Loveland Magazine

Price Road remains closed until Dec. 10

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO - The temporary closure of Price Road between Bramblewood Drive and I-275 has been extended from 11-28-08 to 12-10-08.  Download map for closure location. Download Bramblewood_SSP_Detour_Price_rev

Whipping Up a Prayer for Thanksgiving

 by the Rev. Dr. Doug Damron

Have you made all your preparations for this Thursday?  Have your grocery shopping done?  Have your travel itinerary set?  Have the guest room cleaned and pillows fluffed?  Feeling stressed yet?

My Thanksgiving stress points are not triggered by fears of getting enough white meat, being done with the meal before the football game, or having to face some hard to get along with family members, my Thanksgiving stress point, ironically, is being called upon to pray before the meal.  Even as a pastor who prays publicly about every day the thanksgiving prayer I am called to offer before my family and extended family is a source of stress.

Why do you think the Thanksgiving prayer moment so stressful?  Well, it seems to be the most important public prayer we offer during the year and we are afraid of messing it up especially before the entire family.

To avoid the stress of publicly praying before our family, many parents now punt and simply ask one of the kids to pray before the meal rather than risk messing up this sacred moment.  But this can backfire as well.

As a pastor , I want to help you not only pray well in front of your family at the thanksgiving table this year—whipping up a great prayer for thanksgiving if you will, I want to give you the ingredients of prayer that will enable to deepen your conversation with God anytime, anywhere.  The ingredients of great prayer can be summed up as the  ACTS of prayer (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication).

The first ingredient of prayer is adoration, naming before God an attribute that makes God worthy of prayer.  Great prayers begin not with your need; great prayer begins by celebrating who God is.  That is adoration.

As you whip up your own prayer, here is just the beginning of attributes you can adore God for: Your love never ends, You grace washes away all our faults, You provide all we need, You never give up on us, You give us eternal life in your Son Jesus, Your give us the Holy Spirit, You heal our hurts and heal our hearts, You pour blessing into all of your lives, You call me your daughter/son… The entire internet is not big enough to list all the divine attributes with God.  This is the first ingredient of any prayer.

So a thanksgiving prayer can begin this way by offering a word of adoration. O God, you are the giver of all good gifts.

The next ingredient of a great prayer is C-confession.  When we name a perfect attribute of God in adoration, our imperfection in light of God’s perfection cannot be ignored - it needs to be acknowledged and dealt with.  Confession is a healthy part of any prayer, not just the prayer of confession before communion or prayers we offer during the season of Lent. 

Now, someone maybe thinking “but Doug, its thanksgiving, this is not the time or place to offer confession.  Who says?  In light of a perfect God is there a perfect family?  Even at the Thanksgiving table we can enter into a moment of confession.   Maybe the line could go something like this: Forgive us for being so busy with unimportant things that have forgotten how precious a gift our family is. 

And when we render to God a confession, privately or publicly, we always offer it with this promise of God in mind, “If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness”  (I John 1:9)

Great prayers are begin with God, adoring God for his divine attributes, it then turns inward in confession, and now the T—thanksgiving.  Now we are back to familiar territory.  Our psalm for today says it best, “Let them give thanks to the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done.”   (Psalm 107:5)

Every prayer, not just at Thanksgiving, any prayer should include a thanksgiving portion.  Prayer creates space for us to look around at your things, your gifts, your relationships, the faith you have in your heart.  Every blessing in your life has one thing in common—G-O-D. 

We need thanksgiving in our prayers more than ever.  So much of our decision making today is driven not by faith but be fear.  For too many people the stock market is source of everything good, or your 401K is the source of security in your life.  How did we stray so far from orthodox Christianity that tells us God is the one who will care of our needs.  If the majority of Americans who claim Christianity as their faith journey were to tell themselves, and believe it again, I wonder how quickly we could move out of economic malaise!  We have so much to thank God for!  Even at the doorstep of a recession.  The market may drop, but God doesn’t drop his eternal promises!

Your thanksgiving prayer can include thanks for the food on your table, and the list of blessings you and your family enjoy.  It may look like this: We thank you for our food, our family, and for our faith. 

The final ingredient of prayer is S—supplication.  Said another way, sharing with God our needs. 

As one of the pastors at the Epiphany United Methodist Church, one of the constant feedbacks I hear about worship in this place is the sharing of prayer concerns we do in worship and in our smaller group setting.  It just seems natural for our communal life with God.  Can you imagine taking a moment in loving vulnerability and sharing your prayer needs as a family?  Why not prayer for cousin’s search for a job, grandmother’s battle against disease, your sister’s recent separation.  Prayer is not about nicety, and polite society.  Prayer is the occasion to boldly approach the throne of God and ask for divine intervention.   

This thanksgiving may be the most memorable for your family if you take time in love to offer your family needs and community needs to God in your thanksgiving prayer.

So let’s put it all together: O God, you are the giver of all good gifts.  Forgive us for being so busy with unimportant things that have forgotten how precious a gift our family is.  We thank you for our food, our family, and for our faith.  We pray for (family prayer concerns listed).  Hold them close and care for their needs.  We pray in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord, Amen.

ACTS of prayer (adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication).  Now you have a great start to a Thanksgiving prayer and now you have a great start to a life that is defined by an on-going, passionate, and faithful conversation with the One who is the source of every good in your life and in the world.  Amen.

The Rev. Dr. Doug Damron is Senior Pastor at Epiphany United Methodist Church

Take Back TheBrita Filter

Take-back recycling program

The Take Back The Filter campaign is thrilled to announce that Brita and Preserve have teamed up to create a take-back recycling program for Brita pitcher filter cartridges!

In a nutshell, beginning in January, folks will be able to drop off filters at Whole Foods Markets or mail them in. Preserve, a U.S. company manufacturing household products from recycled plastic, will recycle 100% of the plastic casing. And the filter material will be regenerated or converted to energy. Read on... Take Back The Filter.

Deirdre Dyson invites you to her 3rd Annual Studio and Gallery

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE WEEKEND

ART HOUSE II
Holiday Open House and Sale
(10% of sales will benefit Loveland Stage Company Fire Fund)

Opening Reception, everyone welcome
Friday Nov. 28 from 4 ~ 9 PM
Special event hours continue:
Saturday 29 and Sunday 30  1 ~ 5PM

The Gallery will showcase approximately 100 paintings, including some  new local landscapes. Special Sale Prices on many older paintings.

Rolke's Sycamore by Deirdre Dyson

The ART HOUSE II is located at 430 West Loveland Avenue, Loveland
(Just 2 buildings East of the intersection light at Wall Street. Next door to Salon 426. Parking in rear.)
For more info call Deirdre 583-5267 at Art House II, or 683-0349 at home.

About the artist
"Deirdre Dyson has built her career as a professional artist and teacher over 35 years in Loveland, Ohio. She is a prolific painter who travels and paints extensively in this country and in Europe. Deirdre graduated from the University of Cincinnati, DAAP, with BFA in Painting and BA in Art Education. Workshop studies have been with Daniel Green, Kim English and Thaddeus Raedell. She has taught students from kindergarten through senior citizens privately, at public schools, and for the Art Academy of Cincinnati, Community Education Program."

"May your strength give us strength"

LOVELAND, OHIO – Ken Vance lives in the Fairways of O'Bannon Creek off of Rt. 48, east of Loveland.  He said he found out about that Loveland Stage Company was on fire from his wife and daughter who called him to say they were going to be later than expected getting home as they couldn't get through downtown Loveland because “something was on fire.”  When they called a second time and said it was the Loveland Stage Company that was burning, Vance said, “I decided to grab my camera and see what kind of shots I could get.”

Vance said that after taking a few shots of the building fully involved, “I realized that a much more interesting perspective would be to focus on the men and women that were actually fighting the fire.” He said that these individuals don't get enough recognition for the job they do keeping all of us safe.”

“Bruce Springsteen wrote a song after the 9/11 tragedy, called Into the Fire, as a tribute to the firefighters in NYC that lost their lives. The chorus of that song says it all,” said Vance.

May your strength give us strength,
May your faith give us faith,
May your hope give us hope,
May your love give us love.

(Click on photos to see larger view.)

Miami Township Road construction news

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO - Dry Run Road will temporarily reopen on Wednesday, November 26, by 4:00 PM.  The entire length of Dry Run Road will be open during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

On Monday, December 1, Dry Run Road will be closed just north of Galley Hill Road for phase 2 of the OPWC Bank Stabilization and Road Relocation Project.  The intersection of Dry Run Road and Galley Hill Road may be restricted to one lane during working hours to allow for construction.  The intersection will reopen fully during evenings and weekends.  Traffic delays are to be expected during construction hours.  Weather permitting, the projected end-date for phase 2 is December 31.  Local traffic will be maintained up to either side of the construction site.  All through traffic will be blocked during this closure and will not reopen until the entire project is complete. See attached (Download Dry_Run_Road_Closure_Dec_08) file for closure location.

Questions about this project should be directed to the Miami Township Service Department at 248-3728.

Branch Hill Loveland Road will be closed beginning Monday, December 1, and is anticipated to reopen on Friday, January 30. The closure is for Clermont County construction related to the Landslide Stabilization Project on Branch Hill Loveland Road in Miami Township. See attached (Download Branch_Hill_Loveland_Detour_Dec_08) file for detour information.

Stephanie Mackris holds Benefit for the Loveland Stage Company Sunday

  LOVELAND, OHIO - On Sunday Nov. 23 Loveland Stage Company (LSC) member, Stephanie Mackris, will be hosting a voice recital for her students. Many of them (or their parents) are LSC members or have appeared in some of the Stage Company shows.  Mackris will not charge for this event, but has offered to display a donation box for the fire fund, to re-build the LSC theater that was gutted by a fire last month. 

If you would like to support these future LSC stars as well as help with the fire fund you can attend the recital that will be held at Receptions located at 10681 Loveland Madeira Road.

Township Trustee: “The Grinch” for Saturday Parade

GOSHEN TOWNSHIP, OHIO - Responding to those eager to criticize the Township Trustees for trying to save taxpayer dollars, Goshen Township Trustee Chairman T.J. Corcoran says he will dress like “The Grinch” for Saturday’s annual Light up Goshen Parade.

Corcoran is referring to a slew of media attention recently relating to the Board of Trustee’s decision to save much needed money by keeping the township fire engines parked in the fire house, except when needed for essential fire runs. This unfortunately impacted the use of the  fire engines in this Saturday’s Light Up Goshen parade. Santa usually rides into town on a fire engine.

 “The decision to not use the fire trucks was made in order to save taxpayer dollars in a time when every cent matters and is counted,” Corcoran said, “We don’t want to lay off firemen.  We’re trying to cut everywhere possible to minimize any possible tax levies at a time when residents can’t afford tax increases. When the August safety services levy failed, the Trustees knew we’d have to make some tough, and sometimes unpopular decisions. Unfortunately, this was one of them. But, I remain committed to protecting the taxpayer in Goshen.”

A press release issued by the Township said, "Despite the board’s fiscally conservative approach, news media and community members have attacked their decision. Rumors flew through the community that a local television station even referred to the Goshen Trustees on air as, 'The Grinches.”

So this Saturday, Trustee Corcoran will dress in full body costume as Dr. Suess’s “The Grinch.” But this Grinch isn’t stealing Christmas; he’s giving it back. Corcoran says he plans to toss candy to children in the crowd.

Luckily, Santa will be in the parade after all. Several donations were made to the Township in order to fund the fire engine’s appearance in the parade. The firefighter’s union was one of those donations.

“We’re happy that the community has come together to solve this problem,” Corcoran said, “The Township couldn’t afford use of the fire engine this time, but the Firefighter’s Union could. When departments and residents help each other out, everyone wins.”

The Light Up Goshen Parade is set for this Saturday at 4 PM. The route goes down Goshen Road, crosses SR 28, and winds up in front of Kroger on Dick Flynn Blvd. 

Hamilton County announces “Passable Roads Policy”

“Passable Roads Policy” instead of the “Bare Roads Policy”

HAMILTON COUNTY, OHIO - County Engineer Bill Brayshaw issued a press release today concerning the upcoming snow and ice season.  Brayshaw said, "Due to the unavailability of salt and the high prices, Hamilton County will be reducing the amount of salt spread on the roads this winter." He said the County in will be mixing salt with bottom ash and grits to reduce the amount of salt used in an attempt to extend the current supply of 11,000 tons of salt in county domes.  For reference, he said that the Hamilton County Engineer’s Office used 17,000 tons of salt last winter.

This winter the Engineer’s Office will be operating under a “Passable Roads Policy” instead of the “Bare Roads Policy” the County has operated under in the past. Brayshaw said that all routes will be covered as in the past, the decreased use of salt will result in longer times that the roads may have some snow and ice in the driving lanes. Hills, curves and intersections will be treated heavier than the other portions of the roadway system.

"The result for commuters is longer travel times to and from work during snow and ice events," said Brayshaw. "This change in policy has become necessary due to the ever-increasing costs and declining revenue for the Engineer’s Office as well as many local governments and public service organizations."

Brayshaw said that if you have questions or comments you can contact Steve Mary, Hamilton County Maintenance Engineer, "in writing" at 223 W. Galbraith Road Cincinnati, Ohio 45215.

Earthshares CSA grows at Grailville

By Heidi Bright Parales

LOVELAND, OHIO - Fifty-six share members of a Grailville-based cooperative program received 22,000 pounds of fresh, organic produce during this year’s growing season.

The Earth-Shares community-supported agriculture (CSA) program in Loveland will expand to 70 shares during 2009, but there are 62 people on the waiting list. A new hoop house will be added, along with a lean-to for the distribution building where seeds will be started for the coming season, said Jeff Lydenberg. “We’re getting larger.”

Shareholders farmed on four organically certified acres leased from Grailville. Shareholders in the CSA split the produce for 23 weeks. Forty-five shareholders who worked 30 hours during the season purchased their shares for $425. Ten shareholders who chose not to work paid $600 each for a season of produce. During 2009, only 45 working shares will be available.

The retail value for the produce was $1.50 to $6 per pound, said Steve Edwards, one of the CSA gardeners. “The price for CSA members was well below wholesale.”

Extra vegetables are available to the public at the Milk and Honey House Produce Stand at Grailville, 932 O'Bannonville Road, Loveland.

Current members who want to reserve their shares for 2009 must pay a $100 deposit by Jan. 15, 2009. Renewal forms and more information are on the CSA website at http://www.earthsharescsa.org/ Then those on the waiting list can apply for a share. A modest cost increase is expected.

Grailville is a non-profit Conference and Retreat Center serving the Cincinnati area.

Report vindicates equal-employment officer

The equal-employment officer for a state agency complained of racial discrimination in employee pay and failure to recruit minorities, but upper management brushed aside the complaints and retaliated against the compliance officer, according to an investigative report released yesterday.

The report said "discriminatory actions based upon race do seem to be present" at the Ohio Industrial Commission.

The 554-employee agency handles appeals of workers' compensation cases and decides cases in which a worker seeks lifetime disability pay. It has been the target of several unflattering reports this year that depict an agency riddled by mismanagement, retaliation and favoritism.

Yesterday's report, issued by the Ohio Department of Administrative Services, adds racial discrimination to the litany of problems. Read on... The Columbus Dispatch : Report vindicates equal-employment officer.

Pension board to study bonuses

The pension fund for retired Ohio teachers will take a closer look at the practice of handing six-figure bonus checks to some of its investment managers while the pension fund loses billions of dollars in value, the fund's board decided yesterday.

The board of the State Teachers Retirement System was reacting to criticism from dozens of retired teachers that it continues to pay large bonuses even as pension investments are battered by the downturn on Wall Street. Read on... The Columbus Dispatch : Pension board to study bonuses.

Director's checks on 'Joe' called unfounded

Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland is standing by an agency director who OK'd improper computer checks for confidential information on "Joe the Plumber" and used state e-mails for political fundraising.

Strickland announced today that Helen Jones-Kelley, director of the Department of Job and Family Services, will be placed on unpaid leave for one month in response to an inspector general's investigation. Read on... The Columbus Dispatch : Director's checks on 'Joe' called unfounded.

The Living Nativity

Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7: 4:30-7:30 PM

LOVELAND, OHIO – The Loveland United Methodist Church invites you, along with your friends and family, to join them for their 7th annual production of "The Living Nativity" – a presentation through drama and song of the account of the birth of Jesus Christ, according to the gospels of Luke and Matthew.

When you arrive you will be received by Roman Guards who are at their station making sure all that arrive to Bethlehem do so in an orderly and safe fashion. Pat Blankenship said, “They will direct you to a warm, welcomed greeting by our townspeople who will introduce you to your tour guide, Luke.”

As you begin your walking tour, you will witness the following events along the way:

•  Caesar Augustus Issuing a Decree that a Census Be Taken
•  The Roman Guards Stationed at the City Gates
•  The Census Taker
•  The Angel’s Promise of the Birth of John the Baptist  to Zechariah in the Temple
•  Angel Gabriel’s Promise of the Birth of Jesus to Mary
•  An Encounter with the Townspeople at the Baker's Home - Delicious Samples!
•  An Angel’s Appearance to Joseph
•  Mary’s Visit with Elizabeth
•  An Encounter with some of the Townspeople
•  The Market Place Bustling with Music and Dancing
•  Mary and Joseph's Arrival at The Bethlehem Inn
•  Prophecies are Recalled of Jesus' Birth
•  An Angel and the Heavenly Host Appear to the Shepherds
•  The Living Nativity
• The Live Animals  - There will be time to visit with the animals!
•  The 3 Wise Men at Herod's Palace

Following your tour, there will be plenty of hot chocolate and Christmas cookies ready for your enjoyment.

The Living Nativity Walking Tour takes place outside in the lower level parking lot of Loveland United Methodist Church, so Blankenship recommends that you, “Please dress warmly.”

On Saturday evening, sign language (PSE - Pidgin Sign English) interpretation will be available on the tour, if requested.

“We look forward to sharing the Good News with you and, as your brothers and sisters in Christ, ask that you please lift us up in prayer as we all serve together to touch hearts and change lives all in His name,” said Blankenship

“All this, and there’s no admission fee. This is our Christmas gift to you.”

The Loveland United Methodist Church is located at 10975 S. Lebanon Road. (683.1738 / www.lovelandumc.org)

Former Loveland H.S. Gruard leads Denison University

Senior co-captains Pat Sullivan (Loveland, Ohio/Loveland) and Jeremy Stuhlfauth (Columbus, Ohio/Whetstone) return as leaders of team that has gone through many transformations over the course of their four year careers.

A two-year starter at point guard, Sullivan will be the catalyst for the Denison offense and the coach on the floor that seventh year head coach Bob Ghiloni will turn to. Read on... Men's Basketball: 2008-09 Season Preview - Denison University.

Cheney/Gonzales indicted in Texas case

RAYMONDVILLE, Texas, Nov. 19 (UPI) -- U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney has been indicted in Texas, accused of aiding in the neglect of federal immigration inmates by contracting for-profit prisons.Read on... Cheney indicted in Texas case - UPI.com.

Humphrey Road closed an additional 30 days

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO - William W. Brayshaw, the Hamilton County Engineer, has announced that Humphrey Road, between Stablehand & Hopewell in Symmes Township, will be closed (during normal work hours) an additional thirty (30) days.

Originally scheduled for completion on November 18, 2008; this project has been extended until December 18, 2008 (weather permitting).

Problems or questions should be directed tto Dan Durham with the Hamilton County Engineer at 946-8430.

MAINVILLE, OHIO - Students at Maineville Elementary School recently explored the world of occupations during Career Week. Fun, career-based activities were scheduled throughout the week.

On Monday, visitors and parents came to the school to discuss their own careers with the students. Father Jason Ruger, an Air Care helicopter pilot, flew in to teach students about his work.

On Tuesday - Looking into the Window of My Future Day - students wrote about jobs they would like to have when they grow up and then decorated a window pane for the class window.

Earlier in the week students interviewed their parents about their careers. On Wednesday, the students shared these interviews with the class. On Thursday, the students read books about different occupations.

On Friday, the students dressed up as their favorite careers and took a walk through the school to go "Window Shopping for Careers." The school hallway was transformed into a busy "street" and each window pane mural served as someone looking into a "shop" to learn about careers.

LM STUDENTS TURNED FRIGHT NIGHT INTO CHARITY

MORROW, OHIO - Little Miami students turned Halloween into a weekend of charity. Students Wally German, Jack German, Ryan Davis and Curtis Gross constructed a Terror Trail in Morrow to raise funds in honor of their beloved friend Curtis Geesaman, who passed away in July. The trail had sections appropriate for both younger children as well as older children. They raised $400 for a camp scholarship fund in Curtis' name at Lebanon Heritage Baptist Church. (Photos Provided by Little Miami School District)

Gulf War Syndrome is Real, Science Panel Finds

At least one in four veterans of the 1991 Persian Gulf War suffer from health problems related to their service, a congressionally-mandated panel said Tuesday. The pain, respiratory illness and other symptoms may have been caused by exposure to pesticides or to a drug that protects against nerve gas. Panel chairman James Binns explains the findings.Read on... The Online NewsHour: Health Beat | PBS.

Tour of New Little Miami Junior High School

Little Miami Local School District staff, students and community members are invited to tour the new Little Miami Junior High School during on Open House on Saturday, December 6, 2008 from 10 AM to noon. 

The community will have the opportunity to walk through the school, which features 32 classrooms, a cafeteria, gymnasium, media center, fine arts rooms and special education rooms. The school is built for 800 students initially, but the design accommodates a future addition to increase capacity up to 1,500 students. The concept of the design is to maintain a team-teaching approach in an efficient, compact, two-story structure. The exterior of the approximately 109,000 square-foot facility compliments the High School's design. The school will be completed in time for the 2009-2010 school year.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase commemorative bricks that will be installed in the walkway leading up to the new Junior High School. Each brick can be inscribed with names and/or graduating years of past or future students, a family name, or the name of a loved one. Purchasers will have three lines, with 15 spaces on each line, available for the inscription. The cost of the bricks is $40 for one, $75 for two, or $100 for three. The brick sale is sponsored by the Little Miami Band Boosters. Proceeds from this fundraiser will go toward the purchase of large instruments for the entire Little Miami School District's music program.

The district's overall construction plan, "Excellence with Value," provides flexibility for the future by using phased planning. Construction includes an addition at the high school, which opened in August, a new junior high school and a new district-wide intermediate school, which will both be completed for the 2009-2010 school year The plan creates additional space to house 5,200 students district-wide with the ability to easily increase capacity to 6,000 students.

Correction

The original posting of the story about the Loveland High School production of Bye Bye Birdie, misidentified Nathan Robbins as Austin Osborne. Our apology to, Nathan Robbins. (Read story here)

Too many dollars on line to call push for Ohio casinos a crapshoot

Like gamblers down on their luck, casino proponents don’t know when to quit in Ohio.

Just a day after their casino ballot issue was drubbed Nov. 4, MyOhioNow.com co-founders Rick Lertzman and Brad Pressman said they plan to return to voters next year with another gambling plan. This time it could call for multiple casino sites, including one in Columbus – an about-face from their proposal for a single casino resort near Wilmington that was shot down 2-to-1 by voters. Read on... Too many dollars on line to call push for Ohio casinos a crapshoot - Business First of Columbus:.

'I heard a tap-tap of gunfire. But I didn't realise my legs had gone'

The chopper had been hit by a rocket-propelled grenade fired by an insurgent. Unaware of the extent of her injuries, Duckworth tried to help her fellow pilot, Dan Milberg, guide the stricken craft down. But as she struggled she wondered why the pedals were not responding to her commands. It never occurred to her that she no longer had any feet with which to press them. 'I did not realise my legs were already gone,' she said, with a lightness of tone that belied the full horror of what she was describing. 'I mean, how many times a day do you ever look down to check if you still have your legs?

As the man and woman walked slowly towards the war memorial in Chicago last week, the figure of Barack Obama was instantly recognisable. But as the pair hugged after laying a wreath in the ceremony, it was the young woman who caught the attention of the media and whose photograph flashed around the world. Read on... guardian

St. Columban Students Celebrate Veterans Day

by Ruthy Trusler
LOVELAND, OHIO - Seventh and eighth grade classes of St. Columban School gathered at Veterans' Park, to honor all who served and sacrificed in the armed services.  While acknowledging that conflicts exist worldwide, the students understood that the freedom we enjoy comes at a personal cost to those who so bravely protect our country.  This is a debt which can never be fully repaid.

Mayor Rob Weisgerber reminded the students and those in attendance that many brave soldiers and sailors currently defending our nation are only five years older than them.  Since our great nation was built on the commitment and sacrifice of these selfless veterans, we owe them our appreciation and thanks.  The Mayor concluded his comments by proclaiming that Veteran's Day 2008 as a Day of Thanksgiving and Prayer in Loveland.

Following the mayor's speech, student council members laid flowers at the base of each flag representing the five branches of the military.  After a wreath was placed at the base of the United States flag, a seventh grade St. Columban student reverently performed Taps.   The ceremony concluded with the Pledge of Allegiance and prayers for the safe return of those currently deployed.

Meanwhile, in the Day Chapel at St. Columban Church, Anne Stratford read from her book “My Daddy Is A Soldier*” to first and second grade students. The book tells a story about facing challenges and overcoming them. It is based on her nephew, Domanik, watching his dad, who was dressed in military fatigues preparing to leave for his “drill” weekend. There was an incredible look on Domanik’s face that said: “That’s my dad. I am proud to say this is my dad.”

The students were not only captivated by Anne’s storytelling, but by the detailed steps required in producing the book. Through the use of slides, they were introduced to the world of publishing. She showed various illustrations of the characters, the fonts, and the colors. Next she told of the proofreading and editing and how the book was printed with a 4 color Heidelberg press all the way to the binding of the book’s spine.

There was a lot of audience participation followed by some well thought out questions such as “How did your brother become a soldier?” to “How did you feel about your brother being in the military?” And, even “Did you like writing the book?”

My Daddy Is A Soldier won a Bronze Medal recently for Best First Book in the 2008 Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards.

In Praise of a Rocky Transition

By Naomi Klein

In a moment of high panic in late September, the US Treasury unilaterally pushed through a radical change in how bank mergers are taxed--a change long sought by the industry. Despite the fact that this move will deprive the government of as much as $140 billion in tax revenue, lawmakers found out only after the fact. According to the Washington Post, more than a dozen tax attorneys agree that "Treasury had no authority to issue the [tax change] notice."

Of equally dubious legality are the equity deals Treasury has negotiated with many of the country's banks. According to Congressman Barney Frank, one of the architects of the legislation that enables the deals, "Any use of these funds for any purpose other than lending--for bonuses, for severance pay, for dividends, for acquisitions of other institutions, etc.--is a violation of the act." Yet this is exactly how the funds are being used.

Then there is the nearly $2 trillion the Federal Reserve has handed out in emergency loans. Incredibly, the Fed will not reveal which corporations have received these loans or what it has accepted as collateral. Bloomberg News believes that this secrecy violates the law and has filed a federal suit demanding full disclosure.Read on... Naomi Klein.

Montessori School Kicks off Soccer Program

by Bonnie McNett

LOVELAND, OHIO - The students at Children's Meeting House Montessori School have an exciting new after school activity: soccer.  The program, which began this fall, is open to both boys and girls and focuses on improving coordination, team work, and good sportsmanship.  The children meet once a week and work on dribbling the ball, passing to others, scoring, and the basic rules of soccer.  "We've seen a real difference in the confidence and coordination in nearly all the kids.  The group as a whole now exhibits increased skill in ball handling and they are having a great time." said Cam Eicher, program coordinator.  The program also provides a healthy snack of fruit, pretzels, or crackers, which is several children's favorite part of the program.

What’s New · Kidspace at Library

  News from the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County

 November 10 marked the launch of a new and improved version of Kidspace, our website for kids. In addition to colorful new graphics, the redesigned site offers kids the opportunity to:

• Contribute book reviews
• Listen to electronic storybooks from Scholastic BookFlix or TumbleBooks
• Take polls
• Choose from four different color themes
• Share jokes * Connect with our homework chat service
• Access an exhaustive collection of “librarian approved” online homework resources * Recommend websites they like or tell us about books that we should add to our collection

Throughout the redesign planning process, we turned to kids for their feedback about the content and design. Their assistance was invaluable in helping us reshape Kidspace into a more dynamic, kid-friendly resource—we hope you’ll take some time to explore it!

Free Firewood

Due to the windstorm of September 14, the Hamilton County Park District has an excess of firewood. Firewood is “free for hauling” for Hamilton County residents – first come, first serve. Saturday, November 8, 15 and 22, 8 am to 2 pm, while stock last. Read on... Hamilton County Park District -- Cincinnati, Ohio.

Dead 2-Year Old Apparently Shot Himself

By Associated Press Alliance, Ohio--

A detective in northeast Ohio says a 2-year-old boy who died of a gunshot wound apparently picked up a loaded handgun in his home and shot himself. Smith Township Detective Terry Rockwell says emergency crews responding to a 911 call Thursday found the boy, identified as Jacob Foor, with several family members. He was rushed to Alliance Community Hospital on Thursday, where he was pronounced dead.

Police recovered a 9 mm handgun and a spent casing in the home. Rockwell says, "It appears that the child got the loaded gun and shot himself." Read on... Dead 2-Year Old Apparently Shot Himself - News - nbc4i.com -.