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Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,
The autism insurance reform movement continues to gain momentum in Ohio! There have been three extremely successful hearings regarding HB 8 before the Healthcare Access and Affordability Committee. Compelling testimony was given and supporters of HB 8 packed the hearing rooms. A fourth hearing is scheduled for this Tuesday, March 31 at 3:00 pm. It is very possible that the committee could vote on the bill during this meeting. Now more than ever, we need your help to ensure HB 8 passes successfully out of this committee.
Background: House Bill 8, sponsored in the Ohio House of Representatives by Representative Ted Celeste (D-24) and Representative Nancy Garland (D-20), would end health care discrimination against children with autism by requiring coverage of diagnosis and treatment
by private insurers for medically necessary treatments.
Here is How You Can Help:
1. Attend the Healthcare Access and Affordability Committee Hearing This Tuesday, March 31st at 3:00 pm in room 114 of the Statehouse. The (Information on parking and directions can be found HERE) Please do everything you can to be there. Invite friends, neighbors and family members to attend with you. Bring a picture of your loved one with autism. We need to pack the room!
2. Contact Your State Representative and Ask Them to Support HB 8. Be polite and persistent. Tell them your story. Remind them that autism is a treatable, medical condition that affects many of their constituents. Insurance should cover treatment!
Find the name and phone number for your state representative HERE.
3. Forward this E-mail to Everyone You Know. Constituents from across the State of Ohio are needed to contact their representatives and to attend hearings. For friends and family who have frequently asked how they can help, this is a fantastic way for them to make a huge difference for those dealing with the daily challenges of living with an autism diagnosis.
4. Register for Advocacy Alerts at Autism Votes. Stay up to date with the latest news related to HB 8 by registering now!
Thank you for helping to improve the quality of life for so many families in Ohio that are affected by autism. For more information, please visit www.AutismVotes.org/Ohio.
Sincerely,
Judith Ursitti
Regional Director of State Advocacy Relations
Autism Speaks
LOVELAND, OHIO - The Loveland Arts Council is bringing the Kelly Miller Circus to Loveland.
The circus will roll into town on Friday, May 15.
You are invited to come out and watch the animals being unloaded and fed, and the elephants raising the big top.
The activities will begin at 7:30 AM at the Loveland High School, and the tent will be raised at 9:00 AM.
Guides will be furnished for school groups and anyone attending. The traditional “old style” circus will present two performances at 4:30 & 7:30 PM.
You can support The Loveland Arts Council and The Loveland Stage Company’s Rebuild & Play On Fund by buying your tickets early. Both organizations will benefit more by advanced ticket sales, so buy your tickets prior to circus day to support these two all volunteer/non-profit organizations.
Tickets In Advance~Adult $10.00 and Children (under 12) $6.00
On Circus Day~Adults $14.00 and Children (under 12) $7.00
Ticket Sale Locations:
Tickets will be available for sale on April 3. Ticket information call 697-6769.
For additional information, please contact Mary Karg @ 722-9780 or email artscouncil@fuse.net
CLERMONT COUNTY, OHIO - It’s a different kind of museum; in that one the exhibits take flight. The Tri-State Warbird Museum, located at 4021 Borman Drive in Batavia Township houses five WWII-era aircraft, and three others that are being restored. “The P-51 Cincinnati Miss and the B-25 Axis Nightmare have appeared at several local events,” said Marketing Coordinator for the Museum Roger Hansen. “In addition to the planes, we have a WWII barracks that people can walk through that contains many items that were actually used back then.” Hansen says many individuals and families have donated uniforms, medals, and other types of memorabilia for display at the museum.
The TBM-3 Avenger, on display at the 5-year-old museum, played a major role in the sinking of over 60 Japanese ships, following the attack on Pearl Harbor. The B-25 was the bomber used in the 1942 Doolittle Raid, and the FG-1D Corsair, currently being restored, was used in the Baa Baa Black Sheep television series and the movie Black Sheep Squadron.
“We have had many veterans visit the museum with their families to show them the types of aircraft they used in combat,” adds Hansen. “Since we opened our doors, thousands of visitors have stopped by, some from as far away as Germany, England, Belgium, and Australia.”
The Tri-State Warbird Museum is a historic non-profit aviation museum, dedicated to remembering those who fought for our freedom and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice. It is open on Wednesday from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and on Saturday, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. For more information on the museum, visit the Web site www.Tri-StateWarbirdMuseum.org.
LOVELAND, OHIO - For the “Grand Finale” of the Loveland Stage Company's (LSC) “Rebuild and Play On!” campaign, there will be a Dinner Gala and Silent Auction Fundraiser at the Oasis Conference Center on July 11.
On October 20th, 2008, a fire gutted the Loveland Stage Company The fire destroyed the roof
of the main structure, all interior fixtures, costumes, lighting, and stage equipment. Last November, the LSC Board made a commitment to “REBUILD & Play ON!” They launched an intense 6-month fundraising campaign to raise $384,000. This is the estimated shortfall between the insurance payoff and rebuilding cost.
The Stage Company is now soliciting donations of auction items. They are looking to have 200 baskets and a minimum of 25 larger items to auction that evening. “Your contributions and attendance will help make our auction a true success,” said CO-Chairman of the event, Paul Derham.
Donations received by June 27 will be acknowledged in the printed program. Donations received after June 27 will be acknowledged at the Auction.
Derham said, “Please donate any items, products or services which you feel appropriate.” He is asking people and companies, “to be creative.” He also said that cash contributions may be used to purchase items in your company’s name or for other expenses associated with the auction.
Derham is asking you to return the donation form along with your donation to Marti Hines, Landen Digital Publishing, 8976 Columbia Road, Loveland, OH 45140 (work phone: 513-683-5181; fax: 513-683-0263). (E-mail: mhines@landendigital.com with questions.) Download LSC Auction donation Form
Derham said he would be happy to have any parties interested in donating items,call him at 513-702-0567. (Email)
The Loveland Stage Company, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Tax ID # 31-0994643.
by David Miller
SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO – Under the strict Global Warming regulations in the state of California, Arnold the Terminator would surely ban Loveland High School Drama Department's performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat that premiers tonight.
It's hot.
At the final dress rehearsal with full costume and makeup on Tuesday, it was high energy, non-stop, near perfect execution of complicated and compelling choreography and dance that soared the temperature of the auditorium. It should be sub-titled, Joseph and the Amazing Choreography. Its not only the dance scenes or during the major Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber songs, but at every step between, that the cast of seventy-six knows where to be and presents a visually appealing, and most often a 3-D symmetry that must have been worked out in an advanced geometry class. How else would you know where you wanted seventy-six actors that are constantly on the move? The question remains however, how do you rehearse enough to manage to have seventy-six, many very young children, get to the right place on stage, time and time again, with such precision.
A very sparse set, that rarely changes except for lighting effects and smoke, is only subtle eye candy, for it is the large cast itself that becomes the set behind the main singing roles. However, despite all of the on-stage energy of the supporting cast and the dazzling display of colorful costumes, you never lose attention to the immediate details of the story.
You shouldn't spend too much time contemplating who the star of this show is, because there isn't a weak part. Those with major solos are all very, very strong and pleasing voices.
During the dress rehearsal on Tuesday, there was only one time I was jarred back to reality with a mis-step in the production, and it was very late in the second act. All of these players, including the lighting, sound technicians were right on cue and near flawless. A remarkable accomplishment for a rehearsal.
There is an on-stage Children's Chorus of thirty-three with some really sweet voices that compliment the high schoolers singing, and make it whole.
Entering the theater, and setting up the step-ladder where I perched to take photos, I was a little disconcerted because there was no set-up for the pit orchestra as is usual for these musicals. However, it wasn't but a very few minutes into the production that I confirmed at least to myself that using a sound tract instead, was a perfect choice.
Dream Coat premiers tonight at 7:30 PM at Loveland High School, and runs through Sunday.
March Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 PM
Also, Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 PM
Tickets information: e-mail catscatscats@cinci.rr.com or by calling 774-9320
To view photos from the dress rehearsal, dance on over HERE.
LOVELAND, OHIO - This year for Right to Read Week, Becky Steele, a third-grade Loveland Elementary teacher, decided to challenge her students to read at home. They were to keep track of how many minutes they read. She dared, the four classes in Team Discovery, “That if they totaled over 19,000 minutes of reading from Feb. 28 to March 13, she would donate her hair to Locks of Love.”
Last Wednesday at noon, Greg Stevens from Loveland's Salon 426 came to the school gym and cut Steele's hair in front of the students. The top four student readers took turns helping with the stylist's scissors.
Locks of Love provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada suffering from long-term medical hair loss. Most of the children helped by Locks of Love have lost their hair due to a medical condition called alopecia areata, which has no known cause or cure.
Steel said that as she was walking in the hall that morning she asked a student, "What do you think my hair will look like, good or bad?"
The student just looked at her and said, "Well that depends on your hairstylist." Steel said that the boy was absolutely correct. She said she wasn't nervous, because Stevens had done such a great job the first time she donated her long hair in 2005.
In a note to parents Steel said, “What an incredible two weeks! Your children read for 28,765 minutes. And the best part, the highest reader from each homeroom got to help cut her hair.” Steel said, “Congratulations to Kate Steensma, John Ernst, Jerry Jiang, and Sam Sauer.”
As the top reader, Jerry Jiang got to make the final cut. Steel said, “Hearing Jerry cut the final pieces of my hair was like nails on a chalkboard” She said she could hear every strand being cut away from the other. “Ugh - what had I gotten myself into.”
Asked whether she was missing her hair now, Steel said, “Yes. I could drive home that day with the top down, and I couldn't use my ponytail to keep my hair out of my eyes.” She said that even five days later, when she sees herself in the mirror, she cannot get over the image she sees. “I still expected to see my hair back in my ponytail.”
Steel says that she was thrilled with the entire experience, “Getting Greg Stevens to come back, and the students reading over 28,000 minutes.” She said the classes were able to use addition and pict-o-graphs for math. She also praises the teamwork of her teaching colleagues. She is proud that they all got to help someone in need through Locks of Love. “It was all fantastic. I look forward to doing it again in a couple of years.”
Steel said that this time especially, she will remember that her daughters wanted to do the same thing. So last Wednesday night her daughters also got their hair cut short. “So I will be sending three ponytails to Locks of Love which is amazing. All because the students cared and read.”
At a time when some Ohio agencies are cutting services, laying off workers or seeking concessions to balance the budget, the state is spending more than $1 million a year for hundreds of mostly upper-level employees to park free, a Dispatch review shows.
State officials defend the cost, saying it amounts to a sliver of the state's multibillion-dollar budget. They also argue that it's appropriate for employees who work long hours without overtime and need convenient parking.
But watchdog groups and many workers who have to pay for parking say that free parking for select, often well-paid employees is a perk the state can't afford during a recession.
District exploring alternative programs.
Upper Arlington High School athlete loses legs to rare infection.
A senior captain of Upper Arlington High School's rowing team has lost most of both legs to what is sometimes called a "flesh-eating bacteria," but his condition seems to be improving, according to two of his coaches
Tougher Drunk-Driving Law Proposed
LOVELAND, OHIO - Pure Romance, the Loveland based, in-home direct sales company specializing in romance and relationship enhancement products, is offering Starter Kits at 50 percent off. The kits range in price from $99 to $1,000. The starter kit that retails for $250 will be on sale for $125. The $500 kit will be on sale for $250 and the $1,000 kit will be on sale for $500. The Stimulus Packages are for women interested in starting a new career.
According to the company, “Pure Romance Starter Kits allow women to essentially run and operate their own business. Working as a Pure Romance consultant is an excellent way for
women to generate income, while having the freedom to plan their own schedule. Consultants have the opportunity to make over $1,000 a week just doing a couple in-home parties. Consultants will also enjoy additional recruiting and sales cash bonuses, as well as free products.”
As a Pure Romance consultant, one will receive training, including a selection of products, a training DVD, a planner, and a “supportive” network. The corporate office will provide women one-on-one contact with their National Training Department, a full-time customer service department, in-house marketing team, as well as an interactive website to help consultants with any questions or concerns. “With thousands of consultants throughout the United States, sister consultants can also provide a great deal of assistance - Pure Romance is proud to offer the largest 'girlfriend network' in the industry.”
For women interested in this new career, you can contact 866-Romance to speak to a customer service representative or email AskPatty@pureromance.com for more information.
To find out more: Touch Here
To read the contents of the "Gold Starter Kit: Touch Here
Pure Romance recorded retail sales of $80 million for the fiscal year ending December 2007. The company has experienced a 250% increase in sales from three years ago and sells more than 3 million products annually at more than 100,000 parties nationwide as well as online.
The tallest, fastest, and meanest rollercoaster to strike Kings Island amusement park is set to debut next month. Designed by the world renowned Swiss engineering firm Bolliger and Mabillard (B&M), the Diamondback coaster (named after the king of all rattlesnakes) is Kings Island's first B&M coaster. The Diamondback hatched from its steel egg in Clermont County at Clermont Steel Fabricators, Inc. Since 1990, Clermont Steel Fabricators has been the exclusive U.S. coaster producer for B&M.
The 5,282 foot long steel constructed coaster spans across ten acres of rugged terrain and wooded hills and features an impressive splashdown ending. Diamondback stands 230 feet high, reaches a top speed of 80 MPH, and contains ten drops during the three-minute ride. The layout of the track resembles that of a coiled snake ready to strike. To view a fly-around animation of the coaster click here.
Clermont Steel Fabricators, Inc. fabricated the complete coaster track and supports, including blasting, priming and painting the steel. The Diamondback coaster consists of 129 track elements, 7 station elements, and 10 lift elements. Almost 1,500 tons of steel were used in the construction of this massive thrill ride.
The Clermont County company has shipped sixty-one B&M coasters to date including internationally to Canada, Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. In addition to their exclusive coaster fabrications for B&M, they fabricate a whole host of custom steel projects for other clients. Clermont Steel Fabricators' facility includes a 154,000 sf building and over 75,000 sf of outside raw material storage under crane. The Batavia Township company employs seventy-five. Click here to visit Clermont Steel Fabricators' website.
LOVELAND, OHIO - The Cincinnati Rat Race is a 5K/10K run or walk which raises money to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Hospice of Cincinnati. The race will be held on Saturday, April 18th at 5:30 PM. The race features a mostly flat course through scenic Nisbet Park in Historic Downtown Loveland.
This spring race has an after-party with live music, hot and cold refreshments, Sam Adams beer, and a Health Expo featuring Fleet Feet Sports, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Hospice of Cincinnati, the Paresi Speed School, Fit4You, Katherine Stewart Massage and MonaVie.
You don’t have to do the race to come to the party. For $20 ($5 kids under 10) you can join the party and to celebrate the success of the runners and walkers. There will also be kid’s activities.
Long sleeve wicking shirts are given to the first 600 people who pre-register before April 10.
The Rat Race 5K or 10K run or walk, a long sleeve wicking shirt, and a post party - all for $30.
Go to the Rat Race website at www.cinciratrace.org to register or for more information.
LOVELAND, OHIO - The greater Loveland Arts Council is in need of a new logo and/or tag line and they want to see what you can do. All artists, established or budding, are encouraged to enter your original artwork.
Winners will receive a one year membership in the Loveland Arts Council, $100. Artwork should be sent by May 1st to:
Loveland Arts Council
529 Main Avenue
Loveland, Ohio 45140
Or for more information go to www.lovelandartscouncil.org
LOVELAND, OHIO - Kelly Palmer, a Loveland woman, wife, and mother of 3 young children, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2008. Her theme for surviving and fighting has been, “Cancer Schmancer!”
The greater Loveland community has rallied behind the Palmers by raising money to help them with bills.
Friends, David and Tammy Terry, have Cancer Schmancer! Tee Shirts for sale. The design was done by Kelly Palmer.
Kelly says, "Great things happen when a caring community comes together!"
The cost is $15 and the Terry's will mail the shirt for an additional $2. They also have purple Cancer Schmancer bracelets (like the Live Strong bracelets) for $1.
Shirts are Ladies M, L, and XL. Ladies smalls and 2XL or 3XL can be ordered. Anything above an XL is $3 extra.
To place an order please email RPDiamondPrint@gmail.com with subject of Kelly Palmer T-Shirt.
LOVELAND, OHIO - The March Madness 5K and Fun Run benefiting the Alzheimer's Association
of Greater Cincinnati on Saturday was a scenic run through historic Loveland and
along the Little Miami Bike Trail.
After the Run, participants relaxed with fellow runners and took part in the March Madness by watching the second round games of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the post party hosted by a local restaurant, The Works. The Works will be provided free appetizers and soda, as well as donating 10% of the day's sales to the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Cincinnati.
To view more photos click on a photo above.
by Jeff Berkoff
LOVELAND, OHIO - Moeller High School qualified 6 wrestlers to this year's State Tournament held at The Ohio State University March 5-7. Three of the six wrestlers are Loveland residents.
Junior Drew Hammer wrestling at 125 lbs, Junior Pierce Harger wrestling at 145 lbs, and Senior Trey Maserang wrestling at 160 lbs.
In the opening round Hammer lost a tough 3-1 decision as he just could not get that tying takedown in the 3rd period to even the match. Harger was more successful as he was leading his opponent from Cleveland Lakewood 9-0 before pinning him in the 2nd period. Maserang also was victorious but made his 5-2 lead just enough to win 7-5. Maserang commented that his game plan was to get a lead sufficient enough to be able to hang on if necessary. The strategy worked.
As the tournament progressed it became increasingly more difficult to win as the competition got tougher. Hammer wrestled his 2nd match and again lost to an opponent this time from Mentor, 6-2. Hammer's season was now over but a fine 32-8 record for the year is a great accomplishment for any wrestler to take into his Senior year.
Harger was again successful in his 2nd match by completely outclassing his opponent from
Youngstown by a score of 14-3. He had 3 separate near falls but could not quite secure the fall, but still qualified for the all important semi finals.
Maserang wrestled and lost his second match to a very tough opponent Kyle Lang from Brecksville by a fall in the 2nd period. Lang's history of state competition included a 4th, 3rd and 2nd place finish in his previous 3 years of high school wrestling. Lang finished his career by pinning his opponent in the first period of the finals and thus winning that elusive title after 4 years of trying. Maserang then wrestled his 3rd match and again lost thus ending his fine senior year with a 31-12 record.
Hargers match in the semi finals was a real battle with David Habat from Cleveland St. Ignatius who was the District Champion from the Mentor District. Habat's career includes 2 straight 3rd place finishes in the state tournament. The match went the distance as Habat won 9-6. Hargers then had to win his next match to get into the consolation finals for a possible 3rd place finish. All he had to do was defeat last year's state 140 lbs champion who also lost a previous match. He was up to the task as he was in command from the beginning winning 6-3. This put Hargers int the 3rd place finals, where he wrestled his most dominating match. He took his opponent from Upper Arlington down in the first minute putting him in near fall position and taking a commanding 5-0 lead. The lead eventually ballooned to a final score of
12-0 and Harger was a 3rd place finisher at 145 pound in this year's state tournament. Hargers ended his season with a 39-5 record.
Moeller as a team finished 9th among all division I schools as Junior Jake Corrill wrestling at 119 also secured a fine 3rd place finish, and Senior Steve Powell finished 7th at heavyweight. Senior Matt Holtman competed at 130 lbs and lost 2 straight close matches. Moeller is coached by Jeff Gaier, a Dayton Chaminade H.S., and Miami University graduate.
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