Loveland Magazine

CHRISTMAS EVE HOMECOMING

A U.S. Navy sailor holds his child for the first time as he returns to Naval Base San Diego, Calif., following a deployment aboard the USS Halsey (DDG 97) on Dec. 24, 2006. Halsey, an Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer, conducted sustained maritime interdiction operations in the Sulu and Celebes Seas during its maiden deployment. DoD photo by Cmdr. Jane Campbell, U.S. Navy. (Released)

A LETTER HOME

by Scott Kesterson

Christmas morning. A gentle fog has settled in on the base here outside of the village of Terin Kowt. With it comes the dew, covering the gravel floor that stretches from wall to wall, as well as memories of an Oregon morning. As I walked over to check on the bread I had left to cook over night in the coal heated Dutch oven, the world back home and the world here seemed not quite so far apart. The bread had cooked to perfection. We would share it in a bit for our Christmas morning get together.

I have now been with the members of Task Force Phoenix- V for nearly 10 months. A mission composed primarily of Army National Guard men and women, supplemented by members of the Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marine soldiers, both regular and reserve. It's a mission that finds its roots in the attacks of 9-11; a memory that sits strong with ever person here. I came here without an agenda, other than the desire to tell the story through the eyes of the soldiers as they live each day. One of the most impressionable pieces to date has nothing to do with duty, or heroism, or sacrifice, but that these soldiers are just people, just like every one of us back home. A melting pot of personalities, races and beliefs unified around the fundamental precepts of our country... the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

Back home the news is overrun with a multitude of discussions on Iraq, the ongoing debate of our purpose there, our role now and in the future. Tied to these discussions like a dog to a truck's bumper, is the forgotten war of Afghanistan. The war that had the world's support, that had just cause and reason, the war that was fought and won in days, and the efforts now to establish a foundation here that will allow a country to evolve. Sadly, Afghanistan feels as if we have lost sight of our purpose, and in so doing, we have lost touch with the soldiers that are here.

The sense of things here on Christmas day was quiet. We have all come to know each other, and consider each other like family. Yet we all share the same feelings of distance and separation from our lives back home. We laugh, and we smile, but it's the smiles that friends share, without having to speak the words we all feel deep inside. The feelings of satisfaction to be here doing what each of us does so well, yet knowing that a part of us sits State side carrying on with an empty place setting at the table and the many memories of years past. While duty reveals hidden valor, it does not deny the silent tears that well in the heart.

Life here is best defined by adaptation. Very little is predictable, always subject to change and the differences imposed by a culture that is both ancient and unfamiliar to our own. Yet, after 10 months it is the abnormality that itself becomes normal. All us here are all passengers on a convoy of change knowing that we cannot go back to the way things were. In so many ways, the greatest challenge to this deployment begins when these soldiers are finally returned home and released to their civilian roles.

Holidays like Christmas remind us of the greater values we hold dear. We seek to appreciate difference, and accept temperance for other's ways. Those aspirations are put to the test daily, for Afghanistan, as I stated above, it not simply modernizing, it is evolving. Within the span of five years, daily life that was rooted in the traditions of ancient ways, has been thrust into the the twenty-first century. The simple and often harsh ways of living from the land, in settings reminiscent of biblical times, now face integration with the common features of modern culture... iPods, computers, and the Internet. It is a mix that has no precedence, no history of it own, other than the sudden rise of open markets and commerce. The challenges it brings will not be settled in years, but in generations yet to come.

There are no easy answers here. There are no quick fixes. The process of nation building has no set manual. Yet the root of all of this rests not with those that observe from afar but from those that are actually working for a solution. A true assessment as one of the Colonels here frequently states, requires "ground truth." The soldiers here offer that, and they continue to support and believe in this mission with all of its challenges that still lie ahead. What they know, that I observe every day, is that they are making a difference.

We sat together in the morning around the tree in the main office. Under the tree were dozens of packages, all donated by citizens back home. We shared a few stories, broke bread, and sipped Colombian coffee sent by one of the soldier's wives. Then the Major spoke up... "You all need to contact you families this morning. They are part of this deployment too. They need to hear from you." No one disagreed. It was a reminder of the deeper things that hold us together, beyond the gravel, and barbed wired walls that have become home to us all her in Afghanistan.

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO - SPECIAL DELIVERY: GIFT OF SIGHT

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO - When Loveland Magazine wanted a special Christmas present delivered to the head referee at the recent home game against Harrison, Miami Township resident Art Wilkinson was asked if he had any pull at the North Pole. Sure enough he did as Santa and his three elves, Angie Wilkinson, Amberly Ellis, and Meggie Holland eagerly delivered the friendly gift. Click here to watch a short Download santa_ref. mov of the ref opening his gift.

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO - CAMP ROAD REOPENED

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO - William W. Brayshaw, the Hamilton County Engineer, has announced that Camp Road, between Kugler Mill Road and Jackson in Symmes Township has reopened to through traffic.

LOVELAND MAGAZINE – 2006 STORY OF THE YEAR

by David Miller

LOVELAND, MAGAZINE - This is utterly the most important story Loveland Magazine has, or possibly ever will report.

We have all read a book, or an essay, or a documentary and said to ourselves, “Everyone should be forced to watch this.” Of course, living in the United States, you can't be forced to watch or read something you do not want to, or not read or watch something you do. However, if your young children or grandchildren had the intellectual capacity to understand, and if they could, they would hold their breath until you watched the BBC documentary Global Dimming.

It is about the decline of Pan Evaporation and the increase of  global dimming.

Is global dimming poised to strike again?

Do our children face a biblical famine; the closest thing to hell we have ever faced?

Are we arsonists that have  struck the match - and watching as the planet burns?

Have you witnessed that it is almost January and low growing plants in the Loveland area are still green and putting on new growth? Have you noticed that lack of migrating birds so far this winter? When was the last time you saw a frog? Have you noticed the radiating streams of clouds emanating from the horizon? Do you need more proof than what your own eyes are telling you?

“We are all seeing rather less of the Sun. Scientists looking at five decades of sunlight measurements have reached the disturbing conclusion that the amount of solar energy reaching the Earth's surface has been gradually falling. Paradoxically, the decline in sunlight may mean that global warming is a far greater threat to society than previously thought.” - producer David Sington

If your children are old enough, sit down with them and watch this documentary. If they are too young, watch it FOR them.

Christmas Tree Recycling

Loveland residents can bring trees to the Public Works De­partment for disposal, or call 683-0150 ext. 1439, or e-mail  for pick-up. Trees will be accepted from December 26 through January 10.

Miami Township resi­dents can bring Christmas trees cleared of all deco­rations to either Paxton Ramsey Park or Miami Meadows for chipping. Trees can be dropped off seven days a week during daylight hours from December 26 through January 31. Call (513) 248-3728 with questions.

Milford Christmas tree collection will be held every Wednesday in January, 2007. Please rid the tree of all lights, tinsel, and decorations, and place it at the curb. Trees not meeting the above requirements will be left at the curb and not collected. If you have any questions, please call Mi­chael Haight at (513) 831-7018.

Symmes Township residents can place their Christmas trees in the designated area behind the Township Administration building at 9323 Union Cemetery Road for recycling Tuesday, December 26 through Tuesday, January 16. The trees will then be mulched so all ornaments, tinsel and plastic wrapping must be removed. For more information, please contact the Township office at 683-664

Photos of the Year

San Francisco Chronicle

New York Times

World Press Photo of the Year

Village Voice

MSNBS

POYI (Pictures of the Year International)

   Newspaper
Photographer
of the Year

   Magazine
Photographer
of the Year

   World
Understanding
Award

   Community
Awareness
Award

TIME Magazine

Fox Sports - College Football

Fox Sports - NASCAR

GreenPeace

Reuters

CRITICISM OF CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING APPOINTEE

The New York Times is reporting a growing feud over President Bush's pick of Warren Bell to the board of Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Read the story by Times Staff Writer,  Matea Gold.

CLOSED AND STARTED THE OHIO CORE

By Joe Uecker, State Representative

This General Assembly closed and started The Ohio Core

The 126th General Assembly officially closed this past week and with it many good pieces of legislation that simply did not have enough time to get through.  A couple of those now dead bills I had sponsored but two very important pieces of legislation did get through that I initiated. The first of my bills to make it all the way through both Houses was HB 251, the State’s Energy Efficiency Policy.  This bill sets the official policy of energy conservation for the State of Ohio.  It starts by requiring all public buildings funded in whole or in part with state dollars to follow certain energy efficiency guidelines.  The entire process for this bill required the cooperation and patience of several state departments and bureaucracies that did come together in a rather unprecedented way. This bill awaits the Governor’s signature sometime next week.

HOLIDAY SEASON IN SOUTHERN OHIO

Washington, DC - I have often said that Southern Ohio is home to some of the most charitable, good-hearted people on earth. Having spent my entire life in this area, I've experienced it firsthand -- and as I've traveled into communities throughout the Second District, I've witnessed it time and time again.

Whether it's our schoolchildren or senior citizens, our corporations or non-profit organizations, we all have a way of looking out for one another through various outreach efforts. From donating our time and money, to buying toys and serving food to those less fortunate, most of us find a way to lend a hand. It's the fabric of our community, and one of the many things that makes Southern Ohio special.

The Universal Lessons of Hajj

by Faisal Kutty

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Millions of pilgrims from all over the world will be converging on Mecca in the coming days. They will retrace the footsteps of millions who have made the spiritual journey to the valley of Mecca since the time of Adam.

Hajj literally means, "to continuously strive to reach one's goal." It is the last of the five pillars of Islam (the others include a declaration of faith in one God, five daily prayers, offering regular charity, and fasting during the month of Ramadan). Pilgrimage is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for those who have the physical and financial ability to undertake the journey.

The Hajj is essentially a re-enactment of the rituals of the great prophets and teachers of faith. Pilgrims symbolically relive the experience of exile and atonement undergone by Adam and Eve after they were expelled from Heaven, wandered the earth, met again and sought forgiveness in the valley of Mecca.

They also retrace the frantic footsteps of the wife of Abraham, Hagar, as she ran between the hills of Safa and Marva searching for water for her thirsty baby (which according to Muslim tradition, God answered with the well of Zam Zam). Lastly, the pilgrims also commemorate the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son for the sake of God. God later substituted a ram in place of his son.

Yet, the Hajj is more than these elaborate rituals. The faithful hope that it will bring about a deep spiritual transformation, one that will make him or her a better person. If such a change within does not occur, then the Hajj was merely a physical and material exercise devoid of any spiritual significance.

As all great religions teach, we are more than mere physical creatures in that we possess an essence beyond the material world. Indeed, this is why all great religions have a tradition of pilgrimage. In the Islamic tradition, Hajj encapsulates this spiritual journey toward this essence.

The current state of affairs -- both within and outside the Muslim world -- greatly increases the relevance of some of the spiritual and universal messages inherent in the Hajj.

Dear American Troops,

I just wanted to send yo a short note to wish you Happy Holidays and let you know I am thinking about you and you are all in my constant prayers.

I spent a Christmas in Vietnam once in 1968 and remember it as a rather exciting and fun time. I remember having some “break in the action” and I hope you get the same. My parents, girlfriend, and close friends back home had shipped over a lot of holiday cheer in the form of cards, silly decorations for our sandbag hooch, and a lot of yummy homemade cookies that were reduced to crumbs by the time they made it to the mountaintop outpost I was on. From the time I unwrapped the cookie crumbs till they were completely gone was only about 30 seconds, as my buddies passed around the box.

My twin brother had sent a small tree for the six of us that lived together in our the mainly underground bunker, and I can remember some kind of holiday streamers across the ceiling and a lot of cards tacked up on the walls. Being away from home was no fun, but I don't remember at all being any more homesick during Christmas than any other day out of the year. Perhaps, it was even easier because we (I mean the folks back home) had surrounded us with so many holiday decorations that it was in fact a very cheerful time. I think for me and my buddies, Christmas was joy filled, much like those at home – just different.

I was twenty at the time, as many of you are. I had a high school sweetheart back home, but was not as old as some of you, and I did not have children to worry about and miss. So to you that are married and are missing a holiday season without being there to enjoy the magic of the season with your children, I am sure it is a very different experience than I had.

I want you to know that as often as I see one of your loved ones, I say hello and ask about you and quiz them about how you are doing and when you are getting home. Whenever I go to a high school sporting event and put my hand over my heart when the National Anthem is sung, I never sing the words, but stare at that flag of ours and say a prayer for your safety, and say thanks to God that you are being so brave on behalf of all of us and our country.

Usually while there, I go out to the hall at some point and look at the display that teacher, David Volkman maintains; with your picture on it and I look to check where you're currently deployed. I was at Paxton's Grill yesterday and they have a wall dedicated to you too. It has been a while since I have been to the bowling alley, but they have had a wall of honor for you there also. I notice that many of you have had more then one tour of combat duty. When we went to Vietnam, the tour in combat was only 12 months for the Army guys, and when they came around to offer us a bonus if we would extend our combat duty, I found somewhere to hide till the recruiter took the helicopter back down off the mountain.

In later years, I would have reoccurring dreams (nightmares) that even though I had been back from Vietnam for twenty or so years, the Army told me I had to go back. Funny how the only time I ever dreamed about my war experience, the dream wasn't about anything based in reality or “flash-back horror” - but I guess the thing I feared worse than anything. Going back!

So, when I hear of you guys going back, again and again, and me never hearing any complaints from you, well... My admiration for you is increased. I only have a small inkling of how hard this is on you, so I want you to all know just how much I appreciate your dedication and sense of duty.

The Bengals try to keep their playoff hope alive, playing at Denver today. Denver is recovering from an early winter blizzard. U.C. Beat North Carolina State yesterday for the first time in school history. Loveland's Boys and girls basketball teams are very, very good this year. Todd Benzinger, the former Red, is coaching the girls team.

The weather here has been exceptionally warm for a few weeks, so much so that some plants are still putting on green foliage. However, the last two days have turned a little colder. The sunshine promised for yesterday didn't happen until today, so I won't hold out too much hope for the “accumulating” snow predicted for sometime late on Christmas day either. It would be really nice to have some snow for Christmas evening, though.

For those of you who have suffered wounds and haven't made it home yet, I am thinking of you too. My prayers are for speedy and successful recovery, and it hasn't gone unnoticed the sacrifice you have made. I salute you all.

I want you all to know that we miss you very much, and love you even more. All through today, and when we wake on Christmas morning, before we go to the tree to open presents we will say a prayer for you and your buddies. When we open the present you managed to send us or have someone here buy from you, we will share tears of happiness. Before we eat Christmas dinner, we will set a place for you and think about you and talk about you as we eat. When we say grace, we will ask God to keep you safe and to return you to us very, very soon.

My prayers always include something about thanking God that I have been fortunate enough to stand in awl at how brave you are and so willing to sacrifice YOUR freedom, for others. I hope you are all finding some of the season's miracles in the mission you are on.

So my heroes,
God's speed to you.
Be safe.

David Miller
Editor and Publisher
Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND, OHIO - WHITE CHRISTMAS POSSIBLE

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WILMINGTON OH
756 AM EST SUN DEC 24 2006

ACCUMULATING SNOW POSSIBLE MONDAY NIGHT INTO TUESDAY... LOW PRESSURE OVER THE GULF OF MEXICO IS FORECAST TO TRACK NORTHEAST INTO THE TENNESSEE VALLEY BY MONDAY AFTERNOON...AND INTO THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY BY TUESDAY MORNING. AHEAD OF THIS SYSTEM...RAIN WILL DEVELOP ACROSS MUCH OF INDIANA...KENTUCKY AND OHIO DURING THE DAY ON MONDAY. AS THE LOW TRACKS TO THE EAST OF THE REGION MONDAY NIGHT...COLDER AIR WILL MOVE INTO THE OHIO VALLEY...CAUSING THE RAIN TO MIX WITH AND EVENTUALLY CHANGE TO SNOW OVERNIGHT MONDAY INTO TUESDAY MORNING. AT THIS TIME...IT APPEARS ONE TO TWO INCHES OF ACCUMULATING SNOW WILL BE POSSIBLE ACROSS PORTIONS OF OHIO...EASTERN INDIANA AND NORTHERN KENTUCKY LATE MONDAY AND EARLY TUESDAY.

HOWEVER...THERE STILL EXISTS CONSIDERABLE UNCERTAINTY REGARDING THE EVENTUAL TRACK AND STRENGTH OF THIS SYSTEM. CHANGES TO THE TRACK OF THE LOW COULD CAUSE PRECIPITATION TYPES AND SNOWFALL AMOUNTS TO BE DIFFERENT THAN CURRENTLY FORECAST. HOLIDAY TRAVELERS ARE URGED TO KEEP ABREAST OF THE SITUATION BY TUNING IN TO LOCAL MEDIA OR BY LISTENING TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO.

LOVELAND, OHIO -- BRAD MAUER, AMONG TEN FINALIST: SPIRIT OF SPORTSMANSHIP

List includes Collegiate Football Standouts Who Do Good On and Off Field By Volunteering As Tutors, Mentors and Fund Raisers

LOVELAND, OHIO -- The Awards and Recognition Association (ARA) has named 10 finalists for its annual sportsmanship award, given to one outstanding NCAA Division I collegiate football player who best personifies the spirit of sportsmanship.

Brad Mauer, attending Lafayette College in Easton, Pa., and a resident of Loveland is among the Finalists for the 2006 sportsmanship award which represents a variety of schools of all sizes and locations throughout the United States. Award criteria take into consideration the athlete's conduct both on and off the field.

"The ARA Sportsmanship Award was created to recognize outstanding character and leadership as it translates to sportsmanship," said Rich Zydonik, president of the ARA. "As expected, each finalist is an athletic stand out and consistently performs on the field. It's encouraging to see so many of today's collegiate athletes who consistently conduct themselves in a highly sportsmanlike manner."

At Lafayette , Maurer was named to ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District II team for the second straight year. He was elected co-captain for the 2006 season. Lafayette competes in the Patriot League and was their 2005 Champions.
Maurer entered his senior year as Lafayette's all-time leader and second in Patriot League history in career completion percentage (62.0).

While at Kings High School, Maurer was a National Merit Scholar finalist and member of the National Honor Society. He was honored as Kings 2002 Fall Scholar-Athlete and a three-year starter who led Kings to a 12-1 record and a Division II regional runner-up finish. Maurer passed for 2,620 yards and 29 touchdowns, rushed for 1,001 yards and 20 touchdowns, set the school record for single-game passing yards with 345, and won the National Football Foundation's 36th annual "That's My Boy" award as Ohio's in 2002. He was named a finalist for the Cincinnati Enquirer's football player of the year and earned first-team and Offensive Player of the Year honors at every level in 2002, including conference, county, district and state.

Brad is the son of Kyle and Elaine Maurer of Loveland.

LOVELAND, OHIO – PAXTON'S ANNOUNCES HOLIDAY CLOSINGS

LOVELAND, OHIO - Paxton's Grill in downtown Loveland has announced that they will be closed on Christmas Day and also Wed. the 27th at 4 P.M. for their annual Christmas party. They will also be closed on Thursday the 28th at 5 P.M. for a private party.

DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP, OHIO - INDOOR/OUTDOOR AQUATICS AND FITNESS CENTER UNDER CONSTRUCTION

DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP, OHIO - Life Time Fitness, Inc., a national operator of distinctive and large health and fitness centers, today announced that the construction for its Deerfield Township, location is under way. This will be the third Life Time Fitness center in Ohio. Life Time Fitness currently has a location in Columbus and another under construction in Dublin. Individuals may visit the center's website at  for information regarding memberships or to View a virtual tour of the new center.

The center will sport a large indoor/outdoor aquatics center, featuring multiple, two-story waterslides, two large zero-depth recreation pools, a lap pool and children's interactive play area, two whirlpools and an outdoor bistro. Families will appreciate Life Time Fitness' large child center, featuring a play maze, computer center, separate infant playroom, and numerous children's activities. Dedicated family locker rooms also are available.

The Deerfield Township center will offer 24-hour access to more than 400 pieces of state-of-the-art cardio, resistance and free-weight training equipment, along with a multitude of amenities. These include multiple group fitness studios with free classes, a team of certified personal trainers and programming, a wide selection of adult and youth programs and activities, rock climbing walls, five full-sized basketball/sports courts, squash and racquetball courts, a mind and body studio, dry sauna and free towels and lockers.

Members can take advantage of LifeSpa, which delivers a full range of hair, nail and skin care services, and therapeutic massage, and LifeCafe, which offers the best in nutritional food and beverage services.

"We are excited about our growth in Ohio and about the opportunity to showcase our latest facility to the people in the Cincinnati area," said Mike Brown senior vice president, Operations, Life Time Fitness. "As with all of our Life Time Fitness centers, our Deerfield Township location is uniquely designed to meet the health and fitness needs of the entire family. Our state-of-the-art equipment, classes and programming, multiple sports courts, large indoor and outdoor aquatics and child activity centers, cafe and full service spas, we provide the ultimate fitness resort destination for families."

Life Time Fitness Deerfield Township will be located at 8310 Wilkens Boulevard, Mason, OH 45040. Life Time Fitness's large 128,000+ square foot center is scheduled to open in 2007.

Washington Post: “White House, Joint Chiefs At Odds on Adding Troops”

by Robin Wright, Peter Baker -

On Dec 19, The Washington Post reported that the “Bush administration is split over the idea of a surge in troops to Iraq, with White House officials aggressively promoting the concept over the unanimous disagreement of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, according to U.S. officials familiar with the intense debate.” More »

LOVELAND, OHIO – LUXURY PET HOTEL TO REPLACE SHOOTING GALLERY

LOVELAND, OHIO – Pet Nation has submitted a zoning application to renovate the former Mathew 25 Ministries building on Loveland Madeira Road into a pet hotel. The application says that the design is based on, “luxury human suite hotels.”

The site is where Shooters Supply had proposed opening a retail weapons store and indoor shooting gallery.

Pet Nation will board pets in individual pet suits, “which are large, sound insulated, and of concrete block design with sound insulating glass doors." They say the 3.200 square foot indoor courtyard will be air conditioned, and “professionally landscaped” and with natural light. They also say that this will be the only “Pet Suite” location in the Greater Cincinnati area that is totally enclosed in a climate controlled environment with no dogs in the outside elements.

Gerald Stoker, Loveland's Zoning Administrator said that the Board of Zoning Appeals will meet on Wednesday December 20 at 5:30 PM, where they are expected to set a public hearing date of January 31 at 5:30 PM to receive public comment on the variance needed for the pet hotel in the Business Retail District.

LOVELAND, OHIO – HOLIDAY TRASH COLLECTION DELAYED

LOVELAND, OHIO – Trash collection will be delayed one day following the Christmas holiday on December 25th and the New Year's holiday on January 1, 2007.

LOVELAND, OHIO - LOW COUNTRY BOIL AT PAXTONS

LOVELAND, Ohio - The Low Country Boil will preform at Paxton's Grill in downtown Loveland next to the bike trail on Saturday, December 30.The music starts around 9:00 PM.

MORROW, Ohio – L M WOMEN 6-0

MORROW, Ohio – The womens basketball team ran their record to 6-0 with a come from behind victory over Turpin, defeating the Spartans 58 to 45. Down by 7 points entering the 4th quarter, the team rallied to score 31 points in the 4th quarter to pull out the win. Kelly Goode led the way with 15 points, followed by Missy Ramsey with 13 points, and Brooke Sowards added 12 points.

OTHER SPORTS

MORROW, OHIO - L M BOARD MEETING: REVISED NEW J. HIGH

MORROW, OHIO - The Little Miami Board of Education will meet on Tuesday, December 19, 2006 at 7 p.m. in the Little Miami High School media center. The board will hear a presentation from architects Steed, Hammond and Paul on revisions to the new district-wide junior high school plan.

Visit the district Web site to view the board agenda.

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT (MORE) LIKE GLOBAL WARMING

by Rob McKay

It is 60 degrees on December 18th in New York City. I'm hardly relieved I didn't have to bundle up my daughter and trudge with her through ice and now to go see "The Nutcracker" today. The temperature is terrifying. I want to crack some sense into the nuts who tell us there's nothing to worry about.
Ozone, schmozone. Just enjoy the balmy weather.

Bush won't even use the term "global warming." He occasionally makes reference to the world's "climate change." Conservative politicians and pundits chalk up global warming to the next liberal bully pulpit, a rehash of "political correctness" or outcries from the "feminazis."

Finish reading here.

LOVELAND, OHIO – WINTER GARDEN PARTY WANTS CHILDRENS ART

Saturday, February 10th, 1-5 PM

Experiencing and celebrating the art in nature with a focus on children’s art.

LOVELAND, OHIO – Roberta Paolo said, “We want children to see the beauty in nature that exists all around them, especially in their own back yards.  A twig, a rock, a tree trunk, a leaf can all be things of wonder and awe.”

The Winter Garden Party will feature an art show and competition presenting nature themed artwork created by area school children. “We invite your to encourage your student’s to participate,” said Paolo.

• The art show is open to all artists under 18 years old and all artwork with a nature theme is welcome. The limit two entries per artist. Artwork will be judged by a panel of local artists and art teachers.
• Deadline to submit a registration form is 2/1/07 and early registration is encouraged.
• Judging criteria: There are four age groups (five and under, 6-8, 9-12 and 13 and older). There are three categories within each group (3-dimensional, photographs and all other) and there will be four winners in each category.
• Winners will be recognized with a Granny’s Garden Award.  Everyone that enters will receive a sponsor gift package. Awards and prizes will be presented at the reception 4-5 PM, on the day of the show.

For more information about the show, competition and the event.

LIBRARY PROGRAMS

Loveland
Monday, December 18
• Preschool Storytime - 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Tuesday, December 19
• Book Club - "A Civil Action" by Jonathan Harr. - 10:00 a.m.

Wednesday, December 20
• Toddler Storytime - 10:30 a.m.

Symmes Township
Monday, December 18
• Toddler Songs & Storytime - 10:30 a.m.
• Needlework Group - 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 19
• Preschool Storytime -10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
• Chess Tactics with Alan Hodge - Overview of openings. - 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Wednesday, December 20
• Time For Ones! - 10:30 a.m.
• Library Babies - 11:30 a.m.
•Anime Club - 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

CLERMONT, COUNTY OHIO - MAKE HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY

Clermont Program Offers Valuable Resources

CLERMONT, COUNTY Ohio -  The Clermont County Community Housing Improvement Program (CHIP) invites anyone interested to attend a free Home Buyer Education Training Program on Saturday, January 20, 2007.  The program will begin at 9 AM and will be held at 2381 Clermont Center Drive in Batavia.

The training, targeted to low and median-income households, will focus on money management, finding and budgeting for an affordable home, how to secure financing, and the CHIP private home owner rehabilitation program. 

For additional information or to sign up for the program, contact Mary Werner at the Clermont County Department of Community Planning and Development at (513) 732-7904.

MORROW, OHIO – CLIFFORD-FEST

MORROW, OHIO – Clifford the Big Red Dog (a.k.a. teacher Mr. Ray Allen) helped build enthusiasm for the high school book fair. The event not only raises funds to purchase library resources, but it also encourages reading among students.

Shown is LMHS senior Cherrell Albertson kissing Clifford.

MAINVILLE, OHIO - PANTHERFEST 2007: JUST CHILLIN’

MAINVILLE, OHIO - PantherFest 2007: Just Chillin’ will be held on Saturday, February 17th from 10am to 4pm at Little Miami High School.  Highlights will include the 2nd annual Chili Cook-off and Pie Baking Contest and music by the Junior High School Jazz Band under the direction of Greg Robinson, which drew rave reviews from the crowd at PantherFest 2006.

This year’s event has also been expanded to include booth spaces; a 10x10 space is available for $25.  This is a perfect showcase for local businesses, craft vendors, or home business owners to present themselves to the surrounding community.  While crafters are typically active in only fall and spring shows, they may find this the perfect opportunity to either clearance fall/winter items, or preview their spring wares!  Event organizers are also working on other performance groups to keep the “main stage” active throughout the day!