Loveland Magazine

New parent support program kicks off in Loveland

LOVELAND, OHIO - The Loveland Initiative and Beech Acres Parenting Center have teamed up in an expansion to provide an innovative parenting education and support program to Loveland families called Power in Parenting.

The Power in Parenting program in Loveland, funded by the Alpaugh Foundation through the Cincinnati Equitable Insurance Co., provides area parents with one-on-one education and mentoring, connects them with other parents, and helps them access resources so their children are able to achieve success. The program, a service of Beech Acres Parenting Center, is designed to help parents acquire the skills, knowledge and support necessary for their children’s educational, social and emotional development.

In the program, an experienced peer works closely with other parents to help them develop goals for themselves and their children, ensure their children are on track in school, and help them access needed community resources. In addition, participating families can use the Power in Parenting “Power Tools” – fun, easy-to-use cards with information on developmental milestones and practical ways in which parents can help their children reach them.

Beech Acres Parenting Center has hired Linda Swenssen, who is from the community, to work as a partner with Loveland families in the Power in Parenting program.

“Linda Swenssen is very energetic, creative and knowledgeable, and she has a very strong desire to help our families,” said Terri Rogers, president of the Loveland Initiative, a nonprofit founded in 1995 by local residents with the aim of educating and assisting low-income children and their families. “We are very excited about our partnership with Beech Acres Parenting Center. Having a program like Power in Parenting is a significant way to help meet the increasing needs of our preschool and school-age children.”

“We’re really excited about our collaboration with the Loveland Initiative,” said Robert Bell, director of Community Services at Beech Acres Parenting Center. “We heard what the Initiative was doing for families in the Loveland area and we wanted to be a part of it. They have been helping parents, children and families in Loveland for years, and doing it in a nonjudgmental and compassionate way.”

The Power in Parenting program is based on an innovative approach called “intentional parenting.” This parenting philosophy is supported by extensive research on effective parenting practices, and focuses on parents’ ability to identify and support their unique strengths and gifts, as well as those of their children.

“We’ve embraced this philosophy at Beech Acres Parenting Center because of our mission of strengthening families for children,” Bell said. “We believe that effective parenting first starts with the parents doing work to strengthen themselves. As a verb, the word parent means to nurture, to grow his or her talents. To us, this means the talents of the parent and the child. We believe that parents must work to recognize and grow their own strengths and abilities in order to effectively support the successful development of their child.”

“At Beech Acres Parenting Center, we believe that every child has talents that only need to be recognized and nurtured; and that every parent has unique gifts and strengths that can support the successful development of his or her child,” said Jim Mason, president and CEO of Beech Acres Parenting Center. “Simply put, we believe that all parents have the ability to see and grow the best in themselves and in their children.”

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Beech Acres Parenting Center for the Power in Parenting program,” said Jennifer Tewksbury, a trustee with the Loveland Initiative. “The Loveland Initiative has many programs that help low-income families in Loveland with various types of resources, but this will be the first program to target parenting with an intentional and strength-based approach. We are very much looking forward to working together to empower parents and to continue to make this community great.”

“Beech Acres Parenting Center believes it is essential to take a grassroots approach that builds upon the existing assets of the communities we serve,” added Bell. “And the Loveland Initiative is definitely an asset to the Loveland community. We’re here to help them continue that work and to do even more.”

Beech Acres Parenting Center’s Power in Parenting is also in the Avondale/Bond Hill area, where it recently reached its first-year goal of ensuring each child in the program has a permanent medical home and that every parent is reading regularly to his or her preschooler to help prepare the child for kindergarten and beyond. In addition, Beech Acres Parenting Center has just received funds from a private donor as seed money to begin development of a Power in Parenting Walnut Hills Initiative, working directly with low-income parents in the community.

Beech Acres Parenting Center, a United Way agency partner, has served Greater Cincinnati since 1849 by providing a wide range of services for at-risk children, parents and families. With the mission of strengthening families for children, Beech Acres Parenting Center believes that all parents, including committed adults filling that role, want the best for their children, and all need support and guidance in raising their children to reach their unique potential. For more information about the programs and services offered by Beech Acres Parenting Center, call 513-231-6630, or visit www.beechacres.org.

LOVELAND, OHIO – You can become part of the Loveland Initiative

LOVELAND, OHIO – The Loveland Initiative is accepting nomination from the community to serve in the leadership positions of Operating Board Members/Officers, and Trustees.

In partnership with schools; local business; associations; and places of worship,the Initiative works toward systemic change by collaborating with community organizations; coordinating community resources and empowering residents to take charge of their lives. The Loveland Initiative (formerly known as the Loveland Shalom Initiative) is a 501C3 organization consisting of residents of local subsidized housing and members of the community.

Some of the Initiative's programs are: GED Tutoring, Computer Adult Classes, Cool School (after school tutoring program), Back to School Backpack Drive, Neighbors helping Neighbors Resource Center, Christmas Toy Store, Tracy Johnson Scholarship Fund, and an Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration.

The Initiative has recently invited Beach Acres to bring a Power in Parenting program to Loveland. All of these programs run out of a store front at 405 Loveland Maderia Road.

Download this pdf for details. Download notice_for_loveland_initiative_nomination.pdf

Help Alexis make a wish come true

Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,

  My name is Alexis King, I graduated from Loveland High School, and I am currently a junior at Morehead State University.  At school I stay busy with being a student athlete and a part of one of the best sororities on campus; Chi Omega. 

My sorority is involved with a lot of on campus activities and is very philanthropic. Our philanthropy is the Make A Wish foundation.  If you haven't heard about this organization, it is one you will want to be apart of.  This foundation raises money for children who are extremely ill.  They simply ask the child what his or her wish may be and they raise money in order to grant the wish.  This will be my first wish child and I am very excited.

  I did, however, have a chance to meet the last years wish child and have heard some amazing stories about others.  Last year we raised money for a child that had been sick for over seven years.  He has reoccurring tumors that grow all over his body.  He is constantly in the hospital and in no way lives a normal life.  He originally wanted to meet Chuck Norris, but had gotten extremely sick the day of his flight.  He then decided he wanted to take his family to the Bahamas. We keep in touch with Nick and Nick's family and are there to support their needs still to this day.  Nick sends us pictures and his mother sends us prayer request.  My sorority as a whole, made a trip to Nick's church and met with his community.

   There are so many stories from Make A Wish and it is truly a great program.  The reason I am telling you this is because we are wanting to grant two wishes this fall, but we need your help. 

As a sorority we have a raffle, silent auction, and a dance competition that takes place on campus.  These three fundraisers are the main source to our Make A Wish fund.  I feel it is my duty to get as many donations as possible to raise more money.  I have fallen in love with this foundation and wish to grant all kinds of wishes during my college years and for years to come.

   We are willing to take anything to raffle off or use for our silent auction.  I have the paper work for a tax right off and will email to whom ever decides to donate.

   If you would like more information on Make A Wish, here is the website:
http://www.wish.org/
   Please check the web site out and see what kind of a difference people have made in these kids lives.

  Please feel free to email me with questions or good news about your donation!

Best Wishes,
Alexis King

Chris Taylor joins Army

Chris L. Taylor has joined the United States Army under the Delayed Entry Program.  The program gives young men and women the opportunity to delay entering active duty for up to one year.

The enlistment gave Taylor the option to learn a new skill, travel and become eligible to receive as much as $50,000 toward a college education.  After completion of basic military training, he received advanced individual training in his career job specialty prior to being assigned to their first permanent duty station.

Taylor qualifies for a $20,000.00 enlistment bonus.

Taylor, a 2003 graduate of Adair County High School, Columbia, Ky., will report to Fort Knox, Ky., for basic training in July. He is the son of Pamela A. Taylor of Mack St., Columbia, and Ray A. Taylor of Cross Creek Drive, Loveland.

Flags Wave Proudly at Clermont Military Salute

BATAVIA, OHIO - Several thousand people, many waving small American flags, packed the grandstands at the Clermont County Fair in Owensville on Thursday, July 24, for a Salute to Veterans and Our Troops, organized by Clermont County Commissioner Bob Proud, the Clermont Veterans’ Services Commission, and the Clermont County Fair Board.

Among the highlights of the event, was a processional of military veterans and active duty personnel that unfurled a 20’ by 30’ American flag on the track between the grandstands.

Featured speaker, Marine Corporal “Ace” Gilbert, a Vietnam veteran, told the crowd how important it is to recognize those who serve.  “Nobody can be near war and come home without a hole in their heart,” said Cpl. Gilbert.  “What you see and experience while in combat is difficult to leave behind; I know what it’s like to say goodbye to a fallen comrade who dies in your arms.”

Commissioner Proud told the audience that the idea behind the Service Salute was to let our troops, past and present - as well as those who have lost loved ones at war, know that we appreciate all they have sacrificed.

As the crowd united with singer Todd Kritzwiser for God Bless America, they again waved their flags and more than a few tears fell when the haunting notes of Taps were sounded to conclude the program.

Please send care packages to troops

Dear Loveland Magazine,

When my brother was in Vietnam, we sent him baked cookies, etc., and we would pack everything in popcorn. They would really like eating the popcorn too. Boy, this takes me back lots of years.

My brother died of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma ,brought on by his heavy exposure to Agent Orange. He always told me how much he would look forward to the packages and letters. His letters always came back with red dirt on them, and when we did not hear from him for weeks, we would panic.

He was a medic, having given up college in his junior year of pre-med to enlist and serve his country. He was in Cambodia, mostly serving with the Big Red One.

When he came home we did not talk about it much, we didn't know how or why at first. A few years later, he shared a few stories with us, enough to see why he was so changed, and by then, he was ill. I am so glad we took the time to send him those packages and letters. It was a bright spot for him and thinking about our anticipation of receiving word from him, we can't even imagine his anticipation and comfort hearing from home.

He always said the saddest thing was those who did not have anyone sending packages, and had no-one. We also saw that at the VA hospitals where my brother, Art, was. There were so many men who did not have anyone to visit, and the nurses and doctors became their only "family." They always said my brother was so lucky to have so much family to visit and be with him.

Well, I hope you get a good response to this plea for the community to adopt a troop.

Sincerely,

Mary Gish

Miami Trails burglary suspect caught on video

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO – This message has just been received from the Cincinnati Police Department and CitizenObserver.com, concerning the daytime burglaries that occurred in the Miami Trails neighborhood on July 17.

Contact CitizenObserver at 513-352-3040, or the Miami Township Police Department at 48-3721 (e-mail).

We have been able to identify a suspect in at least one of our day-time burglaries. 

We had a day-time burglary in Miami Trails on 7/17/08 at around 1100 hours.  The suspect stole a credit card from the residence and proceeded to the Marathon on BHGP @ Loveland-Maderia Road. 

The vehicle was a bright red Ford Mustang with a black convertible top.  The Mustang was the newest body style probably a 2007 or 2008. 

The vehicle was driven by a white female, medium build, with long dark hair (hair hung to the middle of her back).  The female had a tattoo on her right shoulder/bicep and she was wearing a white tank top, shorts, and flip-flops. 

The clerk advised there was a male sitting in the passenger seat of the vehicle. 

We also have a statement from a neighbor advising she saw the suspect vehicle in a driveway behind the victim’s home. 

I will get pictures from the video out as soon as I can (were having software issues with the DVD).  Please BOLO for this vehicle and find a reason for a stop and get a good FIR. 

We have four open day-time burglaries in Miami and neighboring jurisdictions have numerous open cases to.  Any questions, please let me know.  You guys have been great finding us suspects in recent crimes, please find me another person to start with.

Met, meet Kate

by David Miller

LOVELAND, OHIO – A few days ago, Kate Westfall performed at the buZZthru Espresso Bar, and a few days later the Bethel Murdock Church held its annual Ice Cream Social and car show.

The "photoshopped" photo above of Kate Westfall was taken during her live performance while she recorded her sweet clear voice into her magic digital recording machine, dubbing, and re-dubbing, live vocal looping, her lyrics - until they became a chorus of many Kates.

The automobile was photographed separately, at the Murdock church, and belongs to Barb Schott who lives in Pierce Township. It is a 1957 Metropolitan. It was a fairly popular car in the U.S., at a time when most auto makers were selling larger, larger, and more powerful cars. Its wheelbase is shorter than the VW Beetle's was, back in the day. The Met is only 150 inches long, and got fairly good gas mileage in a day before modern technology that could've really ramped the mileage up a great deal if it was available.

Bottom line – What does Kate Westfall and the  Metropolitan have in common?

Both, ahead of their time?

Well at least the Met was ahead of time, and Westfall is very timely in this age of cynicysm. Her lyrics and poetry are very refreshing, thought provoking, and at times, very, very funny.

Here is one of Kate Westfall's poems.

Buckled To A Compass - (A Landlord Poem*)

Even if I never learn to fly,
I'll keep a compass buckled to my thigh
so that when I trip and fall, I'll know
the opposite direction I should go.

* Westfall says she pays rent with poetry

Go Green

Loveland Art Show September 7

Enjoy Great Art, Kids Crafts, Food, and Music at the Loveland Art Show

LOVELAND, OHIO - The Loveland Arts Council invites you to the 12th Annual Loveland Art Show.

When:     Sunday September 7  11 AM - 5pm PM
Where:        Nisbet Park in historic Loveland

More Info:  VISIT the Loveland Arts Council Website
                  Or call Shawn Custis 513-235-6700 scustis@fuse.net                            

Celebrating its 12th year, Loveland Art Show is the most rapidly growing arts event in the area.  Loveland Art Show is now firmly established as a quality, juried fine art show featuring an exceptional range of talented artists from all over the tri-state area.  Check out this wonderful opportunity to purchase art, in all price ranges, - photography, ceramics, woodwork, jewelry, baskets, sculpture, and original painting in all media.  Last year many savvy shoppers acquired unique original items for their homes, offices and holiday gift giving.

Admission and parking are FREE!

80 artists will be competing for awards totaling $1200.

Kids Corner—FREE offers a variety of fun hands-on special projects to entertain youngsters, exposing them to the arts and taking home finished pieces, while adults view the show.

Starving Artist's Café, dine al fresco enjoying delicious fare featuring Loveland area eateries and shops.

Enjoy a mix of music throughout the day by a number of students from Loveland Music Academy playing from the amphitheater. 

New Plan to Pool Water Resources

LOVELAND, OHIO - If an emergency situation occurs, a new interconnectivity agreement between the Board of Clermont County Commissioners and the City of Loveland will enable the jurisdictions to tap into each other’s public water systems, with the twist of a valve.  “This agreement is a perfect example of wise stewardship and shared resources between governmental agencies,” said Clermont Director of Utilities Tom Yeager.

“The interconnectivity will provide citizens of both the City and the County with enhanced public health and safety protection,” said Loveland Vice Mayor Dave Bednar.  “ If a large fire were to occur, the interconnectivity would enable firefighters to have quick access to an additional supply of water that could save lives.”

The cost of the interconnectivity is estimated at around $50,000 that will be shared by both Clermont County and the City of Loveland.  The agreement will be in effect for 10 years and can be renewed for additional 10 year increments, upon written agreement by both Clermont County and the City of Loveland.  The project could begin later this year.

This is the eighth interconnectivity agreement that Clermont County has negotiated, including reciprocal deals for emergency water service with the City of Cincinnati, Milford, New Richmond, Tate Monroe, Batavia, Williamsburg, and Western Water.  The City of Loveland also has an emergency connection with Cincinnati Water Works.

August Clermont County Town Meeting Set

CLERMONT COUNTY, OHIO - Clermont County citizens living in Goshen Township, Jackson Township, Stonelick Township, and Wayne Township are invited to attend a town meeting on Wednesday, August 27, at the Stonelick Township Fire and Rescue Station, located at 2541 U.S. Route 50 near Owensville.   The town meeting, held by the Board of Clermont County Commissioners, will begin at 7 p.m.

The town meeting is a great opportunity for citizens to learn more about programs and initiatives planned for the county and their community.  This meeting is one in a series the Board of Clermont County Commissioners is holding this year, as a way to make government more accessible to citizens. 

For additional information about this, or other town meetings planned in 2008, contact Clermont County Communications Director Kathy Lehr at (513) 732-7597.

We can solve the climate crisis

                                    

Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,

Every so often, a leader says something so simply and clearly that it's almost impossible to ignore. That happened last week with Al Gore's challenge.

More than a quarter of a million people have watched the speech, and major papers across the country continue to write about it. Watch the highlights here.

He challenged America to generate 100% of our electricity from sources that do not lead to global warming -- and to do it within 10 years. Meeting this ambitious goal would create millions of new jobs, lead to permanently lower energy costs for families and help America lead the fight against global warming. Watch his powerful speech here.

John McCain couldn't ignore it, saying "if the Vice President says it's doable, I believe it's doable."

And Barack Obama said, "I strongly agree with Vice President Gore that we cannot drill our way to energy independence, but must fast-track investments in renewable sources of energy like solar power, wind power and advanced biofuels."

Please take a quick look. If you've already seen it, please forward it to at least ten friends. The technology to make this shift is ready. What is missing is political will -- and that's why we need more people to see this speech and join the We Campaign.

Sincerely,

Matt, Lauren, Melissa and rest of the online team

Loveland Initiative meeting

LOVELAND, OHIO – The Loveland Initiative will meet on Thursday, July 24 at 7 PM at 405 Loveland Madeira Road 45140. Information: 683-3111

Download loveland_initiative_meeting_agenda_july_242008.pdf

The Loveland Initiative Backpack Program

by Terri Rogers

LOVELAND, OHIO - The Loveland Initiative is sponsoring a backpack drive for the 2008 school year. If you can donate one of these filled backpacks, the children will appreciate it more than you can imagine. If you are not able to complete an entire bag by yourself, please consider sharing this project with a friend.

Backpacks  (Younger Children & Older Children)

• Wide ruled loose leaf paper
• 70 count subject notebooks
• Construction paper
• Graph paper
• Composition book
• Kleenex tissue
• Paper towels
• Sandwich baggies
• Wipes
• 24 count Crayola crayons
• 8-10 count Crayola washable markers
• 8-12 count Crayola colored pencils
• #2 pencils
• Pens- red, blue, and black
• Highlighters
• Index cards
• 5 pack tab dividers
• Pencil boxes (younger children)
• Pencil bags (older children)
• Pencil sharpeners
• Rulers-(metric & inches
• Protractors
• Scissors (Safety) - In most need of
• Erasers
• Book covers (stretch)
• Calculators (middle schoolers & High schoolers)
• Glue-(please no glue we have tons!)
• 3 prong pocket folders (red, yellow, purple, blue and green)
• 1 & 2 inch 3 ring binders

Please make sure the bag is age appropriate. For example, if preparing backpack for a younger child, buy wide ruled paper, blunt tip scissors, etc. Please label bag as “Younger or Older”.

The deadline for the Backpacks and School Supplies is Monday, August 18. Please drop off items on these days and times:

• Monday’s 6:30 – 8:00PM
• Thursday’s 3 – 5:00PM

The drop-off location is at the Loveland Initiative Center, 405 Loveland Madeira Road, in the strip mall across from goodwill.

The Loveland Initiative will distribute your gift to very happy children on Thursday August 21.

For questions contact Terri Rogers a 677-1057 or 255-6821

For a printable shopping list: Download print_2008_backpack_drive.pdf

Children up to age 18 should get flu shots

By Misti Crane THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommend that all children be vaccinated against the flu. Read on... The Columbus Dispatch : CDC: Children up to age 18 should get flu shots.

Tico's back: Yummy

LOVELAND, OHIO - Shelton “Tico” Greene went before the Loveland Planning and Zoning Commission Monday night and promised the community, “wholesome, delicious barbeque.” He said that his Liberty City Barbeque would be a successful, energizing, and different type of establishment. Different from any other restaurant in the City, and Greene believes his style of cooking will have a regional draw.

Greene said that during June when he and his two partners were operating at the corner of West Loveland Avenue and Loveland Maderia Road they, “sold out - every time.”

Green was asking the Commission for permission for a temporary vendor permit so he could open again, this time at the site next to LaRosa's, the former Lee's Famous Recipe Country Chicken. The restaurant has been vacant for a number of years, what Assistant City Manager Jeff Wright said was, “As far back as anyone can remember.”

Green received permission to set up his grill and smoker in the parking lot on a temporary basis until he completes negotiations with the owner to lease all of the former restaurant. Green described the renovations that will be necessary to bring the Lee's building up to current building codes.

Greene is determined to be open this weekend in the parking lot, selling what he describes as Southern Florida style cooking. On the menu is, pork spare ribs, rib tips, chicken, and beef brisket prepared with a seven spice rub. Two flavors of “Tico 'T-Baby's Barbeque Sauce” can be purchased along with your order. Also on the menu is corn on the cob, rib and beef brisket sandwiches, whole or half chicken, full or half slab dinners, Chicken (Jurk Jamaican), potato salad, and pound cake.

For the time being, how will you know that Tico is grill'n and smok'n?

Well... as a matter-of-fact, by the wonderful aroma in the neighborhood, and if his temporary sign is up – he's cook'n. He said he would remove the sign when he isn't open, so look for him starting this weekend, possibly Thursday.

We can solve the climate crisis

As Americans, we don't wait for other people to take the lead when a problem needs to be fixed. In this ad, William H. Macy shows that by solving the climate crisis, we are honoring an American tradition.

Power America with Cheap, Clean Energy in 10 Years? Yes We Can!

MoveOn.org is gearing up to present petitions to Senators Obama, McCain and your Senators and Representatives to support Al Gore's call for us to get 100% of our electricity from cheap, clean sources within 10 years. You can join.

MoveOn says:

Al Gore took a big risk when he called on us to get 100% of our electricity from cheap, clean sources within 10 years.

It's an achievable goal, but it's already under attack from the oil and coal companies. They're calling his plan unrealistic, impossible, and crazy.

We can turn back Big Oil's attack if hundreds of thousands of us personally endorse Gore's challenge to power our country with 100% cheap, clean energy within 10 years—and then we urge Obama, McCain, and Congress to get on board.

A compiled petition with your individual comment will be presented to Obama, McCain, and your Senators and Representative.

Sign the Petition Here.

Learn More about Gore's challenge to America

The We Campaign is a project of The Alliance for Climate Protection -- a nonprofit, nonpartisan effort founded by Nobel laureate and former Vice President Al Gore. Our ultimate aim is to halt global warming. Specifically we are educating people in the US and around the world that the climate crisis is both urgent and solvable.

Sabransky new Loveland Chief of Police

LOVELAND, OHIO — Deputy Chief of Police Tim Sabransky recited the oath of office and assumed the duties of Chief of the Loveland Police Department on July 8. He joined the Loveland department in January, 2007 to be groomed to assume the position.

According to a news release issued by the City, current Chief Dennis Rees will, “...continue to serve as the City’s Safety Director until December 1, 2008. For the remainder of the year, he will undertake an employee development planning process, and lead the City’s efforts to implement a pay-for-performance pay system.” Rees has been Loveland’s Chief since 1995,

Sabransky, who lives in Madeira, has experience with Ohio State University and the City of Cincinnati. He has a bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University, and a Master’s of Public Administration from the University of Cincinnati. Sabransky told Loveland Magazine, “I left the Cincinnati Police Department after 21 years of service.”

Sabransky said he will have an open door policy. “I believe it is important to listen to everyone. I look for participation, and hope that officers will come up with new ideas and share them with me. I certainly don’t have all the answers.”

He was also asked to innumerate any changes, if any, he will you implement in the Department.

“Right now we have enough change going on. With my transition to Chief we are rotating the sergeants through the Deputy Chief position for eight months each. We are currently interviewing candidates for a police officer eligibility list, and we have just completed the testing process for the Sergeant promotional process. That’s plenty of change for now.”

Sabransky was asked to list his long range goals for the Department. He said he will continue to devote time and effort in developing his employees. “It is so important to have a well trained, well educated workforce to serve the City of Loveland, and to stay at the forefront of policing as technology changes, and as the community changes.” He also said, “We will continue to enhance our reputation throughout the three county area as an excellent, professional police agency.”

The new Chief said he will continue to solicit input from Loveland citizens to address neighborhood issues and concerns, and “work with them for solutions.”

Sabransky was also asked what he feels are community problems that are most important to tackle. “We will continue to work with the community to identify quality of life issues, such as speeding in neighborhoods, junk or abandoned vehicles, repeat calls for service, or other issues that can impact residents ability to enjoy their neighborhoods to the fullest.”

City Manager Tom Carroll said in the press release, “The position of Deputy Chief of Police will be filled by internal promotion within the next two years. In the meantime, one current patrolman will be promoted to a fourth sergeant position and one of the three current sergeants, or the newly-promoted sergeant, will assume the Deputy Chief position after an internal cross training job rotation is completed by 2010.”

Last Wednesday, Sergeant Tim Wilmes assumed the position of Deputy Chief; the first of the Sergeants to rotate as a Deputy Chief – the position vacated by Sabransky's promotion.

The 49-year old, Sabransky said, “I am very proud to have been selected as Police Chief in Loveland. I look forward to working with the professional and dedicated men and women of the Police Division.”

New S.S. Benefit Calculator

The Social Security Administration, yesterday unveiled a new online calculator at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator that will provide immediate and personalized benefit estimates to help people plan for their retirement.  The Retirement Estimator is tied to a person’s actual Social Security earnings record and eliminates the need to manually key in years of earnings information.

The Retirement Estimator is interactive allowing the user to compare different retirement options.  For example, a person can change retirement dates or expected future earnings.  Individuals also can print out up to three different scenarios at one time, in addition to information about their benefits at age 62 (current age if older), full retirement age and age 70.

If you currently have enough Social Security credits to qualify for benefits, you can use the Retirement Estimator for a retirement estimate based on current law and real time access to your earnings record. After a secure log-in using your name, Social Security number, date and place of birth and mother's maiden name, the estimator:       

• provides an estimate of your retirement benefits comparable to the estimate you receive on your Social Security Statement each year, and
• lets you create additional "what if" retirement scenarios based on current law.

Milford animal activists slam Loyola lab experiments

BY STEFANO ESPOSITO sesposito@suntimes.com

Sloppy work at Loyola University Chicago's Stritch School of Medicine research lab in Maywood led to the deaths of five dogs and seven rabbits, according to an animal-rights group that reviewed 2006-07 federal inspection reports.

"If a medical school can't adequately supervise experiments involving dogs and rabbits, then those projects should be immediately terminated," said Michael Budkie, executive director of Stop Animal Exploitation NOW, based in Milford, Ohio. Read on... Animal activists slam Loyola lab experiments :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Colleges.

Modified boxer shorts blessed for injured vets

CASCO, Mich. (AP) -- Blessed are the boxer shorts.

Members of the St. James United Church of Christ in Casco Township planned to take 150 boxer shorts to the altar yesterday for a blessing. The shorts have been modified for wounded veterans who wear bulky prosthetics or braces on their legs. Read on... The Columbus Dispatch : Modified boxer shorts blessed for injured vets.

Sheriff helicopter to visit Loveland library

Thursday, July 24
Loveland
Helicopter Visit - with the Hamilton County Sheriff Aviation Unit.
11:00 AM

Friday, July 25
Symmes Township
Red Cross Babysitting Class
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Microsoft Word, Excel, & PowerPoint now at all Branch Libraries in Hamilton County (Read  on...)

Strokes in kids get noticed

By Misti Crane THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Strobe lights flashed and snow, like on a television set, appeared before Anna Branscome.

Then came terrible migraines and fainting spells.

The Bloom-Carroll High School student visited her local emergency room more than once, only to be told by doctors that there was nothing they could find, that it was likely in her head, she said.

"Well, it was in my head, but not the way they meant," said Branscome, who was admitted on Wednesday to Nationwide Children's Hospital.

The American Heart Association issued first-ever guidelines yesterday for diagnosing and treating stroke in young people. The scientific statement was published in this week's Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association. Read on... The Columbus Dispatch : Strokes in kids get noticed.

Lebanon Rd. to close nightly Monday and Tuesday

LOVELAND, OHIO—The City of Loveland will close Lebanon Road for two nights for a resurfacing project. “Due to the large traffic volumes on Lebanon Road, the paving contractor will have the road closed to run a continuous crew operation,” according to a press release issued by the city.

Weather permitting, the construction is scheduled as follows:

Monday night (7:00 PM - 5:00 AM), July 28, 2008: Lebanon Road south of West
Loveland Avenue to Loveland-Madeira Road will be closed.  There will be no access to
and from Lebanon Road at Durango Drive, Cannonade Drive, Preakness Lane, Arcaro
Drive, Pheasant Hills Drive, Miamiview Drive, and Loveland-Madeira Road.

The detour route for Lebanon Road will be along West Loveland Avenue and Loveland-
Madeira Road.  Residents of Bird Dog Court will be given contact information for the
project foreman, and will be directed through the work zone by a flagger, as necessary. 
Residents of Claiborne East will be allowed to cross Lebanon Road at Arcaro Drive,
using West Loveland, Pintail Drive, Nimrod Boulevard, Lexington Drive, and Preakness
Lane as a detour route.

Tuesday night (7:00 PM - 5:00 AM), July 29, 2008: Lebanon Road from West Loveland
Avenue to just north of Lindenhall Drive will have only one lane open at a time.  Traffic
will be directed by flaggers

Board Approves 5.5 Mill Operating Levy For November Ballot

The Milford Board of Education, at a meeting on July 9, approved the first step to place an operating levy on the November ballot.  The board voted unanimously to place a 5.5 mill continuing operating levy on the November ballot. Read on... Milford Exempted Village Schools

BOND ISSUE PROGRESS Read on...

GOP whistleblower names Karl Rove in Ohio's 04 election theft

Ohio Attorney Files Motion to Lift Stay in Ohio Case of King Lincoln Bronzeville v Blackwell
by steveheller

At a press conference Friday morning in Columbus, Ohio, Cliff Arnebeck, lead attorney for the plaintiffs in the case of King Lincoln Bronzeville v. Blackwell, announced that he is filing a motion to "lift the stay in the case [and] proceed with targeted discovery in order to help protect the integrity of the 2008 election."  Read on... GOP whistleblower names Karl Rove in Ohio's 04 election theft.

Listen to audio of the press conference.

GOP cyber-security expert suggests Diebold tampered with 2002 election

by Larisa Alexandrovna and Muriel Kane

A leading cyber-security expert and former adviser to Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) says he has fresh evidence regarding election fraud on Diebold electronic voting machines during the 2002 Georgia gubernatorial and senatorial elections. Read on...

ROVE NAMED IN ELECTION FRAUD CONSPIRACY by Mark Crispin Miller

'Daily Voting News' For July 18, 2008

Also, a whistleblower has stepped forward and stated that a patch was installed in two Georgia counties in 2002 before the Governor and Senatorial elections. He says, in part, that a "computer patch was installed in person by Diebold CEO Bob Urosevich, who flew in from Texas and applied it in just two counties, DeKalb and Fulton, both Democratic strongholds. The source states that Cox [then Georgia Secretary of State Cathy Cox] was not privy to these changes until after the election and that she became particularly concerned over the patch being installed in just those two counties."

LOVELAND, OHIO – Lieutenant Colonel David Volkman, who teaches at Loveland High School and himself a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, has sent Loveland Magazine a list of ten, sailors, soldiers, and marines who are currently serving in war zones. He asked if there was interest in people in the community “adopting a troop” and sending along care packages to these Loveland High School graduates.

If you are interested in sending along some food, snakes, and everyday comforts of home (Loveland), please send an e-mail and you will receive a list of suggested items for a care package, shipping instructions, and a name and military address of a deserving hometown boy or girl.

Editor's note: Col. Volkman says, "Please make sure people send snacks, not snakes? (maybe you better counsel your copy editor). '...some food, snakes, and everyday comforts of home...' Funny....."

Pollution continues Saturday and Sunday

LOVELAND, OHIO - An air pollution alert has been issued for Saturday and Sunday with ozone levels UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS, and approaching levels where all people should avoid prolonged outdoor exertion.

Sensitive groups include: children and adults who are active outdoors, and people with lung disease, such as asthma.