Loveland Magazine

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO - Wall of Heroes

2007 School Funding Essay Contest

ESSAYS CAN BE SUBMITTED ON ONE OF THE FOLLOWING TOPICS:

~ Dear Governor: Advice from an Ohio student on fixing school funding.
~ Why is education included in the Ohio Constitution and why was our funding system found unconstitutional?
~ How my school is affected by Ohio's school funding problem.

Details: 2007 School Funding Essay Contest.

SCHOOL FUNDING BALLOT INITIATIVE

The Ohio Fair Schools Campaign is working to fix Ohio's unconstitutional school funding system. Since October of 2005, they have been part of the effort that involved Ohio Mayors and Ohio education organizations in creating a school funding remedy that could be placed on the ballot.

Getting It Right for Ohio's Future supports a constitutional amendment to establish a high-quality education as a fundamental right for Ohio's children through the implementation of a new school funding model. The amendment would help develop a well-educated work force to attract good jobs and restore Ohio's competitiveness.

Link: Getting It Right! For Ohio's Future

The January 22 edition of the Ohio League of Women Voters weekly Education Update has a summary of what's in the amendment and some background on the effort. To read it, visit their Education Updates page.

The ballot language can also be read here.

LOVELAND, OHIO - Granny's Valentine Special

 

LOVELAND, OHIO - Granny's Valentine Special

Every $10 donation made to the garden program by February 12th will be recognized with a chance in a drawing for a pair of diamond earrings.
($100 - 10 chances, etc.)

The earrings have a retail value of $699.00. The journey style earrings are 5/8" diameter and are 1/2 carat diamonds set in 14k white gold.

You'll have them by Valentine's Day.  If you live out of town, they will be sent by express mail.

Donations can be mailed to: Granny's Garden School, 20 Miamiview Drive, Loveland, OH 45140

The offer was made possible by the support of Equity Diamond Brokers and Bill Re from Bush-Re-Taylor Insurance.

Granny's Garden School, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) non profit

MORE INFO: Granny's Valentine Special

MILFORD, OHIO - Steve Taylor Memorial Fundraiser

MILFORD, OHIO – On March 3 there will be a fundraiser from 7 PM to midnight at the Fireman's Hall (located in the Milford Shopping Center). Steve Taylor of Milford, died on Jan. 14th of a heart attack, leaving behind four children and his wife. He was a friend and coach to a countless number of community youth.

Because any man can be a father and
any man can teach us to play.
But only a special man can be a dad and
one we can fondly call our “Coach”.

Taylor's neighborhood is trying to put together donations for the auction. Any business or individual can donate items/services for the auction.

Monetary contributions are greatly appreciated as well; Donations can be made to the Steve Taylor Memorial Fund at any 5/3rd Bank.

You can easily respond to their request by contacting Darlene Bugajski at 965-0327 or email flashxoxo@aol.com or by contacting Amy Chaffin at 248-1377.

Items for the auction can be dropped off at Jamboree Sports, located on Lila Avenue, Milford, across from Rally’s.

“Anyone who has ever come in contact with Steve, can consider themselves blessed to have known him. We have all witnessed first-hand how his contributions to Milford, benefitted our youth. He took countless hours of his own personal time on and off the sports fields, to spend it with all our families. This fundraiser is our one chance to 'Give Back" to him.”

March 3rd, 7 PM to midnight - The Fireman's Hall (located in the Milford Shopping Center)

• An evening of Music, Food and Fun(draising)
• Draft Beer included with $10 donation at the door. But, you may BYOB and a dish to share.
• Cake Auction - Please contact Darlene Bugajski if you can provide a cake.
• Silent Auction - Please e-mail or call for more information
• Basket Raffle - If your group or organization would like to "sponsor" a basket for the raffle, please contact Susan Kupka. (Baskets can be picked up and delivered to the fundraiser for you.)

Clark: "Are you with the President, or are you with the troops?""

"VoteVets.org is backing up the launch of their ad with a two-day, seven-city tour, to pressure those Senators who are on the fence regarding escalation to oppose the President's plan and change the strategy in Iraq. These young veterans are not just content to buy air time - they are taking the fight to Senators' home turf and making them answer the question, 'Are you with the President, or are you with the troops?" - Gen. Wesley Clark        

VoteVets.org, with Americans Against Escalation in Iraq, is leading the charge against the President’s escalation of the war in Iraq with a new television advertisement today.  We’re targeting a number of Senators who still have not come out in favor of the strongest Senate resolution, sponsored by Senators Joe Biden and Chuck Hagel.  We are backing up the ad with a two-day, seven-city tour, that will take this battle right into the Senators’ back yards.

To view the TV ad: Vote Vets - Home Page.

Sen. Russ Feingold: Breaking Another Iraq Taboo

Link: The Blog | Sen. Russ Feingold: Breaking Another Iraq Taboo | The Huffington Post.

Tomorrow, I will be chairing a full Judiciary Committee hearing entitled "Exercising Congress's Constitutional Power to End a War." This hearing will help remind my colleagues in the Senate and the American public that Congress is not powerless - even when it acts that way. We have the power to stop the policies of a President that continue to hurt our national security. Soon after tomorrow's hearing, I will introduce legislation to do just that.

Gang-bullying on Clinton over "Evil Man" Comments

Link: Gang-bullying on Clinton over "Evil Man" Comments.

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO – WOMEN PLAY WALNUT HILLS IN TOURNEY OPENER

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO – The Lady Tigers will take on Walnut Hills on Wednesday February 14 at 6:00 PM in the opening round of the Ohio basketball tournament. The game will be held at Lakota East High School. The winner will play Northwest on February 21 at 6:00 PM, also at Lakkota East.

Click to view the complete Division I Lakota East bracket.

Loveland's remaining regular season games are February 3 at Winton Woods, February 5 at Glen Este, and February 10 at home against Mason.

LOVELAND, OHIO - Adult bowling fundraiser

 

LOVELAND, OHIO - Loveland High School's After Prom committee will host an Adult  bowling fundraiser, 9:30 p.m. to midnight, on Saturday, February 10, at Crossgate Lanes, 4230 Hunt Road, Blue Ash.

Read more: Loveland City Schools

LOVELAND, OHIO - NEW LOVELAND MATH PROGRAM

 

LOVELAND, OHIO - The Loveland School District is phasing in a new math program for

students in grades K-5. The new program, Investigations in Number,

Data, and Space, is a research-based, child-centered approach to

teaching mathematics through engaging activities, discussions, and

problem solving. Sharon Bennett from Pearson, Scott Foresman will be

holding two information sessions about the program for Loveland

parents.

Read full details: Loveland City Schools

Health Council Releases Data on Hospital Performance

In a voluntary move, nineteen area hospitals working together in a quality improvement collaborative today released a comprehensive report on each hospital’s performance compared to other participants and to state and national benchmarks.

Link: Health Council Releases Data on Hospital Performan

Taxpayers Have Until April 17 to File and Pay

WASHINGTON — Taxpayers across the nation will have until Tuesday, April 17, 2007, to file their 2006 returns and pay any taxes due, the Internal Revenue Service announced.

Taxpayers will have extra time to file and pay because April 15 falls on a Sunday in 2007, and the following day, Monday, April 16, is Emancipation Day, a legal holiday in the District of Columbia.

Link: Taxpayers Have Until April 17 to File and Pay.

LOVELAND, OHIO - PURE ROMANCE ANNUAL VALENTINE’S DAY WAREHOUSE SALE

LOVELAND, OHIO - Find that perfect gift this Valentine’s Day. The Pure Romance Warehouse Sale is for men and women over 18. They will have your gift packages wrapped and ready-to-go.

“Pure Romance gifts are the perfect way to spoil that special someone in your life! Self-pampering, flirtatious, or boldly risqué, you can choose from a wide array of romance-enhancing gifts that are guaranteed to keep on giving!”

Pure Romance Consultants will be available to answer any and all of your questions to help you find that perfect gift.

“Founded in 1993 by Patty Brisben, Pure Romance is an in-home party company which offers an exclusive line of heighteners, lubricants and bedroom accessories for relationship enhancement.”

For more information, call 513-248-8656 or 866-ROMANCE.

February 8th – 14th
12:00PM – 8:00PM

Pure Romance Warehouse
161 Commerce Blvd
Loveland, OH 45140
Click for Directions

MORROW, OHIO - "sweet spell of success"

MORROW, OHIO - Little Miami Junior High School eighth-grader Paden Belanger experienced the "sweet spell of success" when he won the school wide spelling bee finals. Seventh-grader Jennifer Knippenberg was runner up.

The win made Paden, who was also last year's winner, eligible to travel to Union Terminal for the Scripps Regional spelling bee.

Shown are Paden and Jennifer with teacher Katy Wall, who organized the schoolwide spelling bee.

MORROW, OHIO - PANTHERFEST 2007

MORROW, OHIO - Mark your calendars for PantherFest 2007: Just Chillin', which will be held Saturday, February 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Little Miami High School.  Highlights will include the second annual Chili Cook-off and Pie Baking Contest and music by the Junior High School Jazz Band.

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. 

Chili cooks and vendors are encouraged to submit their entry forms early as spaces are limited. Registration for the Chili Cook-off will close when the first 50 paid entries are received. Entry forms for the Chili Cook-off, Pie Baking Contest, and booth space applications are available at Town & Country Salon, Salem Township Public Library, Harlan Township Fire Department and all Little Miami school offices. They also can be obtained by emailing littlemiamicast@earthlink.net with ENTRY in the subject line. Those interested in volunteering should send an email with VOLUNTEER in the subject line.

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO - ORDER NOW: Habitat "Souper Bowl" Bean Soup

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO - Habitat's annual "Souper Bowl" Bean Soup is a fund raiser to support the construction of a 32nd Habitat house in Clermont County.

The bean soup will be available at the Milford First United Methodist Church, 541 Main street, Milford on Sat. 10 AM-3 PM and Sunday 10 AM -1PM. 

“Many of you have supported Clermont County Chapter of Habitat For Humanity in the past,” said Community Development Chair O'Neal Johnston.

The soup is $4.00 per quart donation, with checks payable to Habitat for Humanity.

For more information:
J. O'Neal Johnston
Community Development,
Clermont Chapter - TriState Habitat for Humanity
Tel/Fax 513-831-1758
Email: onealj1@aol.com

MORROW, OHIO - NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY: BLOOD DRIVE MARCH 19

MORROW, OHIO - The Little Miami High School chapter of the National Honor Society recently hosted a Hoxworth Blood Drive. During the drive, 65 units of blood were donated -- exceeding the school's goal of 55.

"It is so important to try to introduce students to this kind of community service when they are young," explained School Nurse Britt Burlile. "I know of several LMHS graduates who regularly go to Hoxworth and donate.  Many of the students are very scared when they first get there, but the Hoxworth staff does a great job of reassuring them."

The National Honor Society hosts two blood drives per year. The next drive will be held March 19, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 PM.

Shown is Little Miami High School senior Judy Swader.

BATAVIA, OHIO - Clermont Launches Criminal Justice Study

BATAVIA, OHIO - The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) has just just completed a three day tour of county facilities (including the jail, probation offices and court system) and cubducted a strategic planning meetings with county leaders according to a press release issued by the Clermonnt County.

“Clermont ranks among the top counties in the country in developing innovative strategies to tackle these issues,” said NIC consultant Kevin Warwick.  The county retained the consultants to assist in planning for the future. 

“I think that unlike many counties, Clermont is well positioned to make some changes to improve overcrowding and related issues, without significantly increasing bottom-line funding,” added NIC consultant Diane Moore.  She says the NIC will have a final plan of recommendations for the county in several weeks.

“Once we have the report in hand, county leaders will engage in a comprehensive look at what is needed to ensure that law enforcement, the court system, and citizens have the best criminal justice system possible,” said County Administrator David L. Spinney.

“Preliminary recommendations from NIC include establishing a Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and the implementation of a day reporting center program with a strong treatment component,” added Director of Clermont Juvenile Court Douglas Brothers.

In Clermont County, jail bookings have increased from 5,781 in 2000 with no refusals to 6,675 bookings in 2006 with 128 refusals accordiing to the press release from the county.  “County leaders are working collectively to implement programs that will offer alternatives to some of those currently sentenced to jail time, programs designed to help them deal with issues that have got them into trouble, ultimately decreasing the recidivism rate.”

Pictured above: Kevin Warwick (NIC consultant), Diane Moore (NIC consultant), and Doug Brothers (Clermont Juvenile Court)

LOVELAND, OHIO - NEW ITEMS ADDED TO MINT/PTSA AUCTION

LOVELAND, OHIO -It Takes a Village is the theme for a Silent Auction Fundraiser that will benefit the Loveland MINT/PTSA on Friday, February 9 from 7:00-11:00PM at RSVP at Wards Corner Road.

“The silent auction will feature lots of great items and packages donated by area businesses and individuals, and spectacular themed baskets,” said Terri Doarn. “Back by popular request are teacher-donated items, such as Principal for a day, 1-hour Basketball Coaching Instruction, and 1- hour tutoring sessions.”

Some of the new items added to the silent auction are:

One hour of one on one football instruction with Andrew Marlatt, Loveland Varsity Football Coach

• 2 hour team training session by Loveland Varsity Soccer Coach (other coaches to follow)
• Autographed Joe Gibbs NASCAR Helmet
• 1976 World Championship Reds score book – Original – Framed Cover
• Signed Black & White Photograph of Muhamed Ali & Michael Jordan – Framed
• The Intermediate school PE teachers are donating a personal Dodge ball game for a student and 29 friends!
• Over 60 Themed Baskets
• Many donations from local businesses

“More to come said,” Mary Gilliland, Event Chair.

Read the full details about the auction by clicking here.

LOVELAND, OHIO - The Low Country Boil at Paxton's Grill

LOVELAND, OHIO - The Low Country Boil will play at Paxton's Grill in downtown Loveland next to the bike trail, this Saturday night, January 27.

Music starts around 9:00 PM

Loveland Magazine Enhancements

Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,

New on the site are four enhancements to keep you up-to-date with news in the community nation, and world.

You will now find a “Enter your email address” button where you can be sent daily email updates with that days news. Because of popular demand from readers, Loveland Magazine has looked for a way to provide this function since the magazine was first published. Cost was a prohibitive factor. It no longer is, so enjoy!

You will also see a “Subscribe to Loveland Magazine” link where you can have Loveland Magazine news sent to your personal news reader.

Also, a new button where you can subscribe to have headlines delivered to your IM address - for instant delivery as news is posted.

And finally, news from NewsCloud; which is an experiment, but the hope is that NewsCloud will provide provocative and pertinent news from around the nation and world, of interest to a broad range of readers.

Thank you for your encouragement and continuing support,

David Miller, Publisher

Jackson criticizes drop of minority-owned investors

Link: Jackson criticizes drop of minority-owned investors.

Columbus- The Rev. Jesse Jackson on Thursday criticized a state decision that eliminated some minority-owned investment firms, and Gov. Ted Strickland promised a new investment system open to the best qualified companies while avoiding any suggestion of quotas.

GLOBAL WARMING AND OHIO

Change the Forecast for Wildlife

You can read this report from the National Wildlife Federation. It has the forecast, and the solutions, for the effects of global warming in Ohio.

From fishing on Lake Erie to hunting in the state’s forests, Ohio offers outdoor enthusiasts wonderful opportunities to experience wildlife in the Great Lakes region. However, on top of ongoing problems associated with urban and industrial development, logging and agriculture, Ohio’s rich wildlife heritage faces an added threat rom global warming. The Union of Concerned Scientists and the Ecological Society of America estimate that by 2100, average summer temperatures in the state could increase between 7-9 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the extent to which greenhouse gas emissions are curbed. This could contribute to more extreme weather events such as droughts and floods and bring new challenges to people dependent on industries such as wildlife recreation, agriculture and timber.

Download Ohio.pdf

YouTube - OneVoice Movement: Eye-Opener!

Link: YouTube - OneVoice Movement: Eye-Opener!.

OneVoice Movement: Eye-Opener!

MORROW, OHIO - MRS. CRESS, MRS. HAMBURG TO LEAD BOARD

MORROW, OHIO - During their January organizational meeting, the Little Miami Local School Board of Education elected Nona Cress as Board President and Mary Beth Hamburg as Vice President.

Mrs. Cress taught for 37 years in the Little Miami Local School District. She and her husband, Fred, have two children who graduated from Little Miami High School. She is currently serving her second term on the Board and has served as President since 2002.

Mrs. Hamburg works at First Financial Bank. Mrs. Hamburg and her husband, Mark, have four children who have attended Little Miami Schools. She was first elected in November 1999 and is serving her second term.

The Boards vision for 2007

The New Year ushers in an exciting time for Little Miami Local Schools.

In 2007, we are celebrating our "excellent" rating on the State Report Card. This is the sixth consecutive year Little Miami Schools has been rated either "excellent" or "effective" on the state report card, and we look forward to making it "7 in '07." Our teachers and students have made significant academic strides despite overcrowded conditions in all our school buildings.

Our district continues to grow at a quick pace, and we are educating approximately 3,800 students this year. Thanks to the financial support of our community, the school district is positioned to handle these enrollment increases. We are hard at work with the construction of a new intermediate school, new junior high school and addition to the high school, as well as renovations to all our existing facilities. We will continue to face challenges with housing students until our new schools open, but we are excited as we take monumental steps forward with providing quality learning environments for our students.

Our goal is to demonstrate fiscal stewardship while fulfilling our central mission of providing an excellent education to our district's children. To this end, the Little Miami Board of Education has approved a plan of finance to stretch our budget, keep within the five-year forecast and stay off the ballot longer. Additionally, we believe the community will appreciate our efforts at increasing state aid by about $8 million over the next three years.

As we begin 2007, the Board is enthusiastic about fulfilling our vision of academic excellence, supporting a structure to achieve that vision, assuring our schools are accountable to the community and strongly advocating continuous improvement in student learning.

Click to read the Board Statement "LITTLE MIAMI COMMITTED TO FISCAL STEWARDSHIP"

The Cornucopia Institute: Are Wal-Mart’s “Organics” Organic?

Wisconsin officials have launched an investigation into the giant retailer’s practices after complaints that it may be misleading consumers.

Link: The Cornucopia Institute » Blog Archive » Are Wal-Mart’s “Organics” Organic?.

MERCURY VAPORS FROM YOUR DENTAL FILLINGS

The Organic Consumers Association says that after watching this video, “you'll never let your dentist put a mercury filling in your mouth or your child's mouth again.”

In this video, the International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology shows how hot liquids and chewing cause different amounts of mercury vapors to be released from amalgam fillings. These mercury vapors are well above what the EPA deems safe. To watch this short video click on the "Smoking Teeth" link here:

You can also watch this video on How Mercury Causes Brain Degeneration.

LOVELAND, OHIO - CANDICE L. WALLACE GRADUATES AIR FORCE BASIC

LOVELAND, OHIO - Air Force Reserve Airman Candice L. Wallace has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

During the six weeks of training, Wallace 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.

Wallace is the daughter of Jack and Pam Wallace of Paxton-Guinea Road, Loveland, Ohio, and is a 2006 graduate of Loveland High School.

MORROW, OHIO – VICE-MAYOR FOUND GUILTY OF OPERATING A GAMBLING HOUSE

MORROW, OHIO – York Bryant, the sixty-year old Vice Mayor of Morrow was convicted by a jury late last Friday, after a two day jury trial in the Warren County Court of Common Pleas on a charge of Operating a Gambling House, a felony of the fifth degree, announced Warren County Prosecutor Rachel Hutzel. Judge James Heath presided over the trial. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 27.

York Bryant, of 215 Miami Street, Morrow, Ohio, was found guilty by a jury for owning and operating video slot machines for profit, in violation of Ohio law. He owns Papa's Restaurant in Morrow.

Bryant faces up to one year in prison, and will be sentenced in about thirty days.

“This type of gambling far too often preys upon those who suffer from an addiction,” said Hutzel. “A person who previously has been convicted of gambling and who holds an elected position, should not profit from illegal gambling.”