Loveland Magazine

"It is my pleasure to honor the Class of 2008"

Dr. Molly Moorhead’s Graduation Speech to the Loveland High School Class of 2008

It is my pleasure to honor the Class of 2008 by sharing some of their noteworthy accomplishments with you. This class has amassed over 9 million dollars in scholarship money—bravo to them!

This year we have 4 students who received the designation of National Merit Commended Scholar. Will Stephanie Kellish, Jeff Gable,      Nolan Hahn, and Aloyious Ononye. Mick Eskender and Oli Ononye were designated as 2008 National Achievement Scholars. Last spring as juniors, the following students received the recognition of Advanced Placement Scholars by receiving high scores on their AP tests--Mick Eskender, Matt Louis, Emily Ralph, and Oli Ononye. Our National Honor Society students are wearing gold cords today and the students earning honors diplomas are wearing silver cords. Would these students please stand so that we can recognize their commitment to scholarship one final time?

Our year began on a high note when one of our students was recognized as one of 14 YMCA Character Education Award Winners. This is a very prestigious award with hundreds of students being nominated throughout the tri-state area, so to be one of 14 is a very significant achievement for Jake Potticary. Jake’s goodness, kindness, and compassion were revealed to me at the beginning of his junior year when Jake was instrumental in bringing the Invisible Children of Uganda’s Schools for Schools program to Loveland High School. His concern for children across the world inspired our entire school with an outpouring of contributions these past two years for the school we are supporting in Africa. To top it all off, Jake is one of two students chosen by the national Invisible Children organization to go to Uganda this summer. Senior Ben Oberholzer went to Uganda with Loveland Middle School teacher Mike Smith this past December— they were just featured in the local section of Wednesday’s Cincinnati Enquirer. Jake and Ben are already giving back, not just through financial means, but also in actual physical relocation to be with those who need help so badly. Both these young men are an inspiration to us all.

A year ago we began televised broadcasting of the news into each classroom of our school. Under the supervision of teacher Jim Barrett, this year’s senior video students took our televised announcements to new heights and made us all anticipate the news each day. Thanks to seniors Bennett Warner, Blake Hawke, Kate Sierspetowki, Katie Kerkhove, Amanda Diaz, Spencer Bowmar, and Ericka Odioso for being so fun to watch each morning. You all will be a hard act to follow!

Senior Whitney Faber was notified in the fall that she had won a 2007 National Teachers of English Achievement in Writing award—quite an honor for Whitney, her teachers John Jones and Theresa Bosse, and our entire school.

For the second year in a row, our Robotics team advanced to national competition in Auburn, Alabama by winning the local University of Cincinnati contest. Seniors Steph Kellish, Sarah Gropp, Mike Downing, Emily Ralph, Jimmy Turner, Mike Stewart, Tess Elking, Danielle Walerius, Kevin Whitaker, Jessica Puccini, Matt Brooks, and Heather Flynn, under the supervision of science teacher Sue Evans, came in first in the oral presentation portion and second in the CAD portion of the national competition. It is sad to report that there will be no Robotics local competition at UC next year as they have had to cut the program due to lack of funding.

This year, our JETS varsity engineering team placed 3rd in the state under the guidance of teacher Robert Wagner. Our Science Team, with the supervision of teacher Jennifer Weill, participated in the state meet and our Academic Team, also under Ms. Weill’s leadership, tied for 1st place in the FAVC with senior captain Nolan Hahn placing as 3rd highest individual scorer in the state competition. Speaking of the FAVC, our senior athletes led us to 8 first place sports awards and 5 second place honors.

In December, a team of students from Chuck Warden’s economics class was notified that they had won the local Stock Market game and received a free trip to Wall Street in New York City. Matt Moran and John McNally were the seniors who played the stock market very well. Bravo to them!

Our Biotech seniors have been award over $65,000 in scholarships that are directly attributed to their participation in the Biotech program with teacher Jamie Allison. At the UC College of Applied Science Expo, our seniors swept the awards taking the first four places. At the Greater Cincinnati Tech Prep Showcase, seniors Jenn Bosse, Andrew Carl and Kevin Whitaker won first place for their projects. The Greater Cincinnati Tech Prep Biotech Student of the Year was Loveland senior Molly Stancliff. Mr. Allison says, “This competition is one of the greatest things to see—high school seniors presenting right next to college seniors. It is not uncommon to see college seniors that are being outdone by our high schools students. I watched two college seniors pack up their projects after seeing what our Loveland students brought.” Bravo to our Biotech
students.

Our senior art students, working with teachers Jennifer Grant and Jim Barrett, displayed their art work at the UC DAAP and Reed Gallery High School Art Show. Each performing group in our music department experienced successful seasons. Our marching band, under the direction of Sean Thompson, Chris Huening, and Bruce Maegly went to Florida in the fall and the Jazz Band took a spring break trip to New York City where  hey participated in a clinic at the renowned Julliard School of Music. For the first time in Loveland history, our high school orchestra is here to perform for us today. Senior violinist, Justin Scheibel, has become the first orchestra student to gain admittance to the University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music.

Our Thespian drama students are wearing blue honor cords today. During their past four years at LHS, they have worked with 4 different drama directors, yet have maintained their high performance standards, producing wonderful dramas and musicals for our community. Would our senior Thespians please stand and be recognized?

The following Loveland High School faculty members have children in this graduating class: Beth Wexler has a son, Brad, Tracey Baker has daughter Samantha, Michelle Walls and daughter Shannon, and Angel Sears and daughter Danielle. Within our Central Office, parents of graduating seniors are Becky Clark and son Ricky, Diane Bailey and daughter De De, Judi McDaniel and daughter Sara, and assistant superintendent Greg Smith has twins, Brian and David. Board member Dr. Judy McClanahan has a son, Keegan, in this graduating class as well.

I’d like to thank the staff members participating graduation today. Jamie Allison was selected by this senior class as Teacher of the Year. Senior Chloe Temple wrote his nominating letter. I’d like to note Jeff Still who is retiring after 30 years of service to Loveland schools and Jeff Berkhoff with 35 years all spent teaching Loveland students. We thank all district teachers for their service and commitment to Loveland students.

On a personal note, I remember four students who were friendly to the new principal three years ago, actually engaging in conversation with her each day at their lunch table. In a new school with three crowded lunch shifts, Bree and Tess Elking, Ben Oberholzer, and Adrienne Mary stood out just by taking the time to smile and speak a few words each day. No matter how old you are, it is hard to be the new person at school, and I have to say thank you to those students who took the time to be kind and welcoming.

I wish these seniors all the best as they begin the next section of their lives’ journeys. With two cancer survivors among them, and two students who have or are going to journey across the globe to work with those less fortunate, these young people before us have the opportunity to make a real difference in the world. Even though they mock the thought, I hope they will always remember that when they have to choose between being right or being kind, they will choose kindness. Kindness is in such short supply in our world.

Dr. Molly Moorhead is the Principal of Loveland High School

Go “ ‘Round the USA” with a salute to the music of America.

Blues, Beach Boys and Blue Grass and more!

MONTGOMERY, OHIO - On July 3, you can go “’Round the USA” with the Blue Ash Montgomery Symphony Orchestra as it draws music from all genres and all areas of the country.  From Woodie Guthrie to John Philip Sousa; from the Beach Boys to Bluegrass; from New York, New York, the Chicago Transit Authority and St. Louis ragtime to the perennial American favorite finale – Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture.

Local bluegrass band, Retread plays selections from their new CD, with orchestral arrangements by their fiddler, Dr. Vince Phelan.

The 7:30 PM concert will take place in Montgomery Park, Montgomery and Schoolhouse Roads (Rain Site: Sycamore Junior High, 5757 Cooper Road).

Spas and Salons Band Together

Donate Blood for a chance to win a $400.00 Spa/Salon Gift Certificate

Where: Tuscany Spa Salon and Mi Salon Spa

When:   Friday, July 18th 

CINCINNATI, OHIO – The area’s top Spas and Salons are Banding Together to support Hoxworth Blood Center by hosting community blood drives on Friday, July 18th at Tuscany Spa Salon at Harpers Station Plaza in Cincinnati, Ohio between the hours of 12:00 noon and 6:00 PM and Mi Salon Spa in Florence, Kentucky between the hours of 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.  These drives will help prevent summer blood shortages.

“We all feel beautiful on the outside following a Spa/Salon appointment.  We invite you to make a blood donation and you will feel beautiful on the inside”, said Alecia Lipton, spokesperson for Hoxworth Blood Center.

All donors will be automatically entered to win a $400.00 Spa/Salon Gift Certificate.  As a special bonus – when you make a blood donation during the week of July 14th at any Hoxworth neighborhood donor center, mention which of the participating Spa/Salons that patron and you will be automatically entered to win a $50.00 Gift Certificate.

Participating Salons are:  ME. A Cara d’Ambrosia Salon, Mi Salon & Spa, Pure Concept Salon & Spa, Richard’s Hair Skin Nails, Sableux Salon & Spa, Tanya’s Salon and Tuscany Spa Salon.

Miss Ohio USA 2008, Monica Day, will host a “meet & greet” on Saturday at the Hoxworth neighborhood donor center in Mason between 12:00 noon and 2:00 PM and a Tuscany Salon Spa from 2:30 PM until 4:00 PM.

You can visit www.hoxworth.org/tuscany or www.hoxworth.org/misalon to schedule your appointment or call (513)451-0910.

How to Donate:
Donating blood is safe and easy. You must be at least 17 years old and in good health. You must weigh at least 110 pounds and bring identification to donate. It is recommended that donors eat a good meal and drink plenty of water within four hours before donating.

Please call (513) 451-0910 or (800) 830-1091 to schedule an appointment at a neighborhood donor center. To locate a community blood drive or if you are a registered donor and want to schedule online, please visit www.hoxworth.org and click Donate Now.

About Hoxworth:
Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center, is celebrating 70 years of saving lives. At least 350 volunteer blood donors and 40 volunteer platelet donors are essential each day to keep up with the demands of tri-state hospitals and their patients. Founded in 1938, we serve 29 hospitals in 17 counties in Southwestern Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana. Annually, Hoxworth collects over 90,000 units of blood from local donors.

Brief but furious storm on Saturday

 

LOVELAND, OHIO – A brief but damaging thunderstorm rolled through the Loveland area on Saturday afternoon, downing electric lines, and causing localized power outages.

At the corner of Cottonwood and Dogwood in the Pheasant Hills neighborhood, homeowners said lightening struck their poplar tree taking off a small branch, but while looking from what they thought was the safety of their living room window, they saw the tree struck again – five minutes later. The tree was cut in half, and lightening had stripped the bark “clean off” much of the tree, leaving a very smooth and shinny skin glistening when the afternoon sun reappeared a short time later.

Cottonwood Drive was passable for one lane of traffic, and no one was injured.

Both lanes of Rich Road, just west of Loveland High School were closed when a power line landed in the roadway. On Durango Drive near the Loveland Safety Service Center a tree limb split off in the high winds, landing, but not doing a lot of damage to a mini-van parked in a driveway. No one was injured at this location.

Many yards in the area are now littered with short ends of tree limbs that had been weakened by cicadas laying eggs in recent weeks. The boring of the cicadas, and the high winds did quite a but of thinning to trees in the area on Saturday.

Click on photos to enlarge them.

Red, Rhythm & BOOM

Grand Funk Railroad and Creedence Clearwater Revisited perform

MASON, OHIO - PARKING: Parking and shuttle service will be available for Mason's Red, Rhythm $ Boom, 4th of July celebration. For a detailed map of parking and shuttle locations, click here. (Parking will NOT be available at Pine Hill Lakes Park or Corwin M. Nixon Park.)

Click here for a site map of Corwin M. Nixon park, including stage, vendor, and first aid locations.

Schedule of Events:

• 5:30 p.m.- Rusty Griswolds and InPulse perform (main stage)
• 6:00 p.m.- Kid Zone opens (baseball fields)
  6:45 p.m.- National Anthem and parachute jump (main stage)
• 7:00 p.m.- Grand Funk Railroad performs (main stage)
• 8:45 p.m.- Fireworks jump (main stage)
  9:00 p.m.- Creedence Clearwater Revisited performs (main stage)
• 10:30 p.m.- Rozzi's Fireworks Show (main stage)

Have a question about  Red, Rhythm & Boom celebration?  Frequently Asked Questions. Red, Rhythm & BOOM! sponsored by the City of Mason. Read on... Red, Rhythm & BOOM.

Major Film Company Films in Goshen

"Fox-Alpha" films was in Goshen Township on Wednesday night filming for a new TV "pilot." The show isn't just using the city as a backdrop; the show is completely based on the city. They say if a major network picks up the show, they'll make the Queen City their permanent home for filming. Read on... Goshen Township.

Goshen Announces Plans for a Civic Center & Amphitheater

The hillside amphitheatre would be the centerpiece of the civic center, to be built on the old Sheila Green School property. The school was closed due to lead paint or asbestos contamination. Goshen's economic development director Lou Ethridge said he hopes the 1,100-seat amphitheatre can host concerts by the Clermont County Philharmonic as well as dances, theatre productions, and school lectures.

The complex will also include a $360,000 pavilion that could be used for anything from a vegetable market to art shows and wedding receptions. Also in the complex will be a $100,000 memorial park possibly including a fountain and garden areas.

Right now the entire plan is just in its preliminary stages. The Township first needs to acquire a 7.8-acre site including the 4 acres occupied by the Sheila Green School, currently owned by the school board.

Grants from private foundations, donations from businesses and individuals, as well as county, state, and federal grants will fund the civic center. Link: Goshen Township.

Tuscany Spa Promoting Blood Drive

Tuscany Spa & Salon (11355 Montgomery Road) is spearheading a Greater Cincinnati Blood Drive during the week of July 14th - July 19th.

The event will host a friendly, competitive "community vs. community" blood drive to see which one can raise the most pints during the week. There are currently about 8 different communities registered thus far stretching from Deerfield Township to Florence, Kentucky.

A University of Cincinnati's Hoxworth Blood Mobile will be at Harpers Station on Friday, July 18th from about 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Blood donations can be made at the blood mobile that day or at a local Hoxworth Donation Center during that week. To get credit for our community, please be sure to tell them that you are donating for Tuscany/Symmes Township when you go!

We are encouraging clients, business associates, community leaders, safety service personnel and others to participate in this worthy cause. It is also hoped that by participating, the event's exposure will help promote our local community, Harpers Station plaza and the individual businesses. Link: Symmes Township -> News and Updates -> News -> Title.

Township's 2ND Annual Independence Day festival

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, OHIO - Independence Day Festivities will be held June 27th, 28th and 29th, at Testerman Park. Map.

“The 4th of July festival features a variety of events including, Township Idol Contest, Rides, Food, Music, Rozzi’s Fireworks and much, much more.”

Click here for festival events map.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

FRIDAY JUNE 27
7:00 P.M. Event opens Rides, Games, and Food
8:00 P.M. Hamilton Township Idol Competition

SATURDAY JUNE 28
8:00 A.M. 5 MILE Run to Benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association
11:00 A.M. 2008 Hamilton Township Independence Day Parade
12:00 A.M. Open Ceremonies (Hamilton Township Trustees)
12:45 P.M. Pending
1:00 P.M. Little Miss and Mister Firecracker
1:30 P.M. Essay Contest “What Independence Day Mean to Me”
2:00 P.M. Pending
2:10 P.M. Special Flag Presentation
2:30 P.M. University Air Care
3:00 P.M. Pie Contest
4:00 P.M. Sack Race, Water Balloon Toss, Egg Toss
8:00 P.M. Scott Luck and the Midnight Thunder Band. Scott Luck and Midnight Thunder are a fun country band that have been burning up southern Ohio for the last few years. They were listed as the best of Riverfest by the Today's express. They are the personal favorite band of the Warren County prosecutor and are invited to play at her campainge party every year. They believe in giving back to by playing gigs for functions like The United Way, a concert to benefit the family of Jessica Lunsford, and support our troops rallies. Scott Luck and his band love to entertain the crowd playing their own original songs and popular cover songs as well. This Cd is a must for any country music fans collection.
10:00 P.M. 2008 Independence Day Fireworks by Rozzi Fireworks
Rides, Games, and Food

SUNDAY JUNE 29
1:30 P.M. Jeff Kilburn and the Wildgrass Band. The band consist of lead sing Jeff Kilburn and harmony. Darrell Kilburn lead and harmony. Eldon Napier banjo and harmony. Chad Hollon upright bass and harmony. Mike Clutter mandolin and harmony.
2:45 P.M. Fifth Alarm Band. 5th alarm is an acoustic group from the cincinnati area. this three man ensemble brings nothing less than live acoustic chaos to any venue.
Rides, Games, Food

LOVELAND 4TH OF JULY

Bring Your "Can" to the Parade

LOVELAND, OHIO – The City's annual Fourth of July, Independence Day parade and celebration with fireworks, will be on Friday. A parade leaves the Loveland Elementary School on Loveland Maderia Road at 7 PM, turns onto West Loveland Avenue, goes over the Col. Thomas Paxton Bridge and the State and National Little Miami Scenic River, and ends in Historic Downtown's Nisbet Park along the river and Loveland Bike Trail. Directions to Nisbet Park.

There will be a free concert by Midnight Special, performing 70's Era Classic Rock, in Nisbet Park from 8-10 PM. Click here to read about the band and listen to their music.

Fireworks go off at 11 PM.

Donna Bednar, a Loveland Inter Faith Effort (LIFE) Board member, says, "Bring Your Can to the Parade. Your can goods, that is.  The food pantry will be collecting can goods from all parade viewers. Every family member can participate.” Volunteers will be walking alongside a truck in the parade, collecting your donations. If you would like to volunteer to help along the parade route click here.

Auto registration fees going up almost $6 next year- cleveland.com

Auto registration fees may increase almost $6 next year to help pay for the state police.

Raising fees probably would not happen until next summer at the earliest, said Tom Hunter, spokesman for the Ohio Department of Public Safety. Read on... Auto registration fees going up almost $6 next year- cleveland.com.

Scientists develop portable device to zap away migraine pain

Washington, June 27 : Researchers at the Ohio State University Medical Center have designed a novel electronic device that effectively 'zaps' away migraine pain before it starts. Read on... Scientists develop portable device to zap away migraine pain.

Kate Westfall returns to Loveland: At buZZthru July 10

LOVELAND, OHIO – Kate Westfall lived in Loveland from 2002 until moving back to her hometown of Mansfield, Ohio in 2005, however, her brief stay here proved she might have been the most creative person/s to ever hit town.

Person/s?

Yes.

She is an artist in the digital mediums, photographer, songwriter, composer, musician, and poet. It is her mastery of all these arts, and her uninhibited approach of melding her art and herself that sets her apart. She is her own best model and instrument, and reflects back to the world what she sees in a mirror. There is very deliberative method in her zaninesses.

On Thursday, July 10 she will be singing and playing music, and she says, “probably some poetry” at the buZZthru espresso bar from 7-10 PM. The coffee house is at 807 Loveland Madeira Road, and admission if free. Acoustic guitar player, Jeff Bell will also be performing.

Westfall has just released her debut CD, VoKate, and will be performing songs from the album at the buZZthru. Westfall said the music for the album, “was created by layering a series of looping vocal melodies and sound effects.” All melodies and sound effects were created “organically” by Westfall. Rhythms were made through body-actions of the feet, hands, arms, mouth, collarbone, and “...so much more,” She said, “The exception to the organic purity is 'Private Scientist' which includes my keyboard and pencil scratchings among other aural teasings.” VoKate was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Eric Barnett.

Westfall's Loveland performances will include live vocal looping, digital rhythms, occasional hand drums, spoken word, and even digeridoo. Kate's CD will be available at the performance.

Joining her at buZZthru will be acoustic guitar player, Jeff Bell, who has been performing for over 20 years and has appeared on a dozen albums.

On Wednesday, July 9th, Westfall will be one of the opening music acts for Matt Baumann (saxophonist) at the Northside Tavern, starting around 10PM.

For more information about Kate Westfall, and to purchase her CD or poetry books visit: http://www.myspace.com/vokate

From Kate's MySpace page:

My most recent 6-poem booklet is called "Ladies of the Sea". I am especially excited about this one because the content focuses strongly on the imaginative. The poems reside in a fantasy realm that includes the seductive and the sinister. It embraces powerful females and explores the danger of the unknown. Each poem tells a story about a specific type of mer-maid. For example, the "Octodame", the "Crabdamsel", the "Whale Woman", etc.

Here is the first poem from "Ladies of the Sea":

Mermaid

Buckled at the boot and woolen waist
in layers to maintain an air on their skin,
behind their sculpted homage personified at the helM,
they sail among the moon’s reflections,
curves of shoreline,
tides,
in a realm of wetness -
a realm of female. ShE
is a mermaid in fishnet hosiery -
a single-stocking lady painted in lace glaze, heR
bondage lingerie a snare for the suited sailors
awash with confidence, defiance combined with deference,
each chest a two-chambered druM
driving a man toward what he hopes to call conquest,
mast hinging on her favor.
At their approach to this part of her body of water,
she decides to deny the men their marinA.
She decides:
this ship will be shuffled.
From their four directions she sends them back.
Pliant as cards, she snaps them
back-flat in a flip of sea-spray confettI.
Knaves with heads knocked together,
in boots meant to anchor them to their decks,
anchored to her bottom,
in their decks they are laiD.

More information on these artists can be found at:
http://www.myspace.com/vokate
www.myspace.com/vokatemusica
www.myspace.com/jbellguitar
www.myspace.com/sohcahtoaeric
www.myspace.com/barnetteric

Brandon Richter graduates Air Force Basic Training

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - Air Force Airman Brandon M. Richter has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base.

His grandparents, Barry and Debbie Nichols, reside on Fence Railway, in Milford. He is the son of Todd and Dena Richter of Lost Lake Court, Williamsburg, Ohio.      Richter is a 2007 graduate of Western Brown High School, Mount Orab, Ohio.

During the six weeks of training, His grandparents, Barry and Debbie Nichols, reside on Fence Railway, Milford, Ohio. 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.

Thomas Reed and Bradley Carrier graduate from Basic/AIT

COLUMBUS, GEORGIA - Army Pvt. Thomas H. Reed and Army Pfc. Bradley E. Carrier have graduated from the Infantryman One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga.  The training consists of Basic Infantry Training and Advanced Individual Training.

Reed is the son of Linda Brill of Round Bottom Road, Milford, Ohio.

Carrier is the son of Allen Carrier of Bishop Road, Goshen, Ohio, and stepson of Linda OBrien of Tarragon Drive, Milford, Ohio, and in 2007, he graduated from Milford High School.

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

The Advanced Individual Training course is designed to train infantry soldiers to perform reconnaissance operations; employ, fire and recover anti-personnel and anti-tank mines; locate and neutralize land mines and operate target and sight equipment; operate and maintain communications equipment and radio networks; construct field firing aids for infantry weapons; and perform infantry combat exercises and dismounted battle drills, which includes survival procedures in a nuclear, biological or chemical contaminated area.

Child Enticement Suspect Sought

MASON, OHIO - Mason police are looking for Michael A. Hamblin in connection with child enticement charges in an incident at Heritage Oak Park on June 22. Hamblin is a registered sex offender and has a previous conviction of gross sexual imposition involving a minor.

Anyone with information about Michael A. Hamblin is asked to contact the Mason Police Department at 513-229-8560.

Click photo for larger view.

Tiger Power Summer Smackdown finds Power Sponsor

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO - The 2008 Tiger Power Summer Smackdown sponsored by local chiropractor Dr. Paul Waisbrot will be held at Loveland High School on July 2. The bench and squat meet will feature: bench press, squat, and deadlift, the three official powerlift events.

Casey Thomas, the Head Strength Coach at the high school said that in the past, fifteen generous sponsors supported the event, but this year is the first with a sole sponsor. “Dr. Waisbrot approached me with this generous offer and I gladly accepted.”  Thomas is pleased that this event will give local young people another chance to compete, at a time, when there aren't many organized competitions. “Most people will probably be on vacations and Dr. Waisbrot will be handing out medals and trophies to our kids.” Dr. Waisbrot is a former competitive bodybuilder with a “passion for training and conditioning” according to Thomas. Click here for Dr. Paul's MySpace page.

The meet is for Loveland High School students and they compete against each other in eight weight classes for men, and six weight classes for women. The meet will feature school record holders such as Dustin Brown, Karl Koenig, Jessica Adjunwa, and Will Schickel. All three men are returning medalists from the state powerlifting meet. Senior Kirk Morra, also a 2008 state medalist, will also compete. Alex Pohl and Jessica Adjunwa are two women who could earn state medals this year as first-year competitors.  

Lead Toy Recalls Continue While Congress Piddles

Patty Bates-Ballard 

Parents Urged to Fill Gaps with Advocacy and Vigilance

With all the attention on lead in toys after the seven Mattel/Fisher-Price recalls in 2007, you might have assumed the issue was resolved. Think again. From January through June 2008, the there have been more than 50 recalls of over a million products due to high lead content. The vast majority of these recalled products are children's products. Read on... Toy Recalls Continue While Congress Piddles.

Matt Louis Valedictorian

This is the Valedictorian speech given by Loveland High School graduate, Matt Louis on May 31 at Xavier University's Cintas Center. Louis told Loveland Magazine that he will be attending Indiana University to study business, and plans to obtain a graduate degree afterwards, most likely going to law school.

    Fellow students, faculty, family members, and honored guests, I thank you for gathering here today to celebrate the graduation of the class of 2008.  My name is Matt Louis, and I am proud to join these 360 other seniors in making up the best class to ever come through Loveland High School.  Before you all walk across this stage and receive the key that unlocks the door to the rest of your lives, I would like to take a moment to express our collective thanks to our families, friends, and teachers.  These individuals have helped us navigate our four short years at Loveland, and without their support, who knows how many of us would not be sitting here today.  Not only have they imparted us with a great deal of knowledge, but they have helped us grow as individuals.
    While some of this knowledge has already left our minds, our memories of the people and events that made our class special will persist for years to come.  We will remember the hidden message in our senior shirts much more vividly than any chemistry formula we ever had to memorize.  We will never forget Mr. Dunlap’s stories of stalking the grateful dead, or when our newly acquired principle first danced on a chair in the cafeteria.  Specifically, Senior year  brought with it some of our best moments from high school such as  our awesome student section for the first half of this football season, completely dominating homecoming week, and enjoying the freedoms and privileges that came with being a Senior.  Then, there is of course the numerous other stories involving run ins with parents, local police officers, or simply instances in which students exhibited behavior not appropriate for this speech.  We will remember each other through these stories, through our large amount of time spent together, and the skills and talents that make many members of our class unique.
    A great man once said –“Believe you can and you’re half way there.”  With all the talent and promise that this year’s seniors have, there is no reason to fear that we will not be successful at whichever next challenge each of us faces.  Still bound by our friendships, we will take the next step in our lives confident that our years at Loveland have prepared us well.
    In closing, I would like to leave you with something to think about for the rest of your life.  Walt Disney said,” All of our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”  I challenge you all to undauntedly pursue your own dreams, and in doing so, to help our generation leave our mark on history.  Thank you.

New Alzheimer's Clue Discovered By Researchers

WASHINGTON — Researchers have uncovered a new clue to the cause of Alzheimer's disease. Read on... Link: New Alzheimer's Clue Discovered By Researchers - The Huffington Post.

Seussical! at Loveland Library: Sneak Preview Saturday

The Loveland Stage Company's Summer Children's Theater Workshop presents a sneak preview of Seussical! Songs and stories with your favorite Seuss characters. All Ages Loveland Branch, 649 Loveland-Madeira Rd., 513-369-4476 Saturday, June 28, 2008; 2:00–3:00 p.m. Read on... Seussical!.

General who probed Abu Ghraib says Bush officials committed war crimes

By Warren P. Strobel | McClatchy Newspapers

WASHINGTON — The Army general who led the investigation into prisoner abuse at Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison accused the Bush administration Wednesday of committing "war crimes" and called for those responsible to be held to account.

The remarks by Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba, who's now retired, came in a new report that found that U.S. personnel tortured and abused detainees in Iraq, Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, using beatings, electrical shocks, sexual humiliation and other cruel practices.

"After years of disclosures by government investigations, media accounts and reports from human rights organizations, there is no longer any doubt as to whether the current administration has committed war crimes," Taguba wrote. "The only question that remains to be answered is whether those who ordered the use of torture will be held to account." Read on...

Documents confirm U.S. hid detainees from Red Cross
By Warren P. Strobel | McClatchy Newspapers

WASHINGTON — The U.S. military hid the locations of suspected terrorist detainees and concealed harsh treatment to avoid the scrutiny of the International Committee of the Red Cross, according to documents that a Senate committee released Tuesday.

"We may need to curb the harsher operations while ICRC is around. It is better not to expose them to any controversial techniques," Lt. Col. Diane Beaver... Read on...

Torture from the Top Down
By Scott Horton for Harper's Magazine

Yesterday’s hearings in the Senate Armed Services Committee helped make that point, and brought a new focus on a figure who has been lurking in the shadows of the controversy for some time: William J. Haynes II, Rumsfeld’s lawyer and now a lawyer for Chevron. Two things emerge from the hearing. First, that Haynes was effectively a stationmaster when it came to introducing torture techniques in the “war on terror,” circumventing opposition from career military and pushing through a policy of brutality and cruelty, by stealth when necessary. And second, that Haynes lacks the courage of his convictions, a willingness to stand up and testify honesty about what he did. Read on...

Salmonellosis Outbreak in Tomatoes

Tests Link 13 of 17 Infections to Michigan Outbreak That

By Lisa Abraham, The Akron Beacon Journal, Ohio

The Ohio Department of Health and officials in five Ohio counties are investigating 17 illnesses...

Statement from the Clermont County General Health District

Salmonellosis Outbreak in Certian Types of Tomatoes plum and round red tomatoes

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is alerting consumers nationwide that a salmonellosis outbreak appears to be linked to consumption of certain types of raw red tomatoes and products containing raw red tomatoes supplied from certain areas. The FDA has cleared tomatoes grown in Ohio as NOT being a part of this outbreak. Read on... Salmonellosis Outbreak in Tomatoes - Clermont County, Ohio General Health District.

Hamilton County Food Service Inspections On-Line

Sanitarians inspect licensed food service operators and retail food establishments for proper food storage, handling, preparation and serving. In 2006, Health District sanitarians conducted more than 7,000 inspections at more than 3,000 facilities, including restaurants, grocery stores, school cafeterias, daycare centers and more. Many of these inspection reports are available for review online.

Ohio Launches Missing Adult Alert

Amber to Grey

COLUMBUS, OHIO - Today, law enforcement officials across Ohio prepare to launch a new plan that creates a statewide emergency alert program to aid in the identification and location of missing adults who are endangered and are sixty-five years of age or older or have a mental impairment.

Rolke Auction Photos: Now it's just history

LOVELAND, OHIO - On Saturday May 10, 2008, Rolke Bros. Supply in Downtown Loveland ceased business when Poe Auctions sold the total inventory and remaining equipment.

"This was a family owned business that had been in operation for over 60 years and packed to the walls with all of the items regularly seen in vintage feed and supply stores," said auctioneer Jim Poe.

Ron Rolke was gracious enough to allow Loveland Magazine to poke around and climb through the rafters in the weeks leading up to the auction, to make a photographic record.

The photos you can view by clicking on this link are those taken the several weeks before the auction, and of the auction itself.

The Columbus Dispatch : AG office romance, promotion at issue

By James Nash  THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
            
            When Tomi L. Dorris decided last summer that she wanted to run a police-training academy that's part of the Ohio attorney general's office, she knew she could count on the support of a special friend in a high place. Read on...  The Columbus Dispatch : AG office romance, promotion at issue.