« April 2008 | Main | June 2008 »
LOVELAND, OHIO – The American Cancer Society, the nation’s leading voluntary health organization, is looking for a few good volunteers for its national signature activity, Relay For Life. “Walkers and runners, cancer survivors, community leaders, team captains – come one, come all, to the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Loveland on June 6-7,” said the appreciation committee chairperson, Kelli Rich.
Relay For Life is an 18 hour event that brings together teams from local businesses, schools, churches and families for fun, food, music, entertainment and a night under the stars, while team members take turns walking or running on the Loveland High School track.
“Relay For Life is as much an awareness raiser about the progress against cancer as it is a fund-raiser,” said Rich. “Individuals who are willing to give their time and energy to this exciting event, as a volunteer or participant, have made a commitment to fight back against this disease.”
The local committee is looking to local businesses to consider our event for an in-kind donation (gift card, service, or item). The donations will be used to motivate participants to stay on the track the full 18 hours and/or to use as part of a raffle to raise even more money for the cause. If you are willing to make a donation or contribution, please contact Kelli Rich at richk@mason.k12.oh.us.
For information about Relay For Life or about cancer, call toll-free anytime (1-888-227-6446 X 4212) or visit the American Cancer Society's Web site for the Loveland relay at: www.events.cancer.org/rfllovelandoh.
LOVELAND, OHIO - Loveland Mayor Rob Weisgerber announced today that the City of Loveland has filed a lawsuit in Clermont County against the Loveland City School District because they tabled an annexation resolution last Tuesday night. The City wants control of the site that is currently in Symmes Township, and the ability to tax income of school employees.
Weisgerber said,”Annexation would provide approximately $40,000 in new revenue for the City annually.” He said the income tax would allow the City to recoup the expenses of providing water and sewer service lines to the high school in 1992.
On Tuesday night, Board member Linda Pennington urged the Board to take more time to study the issue. Pennington desires negotiations between the City, Symmes Township, and the District over providing a School Resource Officer to the high school. Symmes Township currently funds a Sheriff Deputy that is assigned to the school. She estimates that the position would cost the District $80,000 per-year if the annexation now goes through. The City has not offered to provide a replacement resource officer.
“I found that an interesting choice of words (the need for more information),” Weisgerber said of Pennington't request for more time. “The agreement hasn’t changed since 1992, and this information is all readily available. The Board’s pattern of feet dragging and wastefulness cannot continue.”
Pennington was on her way to City Hall early this afternoon to talk to City Manager Tom Carroll about setting up a meeting to discuss the resource officer issue. At the time, she was not aware that the City would file suit today.
City Manager Tom Carroll attended last Tuesday's meeting as he has done for the past three Board meetings. He quickly departed after the Board tabled the resolution, and local residents described his departure as, “stormed out” and “childish.”
In 1992 the City and District completed a “Sale and Purchase” agreement where the City would provide sewer and water infrastructure to the new high school, in exchange for 9.5-acres that is now known as Boike Park. The City took money from their sewer and water enterprise funds to make the land purchase possible.
The City ordinance approving the purchase of the land was signed by then Mayor Roland Boike. The park was later named Boike Park in honor of Boike's son who passed away after a long illness.
Besides deeding the land adjacent to the high school to the City, the agreement also provided an obligation that the District, “Execute a petition” requesting the annexation of the Loveland High School into the City of Loveland.” The District has signed annexation papers in the past, but the annexation never materialized. The Sale and Purchase agreement also says the City may make annexation requests any time, “...in the future.”
The Mayor's press release makes no mention that the City received the Boike Park property in 1992, yet he said, “Without annexation, Loveland taxpayers will never recoup their investment.”
Loveland Magazine is awaiting a response from the District. Meg Krsacok the District's
Communications Coordinator said late Thursday, “At this time, the Board has not received any court papers regarding legal action by the City of Loveland. “
Below is Mayor Weisgerber's press release in its entirety:
In response to the Loveland City School Board’s decision Tuesday to again table a decision on Loveland High School’s contractually-obligated annexation into the City, the City of Loveland today filed a lawsuit in Clermont County Common Pleas Court seeking to compel compliance with the 1992 agreement requiring annexation.
“The City was deeply disappointed in the Board’s reaction to the annexation issue. The Board’s continued refusal to uphold its obligations is mind-boggling,” said Loveland Mayor Rob Weisgerber. “There is no question that the District is legally obligated to annex; even the School’s own lawyer agrees. It is a real shame that the School Board has chosen to waste taxpayer dollars by breaching this contract, but patience clearly isn’t getting the City anywhere. Unfortunately, the School Board is busy wasting money, despite the voters’ recent signal that they are concerned about school costs and taxes. They are wasting tax dollars at the same as they are discussing placing another levy on the November ballot.”
The issue hinges on a 1992 contact in which the City provided water and sewer services to the Loveland High School in exchange for the District’s support of annexation when the City requested it. The City has provided more than $473,000 in taxpayer funds toward infrastructure improvements at the school, allowing the School Board to invest its money in the high school campus instead of offsite infrastructure.
“Had that money been collecting interest all this time, it would equal nearly a million dollars. That’s a huge investment for City taxpayers,” Weisgerber points out. “Without annexation, Loveland taxpayers will never recoup their investment. Annexation would provide approximately $40,000 in new revenue for the City annually. There is no cost at all to the School District, and everything to gain for Loveland taxpayers.”
According to Mayor Weisgerber, timing is critical now due to the additional income annexation represents in the current steep economic downturn.
The School’s resolution to annex the high school to the City was again tabled at Tuesday’s School Board meeting due to “the need for more information”. “I found that an interesting choice of words,” said Weisgerber. “The agreement hasn’t changed since 1992, and this information is all readily available. The Board’s pattern of feet dragging and wastefulness cannot continue.”
A copy of the 1992 Agreement between the City and Loveland Schools as well as the legal opinion of the School District’s own counsel advising the School Board of their duty to annex, can be found in their entirety on the Loveland City website, www.lovelandoh.com.
BLUE ASH, OHIO - Beginning with Wagner’s rousing Prelude to Die Meistersinger, the Blue Ash/Montgomery Symphony Orchestra (BAMSO) will present their annual Memorial Day Concert at the Blue Ash Towne Square (Rain Site: Sycamore Junior High, 5757 Cooper Road) on Monday, May 26, at 6 PM. (Directions)
Violinist Kaori Matsui, Sycamore High School sophomore and first place winner of the 2007 BAMSO Young Artist Competition in the Strings Category will perform the third movement of Saint-Saens Concerto No. 3 for Violin and Orchestra in B minor.
Also featured are selections from Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5, plus a tribute, Memorial by Rene Clausen, dedicated to the victims of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, featuring the Cincinnati Choral Society, conducted by Dr. Douglas Belland.
As is traditional, the Blue Ash Youth Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Dale Swisher, will perform several selections.
LOVELAND, OHIO – On Saturday, June 21 from 10 AM until 3 PM you can tour some of the City's best kept gardens.
The Loveland Garden Tour begins at parking lot at the Loveland Early Childhood School at 6740 Loveland-Miamiville Road, with Tour Book purchase. The cost is $10, or $20 per car. Organizers encourage carpooling to, "Help keep Loveland green - Car pool and save money."
Proceeds benefit the L.I.F.E. Food Pantry, Loveland Relay for Life, Granny's Garden School and the Loveland Stage Company.
For more info, call: 513-683-7783
SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO - Loveland High School held its first-ever academic college signing on May 14 at the High School Auditorium which was packed to capacity with the senior Class of 2008 and many very proud parents. The Academic Top 10 is based on weighted GPA through the 1st semester of the senior year. The following top ten students were honored during the special ceremony and introductions by Principal Dr. Molly Moorhead.
Claire Dolan is a member of the Lacrosse Team, Academic Team, Literary Magazine, Link Crew, Thespian Society, and National Honor Society. Claire was a Cincinnati Cappie Top 5 Nominee for Comedic Actress. She received the Ohio State Maximas and Biomedical Scholarships and Case Western Reserve Presidential Scholarship. Claire is ranked 10th in her class with a GPA of 4.286. She will be attending The Ohio State University majoring in Biomedical Science.
Brian Howaniec is a member of both the FAVC Champions Boys Soccer and Swimming Teams. He is a member of the National Honor Society and has received All FAVC, All Southwest Ohio and All State Academic honors. Brian has received scholarships including the Indiana University Prestige Scholarship, the Michigan State University Academic Distinction and University of Maryland Presidential Scholarships. Brian is ranked 9th in his class with a GPA of 4.29. He will be attending Indiana University majoring in finance.
Alexander Duncan is a member of the National Honor Society. He has participated in Marching Band as well as receiving four years of high honors and perfect attendance. He has received scholarships including the University of Cincinnati Cincinnatus, and The Ohio State CAS anniversary, scholar and book scholarships. Alexander currently is ranked 8th in his class with a GPA of 4.304. He will be attending The Ohio State University majoring in chemical technology.
Brie Elking has participated in the Ecology Club, Academic Team, Swim Team, Science Olympics, Cross Country and National Honor Society. She has received All FAVC Academic recognition in swimming, cross country and the Academic Team as well as receiving the President’s Volunteer Services Award. Her scholarship offers include the Ohio State Provost, Ohio State ENR and Hanover College Buckeye and Hendrick Scholarships. Brie is ranked 7th in her class with a GPA of 4.35. She will be attending The Ohio State University majoring in Environmental Science.
Shannon Walls is a 4 year varsity track and cross country award winner. She is a 4 time First Team All FAVC recipient in cross country. Shannon is a regional qualifier and honorable mention All Southwest District. She has received All FAVC Academic recognition and is a member of the National Honor Society, Link Crew and SADD. Shannon has received scholarships from The Ohio State University, The University of South Carolina and Michigan State University. Shannon is currently ranked 6th in her class with a GPA of 4.38. She will be attending University of South Carolina majoring in nursing.
Allison Wilson is a member of Student Venture, the Link Crew, The Jets Team, the Wind Symphony and the golf and volleyball teams. Allison is the Vice President of the National Honor Society as well as a 1st place finisher in the state French IV competition. She has received scholarships from Cedarville College and Indiana Wesleyan University. Allison is ranked 5th in her class with a GPA of 4.40. She will be attending Indiana Wesleyan University majoring in math education.
Suzanne Camp is member of Link Crew, JETS Team and the National Honor Society. Her research work in conjunction with the University of Cincinnati earned her the Sigma Phi Chemistry award for outstanding science project by a female
Suzanne has received scholarship opportunities from The University of Virginia, Xavier University, Miami of Ohio, The College of Wooster and Wilmington College. Suzanne is ranked 4th in her class with a GPA of 4.402. She will be attending Miami University majoring in Chemistry.
Mickyas Eskender is on the league champion Academic Team, JETS Team, Link Crew, Start Club, the Science Bowl and National Honor Society. He is a National Achievement Finalist, AP Scholar and has received the Prudential Service Award. He has received scholarship offers including the National Merit Scholarship, The Ohio State Distinguished Merit and Excellence Scholarships, the University of Florida Green and Gold Honors and University of Cincinnati Cincinnatus. Mickyas is ranked 3rd in his class with a GPA of 4.422. He will be attending The Ohio State University majoring in Biology.
Aloysious (Oli) Ononye Oli is a 2 year varsity letter winner for the FAVC Champion boys soccer team. He is a member of the START Club, JETS Team, Science Olympic Team, Junior Engineering Society and captain of the Science Bowl Team. He is also a member of the National Honor Society and has been recognized as an All FAVC and All Southwest Ohio Academic award winner. Oli is a National Merit Commended, National Achievement Finalist, an AP Scholar and winner of the National English Merit Award. He is ranked 2nd in his class with a GPA of 4.448 and will serve as class Salutatorian. Olli will be attending Washington University of St. Louis majoring in chemical engineering and finance.
Matt Louis is a member of the FAVC Champions Baseball Team, the JETS Team, Link Crew and a member of the National Honor Society. He is an AP Scholar and has received the Indiana University Distinction and Honors College Scholarships, The Miami of Ohio Lugle and Ida Adams Presidential Scholarship, University of Cincinnati Cincinnatus Scholarship and the Purdue University Trustees Scholarship. Matt is ranked #1 in his class with a GPA of 4.481 and will serve as class valedictorian. He will be attending Indian University majoring in Finance.
Dear Mr. Miller,
This is in reference to a photo on the Loveland Magazine web site.
I wanted to say thank you for taking a photo of my daughter and I during the funeral procession of Matt Maupin, not to mention all of the excellent photos you took of the events that weekend. I am not thanking you for reasons of 
vanity or just because we are on the web site, but for immortalizing a moment and relationship between a mother and daughter.
I was unaware of the photo of Ashley and I until a friend of mine saw it and sent me a link to the magazine. At first I thought "Of all days to have a picture taken and published." Ashley went to school with Matt and Micah Maupin and even though I knew it was going to be hard for us, I was not fully prepared for the day, I don't think anyone was.
As you will remember, it was cold, windy and rainy and no one looked their best. I showed the photo to my husband and he quickly corrected me that it was not a day to be remembered for appearances. My husband went on to express how perfectly you not only captured the atmosphere of the day, but how you also captured, perfectly, the characteristics of a Mother/Daughter relationship. Jerry said he saw an expression on my face that he had seen before as the family had gone through adversity. He referred to me as the family "Rock" and even after 21 years, I did not know he felt that way.
So, thank you for the photo and tightening of our family bonds. A picture is worth a thousand words.
Sincerely,
Robin Steinmetz
So far, we have Teams: 20 and there are still 22 days until Relay!
Dear Loveland Magazine,
The American Cancer Society will be holding it’s 8th annual Relay for Life of Loveland from 6 PM on June 6 until noon on June 7 at the Loveland High School track.
Everyone in Loveland who has been touched by cancer is invited to attend. This team event builds friendship among team members by having fun and raising money for the fight against cancer. It’s the perfect team-building event for any organization.
The event consists of teams who spend 18 hour together in efforts to raise money and fight cancer. Each team has at least one member walking or running the track during the entire event.
Relay for Life is about celebrating, remembering and fighting back.
The society celebrates cancer survivors by inviting all local cancer survivors to start each Relay event. The Survivors Lap honors those who have won their fight against cancer and those who are currently undergoing treatment. This lap is followed by a dinner sponsored by Loveland Epiphany Church.
The Society remembers all those touched with cancer with the Luminaria Ceremony after dusk. The track is lined with luminaria marked with the names of those who survived and those who lost their battle with cancer.
The Society fights back by raising money for research, education, local patient services, and advocacy.
The event is also filled with music, live entertainment, games and other activities. This year, the Relay for Life of Loveland will be enjoying the theme of Olympics and many activities and decorating around this theme will be happening for 18 hours.
We hope to raise $45,000 from this year’s event. To reach our goal, we need your support! By forming a team from your company, church, school, neighborhood, family, etc., you will not only be part of a great community event, but you will raise funds to improve the quality of life for cancer patients today and the outlook for those diagnosed in the future.
Visit our website at http://events.cancer.org/rfllovelandoh and sign up a team today, register a survivor to participate, purchase a luminaria or make a donation, or contact Loveland’s ACS partner Alice Sowers at 1-888-ACS.OHIO ext. 4212 or via email at alice.sowers@cancer.org.
It’s about being a community that takes up the fight!
Lori Murphy
Co-Chair for Relay for Life Loveland, Volunteer
1707 Stockton Drive, Loveland OH 45140
Recent Comments