieri also contributes a review of a DePauw professor's book to the new issue (Volume 12, Number 4) of Skeptic magazine. 

WE'RE NOW NOT LAUGHING WITH YOU MICHAEL, BUT AT YOU

by David Miller, Publisher

Seinfeld's, Michael Richards (Kramer) played an ugly, unruly and disrespectful character for many years just to get laughs. But last week, the ugly mask fell away to reveal a truly horrifying side of a man when he went into a profanity filled racial triad at the Laugh Factory in West Hollywood. (See video) 

This week, Richards gets a taste of his own medicine in the “Lost Seinfeld Episode” at NationalLampoon.com.

Jon Barker who now lives in Mainville, Ohio, was my former pastor when he was leading the Loveland United Methodist Church and he once taught me how to differentiate between true comedians and impostors when he asked me to consider the role of NAZI prison guard Sgt. Schultz in the  television situation comedy Hogan's Heroes. The Schultz character was portrayed as, bumbling, funny, incompetent, and even a benevolent NAZI, but Barker said there was in fact nothing ever to be construed as funny about NAZI prison guards.

Sgt Schultz was heard often on the show saying, "I hear nothing, I see nothing, I know nothing." Now after viewing the “Lost Seinfeld Episode” I can see with fresh eyes that there was never a good enough excuse to “see nothing” in the crude, amoral, self center, characters in any of the Seinfeld episodes.

On stage at the Laugh Factory, was Richards just continuing the Seinfeld sitcom having never left the Kramer role of anything goes – for a laugh? We're now not laughing with you Michael, but at you.

Or, as Joni Mitchel sings, “Laughing or crying, it's all the same release.”

Step Away From The Constitution, Mr. Gingrich, And Put Your Hands Where We Can See Them

by Bob Cesca http://www.opednews.com

I don't think it can be said more clearly: we should be willing to die at the hands of a thousand terrorist attacks before giving up our liberties.
Actually, it can be said more clearly -- by Patrick Henry.

But at no time in present memory has that declaration been more applicable.

You, me and every human being who calls him- or herself an American ought to be willing to sacrifice ourselves before acquiescing to the tyranny of those who advocate such unconstitutional laws as the USA Patriot Act, the Military Commissions Act and other yet-to-be-proposed ideas put forth by reactionary Republican cowards.

And "reactionary Republican cowards" includes Newt Gingrich who said, according to the Union Leader, we need to "reexamine freedom of speech" in order to "get ahead of the curve before we actually lose a city, which I think could happen in the next decade." The irony is that he said this at an event honoring the First Amendment. The scary side of this statement isn't the idea of losing a city but rather the notion that Mr. Gingrich wants to be our next president.

LOVELAND, OHIO – GRAILVILLE: SIX HOLIDAY LUNCHEONS FEATURING INTERNATIONAL CRÈCHE EXHIBIT

LOVELAND, OHIO – Grailville Education and Conference Center in Loveland, Ohio will host six holiday luncheon presentations on December:  Tuesday 5, Wednesday 6, Thursday 7, Tuesday 12, Wednesday 13, and Thursday 14, 2006. This annual event is in conjunction with Grailville’s International Crèche Exhibit. The exhibit features more than 40 Nativity sets and works of art collected from over 20 countries and cultures worldwide.

Doors will open in the Grailville Dining Room at 12:00 PM for viewing with the luncheon being served at 12:30 PM. 

Guests will enjoy a holiday lunch buffet featuring Boneless Breast of Chicken with Apple and Blackberry Brandy Glaze with a vegetarian entree of Curry Sweet Potato Casserole with Tempeh, Swiss Chard and Kale Souffle, Brown Rice Pilaf, Grailville House Salad, and Bread Pudding with Butter Rum Sauce for Dessert.

The luncheon will be followed by a short presentation. Members of the Grailville staff will speak on the origin of the Nativity scene and talk about the history and background of many of the Nativity sets in the Grailville International Crèche Collection. Don’t forget to stop by the Grailville Store to finish you holiday shopping.

The cost is $13 prepaid or $15 at the door and reservations are required. For more information and to make reservations, please call 513-683-2340. Driving Directions

Grailville, an education and retreat center located on 300 acres of farm, pasture and woodland, is operated by the Grail, an international women’s movement established in 1921. Grailville features special events and programs relating to ecology, spiritual deepening, economic justice for women and the arts. Its facilities are available for rent to outside groups for conferences, retreats and meetings.

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO - CIVIC CENTER DEDICATION & OPEN HOUSE

Trustees dedication at 3:30 p.m.; Open House and Tours to follow with Christmas Tree Lighting.

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO -  The Miami Township Board of Trustees have invited all residents to the official dedication of the Miami Township Civic Center on Saturday, December 2 at 3:30 PM The new Civic Center is located at 6101 Meijer Drive, just off SR28 at Wolfpen-Pleasant Hill Road. The Lighting of the Christmas Tree will follow the dedication from 4-8 PM., with activities planned for children and those of all ages.

"The Civic Center is dedicated to providing our community with a quality facility for gatherings, meetings, recreational, as well as educational programs for our residents," said Ed Humphrey, Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

The new Civic Center was financed through bonds so that no new taxes would be needed to complete the project. The new facility houses numerous meeting room, two full-size multi-purpose rooms, technology equipped classrooms, smaller conference rooms and aerobic studio. The 39,000 square foot building also houses the administration offices of the Miami Township staff, including Zoning and Community Development, Recreation, Community Relations, Miami Township TeleVision, and the Fiscal Offices. The Police, Fire/EMS and Service departments will remain at 5900 McPicken Dr., off of SR28.

"Our conference rooms and versatile multi-purpose space make these areas ideal for just about any use," said Trustee Mary Makley Wolff, who also helped the township put in place its park system before she became a Trustee.

"Cushioned floors are designed for dance, aerobics, martial arts training, or just about any physical fitness activity you can think," she said. The facility is availble for use by local non-profit groups, community get-togethers, children or senior activities, team talks, and business and organizational meetings.

"Plus, we offer a spacious full-size galley for catering food, drinks and any other meeting or party need," said Trustee Ken Tracy. "And our conference rooms offer full-size video projection screens for presentations and organizational meetings.”

The Civic Center will also have a larger room for the Board of Trustees to conduct meetings. Two adjoining conference rooms have been added for the township to hold meetings and gatherings.

After the dedication, residents are encouraged to stay and enjoy local talent as they ring in the holiday season. Children can visit with Santa, decorate cookies, have their faces painted and make holiday crafts. The Miami Township Christmas Tree will be lit at 7:15 PM. For information about the Tree Lighting, call the Recreation Department at 248-3727.

Democrats, It's Time to Sober Up

by Rev. Al Sharpton:

"Keep us forever in the path, we pray...Lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee," wrote James W. Johnson in "Lift every Voice and Sing," the Black National Anthem.

Now is a time of great celebration for the Democratic Party. But drunk upon our victories, we must not forget what all this winning is truly for.

Continue reading.

MIAMI TOWNSHIO, OHIO - SWAN HAS GRADUATED FROM BASIC COMBAT TRAINING

MIAMI TOWNSHIO, OHIO - Army Reserve Pvt. Lisa I. Swan has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

During the nine weeks of training, Swan studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.

She is the daughter of Jerry Swan of Wards Corner Road, Loveland, Ohio, and Nancy Swan of Kingston Way, San Jose, Calif. And is a 2005 graduate of Loveland High School.

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO – ANNUAL LUMINARY NIGHT

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO - Deb DalSanto wants to let Loveland Magazine readers know that the Miami Township street she lives on has an annual holiday luminary night. This year's date is December 16th with the lighting at 6:30 PM, on 6071 Windy Hollow Ct.

DalSanto  says, “The combination of the luminaries and other Christmas lights makes out street look absolutely gorgeous.   MAP 

LOVELAND, OHIO – SUPERINTENDENT HONORED

LOVELAND, OHIO – Loveland City School District Superintendent Dr. Kevin Boys received the 2006 Exemplary Leadership Award from the Buckeye Association of School Administrators (BASA) at the BASA 2006 Fall Conference held in October. (READ FULL STORY) 

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO - COMEDY HYPNOTIST TO PERFORM AT LHS

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO - Loveland High School Yearbook staff is sponsoring a "Mind Over Magic" show, on November 30, at 7 PM in the high school auditorium at 1 Tiger Trail. The event is open to the public and appropriate for all ages.  Admission is $7 and tickets can be purchased at the door.

“Comedy hypnotist, Matt Dawson, provides fun, hilarious and clean entertainment.  It's an amazing experience watching somebody turn ordinary people, perhaps your friends or family, into outrageous performers. The power of suggestion and imagination, and the lowering of inhibition, makes for a fantastic show.”

For more information, call Loveland High School at 683-1920.

MORROW, OHIO - PLANS UNVEILED FOR NEW INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL

MORROW, OHIO - The Little Miami Local Schools Board of Education heard a presentation on the new district-wide intermediate school during their board meeting last week.

The school, to be located on donated land at the corner of Zoar and Stephens roads, will be built for 800 students, expandable up to 1,600 students in the future. The concept of the design is to support a team-teaching approach in an efficient, compact structure. Many areas of the building are multi-functional to maximize space.

Architects with Voorhis, Slone, Welsh and Crossland in Mason have been meeting weekly with community members and educators to create a flexible design that will meet the district's educational and enrollment needs for years to come.

You can visit the district Web site  to view detailed images of the concept design. (Click plan to see a larger view.)

INFO NEEDED ABOUT COLONEL JOHN J. VOLL

Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,

My name is Walt Miller, I am a documentary film maker who is doing historical research to gather enough information for at least an article or, perhaps a book, or even a film or video documentary on Colonel John J. Voll, native of Goshen, Ohio, who was the leading ace in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations (MTO) during World War II. (See related  Loveland Magazine article.)

I worked for Colonel Voll when he was Base Commander, McClellan AFB, Sacramento, California. I was a captain who was promoted to major while he was my commander. Colonel Voll was an outstanding commander and a great boss.

I want to pay tribute to Colonel Voll's accomplishments during his career, especially his courage and skill as a fighter pilot during World War II.

I would truly appreciate any assistance or information you can provide that would help me develop my research on Colonel Voll.

Thank you for your time in this important endeavor.

Harold W. Miller, Lieutenant Colonel, USAF (Ret.)
110 Penny Lane
Daphne, AL 36526

email:
Office: (251) 626-9568 Ext 106
Mobile: (251) 610-3200

LIBRARY EVENTS

Thursday, November 30
Symmes Township
Crash Course in Hebrew Reading - A 6-week series with Rabbi Pinchus
Landis.
7:45 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 2
Loveland
Open House - “Join us in celebrating our manager's 1st anniversary at the
branch!” Enjoy refreshments & music by Wild Carrot.
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Miami Township
Cleves Christmas Walk - Celebrate the spirit of the season with crafts
for all ages, refreshments, door prizes & fun galore!
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.  Please read comments posted below.

CLERMONT COUNTY, OHIO - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR DISASTERS HELP

CLERMONT COUNTY, OHIO - When a tornado, flood, or other type of disaster occurs, a timely and coordinated response is critical to assist communities struggling with such a disaster.  Trained volunteers are needed for recovery efforts. If you would like to help, the Clermont County Citizen Corps is offering a free training opportunity on Saturday, March 10, 2007 at the Clermont County Fairgrounds in Owensville.

“Training opportunities will include how to set-up and staff a volunteer center and how to match volunteers to the needs of professional responders,” said Clermont Emergency Management Agency Director Beth Nevel.  “With a better trained volunteer base we will be better prepared to respond to disasters, resulting in safer, stronger, and disaster resistant communities.”

For more information about the Clermont County Citizen Corps or to register for the free Disaster Response Training, visit their Web site at www.ClermontCitizenCorps.org or call (513) 732-7070.

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO - LEBANON ROAD NOW 35 MPH

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO - William W. Brayshaw, the Hamilton County Engineer, has announced that the speed limit on Lebanon Road, from the City of Loveland Corporation limits. to Fields Ertel Road at the Hamilton/Warren County Line, has been reduced from 40 MPH to 35 MPH.

New signage will be in place by noon, Tuesday, November 28, 2006.

Comments can be directed to the Hamilton County Engineer's Traffic Department at 513-946-8422.

OXFORD, OHIO – OHIO UNIVERSITY HEADS TO MAC CHAMPIONSHIP

OXFORD, OHIO – The Ohio University Bobcats defeated Miami on Friday at Yager Stadium 34-24. Ohio had already clinched the MAC East title when they defeated Akron on November 16.

The Bobcats (9-3, 7-1) next game will be on November 30 at Ford Field in Detroit to take on Central Michigan to decide the MAC championship after winning their first ever MAC East championship and their first appearance in the MAC championship since 1968.

Win or loose in Detroit, Ohio is likely to play in a post season bowel game which would be their first, since the 1968 Tangerine Bowl

Junior running back Kalvin McRae ran for 180 yards Friday against Miami in his seventh-straight 100-yard game. It is the first time in school history that the Bobcats have had seven Mid-American Conference wins in a single season. Ohio's nine wins this season are the most since 1968 when the team went 10-1. Friday's win over Miami also broke a six-game losing steak against the RedHawks and was the first Ohio victory in Oxford since 1993. The win is Ohio's fifth road win this season, the most since the 1968 when the Bobcats also recorded five wins on the road.

In the photo is #13 Neil Jereb, a walk on Sophomore from Westlake, Ohio up-ending Miami running back Austin Sykes.
 

Meet the New Boss: Jennifer Brunner, Secretary of State

by Rady Ananda

Rummy was booted, Noe's going to prison for 20 years, and the powers that be gave us a Democratic sweep.[1] In exchange, the election integrity movement is being told it must accept audits of the machines, if one is to gauge the length and intensity of e-debate on the subject, or the campaign promises of public servants.

Ohio's next Secretary of State spoke with grassroots activists and party operatives last night, repeating her campaign mantra of "free, fair, open and honest elections." Jennifer Brunner also promised to "examine the machines."

Examine the machines? We are done examining the machines – the verdict is in. Under current election conditions, there is no basis for confidence in reported election results. The machines are only one part of the problem, and the easiest to remove. This is the first and most crucial step toward honest elections.

Better to examine the reports from the Dept. of Homeland Security, the Government Accountability Office, the National Science Foundation's ACCURATE Center, Princeton University or CompuWare Corporation. This year, even Rolling Stones did a succinct job covering the problem with electronic voting (coupled with voter suppression tactics). Citations for these reports appear at the end of this article under [2].

Thank you Troops

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO - CLOSURE OF COOK ROAD

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO - At the request of Miami Township, the Clermont County Engineer's Office will perform maintenance work on Cook Road this Friday, Nov. 24, to help improve visibility and improve the road surface according to a press release issued by Miami Township.

“Because of the work needed to be accomplished, Cook Road will be closed on Nov. 24 starting at 8:00 am for most of the day while work crews lay skid-resistant asphalt and elevate the roadway to help drivers who travel Cook Road. The crews will return Monday-Wednesday of next week to continue work on the roadway, improve visibility and to fill alongside the road.”

“We apologize in advance for the closure on Friday, but Miami Township and the Clermont County Engineer's Office feel this project must be done expeditiously to help insure driver safety.”

If you have any questions, call: 248-3725.

MORROW, OHIO – LITTLE MIAMI STUDENTS CELEBRATE VETERANS DAY – OTHER NEWS

MORROW, OHIO – Little Miami Junior High School students circled the flag pole ON November 10, silently paying their respects to the men and women who have served our country. Veterans Mrs. Judy Neal, Mr. Marty Skidmore, Mr. Ray Owen and Mr. Jack Worley slowly raised the flag while Mr. Rob Ryan played taps on the trumpet to honor America's heroes.

These students also watched the video "Dear America: Letters Home from Vietnam" and wrote letters to those serving in Iraq.

"We did this a few years ago, and many of the students got return letters. The seventh grade social studies teachers also received signed flags from the soldiers in Iraq," said LMJHS Principal Brain Bailey.

Each school building in the district set aside time last week to celebrate Veterans Day.

"Many students already know a veteran - a parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle - but they may not understand the importance of recognizing the holiday," said Superintendent Dan Bennett. Throughout the week, students of all grades learned who a veteran is and the significance of Nov. 11.

At Little Miami High School, the day began with the reading of "To Honor Veterans of All Wars." In the cafeteria, a large poster was displayed for students to write personal messages to those in the 558th Armory in Kings Mills serving in Iraq. Social studies classes learned about the first Veterans Day and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and discussed statistics on the remaining veterans from each war.

Classroom activities at Little Miami Intermediate School included plotting American wars on a timeline and studying the population of female Veterans in the United States by state. The elementary school students participated in a host of activities - from reading literature, writing letters and sending care packages to those serving in the military to performing plays about Veterans Day. At Maineville Elementary School, staff and students displayed pictures of family members who have served in the Armed Forces to create a Wall of Honor.

"It's so important for our students to remember the sacrifices these men and women have made - not just on Veterans Day, but throughout the year," said Mr. Bennett.

LOVELAND, OHIO -ORGANIC FALL HARVEST ITEMS STILL FOR SALE

LOVELAND, OHIO - The Earth-Shares garden program is having an end-of-season $1 sale on: Acorn squash, butternut squash, red potatoes, and onions -- all $1 per pound.

They also have a few greens that made it through the weather so far: Swiss chard, kale, mixed greens, and parsley -- all for $1 per bag.

They also have garlic in assorted sizes and prices.

Because of the cold weather they have moved the produce stand inside the Milk and Honey House building, where folks can help themselves. It is open during daylight hours for as long as the quantities last. The freshly harvested produce is grown in the certified organic gardens at Grailville.

The produce stand is on the porch outside of the Milk and Honey House and the vegetables are in the two refrigerators, with prices marked. This is a self-serve system and payment is put in the cash box; it is helpful if you can bring change in the correct amount.

The Milk and Honey House is a red-brick building on the Grailville grounds and is located off the main entrance drive on the left just after the fork in the road that turns right to go to the store and office.

Driving Directions 

Grailville is a 300-acre education and retreat center in Loveland, Ohio. It was established as the national home of the Grail in 1944. Grailville features organic gardens, walking trails, ponds and meadows, indoor and outdoor labyrinths, charming older buildings, and a Victorian manor house.

Grailville 
932 O'Bannonville Road
Loveland, OH 45140-9705
513-683-2340

LOVELAND, OHIO – BUY BOOKS SUPPORT GRANNY'S GARDEN

LOVELAND, OHIO – If you are Christmas shopping, and you get the chance, stop by Barnes and Noble for a while next Sunday, November 26 there will be a lot going on throughout the day. Your kids will love seeing the Madcap puppets at 2:00 PM and perhaps listening to a story read by one of their favorite teachers, Loveland, Primary School Principal, Kyle Bush or Kenny, their favorite bus driver. You are invited to read a story as well. BARNES & NOBLE 9891 WATERSTONE BLVD.

Granny's Garden School will receive a percentage on the sale of most items that day, when the customer presents one of their vouchers. If you can't get to the store, phone orders count. 

It's a book fair and lots of fun activities for kids and parents. And, it’s a fundraiser for Granny’s Garden’s School with10-20% of purchases benefiting the garden program.  See the schedule of events here. 

Help your class win a craft party. The classroom in each grade level with the greatest # of orders placed will win a craft party. Each teacher will receive a $25 Barnes and Noble gift certificate.

You can purchase and donate books for the school, and have your family's or child's name imprinted on a donor bookplate. Purchases of these items will also apply to the fundraiser.

Call in your order, 513-683-5599. Orders over $25 are shipped free. When making a phone order, mention that you are participating in the Granny’s Garden School book fair.

The more people making purchases with Granny's vouchers that buy, the more funds they raise.  $1-$2,000, they get 10%. $2,000-$10,000, they get $15%.  Over $10,000 they get 20%.

Granny also needs help building new garden boxes. They have  received a donation of two truck loads of lumber to build new garden boxes to replace the old ones which are rotting away. The longer the lumber is left in a pile, the more appealing it will become for building skateboard ramps and other uses. Click here to offer your services. 

CLERMONT COUNTY, OHIO - HOLIDAY SPONSORS NEEDED

CLERMONT COUNTY, OHIO - CASA For Clermont Kids! is looking for sponsors to provide Christmas gifts for approximately 60 children. These children, between the ages of newborn to 18, will be spending this holiday season in foster homes, removed by the court system as a result of abuse or neglect.

“Sponsors can choose to sponsor either a boy or a girl,” said CASA Executive Director Karey Ringland.  “Our goal is to have all of the unwrapped gifts in our office by December 8, 2006. They will then be wrapped and given to foster parents for delivery on Christmas morning.”

For additional information about the CASA For Clermont Kids! holiday sponsorships, please call (513) 735-7233

LOVELAND, OHIO – SLIME BUSTERS AT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

LOVELAND, OHIO – COSI Columbus (Center of Science and Industry) brought their COSI on Wheels program to the Loveland Elementary School on November 14. The student detectives got to solve the mystery of who stole the superslime ingredients and make some of the icky stuff to take home, write in invisible ink, and learn to identify unknown substances with chemistry.

Some of the students promised not to put the slime in their mother's sock drawer when they got home – but not all.

If you want to do virtual knee surgery with your children, travel to a star and back to earth, parachute from the stratosphere, make chocolate lava, crystal gardens, or build a catapult:

• Click here for on-line activities at the COSI website.
• Or, click here for classroom and do-at home activities.

Click below to view more photos. (All photos Copyright DAVID MILLER/Loveland Magazine 2006)

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO - UPDATE: SEVEN GABLES ROAD BRIDGE

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO - William W. Brayshaw, the Hamilton County Engineer, has announced that the bridge project on Seven Gables Road in Symmes Township, located 1/10th of a mile north of Montgomery Road (US 22-3), has been extended until Friday, December 1, 2006.

As before, any problems/questions should be directed to either Tom Fenton with Baker Concrete at 513-539-4393 or to Tom Brayshaw with the Hamilton County Engineer at 513-946-8419.

For information .

LOVELAND, OHIO - “The Living Nativity"

LOVELAND, OHIO – Pat Blankenship, the Director of Congregational Care at the Loveland United Methodist Church says, “Please join us, along with your friends and family, as we present, through drama and song, the account of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, according to the gospels of Luke and Matthew.”

Blankenship is promoting “The Living Nativity" an annual Christmas program of the Church. She says that when you arrive, you will be received by parking lot attendants who eagerly await your visit. The attendants will direct you to a warm greeting by a hospitality team who will then introduce you to your, “tour guide of Bethlehem, Luke."

Following your tour, you can enjoy entertainment provided by the Three Wise Men’s entourage. Blankenship says there will be plenty of hot beverages and Christmas cookies ready for your enjoyment as you rest for a bit inside the Wise Men’s cabana.

“There will be time to visit with the animals too,” said  Blankenship. And she reminds that because the Living Nativity Walking Tour takes place outside in the lower level of their parking lot, “to please dress warmly.”

“All this, and there’s no admission fee. Looking forward to seeing you in Bethlehem.”

The Living Nativity
Sunday, December 3rd
4:30-7:30 PM
Loveland United Methodist Church
10975 S. Lebanon Rd.
Loveland, OH 45140
513.683.1738

The Signature 2006 Race: Sherrod Brown over Mike DeWine in Ohio Senate Race

by Robert L. Borosage

The signature race - and the one with the largest lessons for Democrats across the country - came in Senate race in Ohio, the bellweather swing state that gave Bush his re-election in 2004. It featured two strong candidates who ran very tough, and well funded races.

Click to continue reading.

MORROW, OHIO - STUDENTS HURL PUMPKINS

MORROW, OHIO - These pumpkin-smashers aren't vandals - they are scientists and inventors.

More than 100 Little Miami Junior High School students hurled pumpkins across their soccer field Monday, Oct. 30. The seventh and eighth grade students tested their knowledge of physics, math and architecture as part of the fifth annual pumpkin catapult competition coordinated by gifted intervention specialist Stephanie Corradini.

"The competition is an opportunity for enrichment activities for all students," she explained.

It also goes hand-in-hand with the seventh-graders study of the Middle Ages and the eighth-graders study of forces. Ms. Corradini visited the seventh grade classrooms and discussed the history and science of catapults. During the lesson, students used mouse-trap-sized catapults made from clothes pins to compare how the mass of an object affects the distance it travels.

Teams of students put their knowledge to the test by catapulting pumpkins in their homemade contraptions. The main rule of the competition, which was open to the entire student body, was that the catapults had to be operated by a lever.

Seventh-graders Laura Kneip, Jadie Riewoldt and Claire Schad had heard about the competition before coming to the junior high school this year. Jadie's older sister had participated in the competition and gave them pointers on design.

"We built a trebuchet," Jadie explained. "My sister's was similar, but we made some changes to her design."

A trebuchet catapult is like a teeter-totter, explained Ms. Corradini. On the long end is a line with a pouch for the object and on the short end is a counterweight. The students pull the arm down to place the pumpkin in the pouch, which raise the counterweight. Then they pull the trigger to release. The counterweight drops and the sling releases the pumpkin.

"The number of participants has grown each year," she said. "Our winning team broke 500 feet on all three launches this year. The previous record was set last year with a launch of more than 440 feet.  It was also very impressive to see how many catapults launched over 100 feet.  Just four short years ago, the longest launch was 180 feet."

The first place team of Bobby Kissel, Mark Bovee and David Hamburg averaged 527 feet - 80 feet better than the previous record. Although the eighth-graders won last year, their significant improvement was due to design modifications.

"We increased the drop the weight fell by 22 inches and lengthened the sling and the arm," explained Mark. He said the changes made the catapult's launches more consistent.

The eighth-grade team of Alex Brown, Nathaniel Osterfeld, Shane Boos and Zach Kemen earned second place with an average of 448 feet. Third place went to seventh grade students Michaela Parker and Elizabeth Crow with launches averaging 453 feet.